Pictures: With Lucas Pichler (Weingut F.X.Pichler), Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze (Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf) and Stuart Pigott (James Suckling)

James Suckling recently released his list of top 100 wines of 2023. 

James Suckling: "The best values in the Top 100 list seem to originate from Austria, Germany and New Zealand. The top wines of South America used to represent value but they have doubled in price in recent years. Spain and Italy have also become very expensive. Two categories for relative values to consider are pinot noir and chardonnay from California. There were two bottles from the former category on our list, and three from the latter."

Austria and Germany each account for 7 wines of James Suckling's Top 100 wines, while Austria accounts for about 1% of the world production and Germany for about 2%.

ombiasy WineTours with Annette Schiller: On the 2023 Austria tour by ombiasy WineTours with Annette Schiller, we visited two of the seven producers that were listed. 

Pictures: Tasting the Best of Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany, with Stuart Pigott - Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2016

AUSTRIA

6 F.X. Pichler Riesling Wachau Unendlich 2021

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

35 Wohlmuth Sauvignon Blanc Südsteiermark Ried Edelschuh GSTK 2021

Pictures:  Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

72 Franz Hirtzberger Riesling Wachau Ried Singerriedel Smaragd 2022

GERMANY

Interestingly, six of the seven German wines listed; there is only 1 non-dry wine, a Spätlese from the Rheingau. 

 

Pictures: Hauskonzert - Sunday Morning Concert - at Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf with Annette Schiller and Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze and a 150 years old Steinway Concert Piano. See: Impromptu Tasting at Weinbar & Vinothek Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in Deidsheim, with Managing Director Steffen Brahner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Pictures: Tasting with Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze and Riccardo Korner at Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (VDP) in Wachenheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Picture: Christian Schiller and Werner Schönleber, Weingut Emrich-Schönleber at the 2013 Riesling Gala at Kloster Eberbach, Germany

Pictures: At Weingut Emrich-Schönleber. See: Tasting at Weingut Emrich-Schönleber in Monzingen, Nahe, with Owner/ Winemaker Frank Schönleber - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours 

Pictures: With Christoph Loewen, Weingut Carl Loewen, at the Wedding Party of Stuart Pigott in the Rheingau (Weingut JB Becker, Walluf)

Pictures: Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann, with Annette and Christian Schiller at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann at Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014) 

Pictures: Tasting with Carolin Spanier-Gillot, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot, in Hohen-Sülzen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: Annette Schiller, Helmut Dönnhoff and daughter Christina Dönnhoff (Weingut Dönnhoff) and Didier Cuevlier (Chateau Leoville Poyferre) at Weingut Dr. Robert Weil

Pictures: An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

Pictures: Lunch at the Weingut Schloss Johannisberg Gutsrestaurant - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: Annette Schiller and Stefan Doctor, Director of Weingut Schloss Johannisberg, at the Weinbörse in Mainz. See: Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau, with Christian Witte, Domaine Director – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

100Ao Yun Shangri-La 敖云云南香格里拉 2019

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris. 

Following:

Tasting Current (in the Tasting Room) and Older Vintages (in the Cellar) at Champagne Legras & Haas in Chouilly, Côte des Blancs, with Jérôme Legras- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

we drove to Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne.

Marianne Gamet was our host, but her parents Fabienne and Philippe Gamet joined us for the tasting. 

Champagne Maison Gamet is available in the USA through Skurnik Wines.

Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne

The history of this winery begins, like so many stories in all wine regins around the globe, with the marriage of two winegrowers. Philippe Gamet met the winegrower's daughter Fabienne while helping with the harvest in Fleury-La Rivère and married her a short time later. The estate is still managed by Philippe and Fabienne today with the next generation getting ready. 

The vineyards are now in three areas: Mardeuil and Damery in the southern part of the Vallée de la Marne and Fleury-la Rivière in the northern part. Their vienyards are plantes with 55% Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The Gamet family works environmentally conscious. No heavy machinery is used to avoid compacting the soil, no use of herbicides, all harvesting is done exclusively by hand. They received the HVE certificate of the highest level. The champagnes are in the middle brut range. The dosage is 4g-8g and should continue to decrease. The champagnes show great potential and can be stored for up to 30 years.

Gamet - Skurnik Wines

Just after World War I, many small growers decided to begin their own companies, bottling their own Champagnes. Victoire Garnier, “Mardouillate” and Berthe Heucq, “Fleurysienne”, were two such women. This is the story of two families, from the right and left bank of the Marne, coming together.

The Garnier family were farmers originally, who expanded into tending vines in Mardeuil, on the left bank of the Marne, bottling just 800 bottles of Champagne each year. In the 1950s, François Gamet, grandson of Victoire Garnier, came back to the estate and began to expand, planting more land and bottling more champagne.  While François Gamet was expanding in Mardeuil, across the Marne, Berthe Heucq’s grandson Robert was growing his family’s holdings in Fleury-la-Rivière, bottling his own wines and tending vines on the right bank of the Marne.

In 1993, Fabienne Heucq, Robert’s daughter, and Philippe, the son of François Gamet met and fell in love. Since 2018, the estate has been led by their daughter and fourth-generation Marianne, Champagne Gamet is a grower-producer, with vineyards in eight hectares in three villages – Mardeuil on the left bank and Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery on the right bank. Marianne’s brother, Jean-François, a trained enologist currently working in Bordeaux, travels back home to assist his sister and parents with harvest, blending, and bottling, but the estate is run by Marianne. “The philosophy of François, my grandfather, was the philosophy of the recoltant manipulant, and this has been the philosophy from that time,” says Marianne. “We are still and for always recoltant manipulant. For us, this gives us the ability to control the entire production from A to Z. from the vineyard to the vinification to the cellar”

This corner of Champagne where the winery is located is just west of the town of Epernay, near the Côte sud d’Epernay, a series of hills that encircles the second most important urban center in Champagne. Mardeuil is just north of the Côte sud, at the mouth of the Vallée de la Marne, on the Rive Gauche, directly opposite the 1er Crus of Cumières and Hautvilllers. Here, all three major grape varieties thrive on different soils. The subsoil is chalk, with various depths of clay, marl, and silex. The vineyards in each of these three villages face different directions, giving different characters to the wines even though they are less than 8km away from each other

In addition to tending grape vines, Marianne and her brother also produce excellent ciders from eight old apple varieties. The production remains very small but will expand slightly in the future, with several single-plot ciders in addition to the delicious Champagnes in the range.

“The idea is to continue working on the Champagne side, as something artisanal, to keep the philosophy of recoltant manipulant, improving techniques in vinification and the cellar, but we also continue to develop on the farm side, since we were farmers from the beginning,” says Marianne. “We continue on this side with cider, honey, and cereals. The idea is to become closer with nature and change to do more in the vineyards to protect the environment and the expression of terroir.”

