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Announcement: German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) Membership Meeting on Saturday, February 17, 2024

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Announcement by the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter)
 
Dear Members and Friends of the German Wine Society,


Prosit Neujahr! Online registration for the 2024 Capital Chapter Membership Meeting is now open! 
Please make reservations by Monday, February 12, 2024.  This year’s Membership Meeting will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, starting at 4:00 pm EST, and planned to last until about 6:30 pm.  As with our last Membership Meeting in February 2023, the Membership Meeting this year will be held online, using Zoom.  Though the pandemic is officially over, viruses still abound during this winter, and meeting virtually also avoids the risk of having to postpone for inclement weather, while permitting our members in more distant locations to attend conveniently.  You will need to have access to Zoom to participate in the meeting, either downloaded on your computer or otherwise available through your browser (please note, however, that there is an option for members to vote in the election by mail even if you do not have Zoom access).  Everyone who provides notification of their intent to come (by registering on the website, by mail or by email to the Secretary) will receive a Zoom link from Board member Karen Stokes by email prior to the event, which can be used to log in at the start time.  The meeting’s start time at 4:00 pm EST allows members to finish in time for dinner, and also allows members who may be in Europe to participate.   

Our agenda will begin with reports from the officers of the Chapter, including discussion of our finances, membership, and cellar status, followed by the Board election, and then open discussion of other chapter business and questions, and plans for the future.  What would you like to have the Society do – what are your expectations? The Board needs to know!  The business portion of the meeting will be followed by the fun part - a multiple-choice quiz on knowledge of German wines with the chance to win several wine prizes from our cellar (to be delivered at the next in-person events the winners attend, or by arrangement with the Cellarmaster for pickup). 

Of course, as this is an online event, members will supply their own choice of wines, cheeses and other foods, and there will be an opportunity to discuss your wine choices with other participants, as we did during the last Membership Meeting.  Members in good standing (current on dues) pay nothing for this event (but still need to register via our website or mail, or by email to the Secretary, so that we can have an accurate count of who is coming and can send the Zoom link to everyone); non-members (including those who have been registered as members before but are not current on dues) pay $15 each, through website registration using PayPal or by check.   

It is at this annual meeting we elect new officers and directors to the Chapter Board.   Only members in good standing, with annual dues payments current, are entitled to vote in the election or to attend this event free of charge; $35 annual dues payments per individual or couple may be made online through the website using PayPal or by check to ensure that you are current, before the meeting.   A dues payment made prior to the meeting is sufficient to restore membership status and allow you to attend without charge and participate in the election.  Please contact the Secretary if you are not sure whether you are current.

Members can vote in person at the meeting, or by returning their written ballots (found at the end of the attached candidate statements) by February 12, 2024Candidate statements and the ballot form (for those who will not be voting in person at the election but would still like to submit a vote) are attached to this notice in a separate document, in the version of the notice sent by e-mail.  Nominations of other candidates than those listed below and on the attached ballot have to be received by no later than Saturday, February 3, 2024, under our By-Laws, so as to allow revised ballots for the election to be prepared and distributed.  All of the candidates running have already been serving in their positions, but we have one open Director position without a candidate.  The Chapter President is also running for Chapter Secretary, in the absence of a separate candidate to fill the Secretary position; he was elected to serve in both capacities for the past four years.  

The candidates running for positions on the Board this election are:

Carl Willner - for Chapter President and Secretary (positions listed separately on ballot)
Christian Schiller - for Chapter Vice President
Ken Belsley - for Chapter Treasurer
Jim Palanchar - for Director
Karen Stokes - for Director, also serving as Cellarmaster
Klaus Teuter - for Director, also serving as Webmaster

Our By-Laws do not permit nominations from the floor at the meeting for any position for which a candidate is already running, but only in advance so that ballots for a disputed election can be prepared, although floor nominations for uncontested positions are allowed.  For this election, most Board positions except for one Director slot have one candidate running.  You can give back to the Chapter by seeking to join the Board, or by volunteering to plan or help with a monthly tasting.  Your active participation in planning and managing events helps the organization grow – and to do so in the direction you choose. 

All correspondence in response to this email should be directed to our President and Secretary, Carl Willner, by email to carl.willner1@verizon.net or by mail at:

Carl Willner
1014 Reserve Champion Drive
Rockville, MD 20850

Our website address for online registration is at http://germanwinesocietydc.org .   


If you are attending as a non-member and need to pay online, please be sure to have a PayPal account in advance, as we cannot accept payments by other forms of credit.  If you decide to register by mail, please mail your registration (and check, made out to the German Wine Society, if registering as a non-member) to the Chapter Secretary, Carl Willner, whose address is listed above.


All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. Fortunately, one of the benefits of holding an online event is that most of you will be safely at home and not driving to the event, but should you decide to visit a friend in order to participate from there, please bear in mind the usual cautions about having a designated driver where available, or mostly tasting rather than consuming alcohol when such drivers are not available.  Drinking in moderation will also help to avoid any mishaps using your computer!

If you no longer wish to receive our announcements, please reply to this email to the sender.


Carl Willner
President and Secretary
German Wine Society Capital Chapter


Please clip and return this registration form if registering by mail, to the Secretary at the address listed above.  Do not return the entire event notice.   If you are voting by mail rather than by participating in the online meeting, please also clip the ballot form from the attached Candidate Statement and return that to the Secretary.

Reservation Form for GERMAN WINE SOCIETY CAPITAL CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Name(s) _____________________________________

Member or non-Member ________________________

Payment submitted ____________________________

E-mail contact ________________________________

Telephone contact _____________________________


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Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Bordeaux, Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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Picture: Total Immersioin in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France
 

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

 
Picture: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dear wine friends in the US and around the world,

I am very pleased to let you know about some very exciting wine tours this year:  

Late spring - early summer:
BORDEAUX
LOIRE VALLEY

Late summer - fall:
GERMANY CLASSIC:  Rhine-, Mosel-, Ahr-, Nahe-rivers
RHÔNE

BORDEAUX: Tuesday, May 21 - Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Tour starts and ends in the city of Bordeaux

During this tour we fully experience authentic Bordeaux. Our tour takes us to: Sauternes, Pessac-Léognan, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Médoc, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, Entre-deux-Mers. Besides wine we visit a barrel maker, spend half a day at the Bassin d’Arcachon to see how the famous oysters are raised, and learn what this “place de Bordeaux” is all about. This tour is also an epicurean treat as we have fantastic lunches and dinners at famous Châteaux with the owner or General Manger who match the exquisitely executed dishes with wines from their cellars.

LOIRE VALLEY: Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024 - Tour starts in Nantes and ends in Orléans 
 

What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Loire Valley’? Of course images of glorious Châteaux pop up in your mind. Yes that is true and we will visit some iconic château and dig deep into France’s history. However, during this wine tour we also discover a magnificent, but often overlooked French wine region and one of the most exciting best kept secrets of excellent, high quality wines at very reasonable prices. The Loire Valley wine region is a vast area and consists of several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations, and wine style. We take you on a journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Auvergne mountains to explore this unique region. We learn to appreciate “Sancerre”, "Pouilly-Fumé", “Vouvray", “Chinon”, as well as many other not so familiar appellations. 

GERMANY: the classic Rhein and Mosel regions: Tuesday, August 27 - Thursday, September 05, 2024: - Tour starts in Mainz and ends in Frankfurt.

We travel along the main wine arteries of Germany: the Rhine river, the Mosel river, and the much smaller Ahr and Nahe rivers. Roman, medieval, and modern history accompany us all the way and will help us to understand what German wine is all about. The beauty of the landscape, the steep vineyards, the romantic Rhine valley, the quaint villages, the stories behind the wineries and their families, and the gorgeous wines we will taste at world-renowned estates will give us a renewed understanding of German wines. This is Riesling country and the spot on the planet where the Riesling grape developed tausend years ago, and subsequently morphed into the best white wine grape for producing crisp, fruity, elegant, delicious wines. There is one exception: the tiny Ahr valley where Pinot Noir always was and still is king. If you are a Riesling fan, this is the ultimate tour for you.

RHÔNE: Sunday, October 13 - Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - Tour starts in Lyon and ends in Avignon.

We explore in detail the wines of the Rhône Valley. We start in vibrant, cool, sophisticated Lyon, the capital of Haut Cuisine. We stop in the Northern Rhône where names such as Côte Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage ring a bell. We follow the eponymous Rhône river south to Avignon, the city that was the seat of the papacy for the better part of the 14th century. We visit producers in Gigondas, Vacqueras, Châteauneuf du Pape, and experience the Provence when we visit Arles to trace the footsteps of van Gogh and the famous Pont du Gard, built by the Romans 2000 years ago.

The late spring / early summer tours are already well booked, so if you wish to come along don’t wait too long to register.

Please visit the website: https://ombiasypr.com/
Here you find all necessary information on the tours as well as the page to register. The itinerary of the Loire tour is not fixed. Since this is a new tour I have to vet the hotels, producers, restaurants, etc. I travel to the Loire next week and the final itinerary will be published on the website. For the time being I attach the draft for you to see how the tour is planned.

I wish all of your a very exciting, happy, peaceful, healthy Year 2024.
 
Annette

PS: Please do not hesitate to call, to message, or to send an email. I will answer any questions you may have.

Wine Tours - Wine Events - Wine Education
Annette Schiller, Diplom-Volkswirt
Washington DC - Frankfurt am Main
USA: +1 703 459 7513
GER: +49 -177 337 0281
 
Summary: Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France




Led by Annette Schiller, the Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours took place from September 20 - Thursday, September 29, 2022. The group comprised 12 wine lovers including Annette and Christian Schiller.

Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

Total Immersioin in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics 

The 5 Premiers Grands Crus Chateaux en 1855 of Bordeaux, France

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Bordeaux - En Primeur, Negociants, Courtiers, the Quai de Chartons and the Place de Bordeaux– A Short Introduction

Dinner with a View: At Restaurant L’Estacade in Bordeaux City - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City - An Update

Schiller’s Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France - An Update

Tour and Tasting at Château La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol, with General Manager/ Winemaker Marielle Cazaux - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant L’Atelier de Candale in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Cellar Tasting at Tertre-Rôtebœuf with Owner/ Winemaker François Mitjavile, Appellation Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Vineyard Tour in a Golf Cart and Tasting at Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Dassault with the Managing Director, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

Gourmet Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Couvent des Jacobins, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in St. Emilion, France 

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

3 Days and Nights in the Spectacular Medieval Town of Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour, Lecture and Tasting at Château Reynier with Owner/ Winemaker Marc Lurton, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Coutet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Sauternes, with Technical Director Laurier Girardot - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant L’Entrecœur in Preignac, Sauternes - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé Appellation Pessac-Léognan - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at the Dordogne River at Restaurant Le Bord d’Eau in Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Seated Tasting at Château de la Rivière, Appellation Canon-Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

What we did for Dinner: 5 Nights in Bordeaux City - Wine More Time Wine Bar, Restaurant L‘Estacade, Restaurant La Terrasse Saint Pierre, Château Bouscaut, Grand Cru Classé de Graves - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret, at the Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Restaurants in Arcachon and Cap Ferret (Bassin d'Arcachon/ Bordeaux)

At La Baraque à Huîtres in L’ Herbe: Visit of an Oyster Farmer at the Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Oysters in Bordeaux: Visiting the Oyster Farmer Raphael Doerfler and his Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm in Grand Piquey/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Winery Tour and Vertical Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at La Maison d’Estournel (following a Winery Tour and Vertical Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 2ième Grand Cru Classé) - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Phélan-Ségur in Saint-Éstèphe, with Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Phélan-Ségur, with General Manager Véronique Dausse and Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Ferrière, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Massive (16 Vintages) Tasting of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande with MD/ Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau and Panos Kakaviatos in Washington DC, USA

Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017 France

Wine-Pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017 France

Winery Tour and Seated Tasting at Château Gruaud-Larose, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Julien - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages, 5ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Picnic-style Lunch at Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Sophie Schÿler, Owner of Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Margaux, for a Wine Pairing Luncheon at Evo Bistro in McLean, with the Wines of RdV and Clemens Busch, USA/ France/ Germany

Dinner in the Private Quarters of the Château Bouscaut, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, with Owner Sophie Lurton Cogombles and Winemaker/ Owner/ Husband Laurent Cogombles - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling 
 
Pictures: Tasting in the Vineyard the Wines of Weingut Laquai in Lorch, Rheingau, with Gundolf Laquai, Owner and Winemaker

We spent 9 days (Monday, April 29, 2019 to Tuesday, May 7, 2019) touring 5 German wine regions (Rheingau, Mittelrhein, Mosel, Nahe and Rheinhessen), tasting fabulous wines, meeting world-renowned wine makers, and delving deep into German history and culture.