Arriving

Tasting

Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet

Bye-bye

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France 

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In the Most Prestigious AOC in the Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

An Afternoon at the L'Avenue de Champagne (The Champagne Avenue) in Epernay - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

The American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  

4 Tastings

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings at the 2023 National Conference of the American Wine Society: 

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (jointly with Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot)

A Journey Through The Loire Valley 

In addition, Annette and I had a table with German wines at the "Showcase of Wine" evening.

Also, during the whole conference, Annette and I had an ombiasy WineTours booth promoting Annette's wine tours to Germany, France and Austria.

American Wine Society 2023 National Conference

More than 400 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.

Thursday was the day of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions continued on Thursday, starting earlier in the week.

Friday and Saturday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.

All of the pictures in this posting are mine.    

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the eigth in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA:

Announcement: 56th American Wine Society National Conference, November 9-11, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with 3 Presentations by Annette Schiller: (1) Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger (2) Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (3) A Journey Through The Loire Valley

The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

A Journey Through The Loire Valley - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Veritable/ USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller

Private Tasting of Premium Wines (mainly Bordeaux and California) at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with President Bill Stefan 

American Wine Society Merit Award for Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel and Founder of Ravenswood Winery - 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

McLean (Virginia) - Springfield (Ohio) - St. Louis (Missouri) - Memphis (Tennessee) - Nashville (Tennessee) - McLean (Virginia): On the Road to and from the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference

An Evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

In the early days, AWS members were located primarily in the eastern part of the country. As the society grew , we established chapters throughout the eastern U.S., then into the south and Midwest, and finally into western states. Today, the American Wine Society has over 5,000 members in 45 states and 120 chapters across the U.S.

Each November the Society hosts a three-day national conference with two full days of nearly 50 educational seminars to choose from. Winery owners, wine educators, and renowned wine makers are selected to present sessions during this national event. In addition, a program educating members to become AWS certified wine judges is conducted on the day preceding the seminars.

Title: Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch -Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story from Central Europe to the US West Coast

Friday November 10, 2023: 11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B

B-1: Room: Grand Ballroom A & B – Class Maximum 120

Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

Abstract: Looking for a grape that produces a bold, red wine with delicious wild berries or cherry flavors? One with powerful acidity, with prominent tannins, with good ageing potential that is absolutely delicious and versatile, and that grows easily in colder climates? This is an old autochthonous variety dating back to the 18th century in what was then the Habsburg Empire in central Europe. This grape is called different names depending on where it settled and grows. We will explore Kékfrankos from Hungary, Blaufränkisch from Austria, Lemberger from Germany and the Finger Lakes, and Blaufränkisch from Walla Walla….yes, Walla Walla. 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

Following:

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, a Leader in Austria's Natural Wine Scene, with Doris Hager - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

we stopped for lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann in Zöbing. 

Gasthaus Gutmann in Zöbing

Ob cremig oder knusprig, mit Frucht oder Schokolade oder alles zusammen – im Gasthaus Gutmann versammeln sich die schönsten Ideen rund um das Dessert. Die kleinen Kunstwerke werden von Alice und Klaus Gutmann in der eigenen Patisserie produziert. Neben den Torten und Pralinen verführt eine typische Landhausküche Gäste mit feinen Aromen. Seit mehreren Jahrzehnten betreibt die Familie Gutmann das Wirtshaus in Zöbing am Kamp-Ufer. Gekocht wird bodenständig und in bester Qualität. Die rosa-zart gebratene Flugentenbrust mit Erdäpfel-Käselaibchen und Chili-Zwetschken klingt experimentierfreudig. Doch Mut und Kreativität in der Küche zahlen sich aus. Ein Gericht ganz nach dem Geschmack der Gäste. Empfehlenswert ist auch der Schweinslungenbraten im Speck mit Erdäpfel-Thymian-Gratin und Rahmbärlauch.

Wirtshausküche am Kamp-Ufer

Das Gasthaus Gutmann befindet sich in einer der besten Weinregionen des Landes. Da verwundert es kaum, dass sich die Weinkarte vom Kamptal inspiriert zeigt. Angeboten werden ausschließlich edle Tropfen aus Zöbing. Auch Natursäfte und Marmeladen, Chutneys und Liköre werden mit Produkten aus der Region hergestellt. Die Köstlichkeiten sind im reich gefüllten Marmeladenschrank zu finden und ab Hof erhältlich. Das Wirtshaus selbst strahlt eine Wohlfühlatmosphäre aus, die bis in den Gastgarten reicht. Die freundliche Bewirtung trägt dazu bei, dass sich Gäste rundum versorgt fühlen. Gut gebucht sind die Kochkurse von Alice und Klaus Gutmann. Zu den gefragtesten Ausflugszielen in der Region zählen die Kittenberger Erlebnisgärten und die WeinWelt LOISIUM.

Lunch

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer (14.5/20 Points Gault Millau) - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Austrian Beer and Wiener Schnitzel at Fiakerwirt in Langenlois - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Nigl with Martin Nigl and Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Nigl (14/20 Points Gault Millau) with Chef Bertram Nigl, Senftenberg, Kremstal - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, a Leader in Austria's Natural Wine Scene, with Doris Hager - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

The Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 was released recently, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1,000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10,500 wines on 1,080 pages. 

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) was awarded to 20 estates. There are two new ones on the list: Schloss Johannisberg and Rings. Congratualtions!

In addition, there are 32 estates with 4.5 stars, and 76 estates with 4 stars.

Postings

This posting is the sixth in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Climbers: Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (Rheingau) and Weingut Rings (Pfalz) Join Group of 5/ 5 Stars Winemakers in the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024

Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 Awards: Dörte + Meike Näkel, Weingut Meyer Näkel (Winemaker of the Year), Andy + Steffen Rings, Weingut Rings (Rising Star of the Year), Martin Prüm, Weingut Martin Prüm (Discovery of the Year)

Best Wines of the Year - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Top 10 Wines of the Year 2023 - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Baden:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Nahe:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Pfalz:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheingau: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheinhessen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Saale Unstrut: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Sachsen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Württemberg: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024

Top Winemaker in Franken and ombiasy WineTours 

In the Franken region, there is one producer in the 5/5 star group of the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024, one producer in the 4.5/5 star group and there are 7 producers in the 4/5 star group.  

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have visited all the listed producers except for two in recent years, often at their estate during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Most recently, the: 

Summary: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

included the visits of 2 listed winemakers - Weingut Rudolf May and Weingut Paul Weltner.

Franken

(London Wine Competition)

Franconia, located in the north west of the German federal state of Bavaria, is one of the 13 German wine-growing regions. It is the only official wine region in Bavaria and is mostly located around the capital Würzburg along the Main River in Lower Franconia.

Winemaking in Franconia dates back nearly 1,000 years, and there is a record of the great emperor Charlemagne mentioning the wines of Franconia. This wine region, which extends from Bamberg to Aschaffenburg, is known for its relatively mild climate. Officially, the climate is continental with a Mediterranean influence. Winters can be cold, so most grapes are grown along the hills of the River Main, where they can be protected.

The most popular grape varietals in Franconia include Müller-Thurgau (27.7%), Silvaner (23.1%), Bacchus (11.9%), Domina (5.5%) and Riesling (5.3%). Of these grape varietals, Domina is the only red grape varietal. Franconian wines can differ greatly in how long they can be kept. The most basic wines, designed to be consumed within a year or two, are known as Kabinett. However, some of the full-bodied, dry Spatlesen (“late harvest”) wines can mature up to 10 years.

There are several unique characteristics of Franconia wines that may be unfamiliar even to European wine drinkers. One is the term “Franconia dry,” which is a classification unique to the wines of Franconia, which have a lower sugar level than traditional trocken (“dry”) wines. Another is the unique bottle shape known as Bocksbeutel (rounded and then flattened), which is also unique to the best wines of Franconia.

Given the long history of winemaking in Franconia, it’s perhaps no surprise that wine plays an important role in popular culture. In addition to the traditional Oktoberfest, for example, Franconia celebrates a Weinfest, where participants drink wine instead of beer.

Visiting Franken Producers

Rudolf Fürst/ 5 Stars

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and from Bottle) at Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken, with Sebastian Fürst - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Luckert – Zehnthof/ 4.5 Stars

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Zehnthof Luckert, in Sulzfeld, Franken, with Philipp Luckert - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Bürgerspital zum Heiligen Geist/ 4 Stars

Pictures: Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Würzburg, Franken, Germany

Rudolf May/ 4 Stars

Pictures: Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rudolf May (VDP) in Retzstadt, Franken, with Rudolf and Benedikt May - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy 

Schmitt`s Kinder/ 4 Stars

Picture: Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schmitt’s Kinder in Randersacker, Franken, with Martin Johann Schmitt – Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Am Stein/ 4 Stars

Pictures: Wine Pairing Dinner at 1 Michelin Star Restaurant Reisers am Stein and Tasting and Tour at Weingut am Stein Ludwig Knoll, with Winemaker Franziska Schömig - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken 

Paul Weltner/ 4 Stars 

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Weltner (VDP) in Rödelsee, Franken, with Paul Weltner - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

Picture:  Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Rainer Schnaitmann at Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann in Fellbach, Württemberg – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Picture: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, with Benno Salwey – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

The Wine Enthusiast released its Top 100 (2023) recently. Two "hidden gem" wines from Germany made the list, a dry Riesling from Württemberg and a dry Pinot Gris from Baden. Congratulations!

Wine Enthusiast Top 100 (2023)

Discovering great new wines of all types from around the globe is what drives the Wine Enthusiast team of reviewers. We blind-tasted more than 23,000 bottles in the past 12 months and for The Enthusiast 100 narrowed them down to the following elite list of exceptional wines.

This year’s 100 are not simply the highest scoring bottles, nor are they the most expensive—these are wines that opened our reviewers’ eyes and stimulated their imaginations.

The Enthusiast 100 includes grape varieties from Albariño to Zinfandel grown in 14 different countries and five U.S. states. A Petite Arvine from Mendocino, California, a dry Furmint from Tokaji in Hungary and a rosé of Tempranillo from Italy, not Spain, all give an idea of the breadth of choices here.

Many are relative values: The average price is $56, with 31 of them costing $40 or less. Wine No. 1, a terrific 96-point 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet from Duckhorn, costs $105, which is one-third the cost of many similarly rated Cabs. The best effort since 2008 from Duckhorn’s Monitor Ledge Vineyard, the wine is rich in cassis and baking spices on a soothing texture.

In the No. 2 position, Ratti 2019 Barolo Serradenari from Piedmont, Italy, will age beautifully and make a brilliant addition to anyone’s collection. The same goes for the No. 3 wine, Schnaitmann 2019 Lämmler GG Dry Riesling from Germany, intensely spiced and mineral-laced.

The 97 others are wines we’re keeping our eyes on, and you should, too. Several are from new wineries, under-the-radar regions, made from unusual grape varieties or in innovative styles. The majority of them are ready to drink now and are sure to bring something palpably different and energizing to your table.

We urge you to use The Enthusiast 100 to broaden your wine-drinking horizons and bring more enjoyment to your entertaining.

#3 Schnaitmann 2019 Lämmler GG Dry Riesling (Württemberg). —97 pts, A.Z. 

The light-golden color of this Riesling hints at some development, and that is exactly what sets this GG apart from its peers. The extra ag-ing only benefits the terrific mix of intensely spiced and mineral-laced elements to come out as the acidity integrates and beams on the rich lemon meringue, white raspberry and baked apple. The succulent, yet fresh finish flows on the palate. Drink now–2035. The German Wine Collection. Hidden Gem. abv: 13% Price: $75

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2023), Germany

#52 Salwey 2019 GG Dry Grauburgunder (Baden). —94 pts, A.Z.

There is beautiful definition and balance to this white with a pinkish hue. The palate offers violet, flint, quince and pear flavors on a firm, full-bodied structure, while the acidity cuts through providing balance and elegance. The finish features a plethora of spices. This is only starting to unravel and will show its best after 2025. The German Wine Collection. Editors’ Choice. abv: 13.5% Price: $95 

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris. 

Following two visits in the morning:

Tasting Current (in the Tasting Room) and Older Vintages (in the Cellar) at Champagne Legras & Haas in Chouilly, Côte des Blancs, with Jérôme Legras- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

we walked over to Champagne Alfred Gratien, which is located in Èpernay downtown, a few blocks away from out hotel. 

The visit consisted of a cellar tour and a seated tasting.

Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

The Champagne house Alfred Gratien was founded in 1864 by Alfred Gratien in the town of Épernay. Today the estate is managed by the fourth generation of the Gratien family. The great-grand-son of the founder, Nicolas Jaeger, is also the cellar master. He continues the tradition learned from his father and until today the characteristic style of Alfred Gratien Champagnes remains the same, despite trends and mass production elsewhere. 

These are "handmade" champagnes that stand for quality and uniqueness. The cuvées are made from an assemblage of the best crus of the three major regions (Côte des Blancs for Chardonnay, Montagne de Reims for Pinot Noir and the Marne Valley for Pinot Meunier). The first fermentation takes place entirely in small 228-liter oak barrels (champagne barrels) and gives the champagne a vinous, very tasty, balanced style. Alfred Gratien is one of the last champagne houses to maintain this tradition. 

Out of respect for the "terroir", a conscious decision has been made not to do malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the original character of the champagnes. In this way, the aroma of the grapes and the terroir is preserved and the Champagnes retain its freshness even with age.

Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay - Website

Cellar Tour

Tasting

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France 

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In the Most Prestigious AOC in the Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

An Afternoon at the L'Avenue de Champagne (The Champagne Avenue) in Epernay - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

The Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 - one of the 5 main wine guides in Germany (along with Vinum, Gault&Millau, Feinschmecker and Falstaff) - was released in November 2023 in Heidelberg.