There were 12 of us, including Annette and Christian Schiller. This posting provides an overview. More specific postings focusing on individual events will follow (see list below). Most of the pictures are mine, but I have also used pictures which participants of the tour posted on facebook.



On the Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, we visited a total of 25 wineries in 5 different wine regions: Rheingau, the jewel in the crown, with its perfect, fuller bodied, racy Rieslings; Mittelrhein where the Rieslings grow on the steep slopes of the fortress- and castle-ribboned banks of the Rhine river; Mosel with its dizzying steep vineyards and famous elegant Rieslings; Nahe and its serene, peaceful valley where perfect harmonious wines reflect their roots, and Rheinhessen with its many young, up and coming, dynamic winemakers.

Annette Schiller: Our way of traveling allows wine lovers to fully experience authentic Germany. Drawing on our love and deep knowledge of Germany and close personal ties to many personalities in the wine scene, our small group visits many of the hidden gems that other tours pass by, but which are essential to comprehend what German wine is all about

Germany with its roughly 250,000 acres under vine belongs today to one of the smaller wine producing countries in the world. However, viticulture in Germany has a long tradition, going back to Roman times 2,000 years ago. In the 15th century, the area under vine was four times larger than it is today. Wars, subsequent loss of territory, diseases, overproduction, and competition from beer brewing resulted in land turned over to other agricultural uses. In the 19th century, concentration on terroir and technological progress fostered a tremendous improvement of quality and the prestige of German wines, in particular from the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz regions, resulting in prices above those for first growth Bordeaux wines. Today, all thirteen wine regions in Germany produce outstanding wines, and German Rieslings belong to the best white wines in the world.

Rheingau • Mittelrhein • Mosel • Nahe • Rheinhessen

Monday, April 29, 2019 – Tuesday, May 07, 2019

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling)

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Joachim Flick in Hochheim, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Wegeler in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Kloster Eberbach: Overnight-Stay, Dinner, Tour and Aperitif in the Steinberg Vineyard - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Wining in the Steinberg Vineyard– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Lunch, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau, with Owner Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen and Winemaker Arne Willkens - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Kaufmann in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Family-style Wine-pairing Lunch at Weingut Hans Lang - Kaufmann, with Owners/ Winemakers Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Sekt Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting in the Vineyard at Weingut Laquai in Lorch, Rheingau, with Gundolf Laquai - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch in Bacharach, Mittelrhein Region - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Vineyard Drive at Weingut Ratzenberger in Bacharach, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Rhine River Cruise in the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Franzen, Bremm, Terrassen-Mosel, with Angelina Franzen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Wine Dinner at Weingut Richard Böcking in Traben-Trarbach, Middle Mosel, with Owner Denman Zirkle - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, with Ernie Loosen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Weingut Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Mueller-Burggraef: Visit of the Doctorkeller and Tour and Tasting at the Winery, with Owner Matthias Willkomm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

The Wines of the Berncasteler Doctor, Bernkastel-Kues in the Mosel Valley, Germany

Lunch at Restaurant Juffer Flair of Weingut Christian Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Reinhold Haart in Piesport, Mosel, with Johannes Haart - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Peter Lauer in Ayl, Upper Mosel, Saar Valley, with Katharina Lauer and Peter Lauer - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at WEINrestaurant Ayler Kupp, Weingut Peter Lauer, Saar Valley - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Crusius, Traisen, Nahe, with Dr. Peter Crusius and his Daughter Judith Crusius - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Bischel in Appenheim, Rheinhessen, with Christian Runkel, Owner and Winemaker - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Guntrum is Back (Stuart Pigott/ James Suckling): Wine Pairing Lunch and Tour at Weingut Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Owners Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Mainlust “Desche Otto” – an Ultra Traditional Apple Wine Tavern, with an Innovative Twist, off the Beaten Track in Schwanheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
 
Summary: Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours - Wine, Culture and History, France








The Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours took place from June 20 - June 29, 2022. The group comprised 10 wine lovers including Annette and Christian Schiller.

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour December 2017: From Lyon to Avignon - Wine, Food, Culture, History

Understanding the Wines of the Rhône Valley: The Classification - AOC/ Vin de Pay/ Vin de France

The Rhône Wine Region in Southern France and its Wines: History, Classification, Northern and Southern Rhône

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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

Lunch at Le Bistro de Serine in Ampuis, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Hôtellerie Restaurant Beau Rivage in Condrieu, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Vins Jean-Luc Colombo with Anne Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine du Tunnel with Owner/ Winemaker Stéphane Robert in Saint-Peray, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Lunch at Restaurant Le Quai (Michelin/ Bib Gourmand) in Tain-l’Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting and Cellar Tour with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Maison Chabran - La Grand Table with Chef Louis Chabran and his Father Chef Michel Chabran in Pont d l’Isère, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Chaume-Arnaud with Owner/ Winemaker Valérie Chaume-Arnaud in Vinsobres, Southern Rhône- Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting with Alexandra Berthet-Rayne at Domaine André Berthet-Rayne in Cairanne, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting the Wines of Château de Beaucastel at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas with Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant L’Oustalet, 1 Star Michelin, in Gigondas, with Owner-chef Laurent Deconinck and Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine la Bouïssière, Gigondas, Southern Rhône, with Josiane Faravel - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Maison de Celou (Michelin Bib Gourmand) in Châteauneuf-de-Cadagne - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

In Les Baux de Provence: Visit of the Olive Oil Mill Moulin Castelas and Overnight Stay and Dinner Hôtel Le Mas de l’Oulivier - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Arles: Roman History and van Gogh - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

At the Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses and Sightseeing at the Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Avignon: Guided Tour of Pont Saint-Bénézet, the so-called ‘Pont d’Avignon’, and the Palace of the Popes - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine de la Solitude in Châteauneuf-du Pape with Owner/ Winemaker Florent Lançon - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard and Cellar Tour at Vignobles Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur, with Hélène Jaume in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Alain Jaume with Hélène Jaume at Domaine Grand Veneur in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pégau in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pégau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Winemaker Andreas Lenzenwöger - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Lunch at "La Mule du Pape" and Tour of the Ruins of the Summer Palace of the Popes - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting of Châteuneuf-du-Pape Wines at La Cave de Mathias with Mathias in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôstellerie du Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

 

Top 100 Wines of Germany 2023 by Stuart Pigott/ James Suckling

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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

James Suckling (Stuart Pigott) recently released his list of Top 100 Wines (of the World) 2023. 

James Suckling (Stuart Pigott): "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%. 

See here for more details: James Suckling: "Austria and Germany make some of the world’s most affordable great wines with single-vineyard designations" - 14 Wines from Austria (7) and Germany (7) on James Suckling Top 100 Wines 2023 List

James Suckling (Stuart Pigott) also released his list of Top 100 wines of Germany 2023 recently.

Below you find the Top 100 Wines of Germany 2023 by James Suckling/ Stuart Pigott, supplemented by pictures from recent ombiasy WineTours to Germany as well as other pictures. 

Stuart Pigott
 
Austria and Germany is covered by Stuart Pigott. Stuart on his linked-in page:
 

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

Stuart Pigott: Top 100 Wines of Germany 2023

Our German Wine of the Year for 2023 says everything about the enormous progress that the nation’s leading winemakers have made since the terroir movement began to gain traction there in the late 1990s, leading to the GG (Grosses Gewachs) dry single-vineyard wines of today. The Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Riesling Pfalz Pechstein GC 2022 is a great masterpiece of mineral expression from one of the pioneers of terroir wines in Germany. Unusually, this producer prefers the abbreviation GC (which stands for Grand Cru) to GG, though this wine is a perfect GG.

It also brings us to a crucial aspect of all our top 100 lists: the minimum quantity for eligibility. For example, the Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Riesling Pfalz Kirchenstück GC 2022 also rated a perfect 100, but the production quantity for this wine is a fraction the Pechstein GC 2022, so it did not make the cut.

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

And it is far from being alone. Many of the German wines that rated 99 or 100 points were produced in a quantity of a just a few hundred to a thousand bottles and therefore failed to make the list. Many other wines that rated 95 points or higher, but will only be sold through one of the wine auctions of Germany’s VDP producers’ association, were also excluded. They are difficult to obtain and often also produced in small quantities.

Those limitations made my job in making this selection a complex one, but the wines in the Top 10 positions were easy to spot. They are all truly exceptional expressions of German wine culture, and in line with the contemporary focus of the German wine industry, eight of them are dry or barely off-dry.

Some will wonder what the Keller Riesling Rheinhessen Brunnenhäuschen Abts E GG 2022 is doing in 15th place given the perfection of this wine and the stratospheric reputation of winemaker Klaus Peter Keller. It brings us to the third limiting factor in making our selections: price. It is the most expensive dry wine in this Top 100 and will set you back at least $400 or the equivalent. In contrast, the Nos. 2 to 11 wines should all be available for under $100, some of them for much less.

Pictures: 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 

But let’s head back to the top of the list. In second place is an unusual wine that lies on the borderline between properly dry and barely off-dry – the spectacularly concentrated Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Nahe Halenberg R 2019, which was made from late-picked grapes. It underwent long barrel aging, then long bottle aging, before release. Just a hint of botrytis adds complexity to this great Nahe wine from the last truly great vintage in 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

Previous vintages of our No. 3 wine, the Carl Loewen Riesling Mosel Maximin Herrenberg GG 2022, were all very impressive, but this just leapt out at me when I tasted it at the winery during the summer. I immediately asked myself, “Is that a 100?“ Not quite, but it still has incredible finesse and precision, dancing over your palate in the way that only great Mosel wines can do.

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

The No. 4 wine, the Wittmann Riesling Rheinhessen Morstein GG 2022, is a very exciting vintage of this new classic of dry German riesling that has been a serious candidate for German Wine of the Year every vintage since 2018. The 2022 has an incredible brilliance, and this plus its terrific mineral intensity mean that it should age magnificently for decades.

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

The Kühling-Gillot Riesling Rheinhessen Rothenberg Wurzelecht 2022, in 5th position, is another strong argument for considering Rheinhessen as Germany’s premier region for dry white wines. Incredibly concentrated and structured, this dry riesling from ancient ingrafted vines has a room-filling charismatic personality.


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

Sixth place is taken by one of the most precise and subtle wines of the 2022 vintage in Germany, the Dönnhoff Riesling Nahe Hermannshöhle GG 2022. It was the star dry wine of an astonishing collection of 2022 riesling that Cornelius Donnhoff made. Anyone looking for German wines with a pronounced cool climate personality in spite of the very warm 2022 vintage should love this great beauty.

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

The 2019 vintage of our No. 7 wine was our the German Wine of the Year in 2020, because it marked the return of the legendary Schloss Johannisberg winery in the Rheingau to top form. The continuing magnificence of this estate’s wines is underlined by the noble elegance of the Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Rheingau Spätlese Grünlack 2022. Those who still think that sweet German riesling is thin and characterless should experience this dense and very extremely expressive masterpiece!


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

The super-refreshing and barely off-dry riesling Kabinett category was out of fashion for a long time, but when new winemaking ambition was applied to it about five years ago it leapt back into the limelight on the domestic and export markets. Our No. 8 German wine, the Willi Schaefer Riesling Mosel Graacher Domprobst Kabinett 2022, is a sensational example of this reinterpretation of a great German classic.

 
Pictures: Christian Schiller, Christoph Schaefer and Annette Schiller. See: Rieslingfeier 2018 in New York City: Gränd Tasting and Gala Dinner   

The No. 9 wine comes from well over 100-year-old vines just a couple of kilometers downstream on the Mosel from the Graacher Domprobst site and is more Mosel magic. The Selbach-Oster Riesling Mosel Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spätlese Feinherb Ur Alte Reben 2022 has a miraculous combination of intensity and delicacy, the balance barely off-dry. It is one of the best wines Johannes Selbach has produced in his entire career.

Picture: Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach. See: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Our No. 10 German wine is a great achievement for the Riffel winery in the long forgotten northwest corner of Rheinhessen. With enormous determination and persistence, Erik and Carolin Riffel have been working at perfecting dry riesling from the Scharlachberg site, a long-forgotten grand cru. The Riffel Riesling Rheinhessen Scharlachberg Trocken 2022 was another wine that stopped me in my tracks. I hope that it does the same for you. It is an incredible bargain for such a high-end GG-type wine!

Don’t miss the slew of other exciting wines on this year’s Top 100 Wines of Germany list. The highest-placed red is the Chat Sauvage Pinot Noir Rheingau Lorch Schlossberg 2020 in 14th place, and in 20th position is the first non-riesling dry white, the Weedenborn Rheinhessen Grand Réserve 2020, a unique cuvee of sauvignon blanc and chardonnay!

Picture: Stuart Pigott, Wilhelm Weil (Weingut Robert Weil) and Gesine Roll (Weingut Weedenborn) with Annette and Christian Schiller (ombiasy WineTours) at Gut Hermannsberg in the Nahe Region.  See also: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg in Niederhausen, Nahe – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Top 100 Wines of Germany 2023

100Riffel Riesling Rheinhessen Kirchberg Trocken 2022

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller


Top 10 Austria 2023 - Vinum Wine Magazine

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Vinum is a European magazine offering wine reviews, news and editorial to its readers in Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain. From its base in Zurich, Switzerland, the magazine is published ten times a year to a readership of more than 40,000. Articles are researched, written and produced by a 15-strong team of freelance writers and full-time staff, overseen by chief editor Thomas Vaterlaus and publishing director Nicolas Montemarano.
 
Recently, Vinum published a list of its Top 10 wines from Austria tasted in 2023.  
 
We visited 5 of the 10 producers on the Austria Wine Tour by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) in 2023. See here for the tour:  Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 
 
Here is the Vinum Top 10 Austria 2023 list with pictures of the visits during the Austria Wine Tour by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) in 2023.
 
Top 10 Austria 2023 - Vinum Wine Magazine 

1 19,0/ 20 Punkte Eisenberg DAC Ried Ratschen Blaufränkisch Reserve, 2020 Weingut Wachter-Wiesler Eisenberg DAC






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

2 18,5/ 20 Punkte Südsteiermark DAC Ried Edelschuh Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Weingut Wohlmuth Südsteiermark DAC








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

3 18,5/ 20 Punkte Carnuntum DAC Blaufränkisch Spitzerberg - Obere Spitzer, 2020 Weingut Dorli Muhr Carnuntum DAC

 4 18,5/ 20 Punkte Ried Heiligenstein-Steinwand - Zöbing ÖTW.Erste Lage Kamptal DAC Riesling, 2021 Weingut Jurtschitsch Kamptal DAC 












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

5 18,5/ 20 Punkte Wachau DAC Ried Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd, 2022 Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Wachau DAC 

6 18,5/ 20 Punkte Wachau DAC Ried Hochrain Grüner Veltliner Smaragd, 2022 Weingut Rudi Pichler Wachau DAC 

7 18,0/ 20 Punkte Burgenland Welschriesling Weisser Schiefer - s, 2019 Weingut Uwe Schiefer Österreich 

8 18,0/ 20 Punkte Weinland Österreich Graue Freyheit, 2021 Weingut Heinrich Burgenland 

9 17,5/ 20 Punkte Südsteiermark DAC Ried Ottenberg Veithansl Welschriesling, 2020 Weingut Tement Südsteiermark DAC










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

10 17,5/ 20 Punkte Steiermark DAC Ried Klausen Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Weingut Neumeister Südsteiermark DAC










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

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller

"Sechsmal Sekt" - 6 German Sparkling Wine Recommendations by Serhat Aktas (Berlin)

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Recently, the "Berliner Zeitung" carried an article entitled "Sechsmal Sekt", which included 6 Sekt (German sparkling wine) recommendations of Serhat Aktas, sommelier and owner of the wine bar “der Weinlobbyist – Bistro & Weinbar” on Kolonnenstrasse in Berlin. 

Following the dry white wine and the red wine revolutions, Germany is now undergoing a "Sekt" revolution, many experts claim. Serhat Aktis has put together a most interesting list of premium and ultra-premium Sekt recommendations from 6 producers, ranging from Euro 17.90 to Euro 55.00 (at the producers), including world class producer Raumland in Rheinhessen but also off-the-beaten-track producers Schwarz in Sachsen and Aufricht at the Bodensee/ Lake Constance.

We have visited all 6 producers ona recent or not so recent ombiasy wine our led by Annette Schiller.

1. Wein- & Sektgut Barth | Rheingau

Einstiegssekt der Königsklasse

Der Winzer Mark Barth hat ein Händchen für Sekt und überzeugt Kritiker wie Verbraucher schon seit vielen Jahren. Seine Sektkollektion strotzt vor Eleganz, Vielfältigkeit und hoher Qualität. Seine Liebe zur traditionellen Handwerkskunst spiegelt sich in dem sorgfältigen Anbau seiner Reben im Weinberg und später in der Herstellung sowie Versektung wider. Seine Qualität zeigt sich in der sorgfältigen Reifung der Schaumweine im Keller. Hier findet die lange Hefeautolyse statt, ein Prozess, bei dem sich die Hefen langsam zersetzen und mit dem Wein verbinden. Jeder Schluck des kostbaren Riesling Brut offenbart die Essenz des Anbaugebietes Rheingau, aus der ebenfalls weitere, hervorragende Sektproduzenten stammen. Perfektes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis.

Preis: 18 Euro, shop.weingut-barth.de








 
Pictures: Tour and Wine Tasting with Lunch, with Mark Barth at Wein- und Sektgut Barth in Hattenheim, Rheingau – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

2. Weingut Martin Schwarz | Sachsen

Jung, aber gut

Martin Schwarz, ein Meister seines Fachs in der Welt des Weines, schrieb mit der Gründung seines eigenen Weinguts ein neues Kapitel in seiner beeindruckenden Laufbahn. Nachdem er zuletzt das renommierte Weingut Schloss Proschwitz in Sachsen geleitet hatte, wagte er den Schritt, sich einen langgehegten Traum zu erfüllen. Sein vor einigen Jahren gegründetes eigenes Weingut ist ein Ort der Weininnovation. Der Reserve 52 Brut Nature ist ein wahres Kunstwerk, das 52 Monate reift. Der Grundwein aus der Chardonnay-Rebe reift in Holzfässern heran und gewinnt dadurch nicht nur eine beeindruckende Hefe- und Brotaromatik, sondern auch eine bemerkenswerte Kraft, Substanz und Komplexität. Ein Wein wie dieser, voller Charakter und Tiefe, erweist sich als exzellenter Begleiter für ein breites Spektrum an Gaumenfreuden.

Preis: 55 Euro, www.schwarz-wein.de 






Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Martin Schwarz (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Philipp Henke - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Pictures: Dresden is the New Unlikely Place for Fine Barolo Wine: Weingut Martin Schwarz– Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

3. Schlossgut Diel | Nahe

Purer Trinkspass 

Die Weinanbaukunst von Caroline Diel hat die Herzen von Weinliebhabern weit über die deutschen Grenzen hinaus erobert. Seit sie die Zügel des Familienweinguts von ihrem Vater übernommen hat, wird ihr Können von nationalen und internationalen Kritikern gefeiert, was sich in zahlreichen Auszeichnungen widerspiegelt, darunter auch der mehrfachen Ehrung als Winzerin des Jahres.

Neben Weinen widmet sich das Weingut auch mit großer Hingabe der Sektherstellung. Ein besonderes Highlight ist der Pinot de Diel Brut, ein Cuvée aus Spätburgunder, Weißburgunder und Grauburgunder. Dieser Sekt zeichnet sich durch seine feine Perlage, Eleganz und Frische aus und bietet ein rundum angenehmes Trinkerlebnis.

Preis: 18 Euro, diel.eu 

Picture: Christian Schiller and Caroline Diel. See: Caroline and Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel (Nahe Valley), Presented their New Wines (Vintage 2012), Germany


Picture: Christian Schiller with Armin and Caroline Diel at Schlossgut Diel. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

Pictures: Tasting with Sylvain Taurisson Diel at Schlossgut Diel, Nahe– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: In the Vineyards with Caroline Diel and Anouk. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

4. Sekthaus Raumland | Rheinhessen

Der Perfektionist 

Volker Raumland, ein Pionier des deutschen Sekts, ist ein leuchtendes Vorbild für jeden Sektproduzenten hierzulande. In einer Ära, als der Begriff „deutscher Qualitätssekt“ nichts Gutes bedeutete, begann er bereits, Schaumweine von herausragender Qualität zu kreieren. Heute, mit der tatkräftigen Unterstützung seiner beiden Töchter sowohl im Weinberg als auch im Keller, fordert er Top-Winzer internationaler Größen heraus und zeigt, dass sich deutsche Sektkunst auf Weltniveau bewegt. 

Der Tradition Brut, aus Chardonnay und Grauburgunder, ist ein Fest für die Sinne. Dieser Sekt begeistert mit seinen Fruchtaromen, Leichtigkeit und Eleganz, ein wahrer Ausdruck von Raumlands Handwerkskunst und seinem unermüdlichen Streben nach Perfektion. Jede Flasche erzählt die Geschichte seines Engagements, seiner Leidenschaft und seines Erbes.

Preis: 26 Euro, raumland.de

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

5. Weingut Weedenborn | Rheinhessen

Interessant und erstklassig

Auch in Deutschland breitet sich die Rebsorte Sauvignon Blanc, wenn auch noch in begrenztem Umfang, immer weiter aus. Eine wachsende Zahl von Weinbauern entdeckt ihre Vorzüge, darunter auch die talentierte Winzerin Gesine Roll. Seit Jahren setzt sie auf diese Sorte und hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren darauf konzentriert, sie nicht nur zu vinifizieren, sondern auch in einen außergewöhnlichen Schaumwein zu verwandeln – eine noch größere Seltenheit in Deutschland.

Der Sauvignon Blanc unterscheidet sich deutlich von anderen Rebsorten. Statt der üblichen Fruchtigkeit vieler Rebsorten zeichnet er sich durch eine unverwechselbare, fast exotische Aromatik aus, die von vegetabilen und kräuterartigen Noten dominiert wird. Für Liebhaber des Besonderen und jene, die auf der Suche nach neuen Geschmackserlebnissen sind, bietet dieser Wein eine spannende Erfahrung. Ein Glas dieses Schaumweins ist wie eine Entdeckungsreise in neue Geschmackswelten.