Postings on schiller-wine

This posting is part of a series of postings with regard to the Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2024:

 

Picture: Gerhard Eichelmann at the 2012 VDP.Grosses Gewaechs Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, sitting just behind me

Germany's 40 Best Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

40 producers received the maximum of 5 out of 5 stars in the Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine 2024 (Weltklasse/ world class).

See here: Germany's 40 Best Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

 

This list includes the 6 following producers who are new in the 5/5 stars category.

 

Baden

Martin Waßmer

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Pinot Noir Star Producer Weingut Martin Waßmer in Bad Krozingen, Markgräfler Land, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen  

 

Franken 

 

Max Müller I

 

Mosel

 

Franz Josef Eifel

 

Julian Haart

 

Carl Loewen

Pictures: With Christoph Loewen, Weingut Carl Loewen, at the Wedding Party of Stuart Pigott in the Rheingau (Weingut JB Becker, Walluf) 

Pfalz

Philipp Kuhn

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Christian Schiller`s SCHILLER-WINE Blog on Corking Wines` Top 101 Wine Writers of 2020 List

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

A Journey through Bourgogne with Louis Jadot - Tasting at the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar Presented by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and Thibaud Marquis, Louis Jadot

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller  

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

 

 

The American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  

4 Tastings

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings at the 2023 National Conference of the American Wine Society: 

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (jointly with Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot)

A Journey Through The Loire Valley 

In addition, Annette and I had a table with German wines at the "Showcase of Wine" evening.

Also, during the whole conference, Annette and I had an ombiasy WineTours booth promoting Annette's wine tours to Germany, France and Austria.

American Wine Society 2023 National Conference

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the 9th in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA:

Announcement: 56th American Wine Society National Conference, November 9-11, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with 3 Presentations by Annette Schiller: (1) Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger (2) Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (3) A Journey Through The Loire Valley

The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story from Central Europe to the US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Veritable/ USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller

Private Tasting of Premium Wines (mainly Bordeaux and California) at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with President Bill Stefan 

American Wine Society Merit Award for Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel and Founder of Ravenswood Winery - 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

McLean (Virginia) - Springfield (Ohio) - St. Louis (Missouri) - Memphis (Tennessee) - Nashville (Tennessee) - McLean (Virginia): On the Road to and from the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference

An Evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

In the early days, AWS members were located primarily in the eastern part of the country. As the society grew , we established chapters throughout the eastern U.S., then into the south and Midwest, and finally into western states. Today, the American Wine Society has over 5,000 members in 45 states and 120 chapters across the U.S.

Each November the Society hosts a three-day national conference with two full days of nearly 50 educational seminars to choose from. Winery owners, wine educators, and renowned wine makers are selected to present sessions during this national event. In addition, a program educating members to become AWS certified wine judges is conducted on the day preceding the seminars.

American Wine Society Merit Award for Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel and Founder of Ravenswood Winery

Joel Peterson/ Ravenswood/ Once and Future Wine Company

Joel Peterson: In late 1972 I met Joe Swan and was given an extraordinary chance to learn the art of winemaking. I was a complete novice when it came to the craft but not when it came to wine.

I grew up in a household of two chemists: my mother Frances, who trained as a nuclear chemist worked on the Manhattan project at Oak Ridge, Tennessee and my father Walter, who was employed as a physical chemist at Shell Development in Emeryville, California.

After my brother and I were born my mother took those meticulous science skills and applied them to cuisine (later doing much of the recipe testing for Alice Waters’s original Chez Panisse cookbook). Fittingly, my father became wine obsessed, eventually writing one of the first wine newsletters in the San Francisco Bay Area called The San Francisco Wine Sampling Society.

With this as a childhood backdrop, I learned about the pleasures and complexities of food and wine at a rather early age, along with a healthy love of science.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, with the California wine business still recovering from the hangover of Prohibition and offering few options of high quality wine (with some notable exceptions) my parents’ taste, and as a result mine, was informed by European wines. Many of the best were from single vineyards growing grapes that were perfectly matched to site, made by a person who had special insight into that location and a deft touch with the process. I learned that the most interesting wines were generally made in fairly small lots, frequently relying on native flora for fermentation and more often than not, stored in wooden cooperage for some period of time to mature and concentrate before bottling.

When Joe Swan took me under his wing in the early 1970’s, his fastidious winemaking techniques played out the theories of my tasting experiences with real-world creation. Grapes from carefully selected and cultivated vineyards were harvested at ripeness but not over ripeness. They were fermented in small 3 – 4 ton open top redwood fermenters and punched down by hand. The processing was minimal and the storage in small, newly imported French oak cooperage.

Although Joe wanted to specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, he practiced his early winemaking with Zinfandel. As the four subsequent decades have shown, these turned out to be some of his best wines. It was those first Joe Swan wines that made me fall in love with Zinfandel and, in particular, with older vines. I saw these as the most European grapes in California. Mostly planted in the right locations, frequently mixed with other varieties, generally dry farmed, moderate in production (2 – 3 tons per acre), head pruned and specific to California. And, when treated with respect, the vineyards made magnificent wine that improved with age.

When I started Ravenswood in 1976, I wanted to focus on Zinfandel. I planned to make single vineyard wines in a somewhat gothic, old world style. It was my hope to make wine similar to that made in Europe but with a Californian twist. Small open top, redwood fermenters, hand punch downs, extended macerations, native yeast, gentle transfer, minimal processing and small French oak aging – all done by hand. I thought the winery, if I were lucky, would grow to six or seven thousand cases.

For a number of reasons, mostly dealing with the hard realities of cash flow and distribution and the necessity of equity partners, I found myself unable to make that vision a reality. Though I was able to make single vineyard wines that I hope helped redefine the qualitative ceiling of California’s old vines, Ravenswood also started to make a wine called “Vintners Blend” that proved immensely popular. Starting in 1983, seven years after the first vintage, Ravenswood began to grow. Over the following three decades its annual production kicked up to nearly one million cases, at one point becoming the bestselling red Zinfandel brand in the world.

Along the way, I have watched and participated in the growth and maturation of the California wine business. I have seen the general sophistication of the growing wine consumer population. I have had the pleasure to work with some of the best, most talented and nicest people in the wine business. I have travelled to and sold wine in most of the wine drinking countries of the world. I have had the pleasure to taste some great wines. I have been a Sole Proprietor, a General Partner in a Limited Partnership, the President of both a C Corporation and a publicly traded corporation and a Senior Vice President at Constellation Wines. I have been the President of Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers. I helped found ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) and have had the opportunity to be its President two times. I sit on the Board of the Sonoma County Vintners. Somehow, fellow industry members gave me honor of being inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame. I support and consult with the Historic Vineyard Society.