Preis: 21,50 Euro, shop.weedenborn.de

Picture:  Winemaker of the Year: Gesine Roll, Weingut Weedenborn, Rheinhessen - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Picture: Gesine Roll, Weingut Weedenborn, and Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, in Frankfurt (2016). See: 9. K&M Gutsweine Hausmesse, Frankfurt, Germany– Schiller’s Favorites 


Picture: Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Owner/ Winemaker Gesine Roll at Weingut Weedenborn in Monzenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Picture: Stuart Pigott, Wilhelm Weil (Weingut Robert Weil) and Gesine Roll (Weingut Weedenborn) with Annette and Christian Schiller (ombiasy WineTours) at Gut Hermannsberg in the Nahe Region.  See also: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg in Niederhausen, Nahe – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) 




Picture: Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Owner/ Winemaker Gesine Roll at Weingut Weedenborn in Monzenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

See also: Winemaker of the Year: Gesine Roll, Weingut Weedenborn, Rheinhessen -Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

6. Weingut Aufricht | Baden

Der Charmante

Lebendig, fruchtig, charmant und vielfältig präsentiert sich der Spätburgunder-Rosésekt vom Weingut Aufricht vom schönen Bodensee. Vor 70 Jahren legte der Großvater Josef Aufricht die Grundlagen für eine moderne Weinbaufläche, die heute von den Enkelkindern erfolgreich fortgeführt wird.

Mit einer Leidenschaft für Wein und einer tief verwurzelten Familientradition setzen die Winzer von Aufricht alles daran, hochwertige Tropfen zu produzieren, die die Herzen der Weinliebhaber erobern. Die Lage des Weinguts am Bodensee verleiht den Weinbergen von Aufricht ihre einzigartige Bedeutung. Das Terroir, geprägt von den Einflüssen des Sees und des Klimas, schafft optimale Bedingungen für den Anbau verschiedener Rebsorten. Besonders der Spätburgunder hat hier sein Zuhause und erlangt großen Ruhm.

Preis: 17,90 Euro, aufricht.de

Pictures: The Music of the A Cappella Ensemble "Männer und Tenöre" and the Wines of Weingut Aufricht, Lake Constance, Baden, with Manfred Aufricht - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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

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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 

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

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

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller  
 
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3 Climbers to the Top Level (Meyer Näkel, Friedrich Becker, Georg Mosbacher): Germany's 27 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2024

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Pictures: Wine Tasting at Weingut Friedrich Becker – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Der Feinschmecker, the leading German wine and food journal, presented its new ranking of the German wine scene ("Die 555 besten Weingüter in Deutschland 2024"). The Feinschmecker awarded 27 winemakers in Germany 5 F's, its top ranking.

Germany's 27 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2024  

See here: Germany's 27 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2024

3 Climbers to the Top Level

Meyer-Näkel - Ahr

23 hectares
185.000 bottles

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

Friedrich Becker - Pfalz

22 hectares
110.000 bottles

Pictures: Chatting with Friedrich Becker sen. and Friedrich Becker jun. . See:Pictures: Wine Tasting at Weingut Friedrich Becker – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Georg Mosbacher

22 hectares

150.000 bottles Picture: Christian Schiller with Juergen Dueringer and Sabine Mosbacher-Dueringer from Weingut Georg Mosbacher. See: Germany's Grosses Gewaechs Wines - Premiere 2010 in Berlin

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

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

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

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

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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 

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

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller  
 
Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller

Top 10 Wines of Germany/ 2023 - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

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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)

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 12th in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Germany's 20 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 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 - The Nominations

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 10 Wines of the Year 2023 - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

1 99/ 100 Punkte Westhofener Morstein Riesling trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2022 Weingut Wittmann Rheinhessen

Vinum: 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.

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)

2 19,0/ 20 Punkte Mölsheimer Zellerweg am Schwarzen Herrgott Riesling trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2022 Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier 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

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

3 19,0/ 20 Punkte Königsbacher Idig Riesling trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2022 Weingut Christmann 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

4 19,0/ 20 Punkte Bürgstadter Hundsrück Spätburgunder trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2021 Weingut Rudolf Fürst 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.

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 

5 19,0/ 20 Punkte Mittelheimer Sankt Nikolaus Riesling trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2020 Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn Rheingau 

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: Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn in Östrich, Winkel– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

6 97/ 100 Punkte Retzstadter Himmelspfad Silvaner trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2022 Weingut Rudolf May Franken

Vinum: 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

7 97/ 100 Punkte Malterdinger Bienenberg Chardonnay trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2021 Weingut Bernhard Huber Baden 

Vinum: 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.

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

8 97/ 100 Punkte Ehrenstetter Ölberg Spätburgunder trocken GC, 2021 Weingut Martin Waßmer Baden 

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 

9 98/ 100 Punkte Riesling trocken Monte Vacano, 2021 Weingut Robert Weil Rheingau

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

10 96/ 100 Punkte Dernauer Pfarrwingert Spätburgunder trocken VDP.Grosses Gewächs, 2021 Weingut Meyer-Näkel Ahr

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

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller 

Wines from Italy - Cellar Group Meets, Washington DC, January 2024

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Led by Grant Crandall, President of the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, there is a group of wine lovers in the Northern Virginia area that meets 4 times a year at one of the members' home for a wine-pairing dinner where everyone brings a bottle of wine with a corresponing dish, always under a common theme. 

This time, the event took place at the home of Fuad Issa and Maureen Kelly in McLean, Northern Virginian (Greater Washington DC area), and the theme was: Italy, except Sangiove and sparkling wine.

16 guests, 16 different Italian wines, 16 corresponding small bites, 16 stories about the wines and the dishes. 
 


 
Roland Young:  A row of very unusual suspects that we all quaffed with great gusto!
 
Plus a "social" Weingut Steininger Sekt Brut from Austria in the kitchen before the wine-pairing dinner.
 


Roland Young: One of the best evenings of this group! Creative wonderful food and exposure to many excellent off-the-beaten path Italian wines. Great social event!
 
Wine-pairing Dinner 
 

1 Susan 2021 Donnafugata Anthilia 

Caesar Salad


2 Cindy 2022 Pallazzone Terre Vineate (white - Classico Superiore) from Orvieto 

Mini Caprese salads

3 Stephanie 2020 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis (Piemonte) 

Tuna mousse bruschette


4 Tickie 2015 Mastroberardino Nova Serra Greco Di Tufo (Campania) 

Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Puffs

Roland Young: Puff pastry stuffed with a mixture of Green Dirt Farms Sheep’s Chevre, chopped spinach, sun dried tomatoes and eggs and baked fresh there in the oven.


5 Maureen 2019 Bettini Valgella Valtellina Superiore DOCG (Lombardia) 

Kibbe: meat & dark burghul shell stuffed with ground meat and nuts



6 Annette 2021, Foradori, Morei, Teroldego, Vigneti delle Dolomiti, IGT 

Pasta with Chanterrelles




See: Winemaker Dinner with Azienda Agricola Foradori (Trentino, Italy) at SchauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany 
 
Picture: Winemaker Dinner with Azienda Agricola Foradori (Trentino, Italy) at SchauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany -  Myrtha Zierock Foradori and Chef Björn Andreas
 
Christian Schiller: Elisabetta Foradori, the owner of Azienda Agricola Foradori in Trentino, Northern Italy, is a distinguished innovator and trendsetter in the world of wine. Importantly, she was instrumental in raising the local grape Teroldego from an everyday, inexpensive wine to one that is found now on some of the best wine lists in the world.

Elisabetta Foradori is one of most influential winemakers of Italy. She has become one of the leading green/ natural/ biodynamic wine makers in Italy. Italy’s most influential wine guide, Gambero Rosso’s Italian Wines, has consistently given her flagship Teroldego wine – Granato – is highest rating of Tre Bicchieri, of three glasses.
 
History

Elisabetta Foradori’s grandfather, a Trentino lawyer, bought the estate in 1929, little more than a decade after the Italian-speaking Trentino and German-speaking Alto Adige were annexed by Italy from Austria following World War I. Her grandfather sold the wine in bulk, but her father, Roberto, started bottling in the 1960s. When he died of cancer, Elisabetta, his only child, was 11 years old. Eight years later, after studying oenology and agriculture, she took over the winery.

Before World War I, the region was part of Austria and most of the wine produced in the region was sold in Austria’s a capital. Business was good but that changed after World War II, when the region was annexed by Italy. When Elisabetta's grandfather bought the estate, it was in a state of bankruptcy. The estate has been in the hands of the Foradori family ever since. 
 
Professor Rainer Zierock

Very early on in her career, Elisabetta Foradori met German Professor Rainer Zierock, who had a major impact both on her private and business life. In 1984, when Elisabetta Foradori began her winemaker career, Trentino was dominated by large wine co-operatives planting international varieties such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon was fashionable. Rainer Zierock pushed her not to go the international varieties route, but to keep and to focus on the local varieties, including Teroldego. The professional relationship led to marriage and three children, Emilio, Theo and Myrtha, who was our host, and, sadly, separation only five years later.

Professor Rainer Zierock died in 2009. He taught a various universities and worked as consultant in various countries. Following his relationship with Elisabetta Foradori, he established Weingut Ansitz Dolomytos Sacker in Unterinn am Ritten in the 1990s, together with Margret Hubmann. The small estate (2.7 hectares with 150 different grape varieties) was designed by Rainer Zierock, with a strong influence of Greek mythology.

Biodynamics

In 2002, Elisabetta Foradori sprayed her first biodynamic preparations on her vineyards. She stopped fertilizing and tilling her vineyards, and instead started to encourage wild grass and weeds, which are mowed and raked into the soil. Based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, biodynamic agriculture and winemaking aim to strengthen ecosystems methods pegged to the phases of the moon.

Terra Cotta Amphoras

In 2008, Elisabetta Foradori started to ferment wine in terra cotta amphoras (large-scale vessels), a technique that dates to ancient Greek and Roman eras. It is one of the oldest winemaking methods in the world. Basically, you get the breathable qualities of wood without oak flavor. Today Elisabetta Foradori has about 150 upright amphoras in her underground cellar.

Single Vineyard Wines

In her most recent step, Elisabetta Foradori moved to single vineyard wines. She felt that with the biodynamic practice in the vineyard and the amphoras in the wine cellar, she had all the ingredients for making terroir-driven wines. Therefore she decided to make single vineyard wines from the Morei and Sgarzon vineyards – in amphoras. Morei and Sgarzon, both about 2 hectares, are located close to the Azienda Agricola Foradori’s vineyard. On the bottle, the vineyard names are printed in much larger letters than the grape variety Teroldego.

In addition, in 2007 Elisabetta Foradori took on an 8 hectares vineyard in poor condition just above Trento. The Fontanasanta vineyard was born, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc were uprooted and the local grape varieties Nosiola, Manzani Bianco and Teroldego planted.

In total, Elisabetta Foradori currently makes 4 single-vineyard wines in amphoras: A Manzoni Bianco und Nosiola from the Fontanasanta vineyard and 2 Teroldego wines from the Morei vineyard and the Sgarzon vineyard. 

7 Dave 2021 Barbera del Monferrato 

Balsamic Mushroom and Sausage Pasta

8 Angela 2013 Ciabot Berton Barolo  

pasta e fagioli



9 Christian 2015, Pio Cesare, Barolo, Alba, DOCG 

Lamb Chop Lollipop


See: Pio Boffa and the Wines of Pio Cesare, Piedmont, Italy

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Co-owner Pio Boffa, Pio Cesare, in Washington DC in 2010

Christian Schiller: This is a producer close to my heart.
 