Perhaps best of all I have a son, Morgan Twain-Peterson, who has chosen winemaking as his career and runs the highly innovative and successful Bedrock Wine Company.

I have definitely learned a thing or two about vintage variation both in the vineyard and in life. I am enormously proud of the wines I made at Ravenswood, from those wines that hopefully sing of place- Old Hill Ranch, Dickerson, Belloni, Barricia, Teldeschi—to the more economical wines that hopefully helped turn a couple of generations of people onto the joy and deliciousness of well-wrought wine. However, after nearly 45 years in the wine business, I feel it time to look backwards.

Once and Future Wine Company is a return to the original vision I had for Ravenswood so many years ago. A project that specializes in wines from special vineyards made with a sensitivity to place and in a style that I personally love and believe in. Wines that force me to dust off the old redwood vats and get out a new punch down tool (my original is in the Smithsonian), wines that dye my hands that harvest shade of black/purple and sometimes force me to take an additional Advil some mornings. In short-wines of sweat, exertion, and love.

Annette and Christian Schiller with Joel Peterson

Annette, Joel and I go back a number of years, to the 2016 American Wine Society Conference in Coasta Mesa, California. 

See: The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State 

See: The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

See: The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

See: The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens  

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

The last visit of a winery was Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg. We toured the winery ansd sat down for a tasting. Stefan Tabery was our host.

Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg is represented in the USA by Skurnik Wines.

Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Gobelsburg, Kamptal, Niederösterreich

Schloss Gobelsburg is a historic winery, owned by a Cistercian monastery and possessing wonderful old vineyards in the Kamptal region. It’s the oldest winery in the region, founded in 1171, and it was run by the monks themselves until 1995. 

In 1996 management and winemaking responsibilities were taken over by Michael and Eva Moosbrugger, together with Willi and Edwige Bründlmayer. In 2021 Schloss Gobelsburg celebrated its 850 th vintage and over the past 850 years Schloss Gobelsburg had a lasting impact on viticulture in Austria.

There are 125 acres under vines and a large number are vineyards in top premier cru sites such as the mineral-rich, crystalline slopes planted with Riesling Riesling Gaisberg and Heiligenstein and the deep loess slopes Renner, Grub, and Lamm planted with Grüner Veltliner. Sustainable viticulture has always been important. The monks began to farm organically already in 1958. 

Michael Moosbrugger developed the ‘Dynamic Cellar Concept’ for Gobelsburg in which wines are no longer pumped from one location to the other but instead transported in ‘barrels on wheels’ from one section of the cellar to the other. The winery is considered a specialist for Austrian quality sparkling wine as well as for "Cool Climate" red wines, based on Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, and Zweigelt. 

A small but fine speciality are their sweet wines. A trademark of the Schloss Gobelsburg winery is the ‘Tradition’ line of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. These wines are produced according to the meticulous
notes of the Cistercian monks over the past 150 years. 

In 2019 Schloss Gobelsburg was acknowledged as ‘one of the top 100 wineries of the year’ by the US Wine & Spirits Magazine.

Schloss Gobelsburg (49ha) - Skurnik Wines
Langenlois / Kamptal / Austria

The Zwettl Monastery was founded in 1074 and in 1171 the Monks of Zwettl were granted their first vineyards: Heiligenstein & Gaisberg–the oldest documented sites in the Kamptal. The estate and Castle Gobelsburg was controlled by as many as 19 different families between 1074 and 1740, and in 1786 absorbed the famous Kammern Winery and vineyards. Two hundred years later Eva and Michael Moosbrugger were granted the winemaking and viticultural contract in 1996, and with the help and guidance of Michael’s mentor Willi Bründlmayer, the winery has regained its prestige and considered to be a leader in quality and innovation. In 2006 Michael Moosbrugger was awarded as ‘WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR’ by the Austrian magazine Falstaff, the highest award given to an Austrian winemaker, and in 2009, 2010, and again in 2019 the estate was acknowledged as ‘ONE OF THE TOP 100 WINERIES OF THE YEAR’ by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

Schloss Gobelsburg maintains a large number of parcels in Erste Lagen, or 1st Growth, vineyards in the Kamptal, including the mineral-rich, crystalline slopes of the Gaisberg and Heiligenstein planted to Riesling, and the deep loess soils of Renner, Grub, and Lamm planted to Grüner Veltliner. The winery continues to utilize organic winegrowing and has benefited from the fact that the monks of Zwettl Monastery began these practices as early as 1958.

While many international cellars are attempting to produce clean, uniform wines, Moosbrugger is convinced that the future Gobelsburg lies in individuality and character. As a high level of technology is necessary to warrant uniformity, Moosbrugger believes that individuality can only be achieved through the reduction of machines. Moosbrugger developed the ‘Dynamic Cellar Concept’ for Gobelsburg in which wines are no longer pumped from one location to the other but instead transported in ‘barrels on wheels’ from one section of the cellar to the other.

A hallmark of the estate is the ‘Tradition’ bottlings of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Having read the meticulous notations of the Cistercians at the estate over the past 150 years, Michi pays homage in his role as cellar master, responsible for the ‘education’ of his ‘pupils’ –wine- while leading them through élevage; as opposed to acting as ‘winemaker,’ whose decisions in present day Austria are generally to preserve aromatics and fruit through extremely reductive methods.

• Vineyard area: 49 hectares
• Top sites:
  • Zobinger Heiligenstein: 250 million year old Permian desert sandstone with feldspar (volcanic) and siltstone
  • Zobinger Gaisberg: The eastern most end of the Gföhler Gneiss plate that runs under the Kamptal, soils are made up of slatey para-gneiss, mica-schist, and amphibolite (metamorphic rocks formed from intense heat and pressure)
  • Kammerner Lamm: Calcerous and loamy with underlying loess, the sites higher on the hill have most sandstone and silt from Heiligenstein erosion.
  • Kammerner Renner: Deep loess soils with eroded gneiss, mica and amphibolite from the Gaisberg vineyard above
• Soil Types: Volcanic sandstone, mica slate, and alpine gravel
• Grape varieties: 50% Grüner Veltliner, 25% Riesling, 8% Zweigelt, 5% Pinot Noir, 7% St. Laurent, 5% Merlot

Arriving

Sekt

Tour

Tasting

Bye-bye

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer (14.5/20 Points Gault Millau) - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Austrian Beer and Wiener Schnitzel at Fiakerwirt in Langenlois - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Nigl with Martin Nigl and Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Nigl (14/20 Points Gault Millau) with Chef Bertram Nigl, Senftenberg, Kremstal - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, a Leader in Austria's Natural Wine Scene, with Doris Hager - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

The Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 was released recently, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1,000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10,500 wines on 1,080 pages. 

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) was awarded to 20 estates. There are two new ones on the list: Schloss Johannisberg and Rings. Congratualtions!

In addition, there are 32 estates with 4.5 stars, and 76 estates with 4 stars.