When I retired and started my wine blog, a winemaker dinner with the wines of Pio Cesare was my first winemaker dinner I wrote about and it was the first time that I took a selfie from me and the winemaker. 
 
It was the late Pio Boffa, at the time the owner of Pio cesare, at Restaurant Teatro Goldoni on K Street in NW. 
 
The Teatro Goldoni is one of the opera houses and theatres of Venice. Restaurant Teatro Goldoni was at the time a very ambitious restaurant that wanted to be the new Café Milano, the place to “see and be seen” in Washington.

Pio Cesare:The estate was founded in 1881 by Cesare Pio, and is one of the oldest in the region and one of the first to export. It is still owned and run by his descendants. The cellar is located in the centre of Alba and its main walls date back to the Roman period.

The company owns 70 hectares of vineyards in the Barolo and Barbaresco regions. Fruit for Pio Cesare's wines is also sourced from managed vineyards under long term contracts.

At the dinner we had the 2005 Barolo, today we have the 2015 Barolo.

100% Nebbiolo

Vinification: In stainless steel tanks. Skin contact for about 20 days.

Ageing: In mid toasted French oak for 3 years: 70% in 20 to 50 hectoliters casks; 30% in barriques.

Tasting Notes of the 2015: A classic Barolo, ruby red in the glass with thick legs, eucalyptus, leather and mint with plum on the nose, full bodied wine with exotic aromas with tar, roses and white truffles on the palate, the tannins of the wine add texture and serve to balance, a wine with a long aging potential.

10 Karen 2019 Tenuta di Trinoro Le Cupole Rosso Toscana 

 Italian Braciole


11 Brian 2011 Batzella Peàn Bolgheri DOC Rosso (Toscano) 

porcini crusted pork loin


12 Roland 1995 Agricole Vallone Graticciaia Salento Rosso IGP Negroamaro Grape (Puglia)

Roasted Tarragon Beef Tenderloin Crostini

Roland Young:  Amarone style Negroamaro grape wine from Piglia. Vintage was 1995. Very limited production of around 200 cases.

Roland Young: Crostini with a cream cheese, fresh tarragon and horseradish spread, sliced Cornichons and medium rare roasted beef tenderloin with a scallion, brined crushed green peppercorns and fresh tarragon crust.


13 Fuad 2015 Giuseppe Campagnola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (Veneto)

Lamb meatballs in cherry sauce


14 Grant 2010 Giuseppe Campagnola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (Veneto)

blue cheese stuffed dates


15 Graydon 2022 Rinaldi Brachetto d’Acqui

Balsamic Strawberry Pazzo Cake with Herbed Creme Fraiche

16 Norm Carlo Martinez Marsala Fine Sweet DOC

Apple Pie


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Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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Picture: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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

Dear wine friends in the US and around the world,

I am very pleased to let you know about some very exciting wine tours this year:  

Late spring - early summer:
LOIRE VALLEY

Late summer - fall:
GERMANY CLASSIC:  Rhine-, Mosel-, Ahr-, Nahe-rivers
RHÔNE

LOIRE VALLEY: Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024 - Tour starts in Nantes and ends in Orléans 
 

What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Loire Valley’? Of course images of glorious Châteaux pop up in your mind. Yes that is true and we will visit some iconic château and dig deep into France’s history. However, during this wine tour we also discover a magnificent, but often overlooked French wine region and one of the most exciting best kept secrets of excellent, high quality wines at very reasonable prices. The Loire Valley wine region is a vast area and consists of several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations, and wine style. We take you on a journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Auvergne mountains to explore this unique region. We learn to appreciate “Sancerre”, "Pouilly-Fumé", “Vouvray", “Chinon”, as well as many other not so familiar appellations. 

GERMANY: the classic Rhein and Mosel regions: Tuesday, August 27 - Thursday, September 05, 2024: - Tour starts in Mainz and ends in Frankfurt.

We travel along the main wine arteries of Germany: the Rhine river, the Mosel river, and the much smaller Ahr and Nahe rivers. Roman, medieval, and modern history accompany us all the way and will help us to understand what German wine is all about. The beauty of the landscape, the steep vineyards, the romantic Rhine valley, the quaint villages, the stories behind the wineries and their families, and the gorgeous wines we will taste at world-renowned estates will give us a renewed understanding of German wines. This is Riesling country and the spot on the planet where the Riesling grape developed tausend years ago, and subsequently morphed into the best white wine grape for producing crisp, fruity, elegant, delicious wines. There is one exception: the tiny Ahr valley where Pinot Noir always was and still is king. If you are a Riesling fan, this is the ultimate tour for you.

RHÔNE: Sunday, October 13 - Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - Tour starts in Lyon and ends in Avignon.

We explore in detail the wines of the Rhône Valley. We start in vibrant, cool, sophisticated Lyon, the capital of Haut Cuisine. We stop in the Northern Rhône where names such as Côte Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage ring a bell. We follow the eponymous Rhône river south to Avignon, the city that was the seat of the papacy for the better part of the 14th century. We visit producers in Gigondas, Vacqueras, Châteauneuf du Pape, and experience the Provence when we visit Arles to trace the footsteps of van Gogh and the famous Pont du Gard, built by the Romans 2000 years ago.

The late spring / early summer tours are already well booked, so if you wish to come along don’t wait too long to register.

Please visit the website: https://ombiasypr.com/
Here you find all necessary information on the tours as well as the page to register. The itinerary of the Loire tour is not fixed. Since this is a new tour I have to vet the hotels, producers, restaurants, etc. I travel to the Loire next week and the final itinerary will be published on the website. For the time being I attach the draft for you to see how the tour is planned.

I wish all of your a very exciting, happy, peaceful, healthy Year 2024.
 
Annette

PS: Please do not hesitate to call, to message, or to send an email. I will answer any questions you may have.

Wine Tours - Wine Events - Wine Education
Annette Schiller, Diplom-Volkswirt
Washington DC - Frankfurt am Main
USA: +1 703 459 7513
GER: +49 -177 337 0281
 
Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling 
 
Pictures: Tasting in the Vineyard the Wines of Weingut Laquai in Lorch, Rheingau, with Gundolf Laquai, Owner and Winemaker

We spent 9 days (Monday, April 29, 2019 to Tuesday, May 7, 2019) touring 5 German wine regions (Rheingau, Mittelrhein, Mosel, Nahe and Rheinhessen), tasting fabulous wines, meeting world-renowned wine makers, and delving deep into German history and culture.

There were 12 of us, including Annette and Christian Schiller. This posting provides an overview. More specific postings focusing on individual events will follow (see list below). Most of the pictures are mine, but I have also used pictures which participants of the tour posted on facebook.



On the Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, we visited a total of 25 wineries in 5 different wine regions: Rheingau, the jewel in the crown, with its perfect, fuller bodied, racy Rieslings; Mittelrhein where the Rieslings grow on the steep slopes of the fortress- and castle-ribboned banks of the Rhine river; Mosel with its dizzying steep vineyards and famous elegant Rieslings; Nahe and its serene, peaceful valley where perfect harmonious wines reflect their roots, and Rheinhessen with its many young, up and coming, dynamic winemakers.

Annette Schiller: Our way of traveling allows wine lovers to fully experience authentic Germany. Drawing on our love and deep knowledge of Germany and close personal ties to many personalities in the wine scene, our small group visits many of the hidden gems that other tours pass by, but which are essential to comprehend what German wine is all about

Germany with its roughly 250,000 acres under vine belongs today to one of the smaller wine producing countries in the world. However, viticulture in Germany has a long tradition, going back to Roman times 2,000 years ago. In the 15th century, the area under vine was four times larger than it is today. Wars, subsequent loss of territory, diseases, overproduction, and competition from beer brewing resulted in land turned over to other agricultural uses. In the 19th century, concentration on terroir and technological progress fostered a tremendous improvement of quality and the prestige of German wines, in particular from the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz regions, resulting in prices above those for first growth Bordeaux wines. Today, all thirteen wine regions in Germany produce outstanding wines, and German Rieslings belong to the best white wines in the world.

Rheingau • Mittelrhein • Mosel • Nahe • Rheinhessen

Monday, April 29, 2019 – Tuesday, May 07, 2019

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling)

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Joachim Flick in Hochheim, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Wegeler in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Kloster Eberbach: Overnight-Stay, Dinner, Tour and Aperitif in the Steinberg Vineyard - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Wining in the Steinberg Vineyard– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Lunch, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau, with Owner Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen and Winemaker Arne Willkens - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Kaufmann in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Family-style Wine-pairing Lunch at Weingut Hans Lang - Kaufmann, with Owners/ Winemakers Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Sekt Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting in the Vineyard at Weingut Laquai in Lorch, Rheingau, with Gundolf Laquai - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch in Bacharach, Mittelrhein Region - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Vineyard Drive at Weingut Ratzenberger in Bacharach, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Rhine River Cruise in the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Franzen, Bremm, Terrassen-Mosel, with Angelina Franzen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Wine Dinner at Weingut Richard Böcking in Traben-Trarbach, Middle Mosel, with Owner Denman Zirkle - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, with Ernie Loosen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Weingut Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Mueller-Burggraef: Visit of the Doctorkeller and Tour and Tasting at the Winery, with Owner Matthias Willkomm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

The Wines of the Berncasteler Doctor, Bernkastel-Kues in the Mosel Valley, Germany

Lunch at Restaurant Juffer Flair of Weingut Christian Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Reinhold Haart in Piesport, Mosel, with Johannes Haart - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Peter Lauer in Ayl, Upper Mosel, Saar Valley, with Katharina Lauer and Peter Lauer - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at WEINrestaurant Ayler Kupp, Weingut Peter Lauer, Saar Valley - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Crusius, Traisen, Nahe, with Dr. Peter Crusius and his Daughter Judith Crusius - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Bischel in Appenheim, Rheinhessen, with Christian Runkel, Owner and Winemaker - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Guntrum is Back (Stuart Pigott/ James Suckling): Wine Pairing Lunch and Tour at Weingut Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Owners Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Mainlust “Desche Otto” – an Ultra Traditional Apple Wine Tavern, with an Innovative Twist, off the Beaten Track in Schwanheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
 
Summary: Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours - Wine, Culture and History, France








The Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours took place from June 20 - June 29, 2022. The group comprised 10 wine lovers including Annette and Christian Schiller.

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour December 2017: From Lyon to Avignon - Wine, Food, Culture, History

Understanding the Wines of the Rhône Valley: The Classification - AOC/ Vin de Pay/ Vin de France

The Rhône Wine Region in Southern France and its Wines: History, Classification, Northern and Southern Rhône

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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

Lunch at Le Bistro de Serine in Ampuis, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Hôtellerie Restaurant Beau Rivage in Condrieu, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Vins Jean-Luc Colombo with Anne Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine du Tunnel with Owner/ Winemaker Stéphane Robert in Saint-Peray, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Lunch at Restaurant Le Quai (Michelin/ Bib Gourmand) in Tain-l’Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting and Cellar Tour with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Maison Chabran - La Grand Table with Chef Louis Chabran and his Father Chef Michel Chabran in Pont d l’Isère, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Chaume-Arnaud with Owner/ Winemaker Valérie Chaume-Arnaud in Vinsobres, Southern Rhône- Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting with Alexandra Berthet-Rayne at Domaine André Berthet-Rayne in Cairanne, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting the Wines of Château de Beaucastel at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas with Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant L’Oustalet, 1 Star Michelin, in Gigondas, with Owner-chef Laurent Deconinck and Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine la Bouïssière, Gigondas, Southern Rhône, with Josiane Faravel - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Maison de Celou (Michelin Bib Gourmand) in Châteauneuf-de-Cadagne - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

In Les Baux de Provence: Visit of the Olive Oil Mill Moulin Castelas and Overnight Stay and Dinner Hôtel Le Mas de l’Oulivier - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Arles: Roman History and van Gogh - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

At the Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses and Sightseeing at the Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Avignon: Guided Tour of Pont Saint-Bénézet, the so-called ‘Pont d’Avignon’, and the Palace of the Popes - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine de la Solitude in Châteauneuf-du Pape with Owner/ Winemaker Florent Lançon - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard and Cellar Tour at Vignobles Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur, with Hélène Jaume in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Alain Jaume with Hélène Jaume at Domaine Grand Veneur in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pégau in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pégau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Winemaker Andreas Lenzenwöger - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Lunch at "La Mule du Pape" and Tour of the Ruins of the Summer Palace of the Popes - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting of Châteuneuf-du-Pape Wines at La Cave de Mathias with Mathias in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôstellerie du Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Climbers to the 5/5 Star Category - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

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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

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

Picture: Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 lists and evaluates about 500 wine producers and 4,000 wines. The best of the best are awarded five stars (out of five). Wines are rated according to the 100-point system.  

Postings

This is the 6th in a series of postings with regard to the Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024.

Germany's 35 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Climbers to the 5/5 Star Category - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Falstaff Wine Trophies 2024 - Nominations for Winemaker of the Year: Johannes Leitz, Gesine Roll (Weedenborn), Paul Schuhmacher

Winemaker of the Year: Gesine Roll, Weingut Weedenborn, Rheinhessen -Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Best German Winemakers: Falstaff Wine Trophies -  Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Two 100/ 100 Points Wines (both Noble-sweet) in the Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024Germany's 

35 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

See: Germany's 35 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Climbers 

There are 4 new members of the 5/5 star category. We have visited 3 of them on a recent Germany Tour by ombiasy led by Annette Schiller.

Meyer-Näkel, Ahr

23 hectares

75% Spätburgunder

Pictures: Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr, with Dörte Näkel– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) 
 
Ziereisen, Baden
 
21 hectares 
Mainly Spätburgunder and Gutedel (Chasselas)

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
 
Diel, Nahe
 
25 hectares 
Mainly Riesling
 

Picture: Christian Schiller with Armin and Caroline Diel at Schlossgut Diel. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

Pictures: Tasting with Sylvain Taurisson Diel at Schlossgut Diel, Nahe– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: In the Vineyards with Caroline Diel and Anouk. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany
 
Philipp Kuhn, Pfalz
 
57 hectares 
Mainly Riesling and Spätburgunder

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller




Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Riesling Pfalz Pechstein GC 2022, a Bone-dry, Ultra-premium Riesling from the Pfalz: #5 (= Top Ranking German Wine) on James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2023

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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: Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (Pfalz) 2022 Riesling Pechstein GC

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%. 

See: James Suckling: "Austria and Germany make some of the world’s most affordable great wines with single-vineyard designations" - 14 Wines from Austria (7) and Germany (7) on James Suckling Top 100 Wines 2023 List 

The top-ranking German wine is Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (Pfalz) 2022 Riesling Pechstein GC, a bone-dry ultra-premium Riesling from the Pfalz. We visited Weingut Dr. Bürklin Wolf in 2022 on an ombiasy tour.

Stuart Pigott
 
Austria and Germany is covered by Stuart Pigott. Stuart on his linked-in page:
 

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

#5 Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (Pfalz) 2022 Riesling Pechstein GC
 
No. 5 on our Top 100 Wines of the World 2023 is the Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Riesling Pfalz Pechstein GC 2022. It’s a dry riesling with mind-bending concentration and wet stone minerality. This astonishing wine conclusively proves that riesling can not only cope with climate change, but can shine in this challenging new context. And that is what it does to the highest degree at the endless finish of this. From biodynamically grown grapes.
 
Picture: Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (Pfalz) 2022 Riesling Pechstein GC
 
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  
 
This was a tasting only event at one of Germany's leading wine estates, Weingut Bürklin-Wolf in Wachenheim. We were seated at one of the tables on the terrasse, where Ricardo Korner, Manager of the Tasting Facilities, led us through the portfolio of Weingut Bürklin-Wolf. 

During the tasting, we were joined by owner Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze.  

See: 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

Weingut Bürklin-Wolf

Weingut Bürklin-Wolf was founded in 1597, but it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that it
reached its present size and worldwide fame at the hand of the privy councilor Dr. Albert Bürklin. 

With 212 acres of vineyards Bürklin-Wolf numbers among the largest and most renowned estates of Germany. It is a treasure trove of top-rated vineyard sites (9 Grand Cru and 6 Premier Cru sites in Wachenheim, Ruppertsberg, Forst, Deidesheim) in the unique landscape of the Mittelhaardt – and it is here where they produce top-quality Riesling in harmony with nature. 

The Estate has always been considered to be a pioneer and trailblazer for change in German viticulture. 

In 1990, Bettina, Dr. Albert Bürklin’s eldest daughter, who studied oenology, took over the estate from her parents, together with her husband Christian von Guradze. Their decision to classify the vineyards sites consulting century old classification maps and adopting the Burgundian tradition of vineyard classification (which is the new German wine law today since January 2020), as well as their decision to convert to biodynamic production methods was a revolutionary move in Germany. 

Joel Payne sums it up nicely: “In this discipline (dry Riesling), this estate has essentially no rival in all of Germany. In fact, given their sheer vineyard potential–they’re capable of producing nine grand crus and an equal number of premier crus in any given vintage–this may well be the best and most consistent producer of great dry Riesling in the world.” Joel B. Payne, Vinous, January 2013.

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

Tasting












schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller

 

Best German Bubblies - Vinum Deutscher Sekt Award 2023

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Pictures: Ultra-premium Sekt: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Griesel&Compagnie, Sekthaus Streit, Bensheim, with Winemaker Rachele Crosara - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

TheBuyer: Anne Krebiehl (MW), name three areas that you believe German wine is making greatest strides in and why?– 1. Sekt: As regular readers will know; fizz is close to my heart. Sekt was the last bastion of German wine to be given the quality treatment. In the 1960s and 70s a once thriving industry succumbed wholesale to mass-production of tank-fermented, easy Sekt and gave the once luxus-denoting term its tainted image. This is no longer the case: there is now world-class traditional method Sekt – still small in production but it does exist. This is where Germany has made the largest strides, especially in the past five years. The best thing about it: the very best bottles are still slumbering away in cool cellars, maturing on their lees. Rieslingsekt, in various styles, is a USP – something the world needs to learn about.

Sekt

Germany is one of the largest sparkling wine markets in the world. 500 million of the 2 billion bottles of sparkling wine produced in the world is consumed in Germany. Sparkling wine produced in Germany is called Sekt. Sekt is made in all German wine regions. All of the 5 production methods are used.

There are three groups of Sekt makers: (i) large and (ii) smaller Sekt Houses, which only make Sekt and (iii) winemakers, who make predominantly wine, but complement their wine selection by a few Sekts.

The Sekts produced by large Sekt estates tend to be in the demy-sweet and sweet range and made by using the Charmat Method, while the Sekts of smaller estates and winemakers are mostly in the brut and extra brut range, made according to the Méthode Champenoise.

At the top, premium and ultra-premium Sekts are made according to the Méthode Champenoise. To indicate that it is made like Champagne the label says "Traditionelle Flachengährung"/ Traditional Method. One of the rquirements is that it has aged on the lees in the bottle for at least 9 months on the lees.

"Winzersekt" is what is called "Grower Champagne" in Champagne, i.e. the grapes come from the producer's vineyard.

A Winzersekt is always a Deutscher Sekt/ Qualitätsschaumwein b.A. (bestimmter Anbaugebiete), a quality sparkling wine from a protected designation of origin wine region. Regional grape varieties like Riesling, Silvaner, and Pinot Noir are used.

On the other side of the quality spectrum, you find just "Sekt" on the label, made at least partially from imported wines from Italy, Spain and France. If it says "Deutscher Sekt", the grapes are all from Germany.

There are also lots of semi-sparkling wines (Perlwein), which can range from really cheap to excellent quality wines.

German production of sparkling wines dates back to the early 1800s, when G. C. Kessler & Co. was founded by Georg Christian Kessler, who had previously worked at the Champagne House Veuve Clicquot. Also, many (French) Champagne Houses have German origins, such as Bollinger, Mumm, Taitinger.

See also: Champagne, Sekt, Cava, Pét-Nat ...: Sparkling Wines around the World - A Primer

Vinum Deutscher Sekt Award 2023

The Vinum Deutscher Sekt Award is organized by Vinum, a leading German wine journal and the Verband der traditionellen klassischen Flaschenvergärer/ Association of Traditional Classic Bottle Fermenters.

The Vinum Deutscher Sekt Award was launched in 2017. Vinum just published the results of the 2023 contest.

Sekt Producer of the Year: Griesel & Compagnie

Vinum: Bereits im letzten Jahr reichte es für Griesel & Compagnie mit ihrem Chef Niko Brandner zum Titel als «Sekt-Erzeuger des Jahres» Und mit was für einer souveränen Vorstellung! Die Datenbank lügt einfach nicht, Griesel & Compagnie hat mit 11 Anstellungen in 5 verschiedenen Kategorien, mit maximal 96 Punkten und einem Top 3-Durchschnitt von 94 Punkten, alle Mitbewerber auf die Plätze verwiesen. Notabene: Auch im «VINUM Weinguide 2024» wird die Leistung des Teams um Niko Brandner gewürdigt, mittlerweile leuchten vier von fünf möglichen Sternen über dem Betrieb. Diese Leistung ist umso bemerkenswerter, da die Geschichte des Unternehmens gerade einmal 10 Jahre umfasst. Nahezu im Alleingang hievte Griesel & Compagnie die eher unscheinbare Region Hessische Bergstrasse auf die vinologische Landkarte. Das und die Leistung beim Sekt Award veranlasst Wettbewerbsleiter Harald Scholl, Chefredakteur VINUM Deutschland zu einem ungewöhnlichen Glückwunsch: «Niko, wir ziehen den Hut vor dieser Leistung! Was Dir in wenigen Jahren mit Griesel & Compagnie gelungen ist, dürfte nicht nur in der Sekt-Szene ziemlich einmalig sein!» 

Pictures: Ultra-premium Sekt: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Griesel&Compagnie, Sekthaus Streit, Bensheim, with Winemaker Rachele Crosara - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Sekt of the Year: Riesling Sekt Extra Brut Reserve Le Grand 2017 Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen, Sommerhausen

Vinum: Schon im letzten Jahr konnte sich ein Riesling-Sekt als «Sekt des Jahres» durchsetzen. In diesem Jahr gelang es dem «Riesling Sekt Extra Brut Reserve «Le Grand» 2017» vom fränkischen Schloss Sommerhausen, die Konkurrenz auf die Plätze zu verweisen. Mit 96 Punkten war der Sekt aus der Hand von Weingutsbesitzer Martin Steinmann das Maß aller Dinge. Die Verkoster notierten «… in der Nase geröstete Mandeln, etwas Kokos, Zitronenabrieb, eine Spur Joghurt. Am Gaumen mit überaus eleganter Perlage, feinwürzige Noten, saftig-animierende Säure. Wirkt elegant, in sich ruhend, zeigt nicht auf, enorm dicht, wunderbar belebender Nachhall. Ein Monument – und das zu diesem Preis.» Denn für rund 30,- Euro spielt dieser Sekt auch international gesehen in der 1. Liga mit.