Postings

This posting is the seventh in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Climbers: Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (Rheingau) and Weingut Rings (Pfalz) Join Group of 5/ 5 Stars Winemakers in the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024

Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 Awards: Dörte + Meike Näkel, Weingut Meyer Näkel (Winemaker of the Year), Andy + Steffen Rings, Weingut Rings (Rising Star of the Year), Martin Prüm, Weingut Martin Prüm (Discovery of the Year)

Best Wines of the Year - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Top 10 Wines of the Year 2023 - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Baden:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Nahe:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Pfalz:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheingau: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheinhessen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Saale Unstrut: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Sachsen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Württemberg: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024

Climbers to 5/5 Stars: Weingut Schloss Johannisberg and Weingut Rings Join Group of 5/5 Winemakers in the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024

Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 Awards: Dörte + Meike Näkel, Weingut Meyer Näkel (Winemaker of the Year), Andy + Steffen Rings, Weingut Rings (Rising Star of the Year), Martin Prüm, Weingut Martin Prüm (Discovery of the Year)

Best Wines of the Year - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Baden:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Nahe:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Pfalz:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheingau: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheinhessen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Saale Unstrut: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Sachsen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Württemberg: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024

Best Wines of the Year 

Vinum: Bei den Sekten lag diesmal ein Franke vorne: Der 2017 Extra Brut «Coeur» der Sektkellerei Höfer (Würzburg) verführt mit einer betörenden Nase, Anklängen von Steinfrüchten, wirkt im Mund sehr geschmeidig und ist bei aller Cremigkeit doch straff, dicht und klar.

Spätburgunder/ Pinot Noir: 2021 Weingut Fürst Bürgstadter Hundsrück Spätburgunder GG (Franken)

Vinum: Beim Spätburgunder war es am Ende der Blindprobe eine Frage des Stils, nicht nur der Qualität. Das 2021er Große Gewächs aus dem Bürgstadter Hundsrück von Sebastian Fürst (Franken) hat rauchige
Sauerkirschfrucht in der Nase, zeigt sich aber luftig, transparent und seidig am Gaumen. Es ist die
pure Eleganz.

Other Red: 2020 Weingut Hanspeter Ziereisen Syrah Jaspis Däublin Landwein (Baden)

«Andere» Rotweine, die also nicht aus Spätburgundertrauben stammen, werden in Deutschland zunehmend bedeutsamer und immer besser. Seit 2018 erleben wir eine wahre Explosion der Qualität.
In einer Konkurrenz aus Cuvées, Lembergern, Frühburgundern, Merlots und Cabernets setzte sich am
Ende der 2020er Syrah Landwein trocken Jaspis Däublin von Hanspeter Ziereisen (Baden) durch. Seine Pfeffernase ist äußerst dezent, seine Intensität hat nichts Erdrückendes oder Schweres. Der Abgang erscheint ewig.

Silvaner: 2022 Weingut May Retzstadter Himmelspfad Silvaner GG (Franken)

Wenn es um Silvaner geht, stehen natürlich die Franken voll im Scheinwerferlicht. Kaum ein anderes
Anbaugebiet kann da in der Spitze mithalten. Aus dem auch diesmal fränkischen Führungstrio hat sich
in der Blindverkostung jedoch der 2022er Retzstadter Himmelspfad Silvaner GG vom Weingut May
(Franken) herauskristallisiert. Die Verkoster schätzten an ihm die Aromen von Hefezopf, nassen
Steinen und Minze in der Nase. Im Mund eine geschliffene Eleganz mit einem langen, würzigen und
leicht salzigen Finale.

Pictures: Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rudolf May (VDP) in Retzstadt, Franken, with Rudolf and Benedikt May - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Sauvignon Blanc: 2021 Weingut Weedenborn Sauvignon Blanc trocken Réserve (Rheinhessen) 

Sauvignon Blanc hat sich hierzulande als eine ernsthafte Rebsorte mit sehr unterschiedlich ausgeprägten Stil- und Spielarten etabliert, so dass wir im vorigen Jahr eine eigene Siegerweinkategorie dafür schufen. Diesmal liegt der 2021er Sauvignon Blanc trocken Réserve aus dem Weingut Weedenborn (Rheinhessen) einen Tick vor der Konkurrenz. Überzeugt hat letztlich die gelassene Eleganz mit ihrer mineralischen Grundart. Der Wein wirkt weder fruchterheischend noch parfümiert.

Chardonnay: 2021 Weingut Bernhard Huber Malterdinger Bienenberg Chardonnay GG (Baden) 

Deutschland ist, rechnet man alle Unterarten zusammen, inzwischen zu einem Burgunderland geworden, trotz aller Führungskraft des Rieslings. Das war bei den weißen Sorten unser Anlass, sie nicht mehr als große Gruppe zusammenzufassen, sondern dem Chardonnay, der ohnehin für die Zukunft im Fokus stehen wird, ein eigenes Finale zu gönnen. Es setzte sich dabei der 2021er Malterdinger Bienenberg Chardonnay GG aus dem Weingut Bernhard Huber (Baden) durch, gefolgt vom Chardonnay Alte Reben aus demselben Haus.

Weiss/ Grau-Burgunder:  2021 Martin Waßmer Dottinger Castellberg Grauer Burgunder GG (Baden)

Platz 1 bei den weißen Burgundersorten geht ebenfalls nach Baden: Martin Waßmer hat mit dem 2021er Dottinger Castellberg Grauer Burgunder GG einen Wein gemacht, der ausdrucksstark nach Vanille und Kokos duftet, dies aber nicht übertreibt. Im Mund zeigt sich eine fein eingebundene Holznote mit reichhaltiger Struktur.

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Pinot Noir Star Producer Weingut Martin Waßmer in Bad Krozingen, Markgräfler Land, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Riesling trocken: 2022 Weingut Wittmann Westhofener Morstein Riesling GG (Rheinhessen)

Riesling trocken ist die unangefochtene Königsdisziplin in Deutschland. Niemand beherrscht diese
Rebsorte besser als deutsche Winzer, und es wird immer geschliffener. Feine Noten von weißen Johannisbeeren, strahlend, saftig zupackende Säure, super klares Finish, anhaltend auf Feinheit und
Würze gepolt – das sind die Attribute, die die Verkoster dem 2022er Westhofener Morstein Riesling
GG vom Weingut Wittmann (Rheinhessen) attestierten.

Riesling Kabinett: 2022 Weingut Weiser-Künstler Enkircher Ellergrub Riesling Kabinett (Mosel)

Riesling Kabinett mit seiner unnachahmlichen Leichtigkeit und der luftigen Grundart ist so etwas wie
der Wein der Wahl, wenn ein Winzer den anderen besucht. Dafür würde sich in diesem Jahr der
2022er Enkircher Ellergrub Riesling Kabinett vom Weingut Weiser-Künstler (Mosel) anbieten. Er duftet
nach reifem, würzigem Apfel, ist quellwasserklar wie ein Gebirgsbach und so animierend wie
anhaltend.