Vintage-Sekt of the Year: Riesling Brut 100 2012 Frank John

Pictures: Tasting in the Courtyard and Cellar Tour with Frank John at Weingut Frank John in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Sektmacher Réserve 

Sekt Brut nature Reserve Le Grand Blanc 2017 Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen
Pinot Blanc de Noirs Brut Reserve 2013 Sekthaus Raumland
Kirchenstück Pinot Réserve Brut nature 2014 Sekthaus Raumland
Riesling Sekt Extra Brut Reserve Le Grand 2017 Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen
Riesling Sekt b. A. Brut nature Reserve Decade Grande Réserve 2011 Bamberger Wein- und Sektgut

Best Buy

Up to Euro 15

Pinot Brut 2019 Weingut Siegbert Bimmerle

Between Euro 15 and 25

Sekt Brut nature Blanc de Blanc Weingut Werther Windisch

More Than Euro 25

Rosé Extra Brut Prestige 2019 Griesel & Compagnie

Burgunder Sekte bis 36 Monate Hefelager (Sparklers from Pinot Noir, Blanc, Gris and Chardonnay up to 36 Months on the Lees)

1. Platz Sekt Extra Brut Lena Blanc de Noirs 2020 Sekthaus Singer-Fischer, Ingelheim

2. Platz Brut nature 2019 Weingut Klopfer, Weinstadt-Großheppach

3. Platz Pinot Brut 2019 Weingut Siegbert Bimmerle, Renchen

Burgunder Sekte bis 48 Monate Hefelager (Sparklers from Pinot Noir, Blanc, Gris and Chardonnay up to 48 Months on the Lees) 

1. Platz Sekt Brut nature Blanc de Blanc Weingut Werther Windisch, Mommenheim

2. Platz Sekt Brut Blanc de Blancs 2019 Weingut Franz Keller, Vogtsburg-Oberbergen

3. Platz Sekt Brut nature Reserve Le Grand Blanc – Sektmacher-Réserve 2017 Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen, Sommerhausen


Burgunder Sekte mehr als 60 Monate Hefelager (Sparklers from Pinot Noir, Blanc, Gris and Chardonnay more than 60 Months on the Lees) 

1. Platz Pinot Blanc de Noirs Brut Reserve 2013 Sekthaus Raumland, Flörsheim-Dalsheim

2. Platz Kirchenstück Pinot Réserve Brut nature 2014 Sekthaus Raumland, Flörsheim-Dalsheim

3. Platz Grande Cuvée Réserve 2014 Griesel & Compagnie, Bensheim

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

Riesling bis 48 Monate Hefelager (Riesling up to 48 Months on the Lees) 

1. Platz Riesling Sekt Brut Weingut Emrich-Schönleber, Monzingen

2. Platz Kallstadter Saumagen Riesling Sekt b. A. Brut EDITION 2020 Winzergenossenschaft Kallstadt eG, Kallstadt

3. Platz Riesling Brut 36 2019 Frank John, Neustadt an der Weinstraße 

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

Riesling ab 48 Monate Hefelager (Riesling more than to 48 Months on the Lees) 

1. Platz Riesling Sekt Extra Brut Reserve Le Grand 2017 Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen, Sommerhausen

2. Platz Riesling Brut 100 2012 Frank John, Neustadt an der Weinstraße

3. Platz Riesling Brut Jahrgangssekt 2014 Weingut Bibo Runge, Oestrich-Winkel-Hallgarten

Rosé

1. Platz Rosé Extra Brut Prestige 2019 Griesel & Compagnie, Bensheim

2. Platz Rosé Réserve Brut 2014 Sekthaus Raumland, Flörsheim-Dalsheim

3. Platz Pinot Rosé Brut nature Reserve Prestige 2017 Bamberger Wein- und Sektgut, Meddersheim

Other

1. Platz Silvaner Sekt b. A. Brut 2021 Weingut Horst Sauer, Escherndorf

2. Platz Silvaner Sekt Extra Brut 2019 Weingut Hans Wirsching, Iphofen

3. Platz Grüner Veltliner Sekt b. A. Brut 2020 Sektmanufaktur Schloss Vaux AG, Eltville

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

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller

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

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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 12th in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Germany's 20 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 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 - The Nominations

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

Vinum Nahe

In the Nahe,

there are 3 producers with 5 stars, there is 1 producer with 4.5 stars and there are 4 producers with 4 stars.  

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have visited all 3 producers with 5 stars and 4 of the 6 producers with 4 stars over the past years during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Nahe

(London Wine Competition)

The Nahe wine region is one of Germany’s 13 wine regions, known primarily for its Riesling grape varietals. In fact, Riesling now accounts for 27.2% of all wine produced in the Nahe region, more than twice as much as the next closest wine varietal (Müller-Thurgau, at 13.3%). Other popular wine varietals from Nahe include Dornfelder (11.0%), Silvaner (10.0%), Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. The split between white wines and red wines is approximately 75% to 25%.

The Nahe region is located along the River Nahe, which flows into the Rhine. Officially, Nahe is part of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.  Rich volcanic soils in the region help to account for the superior quality of the region’s wines. The Nahe region is subdivided into three smaller regions: the Upper Nahe, Bad Kreuznach, and Lower Nahe. In addition, the different valleys along the path of the river help to create different microclimates for growing grapes.

While the winemaking tradition of this region dates back to the ancient Roman era and existence of wine villages along the Nahe river have been recorded since the year 778, it was not until 1971 that Nahe was officially recognized as a unique wine region by German wine law.

Nahe might not be as well known as neighboring regions such as Mosel (located just 40 kilometers away), but Rieslings from the region have become increasingly known for their distinctive taste and flavor. Previously, grapes from Nahe were blended along with other German wine grapes and known collectively as “Rhine wine.”

Visiting Nahe Top Producers 

Dönnhoff - 5 Stars





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 - 5 Stars

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

Schäfer-Fröhlich - 5 Stars

Picture: Christian Schiller and Tim Fröhlich in Wiesbaden

Pictures: At Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau. See: Tasting at Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau, Nahe - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours


Diel - 4.5 Stars

Picture: Christian Schiller and Caroline Diel. See: Caroline and Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel (Nahe Valley), Presented their New Wines (Vintage 2012), Germany


Picture: Christian Schiller with Armin and Caroline Diel at Schlossgut Diel. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

Pictures: Tasting with Sylvain Taurisson Diel at Schlossgut Diel, Nahe– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: In the Vineyards with Caroline Diel and Anouk. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

Gut Hermannsberg - 4 Stars

Picture: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg in Niederhausen, Nahe – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Kruger-Rumpf - 4 Stars

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling  

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller

 

Cassoulet Dinner with Chef Jacques Imperato and Bordeaux Winemaker Lou Rochet, Chateau du Grand Bos in Graves, at La Cote d’Or Restaurant in Washington DC/ Falls Church, USA

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An annual tradition took a new twist this year as we enjoyed Chef Jacques Imperato’s incomparable Cassoulet Feast with winemaker Lou Rochet and her family’s Bordeaux wines from Chateau du Grand Bos in Graves.  

With two lighter courses and a scrumptious dessert framing the hearty cassoulet, you did not leave hungry! What is cassoulet?  It's a rich, deeply flavored, casserole of meats like garlicky sausage, duck confit, pork and more buried in creamy white beans.  While found all over southern France, its most famous home is in Toulouse where the deep, round, earthenware pot with slanting sides called a "cassoulet" gave its name to the dish.

At La Cote d’Or Restaurant in Falls Church, Chef Jacques’s interpretation of cassoulet has been delighting us for years. Ed and Barbara Addiss of Wine Traditions helped select the matching wines for each course. This year we explored the wines of a terrific Graves producer, Chateau du Grand Bos with the winemaker, Lou Rochet. Lou shared a bit of history of the estate her father founded, showcased two wonderful “traditional” Bordeaux, and also shared two very “non-traditional” wines, one a white done with minimal sulfur and the other a red crafted as a three vintage blend.





Wine Dinner

Bay scallops and Persimmon Ceviche, shallot fondue, chives oil, seaweed baby salad
Ch du Grand Bos Graves Blanc 2020




Oysters gratinée, white wine cream sauce, leek and fennel
Ch du Grand Bos Nat'20 2022




 
Jacques’ Cassoulet
Ch du Grand Bos Graves Rouge 2019
Ch du Grand Bos en 3 Temps NV (a three-vintage blend)











Mango Tatin, apricot coulis, amaretti, crème fraiche
Ch La Clotte-Cazalis Sauternes 2015



Bye-bye

Thank you for a great evening with outstanding food and wines.


schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller

German Wine Tasting at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA, Presented by Annette Schiller

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At the Initiative of Astrid Jakobs, Minister Counselor for Food and Agriculture, German Embassy in Washington DC, and organized by the Agricultural Department of the German Embassy, a "The Wines of Germany" Masterclass, led by Annette Schiller, Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours, took place at the German Embassy in Washington DC on Friday, January 26, 2024.

By invitation only. The paticipants were mainly US Government Officials and Agricultural Department counterparts from other embassies in Washington DC.

We tasted 8 wines, all available in the Washington DC market. The selection was determined by a number of factors, including: budget constraint of the Embassy, availability in the local market, objective of providing an overview of what is going on in terms of German wine today.

Annette poured 2 red wines, 1 sparkling wine, 4 dry white wines and 1 fruity sweet white wine, from various regions, including Baden, Nahe, Rheinhessen, Rheingau, Pfalz, Mosel. One of the wines was a premium "Landwein" (Vin de Pays).

The wines were bought at Schneider's of Capitol Hill, Weygandt Wines,MacArthur Beverages and Total Wine & More (McLean).

Plus, there was a bonus wine from Saxony - from the former East Germany - from our cellar, which Annette Schiller and I hand-carried from Dresden Weingut Schloss Wackerbarth to Washington DC.

Annette Schiller

The Tasting

The tasting took place at the German Embassy in Washington DC.

The paticipants were mainly US Government Officials and Agricultural Department counterparts from other embassies in Washington DC.






















The Wines

Annette poured 2 red wines, 1 sparkling wine, 4 dry white wines and 1 fruity sweet white wine, from various regions, including Baden, Nahe, Rheinhessen, Rheingau, Pfalz, Mosel. One of the wines was a premium "Landwein" (Vin de Pays).

Plus, there was a bonus wine from Saxony - from the former East Germany - from our cellar, which Annette Schiller and I hand-carried from Dresden Weingut Schloss Wackerbarth to Washington DC.

 










Purchasing the Wines

The wines were bought at Schneider's of Capitol Hill, Weygandt Wines,MacArthur Beverages and Total Wine & More (McLean).





schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller



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

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CORRECTION: The graphic above released by Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 is faulty. Weingut Rings was pomoted from 4.5 stars to 5 stars and should be listed in the top category.

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. 

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

Postings

This posting is the 13th in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Germany's 20 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 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 - The Nominations

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

Pfalz - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

In the Pfalz region, there are 3 producers with 5 stars and 2 producers with 4.5 stars in the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024.

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have met 3 of these 5 producers at various occasions over the past 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.

Pfalz

(London Wine Competition)

Palatinate is the second-largest of the 13 German wine regions. Prior to the early 1990s, it was known officially as Rhine Palatinate. The wine region of Palatinate and the federal state of Palatinate overlap, but the wine region accounts for only 5% of the total area of the much larger federal state. The region of Palatinate consists of an 80-kilometer stretch of wine growing land.

Overall, 45 different types of white grapes and 22 different types of red grapes are grown in Palatinate. The mix between white wine varietals and red wine varietals is 61/39. By far, the most popular varietal is Riesling, which accounts for 23.2% of all wine produced in Palatinate. In addition, Dornfelder (13.5%), Müller-Thurgau (9.8%), Blauer-Portugieser (9.3%) , and Spatburgunder (6.8%) are popular wine varieties.

Wine grapes have been grown in Palatinate since the ancient Roman era. In fact, some Roman landhouses having been discovered in the region. It is only since the 1980s, however, that Palatinate has started to appear on the radar of international wine enthusiasts.