Pictures: Christian Schiller in McLean, Virginia,  Konstantin Weiser and Alexandra Künstler in New York City and Christian Schiller, Stephen Bitterolf, Annette Schiller in New York City. See: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2016, USA 

Riesling Spätlese: 2022 Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Spätlese 6 (Mosel)

Und wieder haben unsere «Wiederholungstäter» zugeschlagen: Das Hofgut Falkenstein (Mosel) stellt
mit der 2022er Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Spätlese 6 den besten Wein dieser Kategorie. In
der Nase macht sich weißer Pfeffer bemerkbar, bevor eine säurefrische Explosion am Gaumen
stattfindet. Bei aller Süße schwingt unterschwellig auch eine gewisse Salzigkeit mit.

 

Riesling Auslese: 2022 Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 42 (Mosel)

Der Preis für die beste Auslese geht diesmal an die Mosel. Die 2022er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling
Auslese 42 von Max Ferd. Richter war einfach unschlagbar und liegt ganz dicht an der absoluten
Perfektion. Feinste exotische Frucht mit Mango und etwas Maracuja liegt über der schwebenden
Balance von Süße und Säure. Es folgt ein sublim klares und ewiges Finale.

Noble-sweet: 2022 Weingut Blees-Ferber Neumagener Sonnenuhr TBA Non Plus Ultra (Mosel)

Im edelsüßen Bereich machten Mosel und Rheingau die Top Ten unter sich aus. Der Siegerwein stammt letztlich aus dem Weingut Blees-Ferber (Mosel). Es ist der 2022er Neumagener Sonnenuhr TBA Non Plus Ultra. Schon die Nase wirkt vornehm. Im Mund notierten die Verkoster höchste Präzision der Säure, einen lang gespannten Bogen am Gaumen und ein perfektes Gleichmaß mit Seidigkeit und Transparenz.
Weitere Gewinner „Gut und Günstig“

The new Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland – for 2024 – was published in November 2023. This was the 36. release of this wineguide. It reviews more than 2.000 wines of more than 600 producers.

Its rating symbol for winemakers is a grape and Germany’s best winemakers are awarded 1 to 5 grapes, red or black. 5 red grapes is better than 5 black grapes (= 4.5 grapes). The wines are rated using the 1 to 100 points scale. 

I am releasing 4 postings with regard to the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2024:

Germany's Best Winemakers - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 Awards 

Germany’s Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Grapes) - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Climbers to the 5 Red Grapes Category - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

10 Next Generation Winemakers - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Germany's Top 35 Winemakers (with 5/5 Grapes)

The Gault&Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 lists 35 winemakers in its top category of 5/5 grapes. 12 of them are in the red grapes category and 23 in the black (= 4.5/5 grapes category).

5/5 Red Grapes: 12 Winemakers

Aldinger, Fellbach WÜRTTEMBERG Hall of Fame

Pictures: Gert Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger, Karl Eugen Erbgraf zu Neipperg, Weingut Des Grafen Neipperg and Annette Schiller See: 2017 VDP Trade Fair Weinbörse - Vintage 2016 - in Mainz: Schiller’s Report

Pictures: Hansjörg and Matthias Aldinger with Christian Schiller. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Picture: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Aldinger in Fellbach (Stuttgart), with Matthias Aldinger - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Georg Breuer, Rüdesheim am Rhein RHEINGAU Rising

Picture: Theresa Breuer and Christian Schiller in New York City. See: Schiller’s Favorites at the 2013 Riesling and Co Tasting in New York City, USA

Dönnhoff, Oberhausen an der Nahe NAHE Hall of Fame

Pictures: Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: Annette Schiller, Helmut Dönnhoff and daughter Christina Dönnhoff (Weingut Dönnhoff) and Didier Cuevlier (Chateau Leoville Poyferre) at Weingut Dr. Robert Weil

Pictures: An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

Emrich-Schönleber, Monzingen NAHE Rising

Picture: Christian Schiller and Werner Schönleber, Weingut Emrich-Schönleber at the 2013 Riesling Gala at Kloster Eberbach, Germany

Pictures: At Weingut Emrich-Schönleber. See: Tasting at Weingut Emrich-Schönleber in Monzingen, Nahe, with Owner/ Winemaker Frank Schönleber - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Rudolf Fürst, Bürgstadt FRANKEN Hall of Fame

Pictures: Paul Fürst, Annette Schiller, Sebastian Fürst and Christian Schiller at Weingut Rudolf Fürst. See: Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: Winemaker Dinner with Sebastian Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Franken, at Schaumahl, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, 16 Points Gault Millau, Germany

Pictures: Dinner with Sebastian Fürst and Julian Huber. See: Winemaker Dinner with Chef/ King of Spices Ingo Holland and Sebastian Fürst (Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken), Julian Huber (Weingut Bernhard Huber, Baden) and Jérôme Legras (Champagne Legras & Haas)

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and from Bottle) at Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken, with Sebastian Fürst - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Bernhard Huber, Malterdingen BADEN Hall of Fame

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber in Baden, with Yquem Viehauser and Julian Huber – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Keller, Flörsheim-Dalsheim RHEINHESSEN Hall of Fame

Picture: Annette Schiller,Julia and Klaus Peter Keller at the 2015 Rieslingfeier in New York, see: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA 

Peter Jakob Kühn, Oestrich-Winkel RHEINGAU Rising

Picture: Christian Schiller and Peter Jakob Kühn in Kiedrich, Rheingau, see: Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

Pictures: Kühn Peter Jakob, Oestrich (Rheingau) - One of the Bio-dynamic Stars in Germany: Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn in Östrich, Winkel– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Joh. Jos. Prüm, Bernkastel-Kues MOSEL Hall of Fame

Picture: Annette Schiller and Manfred Prüm

Picture: Christian Schiller with Katharina Pruem at Wegmans in Virginia. See also: JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

Pictures: Tasting at the Legendary Weingut J.J. Prüm with Amei Prüm– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Jos. Jos. Prüm in Bernkastel-Wehlen, Mosel, with Amei Prüm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Sekthaus Raumland, Flörsheim-Dalsheim RHEINHESSEN Hall of Fame

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours  

Ökonomierat Rebholz, Siebeldingen PFALZ Hall of Fame

Picture: The Table of Hannsjörg Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Pfalz, at the Gala Dinner of the Rieslingfeier 2016 in New York City, with Annette Schiller, David Schildknecht and Hannsjörg Rebholz. See: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2016, USA

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with Hansjörg and Birgit Rebholz at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg Rebholz. See: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Picture: In the Cellar of Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Germany-South and Alsace 2022 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Robert Weil, Kiedrich RHEINGAU Hall of Fame

Picture: Christian Schiller and Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, Tasting at Weingut Weil. See: Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller with Wilhelm Weil at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich

Pictures: Kiedrich: Visit of the Basilica of Saint Valentine and of Weingut Robert Weil - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