In terms of climate, Palatinate is known as one of the warmest, driest and sunniest German wine regions. By way of comparison, the local microclimate is similar to Alsace in France (located to the south) and Baden in Germany (located to the east).

A popular wine drink in Palatinate consists of local wines mixed with sparkling water to form “schorle.” This wine drink is typically consumed in a special glass known as the dubbeglas that hold either 1/2-liter or 1/4-liter of liquid. Each wine-producing city or village in Palatinate typically hosts a wine festival each year, where both wine and “schorle” are consumed.

Visiting Pfalz Producers

Bürklin Wolf - 5 Stars

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: Germany-South and Alsace 2022 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Knipser - 5 Stars

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

Ökonomierat Rebholz - 5 Stars

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 

Rings - 5 Stars

 


Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Andreas Rings at Weingut Rings (VDP) in Freinsheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andreas Rings - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Christmann - 4.5 Stars

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

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller

 

4 Days in Schwabing, Munich, Germany, with Via and Erni (January/ February 2024)

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Annette and I spent 4 nights in Munich. More specifically, we were in Schwabing.We stayed in the townhouse of Chris and Cornelia and took care of our grandchildren Viatrix and Ernst, while Chris and Cornelia went to Rome. We arrived on January 28, 2024 and left on February 1.

Arriving on Sunday January 28, 2024

Munich - beer!





Bavarian International School

During the day, Viatrix and Ernst were at school, which is about 1 mile away on Leopoldstrasse.


At School in the Library


Krapfen

On the way back from school, sometimes by tram (just 2 stops), Via and Erni would like to stop for a Krapfen (donut).


Taking the Tram


Weinbauer in Schwabing

The first evening alone with the kids we went to dinner at Weinbauer, a traditional Bavarian beer tavern. I had an excellent Weissburgunder from Franken, the only German wine region which is in Bavaria.











Tantris

Tantris, the legendary restaurant, where German Nouvelle Cuisine was borne 50 years ago, is very close to the school of Viatrix and Ernst.




Felix Haibach

Annette's friend Felix Haibach came by for a drink and joined us for dinner.



Sushi at Fuikaiten

At the request of Erni, one evening we had dinner at a Japanese restaurant ("running sushi").






Werneckhof Sigi Schelling

Chef Sigi Schelling, who for many years was the #2 at the Tantris, recently opened her own restaurant in Schwabing. 1 star Michelin. On our "to do list".


Schwabing




Last Evening: Salmon at Home





schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller 

German Wine Tasting at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA, Presented by Annette Schiller

Plateau des Fruits de Mer and a Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie at Historic Brasserie Cigale in Nantes, Loire Valley, France (February 2024)

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In preparation of the forthcoming Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours, Annette and I spent a night in Nantes, where the tour starts. We stayed at Hotel de France, where the group will stay and had dinner at Brasserie Cigale, where the group will have dinner. 

LOIRE VALLEY: Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024 
 
The tour starts in Nantes and ends in Orléans  
 




Annette Schiller: What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Loire Valley’? Of course images of glorious Châteaux pop up in your mind. Yes that is true and we will visit some iconic château and dig deep into France’s history. However, during this wine tour we also discover a magnificent, but often overlooked French wine region and one of the most exciting best kept secrets of excellent, high quality wines at very reasonable prices. The Loire Valley wine region is a vast area and consists of several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations, and wine style. We take you on a journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Auvergne mountains to explore this unique region. We learn to appreciate “Sancerre”, "Pouilly-Fumé", “Vouvray", “Chinon”, as well as many other not so familiar appellations. 

Hotel de France

This 4-star hotel in the center of Nantes, built during the 18th century and recently completely renovated, charmed us with its history, its architecture, its comfort and its bar.



Afternoon Walk

Nantes is a big city and the afternoon walk was quite interesting.




Dinner at Brasserie La Cigale

The restaurant was designed by Émile Joseph Libaudiere in the exaggerated Art nouvou style of the era. On 1 April 1895, the brasserie was opened for business by its first owner, Mrs. Calado.

From the beginning the restaurant attracted a bourgeois clientele that mixed with artists from the nearby theater.  Scenes from several films were shot there.  

Brasserie La Cigale has been clasified as a monument historique.




3-course Menu and Plateau des Fruits de Mer

Annette had a 3-course menu while I had a plateau des fruits des mer. Annette had a glass of Crémant de Loire Brut and I a glass of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie as aperitif.

The Wine: Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie

tastings.com: Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie refers to a dry white wine from France’s Loire Valley, produced from the Melon de Bourgogne, grape, sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Muscadet grape.

There are three districts that can produce Muscadet Sur Lie (aged on its lees), with Muscadet Sèvre et Maine being the largest and most famous. It is situated southeast of Nantes and is named for two local rivers, the Sèvre Nantaise and the Petite Maine. The soils here are quite rocky, with deposits of quartz and granite.

The typical Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie is medium-bodied with a green/straw color with gold reflections. Most are not aged in wood, but have notable texture, thank to the sur lie aging. Acidity is quite good in most years, and because of the soil composition, there is a distinct minerality to theses wines. While they are immediately accessible upon release, most examples drink well for 5-7 years.

The classic pairing for Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie is shellfish, especially oysters. It also works well with seafood salad, crab or goat cheese – the tangier, the better! 


Annette: 3-course Menu


Christian: Plateau des Fruits de Mer

Brasserie Cigale offers 3 different seafood plates, for Euro 45, 59 and 75. I took the middle one.









Back to the Hotel 

Next Day: Breakfast with a Gâteau Nantais

This rich yet simple cake has been a specialty in the western French city of Nantes since the 18th century. It’s a tasty mixture of sugar, almonds, butter and Antilles rum from the Antille islands.



Château des Ducs de Bretagne

The Château des ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) is a large castle in Nantes. It served as the centre of the historical province of Brittany until its separation in 1956. It was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany between the 13th and 16th centuries, subsequently becoming the Breton residence of the French Monarchy.

We might visit it on the Loire Tour 2024 in June.



schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller 

German Wine Tasting at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA, Presented by Annette Schiller

Announcement: Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours (Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024)

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Dear wine friends,

I just got back from a 10 day trip to the Loire Valley verifying hotels, meeting many wine domaine owners, checking out restaurants and finding the best travel routes.

I am still glowing about the hospitality of the people I met, the stunning beauty of the châteaux, my amazement at the skills in the 14th, 15th, 16th century to create such huge, impressive buildings, and the exceptional high quality of the wines across the board. I learned to love Cabernet Franc from the Saumur-Champigny region. These wines are simply delicious, the tannins are tamed and the fruit is just beguiling. Of course I also visited some of the magnificent châteaux and even stayed a couple of nights in a small château to completely “feel” the Loire Valley and its incredible history (we will stay there too on the wine tour). The Loire river was wild at this time of the year and had overflowed its banks in large areas.

The Loire Valley is a huge wine region spanning from Muscadet in the west to Sancerre in the east bordering the Burgundy region and then south to the Auvergne mountains parallel to southern Beaujolais and the Côte Rôtie. This vast region has about 185,000 acres of vineyards, most of which are on the hillside banks of the river. The Loire Valley is home to 87 appellations and produces wines of a sheer diversity of styles and varietals, ranging from bone dry to sticky sweet dessert wines, red, white, rosé, vinified in both still and sparkling format. Signature grapes are Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc for the whites and Cabernet Franc for the reds. However, there are several autochthonous varieties which are worth exploring and which we will learn to appreciate on this trip. 

The Loire Valley’s viticulture is steeped in history and still today has a cohesive artisan wine culture. It respects tradition but is at the same time dynamic and experimental. It is the Loire wine region where biodynamic wine production took off and subsequently this region has become the spiritual home of natural winemaking. Currently three quarters of wineries and about 80% of the vineyards have achieved some sort of environmental accreditation.

I am about to finishing up the final itinerary and it should be on my website by the end of this week. I have two rooms (sgl or dbl occupancy) left for this trip. You can sign up on my website: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/wine-tours/loire/loire-registration

FALL WINE TOURS:

GERMANY: the classic Rhein and Mosel regions: Tuesday, August 27 - Thursday, September 10, 2024: The tour starts in Mainz and ends in Frankfurt.

We travel along the main wine arteries of Germany: the Rhine river, the Mosel river, and the much smaller Ahr and Nahe rivers. Roman, medieval, and modern history accompany us all the way and will help us to understand what German wine is all about. The beauty of the landscape, the steep vineyards, the romantic Rhine valley, the quaint villages, the stories behind the wineries and their families, and the gorgeous wines we will taste at world-renowned estates will give us a renewed understanding of German wines. This is Riesling country and the spot on the planet where the Riesling grape developed tausend years ago, and subsequently morphed into the best white wine grape for producing crisp, fruity, elegant, delicious wines. There is one exception: the tiny Ahr valley and Assmanshausen in the Rheingau where Pinot Noir always was and still is king. If you are a Riesling fan, this is the ultimate tour for you.

RHÔNE:  Northern and Southern Rhône: Sunday, October 13 - Wednesday, October 23, 2024: The tour starts in Lyon and ends in Avignon.

Join us as we explore in detail the wines of the Rhône Valley. We start in vibrant, cool, sophisticated Lyon, the capital of Haut Cuisine. We stop in the Northern Rhône where names such as Côte Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage make us crave a glass of wine. We follow the eponymous Rhône river south to Avignon, the city that was the seat of the papacy for the better part of the 14th century. We stop in Châteauneuf du Pape. We do a side-kick to the gorgeous Dentelles de Montmirail where we find the wines of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Séguret, and the sweet wines of Rasteau. The southern Rhône belongs to Provence. Provence: this immediately ignites a deep yearning for the fragrance coming from Lavender fields, for the special light the Impressionist artists masterfully captured in their paintings, for a very special "savoir vivre", and for the dark red, fruity, spicy wines.

Don’t hesitate to contact me via telephone, WhatsApp or email for any questions you may have. I am happy to speak with you.  I am currently in Germany. I return to the US on February 27. 

Enjoy the President's Day holiday weekend.

Best
Annette

Wine Tours - Wine Education - Wine Events
Annette Schiller, Diplom-Volkswirt
Washington DC - Frankfurt am Main
USA: Ph and WhatsApp +1 703 459 7513
GER: Ph and WhatsApp +49 -177 337 0281
Office:
6404 Woodsong Ct
McLean, VA 22101 - USA

Postings on Schiller-wine Related to the Upcoming 2024 Loire Trip by ombiasy WineTours

This is the third in a series of postings on Schiller-wine Related to the February 2024 Loire Trip: 

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

Plateau des Fruits de Mer and a Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie at Historic Brasserie Cigale in Nantes, Loire Valley, France (February 2024) 

Impromptu Fare-well Party at Desche Otto, Schwanheim, Frankfurt, Germany: Sending Katharina and Diego off to Mexico City (January 2024)

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My daughter Dr. Katharina-Sanchez got a new job. Starting on February 1, 2024, she is working at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico City. 

Katharina and Diego in Mexico City:



Before flying over to Mexico, Annette, Katharina, Diego and I (with Petra) spent an evening at Desche Otto, which turned out to be a spectacular send-off party. Katharina Schiller on facebook: We're moving to Mexico City! Had a fantastic impromptu send-off with my parents at our local, the Desche-Otto in Schwanheim.


   

  



Chef Willy, Apfelwein, Handkäs and Champagne

Chef Willy was in the kitchen that day. 

We had traditional local food with a melange of Apfelwein, Spätburgunder from Germany and Champagne.






schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

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

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

20 Best Washington DC (USA) Alcohol Blogs + Websites (December 31, 2023): #3 schiller-wine by Christian Schiller 

German Wine Tasting at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA, Presented by Annette Schiller

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