5 Black Grapes: 23 Winemakers

Battenfeld-Spanier, Hohen-Sülzen RHEINHESSEN

Pictures: Christian Schiller with H. O. Spanier and Caroline Spanier-Gillot at a Tasting in Bodenheim. See: The Wine Maker Couple H.O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot, with Roland Gillot, Lead Wine Tasting of Kuehling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines at Weingut Kuehling-Gillot, Germany

Pictures: At a Tasting in Bodenheim at Weingut Kuehling-Gillot. See: The Wine Maker Couple H.O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot, with Roland Gillot, Lead Wine Tasting of Kuehling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines at Weingut Kuehling-Gillot, Germany 

Clemens Busch, Pünderich MOSEL

Pictures: At Weingut Clemens Busch with Rita and Clemens Busch. See:Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Christian Schiller and Clemens Busch at Panda Gourmet, Washington DC. See: Wine-pairing Dinner with Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel, at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller at the Rieslingfeier 2017 in New York City with Clemens Busch. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Clemens Busch and Christian Schiller in Washington DC, USA in 2014. See: German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, Dominik Sona and Franzi Schmitt, Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht and Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, at Bart Vandaele's BToo in Washington DC. See: Post-Rieslingfeier and Pre-Big Glou Dinner with 3 Top Winemakers from Germany at BToo in Washington DC: Clemens Busch, Immich-Batterieberg and Koehler-Ruprecht, USA

Picture: In Seattle, Washington State, in 2013, during the 4th Riesling Rendezvous: Clemens Busch, Christian Schiller and Hermann Wiemer, founder of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State. See: The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA 

Christmann, Neustadt an der Weinstraße PFALZ

Pictures: At Weigut A. Christmann - Harvest Time. See: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann in Gimmeldingen, Pfalz, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany 

Dr. Heger, Ihringen BADEN

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Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Joachim Heger and Winemaker Markus Mleinek at Weingut Dr. Heger (VDP) in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

 

Pictures: Tasting and Weingut Dr. Heger and Christian Schiller and Joachim Heger. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) 

Eva Fricke, Eltville am Rhein RHEINGAU Rising

Picture: Christian Schiller with Eva Fricke. See: Visiting Weingut Josef Leitz in Ruedesheim– Johannes Leitz is Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide 2011

Pictures: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA

Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken, Saarburg MOSEL

Pictures: Cellar Tour at Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken with Hanno Zilliken - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken with Hanno Zilliken - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

 

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller with Dorothee Zilliken at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany. See: Dorothee Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Presents her Noble Rieslings at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany

Pictures: Hanno Zilliken at the 2015 Rieslingfeier in New York. See:  The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan, Deidesheim PFALZ

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan in Deidesheim with General Manager Gunther Hauck – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Karthäuserhof, Trier MOSELRising

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Christoph Tyrell, Karthäuserhof, in Mainz, Germany. For more, see:
The Karthäuserhof in the Mosel Valley: An Eventful History – From Grenoble in France to New York City in the US

Knipser, Laumersheim PFALZ

Picture: Stephan Knipser, Weingut Knipser, Sebastion Fürst, Weingut Fürst and Christian Schiller in Mainz. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany 

Kühling-Gillot, Bodenheim RHEINHESSEN

Pictures: Tasting with Carolin Spanier-Gillot, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot, in Hohen-Sülzen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Künstler, Hochheim RHEINGAU Rising

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Gunter Künstler at Weingut Künstler. See: 40th Anniversary of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany

Picture: Gunter Kuenstler and Christian G.E. Schiller at Restaurant Kronenschloesschen in the Rheingau (2013)

Pictures: The late Franz Kuenstler with Annette Schiller at a Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim Tasting (2009)

Picture: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller with Gunter Kuenstler at Weingut Franz Kuenstler (2009)

Pictures: Annette and Monika Kuenstler (2013)

Picture: Annette and Gunter Kuenstler in Wiesbaden (2013)

Leitz, Geisenheim RHEINGAU

Pictures: Touring the Rüdesheimer Berg with Johannes Leitz. See: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, with Johannes Leitz – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Markus Molitor, Bernkastel-Kues MOSEL

Pictures: Tasting with Markus Molitor at Weingut Markus Molitor in Haus Klosterberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Meyer-Näkel, Dernau AHR

Pictures: Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr, with Dörte Näkel– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Salwey, Vogtsburg im Kaiserstuhl BADEN

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, with Benno Salwey – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Horst Sauer, Escherndorf FRANKEN Rising

Pictures: Vinyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Horst Sauer in Eschendorf, Franken, with Horst Sauer - Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Schäfer-Fröhlich, Bockenau NAHE Rising

Picture: Christian Schiller and Tim Fröhlich in Wiesbaden

Pictures: At Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

Schloss Lieser Thomas Haag, Lieser MOSEL

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Schloss Lieser in Lieser with Owner/ Winemaker Thomas Haag– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Picture: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, and Christian Schiller in Mainz. See: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015

Picture: Annette Schiller, Thomas Haag with his Son (Weingut Schloss Lieser) and Stephen Bitterolf at the 2017 Rieslingfeier in NYC. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Rainer Schnaitmann, Fellbach WÜRTTEMBERG Rising

Pictures: At Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann with Rainer Schnaitmann. See: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Rainer Schnaitmann at Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann in Fellbach, Württemberg – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Pictures: Chef's Table Winemaker Dinner at Zur Golden Kron in Frankfurt, Germany, with Michelin-starred Chef Alfred Friedrich, Frankfurt Cult Sommelier Pit Punda and World Class Winemaker Rainer Schnaitmann from Württemberg

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2023), Germany

Jean Stodden, Rech AHR Rising

Pictures: Tasting with Alexander Stodden, Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr, with Alexander Stodden - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Von Hövel, Konz MOSEL Rising

Picture: Annette Schiller, Max von Kunow, Johannes Hasselbach, Alwin Jurtschitsch and Christian G.E. Schiller at BToo. See:Weingut von Hoevel – The New Generation: Max von Kunow in Washington DC, USA/Germany

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut von Hövel, Saar, with Owner/ Winemaker Maximilian von Kunow - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Martin Waßmer, Bad Krozingen BADEN Rising

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Pinot Noir Star Producer Weingut Martin Waßmer in Bad Krozingen, Markgräfler Land, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen 

Wittmann, Westhofen RHEINHESSEN

Pictures: Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann, with Annette and Christian Schiller at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann at Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Ziereisen, Efringen-Kirchen BADEN

Pictures: Massive Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen, with Hanspeter and Edeltraud Ziereisen. See: 2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

 

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Christian Schiller`s SCHILLER-WINE Blog on Corking Wines` Top 101 Wine Writers of 2020 List

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

A Journey through Bourgogne with Louis Jadot - Tasting at the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar Presented by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and Thibaud Marquis, Louis Jadot

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller  

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists