In preparation of the forthcoming Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours, Annette and I spent 2 nights in Angers in order to visit various wine fairs. 

Salons des Vins - with a Focus on Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Low Intervention Wines - in Angers and Samour

There were several wine fairs in the region in early February. At least 3 are noteworthy and we went to 2 of them:  

(1) The Salon des Vins Grenier Saint Jean, a wine fair with natural wine producers at the Le Grenier Saint Jean in Angers. 

250 producers. I guess 25% of the producers were from the Loire, 50% from other French wine regions and 25% from other European countries, including 4 producers from Germany. The fair took place in 2 large halls.

(2) Salon Angers Loire dégusT’

The Salon Angers Loire degusT' 2024 - with about 600 producers - consisted of 3 salons des vins: 

Salon des Vins Demeter (100 demeter certified producers), La Levée de la Loire (300 bio producers) and Salon des Vins de Loire (200 regular producers). 

(3) La Dive Bouteille in Saumur

We did not attend La Dive Bouteille, which bills itself as the world’s largest annual natural wine fair. But Kevin Pike of Schatzi Wines in the USA did.

Room 1

      

   

 

Room 2

While our focus was on producers from the region for the forthcoming Loire 2024 Tour by Ombiasy, we also made room in our schedule for meeting old friends and #worldclass producers from Germany and Austria showcasing their wines there: Peter Jakob Kühn, Meinklang- Werner Michlits,Frank John, Clemens Busch. We also stopped at Domaine Flo Busch.   

Weingut Clemens Busch

   

Weingut Frank John

Mainklang - Werner Michlitz

Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn

Oysters

Salon Angers Loire dégusT’

(February 5 and 6 in Angers)

The Salon Angers Loire degusT' 2024 - with about 600 producers - consisted of 3 salons des vins: Salon des Vins Demeter (100 demeter certified producers), La Levée de la Loire (300 bio producers) and Salon des Vins de Loire (200 regular producers).

Germany

La Dive Bouteille

(February 4 and 5 in Saumur) 

We did not attend La Dive Bouteille. Broken Palate (Jason Wilson 2020): I was thinking about dumb phases during my visit last week to the Loire Valley, where I attended La Dive Bouteille, which bills itself as the world’s largest annual natural wine fair. It’s held in the town of Saumur, with more than 200 natural winemakers from throughout Europe, pouring their wines deep in the labyrinthine, troglodyte cellar of Caves Ackerman.

The fair itself was fun. Natural wine has become its own subculture at this point and so the laziest of observations would be, “there are more tattoos and piercings and whatnot than at a usual wine fair!” Yes, duh. I found that myself and others, particularly the men, hewed to a certain natural wine uniform: beard and/or man bun, hoodie, flannel, beanie, shoes we believe to be cool. For lack of imagination, let’s call it the “aging skateboarder” look. 

The atmosphere was different than a typical, staid wine fair where trade and journalists politely taste and spit and there’s usually a color-coded map with table numbers and professional signage. La Dive Bouteille is loud, dark, and you can barely read the hand-scrawled white posters with winery names taped to the walls. And people are drinking. At 6 o’clock, the entire fair takes over a wine bar in the center of Saumur called La Tonnelle. 

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

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

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 

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

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

Annette and I went for the 6-course menu for Euro 120, prepared by Chef Swen Bultmann and his team. Annette and I agreed if we were Michelin testers, we would give it a Michelin star. Currently, the restaurant is Michelin-listed. You could also go for the menu with 3, 4, 5 courses or eat à la carte, what our neighbors did. They had the "Ganze Seezunge am Tisch filetiert fuer 2 Personen" (Euro 88).

The wine list is impressive, put together by highly-regarded Sommelier Sybille Bultmann, Swen's wife. It totals 36 pages with the focus on wines from the Pfalz and other German wine regions as well as on France, including a strong selection of wines from the Loire Valley .

Annette and I chose an ultra-premium German Sekt from Christmann-Kaufmann from the Pfalz - Cuvee 203 - and a 2016 Cabernet Franc Domaine des Roches Neuves from Saumur-Champigny in the Loire valley, both for about Euro 90.

The ultra-premium Sekt, a cooperation of Weingut Christmann and former Bollinger Chef de Cave M. Kaufmann, is currently only available in selected restaurants, including Atable of Swen and Sybille Bultmann.

The restaurant is part of a wonderful hotel in an old building, also run by Sybille and Swen and we finished our visit there with a very nice breakfast this morning. An hour later we were back in Frankfurt am Main.

Michelin

Schön liegt das "Amtshaus" in der sehenswerten Altstadt von Freinsheim, umgeben von der Stadtmauer. Über den Innenhof samt idyllischer Terrasse gelangen Sie in das chic-elegante Restaurant mit seinem von Säulen getragenen weißen Kreuzgewölbe. Küchenchef Swen Bultmann bietet saisonal inspirierte klassisch-französische Gerichte aus sehr guten Produkten. Dazu eine schöne umfangreiche Weinauswahl. Geschmackvolle Gästezimmer hat man ebenfalls - wie im Restaurant fügt sich auch hier moderner Stil toll in den historischen Rahmen ein. 

Wolfgang Fassbender in the NZZ 

Dinner

6-course Menu

Bye-bye

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

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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 

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

While we were in Angers to prepare the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTous, we had dinner at the Les Petits Prés right in the center of Angers. 

"Top Chef France" winner Samuel Albert is the owner and executive chef of this restaurant (and two other restaurants in Angers).  

The place was packed but we were lucky to get two seats at the kitchen counter.  

Sitting at the kitchen counter, we had the chance to observe the cooking of Samuel and his team from very close and also had the opportunity to talk quite a bit with the famous chef. 

See: Salons des Vins - all with a Focus on Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Low-intervention Producers in the Loire Valley and elsewhere in France and Europe - in February in Angers and Samour, Loire Valley, France (February 2024)

We will be back in June 2024 with the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTous. I am sure Chef Samuel Albert will prepare a fantastic dinner for us.

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

  

   

Chef Samuel Albert

Born and raised in Soucelles, France, Samuel Albert is the Executive Chef and owner of Les Petits Prés in Angers, a restaurant based in his family’s home where he took his first steps in the kitchen. Known for his meticulous plating, his cuisine pushes the boundaries of French and Japanese fusion. Samuel trained under Joël Robouchon in Monaco and London before traveling the globe to perfect his skills working in renowned restaurants in Australia, Switzerland and Shanghai. He also served as the Executive Chef for the Belgium Embassy in Tokyo. As the winner of “Top Chef France” Season 10, Chef Samuel’s culinary achievements have also garnered him the honor of the Order of the Belgian Crown.

Dinner 

Samuel Albert: La carte des Petits Prés c'est l'expression de la cuisine de Samuel Albert, une cuisine fusion entre l'Europe, l'Asie et l'Amérique. Une cuisine faite à base de produits du terroir issus de ses origines angevines et agrémentée des saveurs rapportées de ses voyages.

Wine

The wine list is extensive and special in that it lists only wines certified as natural, organic or biodynamic and the list shows the certification.

We chose a bubbly Loire white by the glass followed by a bottle of Château de Parnay.

Nicolas Pearce Wines: Château de Parnay is the flagship of the AOC Saumur Champigny and a leading Loire producer. The property is located along the Loire river, classified as UNESCO World Heritage, on the most reputable clay and limestone terroirs of the appellation. The historic property was taken over by Mathias Levron & Régis Vincenot in 2006 with the aim of restoring the nobility of this special place.

Drawing their strength from the authenticity of their values, they now cultivate 50 hectares of vines with the aim of producing exceptional wines in a way that respects the environment. They have been certified organic since 2013 and are about to be certified biodynamic too.

Food

Conversation and Observation

Bye-bye

We will be back in June 2024 with the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours.

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

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

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 

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

...Up nextfor March . . . one of our favorite presenters, Annette Schiller, will be leading us through the Wines of the Loire Valleyin France. Annette has just returned from a 10 day "scouting" trip throughout the Loire where she was meeting owners and winemakers in preparation for a small group wine tour that she will be leading there in June.  I'm sure that she will be incorporating some of the wines she discovered on this trip into her presentation.  I'm excited to hear her and taste the selection of Loire Valley wines that she has curated....

Here are some pictures from the trip:

  

   

Recent Postings on Schiller-wine Related to the Loire Valley Wines

 

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)

 

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

 

Salons des Vins - all with a Focus on Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Low-intervention Producers in the Loire Valley and elsewhere in France and Europe - in February in Angers and Samour, Loire Valley, France (February 2024)

 

Dinner at the Kitchen Counter of Les Petits Prés, Angers, Loire Valley, France, with Star Chef Samuel Albert (February 2024)

See also: 40th Anniversary of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2019/10/40th-anniversary-of-weinfreundeskreis.html 

 

Hochheimer Weinfreundeskreis/ facebook 

Bordeaux Trip September 2012, France http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2012/09/bordeaux-trip-september-2012-france.html

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2015/06/bourgogne-tour-by-ombiasy-winetours.html

Alsace Tour 2019 with the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, France http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2019/09/alsace-tour-2019-with-weinfreundeskreis.html

See also:  

Christian G.E. Schiller Leads Tasting of US-American Wines in Hochheim, Germany http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2010/12/christian-ge-schiller-leads-tasting-of.html 

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

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

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 

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

 

Liv Vincendeau/ Raw Wine New York

Liv Vincendeau: I created the Domäne back in 2014 in a little beautiful village called Rochefort sur Loire. We are a 1.5 hours train ride South West of Paris.. Organic agriculture from day 1 because I grew up like that!. It is a philosophy, a way of life. Vineyards sitting on top of the hill south of the Loire, looking down on this beautiful river and receiving a wonderful climate with some ocean influence (Atlantic just 1 hour away). Very superficial and stony soil. Special Terroir, schiste, quartz, volcanic stones, ...Dry farming and 100% hand harvest. Horse power and sheep too. Mainly Chenin blanc but a bit of red grapes : Cabernet France and Grolleau Noir. We then started the biodynamic way of cultivating our land. Demeter certification followed in 2020. We are a family winery and are working with local & very motivated staff. Our credo is to make elegant, pure wines with love and a lot of attention to the detail. I am very excited to meet everyone at Raw !! From Rochefort with Love

Chambers Street Wines (Eben Lillie): Earlier this year, while researching new winemakers in the Loire, I stumbled upon some information about Domäne Vincendeau, an estate in Anjou that began producing wines in 2014. At the helm of this new estate was not the usual 30-something French guy living in his van, but instead a woman from Germany named Liv Vincendeau, who settled in Rochefort-sur-Loire with her husband in 2013. I met Liv in January and was immediately impressed with her enthusiasm and friendliness. She was excited to share her wines, and explain the decisions she made in each vintage, and though she is a relative newcomer to the region, her knowledge about the grapes and soils of the Loire Valley was on par with any second or third generation winemaker I've met. In June I had a chance to visit her in Rochefort-sur-Loire, to see the vineyards and cellar. From high up on a hill above the Loire, we could see for miles, across the river to Savennieres in the distance. It's a great spot with good soils, and it was obvious to me that Liv had already developed a love for the place and the people, and a deep connection to her vines. 

Liv came to the Loire valley in the early 2000s, with the idea to study winemaking and eventually form her own domaine. In 2013, she and her husband discovered an old house for sale at the base of the Loire river in Rochefort-sur-Loire, and with a little research, Liv found a few small parcels above the town. She quickly got to work converting the vineyards to organic farming. In an effort to minimize their carbon footprint, she chose to work the soil with a horse instead of a tractor (and she even drives an electric car!).

Most of Liv's parcels are Chenin Blanc, ranging from 10-80 years old, some Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and a newly planted parcel of Grolleau that she's quite excited about. The sub-soil is mostly schist  (who doesn't love Chenin on schist?!) and the vineyards are littered with pieces of green and purple schist, quartz, and other mineral deposits. Winemaking is low-intervention, always indigenous yeast, with small amounts of sulfur added typically only at bottling. The wines are new classic expressions of the Loire, and we're proud to be able to share them with you!

Roni Selects (USA Importer)

The wines of Liv Vincendeau are represented in the USA by Roni Selects.  

Roni Selects: Liv Vincendeau came to the Loire in 2000 with the idea of studying winemaking and eventually having her own domain. She moved from Germany and eventually settled in Rochefort sur Loire when she and her husband found an old farmhouse for sale. Quickly she found a small parcel at the top of the town and immediately started the work of converting the vineyard to organic. Most of Liv’s parcels are Chenin Blanc, ranging from 10-80 year old vines. There is some Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Grolleau. The soil is mostly schist with mineral deposits scattered all over the vineyard. Liv believes in low-interventionist winemaking using naturally occurring yeast and minimal sulphur. 

Le Carré du Puits 

We bought 6 bottles of the 2019 Le Carré du Puits.

 

Liv Vincendeau: "Le Carré du Puits is a project on its own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX6RZedrahM One plot, planted in 1941 – we have started a selection massale from this vine now and plant all chenin with that selection. The yield is tiny, lower than 10 hl/ha in general but we insist in keeping and continuing to renovate this vineyard (complantation..). We collaborate with a local farmer who comes with his horse to work the soil. We chose a long ageing in barrels to reveal it’s caracter. It is a very structured, mature, expressive wine." 

VINTAGE: 2018
REGION: Loire Valley, France/AOC Anjou Blanc
GRAPES: Chenin Blanc
YEASTS: Native with pied de cuve
MACERATION: Direct press
FERMENTATION: Barrel, malo
AGED FOR: 1.5 years in barrel before bottling, 1-2 years in bottle
FILTRATION: Diatomaceous earth
FARMING: Biodynamic, dry farmed
ALCOHOL CONTENT: 14.5%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2g
ADDED SO2: 32ppm
VINE AGE: 16 years
SOIL: Schist, volcanic, quartz
TOTAL PRODUCTION: 1000 bottles
VOLUME: 750mL
DOMÄNE VINCENDEAU

Meeting Liv at the Salon des Vins Grenier Saint Jeanin Angers

Meeting Liv at Domäne Vincendeau in Rochefort sur Loire

Bye-bye Liv

See you in June during the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours.

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

       

  

        

  

   

Desche Otto of Louie und Claudia is "ma cantine" (as the Frensch would say), when I am in Frankfurt, Germany. 

On Saturday February 16, 2024, Desche Otto turned Honky Tonk, with the Texa House Band playing American country musis. As good as on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. In fact, the fiddle-player is an American from Louisiana. 

See: An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2023/12/an-evening-in-honky-tonks-of-nashville.html 

In terms of food, Annette and I liked Willy's Down Home Heringssalat.

In terms of drinks, it was "melange" of House "Apfelwein" in a "Bembel, a German Spätburgunder from Weingut Matthias Gaul and Champagne (Annette). 

See: Tasting with Anne and Matthias Gaul at Weingut Matthias Gaul in Grünstadt-Asselheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2023/01/tasting-with-anne-and-matthias-gaul-at.html

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

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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 

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

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

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Giuseppe Lauria

Rheingauer Weinkonvent: Giuseppe Lauria ist unter anderem bekannt als Chefredakteur des Weinfachmagazins WEINWISSER. Für den Rheingauer Weinkonvent präsentiert er acht ausgewählte Weine aus dem Rheingau und beantwortet Fragen rund um das Thema Weinbewertungen und Weinkritiker.

Seit fast 20 Jahren veröffentlicht Giuseppe Lauria seine Einschätzungen zu internationalen Spitzenweinen in führenden Weinmagazinen und war acht Jahre lang als Teil des Chefverkosterteams des Gault Millau für den Rheingau verantwortlich.

Er hat verschiedene Journalistenpreise gewonnen, trägt den Orden des Chevalier du Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne und als Moderator führt er kompetent und unterhaltsam durch zahlreiche Masterclasses und Wein-Events. Zudem bietet er hochwertige Weinreisen in Spitzenweingebiete wie Bordeaux, Toskana, Sizilien und Südafrika.

The Wines

The Event

Bye-bye

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

Announcement: "The Wines of the Loire Valley" presented by Annette Schiller at the American Wine Society/ Northern Virginia Chapter on March 8, 2024

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

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 

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

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Initially, the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours in June 2024 was planned start in Nantes and end in Orléans. Now, following the pre-tour in January 2024 and at the request of the participants who have already signed up, the tour will end in Sancerre, followed by a bus transfer to Paris. The last two nights will be in Sancerre and from there the bus will take us directly back to Paris. Most likely, we will arrive in Paris at around lunch time and have lunch at La Coupole on Boulevard du Monteparnasse.

See: Lunch at La Coupole, Boulevard du Montparnasse, Paris - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2018, France 

So, no sighseeing and no dinner in Orléans. Annette had selected La Dariole for dinner in Orléans, according to several guides one of the 3 best restaurants in Orléans. It has Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.

La Dariole

Bib Gourmand Michelin - L'avis du Guide MICHELIN

La Dariole: Passionné de gastronomie, le chef revisite la cuisine française avec une approche contemporaine, tout en conservant les valeurs traditionnelles qui ont donné ses lettres de noblesse à l'établissement. Notre carte est entièrement élaborée avec des produits de saison, si possible locaux, et se renouvelle régulièrement. Nichée dans une maison à colombages au coeur du centre ancien, La Dariole se réinvente en accueillant depuis Février 2022 une toute nouvelle équipe. L'intérieur, chaleureux et authentique, accueille jusqu'à 35 convives et lorsque les beaux jours arrivent, une terrasse agréable et intimiste peut accueillir jusqu'à 25 convives supplémentaires

Restaurant "La Dariole - 25 rue Etienne Dolet 45000 Orléans

Dinner at La Dariole

Arriving 

Dinner

Our Wines

We started with a Crémant de Loire Brut as aperitif, followed by a 2022 Domaine Pellé Menetou-Salon Morogues Rouge

Domaine Pellé

Our Domaine takes its roots in Morogues, a village at the far eastern end of the Loire Valley. Our cellars are close to the village centre, nestling below our beautiful “Les Cris” red grape vineyard. In each of our vineyard plots in the neighbouring Menetou-salon and Sancerre appellations, we observe Mother Nature, cherishing and working with her so that she gives us her very best in return. In this part of the world, we think, make and drink wine; sharing ideas, a glass of wine or two, and the taste of our land, with our friends and customers. These lines are written by the current generation but they apply to Domaine Pellé from its very beginning. Over time, the world has accelerated but nature has stayed faithful, determining the work of the winemaker, year after year, with each new season. With the same devotion to his craft, the winemaker still slips through the cellar door late at night to check on the wines, only now he is wearing sneakers not clogs!

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

  

   

7-course Michelin-star level Dinner and 17 bottles of #worldclass Wines: Frankfurt Gourmet Group meets in Frankfurt Bornheim with a Private Chef and Wines from our Cellars - Johnny, Christine, Dirk, Petra, Anna, Philipp, Annette, Christian. 

Menu Dirk & Friends 24.2.2024

Aperitif

Hummerravioli gedämpft - BisqueCappucino - geschmolzen Ochsenherztomate - Estragongel - Maracuja - Joghurt - Havercrunch

Zwischenwein

Tatar vom Simmertaler Entrecote - Zwiebeleis - frisee mild getrüffelt - Senfgel

Nage von der Spitzpaprika - asiatische Aubergine (Ragout + gebacken) - Ziegenkäse - Streusel - Karamel

Zwischenwein

Saibling, grüner Spargel, Miso-Schaum

Zwischenwein

Kalbspraline - Spinat a la Romana - Kartoffelmousseline - Salsa verde

Machapudding

Kardamoneis - Erdnussmousse im Hippencanneloni - Joghurtbaiser - Haselnüsse karamelisiert

Petits fours

Bye-bye

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

Announcement: "The Wines of the Loire Valley" presented by Annette Schiller at the American Wine Society/ Northern Virginia Chapter on March 8, 2024

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

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 

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

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Our day ended in Saumur where we will spend 2 nights with the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours in June 2024.

We stayed at the Mercure Saumur, where the group will stay. The hotel is on an island in the Loire river with a breathtaking view of Saumur and its castle.

 

We had dinner at a Michelin-listed restaurant, the Restaurant L'Alchimiste which in my view was at the 1 Michelin star level. The oyster sorbet was amazing. We will be back in June with the group.

Saumur in the Loire Valley

tripsavy.com (Mary Anne Evans)

Saumur lies on a beautiful stretch of the western Loire valley between Tours and Angers before the mighty river flows into the Atlantic at Nantes. It’s a glorious area known for its odd troglodyte dwellings built in the limestone cliffs by our oh-so-distant ancestors.

Saumur is famous above all for two things: its excellent sparkling wine (you can visit many of the producers), and its military associations. Here you’ll find the Armoured Corps Academy and the French Cavalry Academy, housed in two-story gracious 18th-century buildings around a dusty square that is now a car park.

Start by strolling through the medieval streets that run from the river to the Eglise St-Pierre. Set in a delightful square the Gothic church is surrounded by wood-framed buildings that now house cafes and restaurants.

The château of Saumur stands above the city. Its fairytale white towers, delicate stone tracery, and mullion windows were depicted in Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, the 11th century illuminated manuscript that is reproduced everywhere. It is a book of hours, a collection of prayers for the canonical hours, created between 1412 and 1416 by the Limbourg brothers for John Duke of Berry.

Today the château is best viewed from the outside. Built in the second half of the 14^th century by Louis I, Duc d’Anjou it was once a magnificent structure. Today much is closed for restoration though there is a museum of decorative and fine arts which you can visit....

...Walking around Saumur you’ll soon see its military roots in the open parade grounds surrounded by 19th-century barracks and the huge school for training horses.

The National Riding School (Le Cadre Noir) is just outside the main center of Saumur, a car journey or a taxi ride away. This 300-hectare estate is where the elite come to train under expert Ecuyers (riding instructors).

It was founded in 1815 after the Napoleonic wars had destroyed so much of the French cavalry to train both riders and horses for yet more warfare. Discipline and hard work, practice, and understanding are the mainstays of the school, which is much the same as it was in the days before tanks took over from horses....

...L’Alchimiste is the best restaurant in Saumur, with a small garden for summer dining. It’s central and the chef uses good local ingredients to produce some great specialties. ...

 

Restaurant L'Alchimiste with Chef François Deplagne

We had dinner at a Michelin-listed restaurant, the Restaurant L'Alchimiste which in my view was at the 1 Michelin star level. We will be back in June with the group.

 

It is one of those 2-person operation owned and run by a couple, where he is in the kitchen and she takes care of the services, with the number of couverts limited to 20.

 

Chef François Deplagne only uses ingredients that come from the area: "Une carte épurée, renouvelée continuellement , des produits frais, les plus locaux possible, servis dans un cadre intimiste de vingt couverts à deux pas du centre de Saumur..."

 

wine-pages.com:  I've only been twice but always enjoyed L'alchimiste if we're talking Saumur, Despite the name it's in no way molecular. Just good old fashioned French food, with a little bit of an Asian twist. It's relaxed, welcoming and has a well priced and short (mainly local) wine list.

 

Destination Saumur: In a contemporary setting, François Deplagne will introduce you to inventive and refined traditional cuisine, depending on the seasons.

tripsavy.com (Mary Anne Evans): L’Alchimiste is the best restaurant in Saumur, with a small garden for summer dining. It’s central and the chef uses good local ingredients to produce some great specialties. 

Wine: Domaine Du Petit Bondieu

We started with a glass of Crémant de Loire Brut and then had a bottle of Domaine du Petit Bondieu Rouge.

Domaine du Petit Bondieu: Domaine du Petit Bondieu was founded by Jean-Marc Pichet, father of current owner and winemaker Thomas Pichet, nearly 50 years ago. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, this award-winning estate extends 25 hectares in the Bourgueil and 4 hectares in Chinon and produces Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc using exclusively organic and biodynamic farming practices. 

The old vines planted on clay-limestone soil at the top of the slopes, give wines of a good density.The tannins are present and at the same time supple and silky. 

After eighteen months aging, six of which in barrels, this Cabernet Franc reveals a nose with aromas of black fruits evolving towards a spicy touch of cloves. Cuvée with good aging potential, which will go wonderfully with red meats and game.

AOP BOURGUEIL red Cuvée Couplets - Magnum 2018: 2 stars in the Guide Hachette 2021, 75cl 2019: 1 star Guide Hachette 2022, 2020: 2 stars Guide Hachette 2023

 

Dinner

Menu L'Experience

We had the Menu L'Experience  (Euro 42)

Amuse bouche 

Le rouleau de printemps qui s'était trompé de saison

Ou

Noix de Saint Jacques en bouillon automnal, écrasé de topinambours et sorbet d'huîtres

Filet de cabillaud en cuisson douce condiment de fenouil et citron confit

Ou

Magret de canard caramélisé, poivre Tchuli et chutney de coingsxxx

Assiette de fromages

Ou

Tarte croustillante aux clémentines, sorbet amande, miel et fleurs d'oranger

Ou

Le moelleux de Lydie au thé matcha, coeur coulant au chocolat

Café

 

LOIRE VALLEY: Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024 

 

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.

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

  

   

 

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

 

This is the 8th in a series of postings on Schiller-wine related to the 2024 Loire Valley Trip by ombiasy WineTours in June.

 

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)

 

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

 

Salons des Vins - all with a Focus on Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Low-intervention Producers in the Loire Valley and elsewhere in France and Europe - in February in Angers and Samour, Loire Valley, France (February 2024)

 

Dinner at the Kitchen Counter of Les Petits Prés, Angers, Loire Valley, France, with Star Chef Samuel Albert (February 2024)

 

Announcement: "The Wines of the Loire Valley" presented by Annette Schiller at the American Wine Society/ Northern Virginia Chapter on March 8, 2024

 

Visiting Natural Wine Producer Liv Vincendeau - Domäne Vincendeau in Rochefort sur Loire/ Anjou (February 2024) 

 

Menu Dégustation at La Dariole (Bib Gourmand Michelin) in Orléans with Chef Nicolas Hervé and Domaine Pellé, Menetou-Salon, Pinot Noir (February 2024)

At the invitation of Spyros Andre and organized by Christine Scharrer 6 of us met at the WineBank Frankfurt for a Sunday afternoon blind tasting of Bordeaux grands vins and other wines from our cellars.

As I realized through the tasting only, the main purpose of this event was to see how 3 Ridge Vineyards wines, which Spyros had smuggled into the tasting, would do in comparison with Bordeaux grands vins. The US wines retail for around Euro 300 per bottle. 

Each of the three California wines were identified as non-Bordeaux by between 3 and all 6 of us. 

My favorites of the tasting were the1986 Château Brane-Cantenac and the 2010 Château Pontet-Canet. 

Interestingly, all the Bordeaux grands vins brought from our cellars were left bank wines. In particular, non of the Bordeaux grands vins in the tasting could be considered as "Parker-driven" new-world style Bordeaux grand vin. If I had know the purpose of the tasting I would have brought a young Figeac or a Tertre Roteboeuf which I have in my cellar. 

We finished up the event with a PetNat from Andreas Weigand - Franken. 

A very special, highly-entertaining, memorable tasting. Thanks again Spyros. 

Attended by: Annette Schiller, Panos Kakaviatos, Christine Scharrer, Spyros Andre, Michael Dawes, Christian Schiller

Panos Kakaviatos:  Regarding the 1964 Beychevelle, it proved yet again the old axiom that after a certain age it’s less about good wine and more about good bottles (corks). I had opened another Beychevelle 1964 the week before that was far better. The one that we had was disappointing. But it was great to have other excellent wines!

Spyros Andre: Thanks everyone for coming and for making this as entertaining as it was educational!Extra special thanks to Christine for the venue. 

Blind Tasting

The Wines

PetNat

Bye-bye

WineBank Frankfurt

Bordeaux Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller)

The next Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours is scheduled for 2025.  See: ombiasy WineTours.

Summary: Total Immersion 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

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

Announcement: "The Wines of the Loire Valley" presented by Annette Schiller at the American Wine Society/ Northern Virginia Chapter on March 8, 2024

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

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 

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

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

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 14th in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

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

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

Best Wines of the Year - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rheingau- Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

In the Rheingau region, there are 2 producers with 5 stars and 6 producers with 4.5 stars in the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024.

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have met 5 of these 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.

Rheingau

(London Wine Competition)

Rheingau is one of the 13 German wine-growing regions, notable primarily for its superior Riesling wines. Overall, Rheingau is the German wine-growing region that has the highest proportion of Riesling production (78.8%) as a percentage of all wine produced. Other wines play only a minimal role in the region’s wine culture, including Spatburgunder (12.2%) and Müller-Thurgau (1.6%).

In addition to being such a prominent Riesling producer, Rheingau is also known for being the birthplace of many German winemaking traditions and innovations. It is the home to famous winemakers such as Schloss Johannisberg, as well as the original site where the German form of the “noble rot” was discovered.

In terms of total area, Rheingau extends for a 50-kilometer stretch along the Rhine River. The region is officially located in the German state of Hesse. Despite the region’s prominence in German wine-making lore, Rheingau only accounts for less than 5% of all German vineyard acreage under cultivation.  Vineyards are primarily located on the river’s right bank. Leading wine-producing villages of the Rheingau include Hochheim am Main, Walluf, Eltville, Rauenthal, Kiedrich, Hattenheim, Oestrich, Winkel, Johannisberg, and Rudesheim.

The history of winemaking in Rheingau extends back to the 900s and the reign of Charlemagne, who ordered vineyards to be planted in the region. Recently, there has been new evidence discovered of a winemaking tradition stretching all the way back to the Roman era. Given the long history of winemaking in Rheingau, it has acquired a special place in the overall tradition of German winemaking.

Weingut Schloss Johannisberg - 5/5 Stars

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

Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

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

Pictures: Salons des Vins - all with a Focus on Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Low-intervention Producers in the Loire Valley and elsewhere in France and Europe - in February in Angers and Samour, Loire Valley, France (February 2024)

Georg Breuer - 4.5/5 Stars

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

Robert Weil - 4.5/5 Stars

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

Announcement: "The Wines of the Loire Valley" presented by Annette Schiller at the American Wine Society/ Northern Virginia Chapter on March 8, 2024

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

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 

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

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

 

As part of the pre-trip in February 2024 for the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours in June, Annette and I stayed a night at the hotel of the UNESCO classified Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud and had dinner at its high-end restaurant.

 

Fontevraud was founded in the early 12^th century as both a monastery and a nunnery run by an abbess which was a pretty unusual arrangement. The 12^th-century buildings originally housed the nuns and monks and also the sick, the lepers and prostitutes who had given up their profession. From 1804 to 1963 it was a prison, set up by Napoleon.

Today you can see the cloisters, the chapter house with its 16^th-century murals, and the huge refectory which served as the dining room. There’s an ambitious arts programme, so walk through the various buildings to see paintings both old and new, videos and sculpture. You can also walk past the kitchen garden which is growing different and old varieties of fruit and vegetables.

The main building is the abbey church, a vast, high cavernous space filled with light. At one end lie the tombstone effigies of the Plantagenet royal family, testimony to the bond between England and France. 

You see the remarkably life-like Henry II, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy and King of England II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful and influential women of her time who died here in 1152 having become a nun, their son Richard the Lionheart and daughter-in-law Isabelle of Angoulême, Richard’s queen. There’s a good programme of concerts and shows throughout the year.

If you want to savor the peace and quiet after the visitors have gone and have a great and unusual hotel, book at Fontevraud l’Hôtel in what was once the St-Lazaire priory. It has been spectacularly converted with the former monastic cells making up the 54 guest rooms in different parts of the priory.

The design is clean and contemporary making extensive use of beautifully designed wooden furniture. There’s a strong sense of peace and tranquillity and you get a good night’s sleep from the quiet location – and the bespoke mattresses.

The dining room follows the simple, but infinitely sophisticated feel. Opening onto the cloister and extending into the chapter house, there's banquette seating around the walls while some tables look through the glass wall into the cloister.

The attention to detail is impressive; even the ceramics are specially commissioned from Charles Hair, a Franco-American ceramist who lives nearby. The cooking is superb from young Thibaut Ruggeri, using local ingredients from the region and the area. The Ibar has a great innovation – tables which are touch screens showing the history of the Abbey which is great for children. 

Fontevraud le Restaurant  - 365thingsIloveaboutfrance.com

365thingsIloveaboutfrance.com: While flipping through my Food & Wine magazine in Colorado, I came across an article entitled The Ten Best New Restaurants in France. Much to my delight, one of the restaurants happened to be situated directly on our planned cycling route. Too good to be true, I knew it was meant to be. I decided to splurge and booked a table for two at Fontevraud le Restaurant, in the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud not far from Saumur.

Located in the cloister, and one time prison, of Europe’s largest abbey, young chef, Thibaut Ruggeri, (only 34-years-old), and winner of the 2013 Bocuse d’Or (an international gastronomic competition), serves up extremely stunning haute cuisine in an intimate and peaceful setting. The tables surround a courtyard filled with fresh and colorful herbs where the very kind and attentive wait staff trim and pick fresh ingredients for each course.

No doubt about it, Chef Ruggeri is an artist. Visually his plates are exquisite. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such beautiful and creative plating. Our dinner was like an edible trip to a fine modern art museum. In addition to the freshly picked herbs, the chef uses local ingredients, like honey from the abbey’s bees and mushrooms grown in the limestone caves surrounding the abbey. While not every plate was a homerun on the palate and flavor sometime took a back seat to art, it was an unforgettable evening.

Dinner at Fontevraud le Restaurant

Arriving

Entering through the Bar Area

Only Tables for 2 Persons Sitting Side by Side and all Tables and Guests Facing the Atrium

Wines

Loire Bubbly - Domaine du Closel - Château de Villeneuve Cabernet Franc Saumur Champigny

Dinner

Gustographie: photographie gustative de notre terroir

Un rituel fontevriste: De la soupe et du pain

Maquereau de Lorient, condiment safran

Saint-Jacques de plongée soufflée en galette

Dos de chevreuil, trop chou!

Fromages affinés

Pause fontevriste

Pomme, châtaigne et sauge

Digestif

Back to the Hotel Room

Breakfast and Day-light Look at Fontevraud le Restaurant

Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud

 

Invitation by Phil Bernstein, MacArthur Beverages, Washington DC

Hot off the heels of our super-successful Cheval Blanc dinner we are thrilled to welcome our good friends from Margaux. Cynthia Capelaere, Estate Director will be on hand to guide us through an amazing evening of wines direct from the Chateau. We could think of no better chef than Yannick to come up with a menu to accompany these treasures. Do not miss this!

All wines have been shipped directly from Chateau Du Tertre!

For those of you that don't know Chateau du Tertre, this classed-growth property is one of the most famed in Margaux and always over-delivers. It is a huge customer favorite and ages very, very well. Now under new ownership Cynthia is very excited to showcase the exciting developments at this Chateau. Of course, du Tertre is a long-time friend of the store (we've visited the beautiful property many times and have always supported this wine in the shop).

Berry Bros & Rudd

Château du Tertre in Margaux was in the 1990s a prime contender for the prize of the least-known Classed Growth wine in the Médoc. It was bought by the Dutch businessman, Eric Albada Jelgersma, in 1997 with a mission to revitalise the estate's fortunes. Château du Tertre's revival was first signalled with its stunning offering from the 2000 vintage and this has continued with equally strong offerings from 2005 and 2008 and 2009.

Château du Tertre can trace its history back to the 12th century, has 50 hectares of vineyards which neighbour those of Cantenac-Brown and Brane-Cantenac to the north and Giscours to the east.

It is situated on one of the highest hills in the Margaux commune which is where its name comes from (Tertre means knoll). The wines is typically a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc - Previously the wine's ageing capacity was suspect but examples from recent vintages will age easily for 15 or more years.

Aperitif
2022 Du Tertre Blanc

First Course
Timbale, Gnocchi of sweet potato, chestnut and Lobster
2019 Hauts du Tertre

Second Course
Roasted Sea Scallops, black winter truffle,
eggplant pure, Cepes
Château du Tertre 2019
Château du Tertre 2015

Third Course
Roasted Veal chop, Gratin of green asparagus,
Risotto, brown morel
Château du Tertre 2010
Château du Tertre 2000 (served from Magnum !)

Dessert
Amandier cake, poached pear, vanilla cream

Bordeaux Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller)

The next Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours is scheduled for 2025.  See: ombiasy WineTours.

Summary: Total Immersion 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

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

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

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

Announcement: "The Wines of the Loire Valley" presented by Annette Schiller at the American Wine Society/ Northern Virginia Chapter on March 8, 2024

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

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 

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

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Extraordinaire Wine Dinner with Chef Frank Buchholz and Winemaker Philipp Wittmann/ Rheinhessen in Mainz/ Germany (February 2024). 

It was very intimate, with just 13 guests sitting with Philipp at one large table and talking with him about his #worldclass wines, FC Bayern München and other things. Philipp poured 7 wines, including a Morstein GG and a Morstein Auslese. Frank's food 4-course menu was outstanding. 

In addition, Annette and I had lived a few blocks away of the restaurant for 5 years in the late 1970s/ early1980s, while studying and later working at the University of Mainz. Our oldest daughter Katharina was borne there as well as our dog Joie, who died in McLean, Virginia, USA in 1989.  

Chef Frank Buchholz 

Pictures: Frank Buchholz, Restaurant Buchholz, Mainz and his dish "Duo of Red Salmon with Basil Sour Cream and Buffalo Mozzarella". See: 1st International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany, 2010

See also: The Best Restaurants in the Greater Frankfurt am Main Region, Germany (2012)  

Frank Buchholz is one of Germany's leading chefs. He got his training with Franz Feckl, Heinz Winkler and Gerd Käfer, among others in the Käfer-Stuben in Munich, the Tristan restaurant in Palma, the Tantris restaurant in Munich and the Marchesi restaurant in Milan. He then served as Maitre de Cuisine at Brückenkeller in Frankfurt am Main from 1996 to 1999.

Frank Buchholz became known through the television cooking show Kochduell, which was broadcast from 1997 to 2005. In 2004 he was also seen in the series The Men's Cooking School on RTL. In 1998 he was a lecturer in food and art at the Frankfurt Schiller School. In 1999 he was awarded 3 hats and 17 points by Gault-Millau as the most innovative chef of the year. In the same year he founded the Young Wild Association with chef friends. In 2004 he finally opened the cooking workshop in Mainz-Gonsenheim and in 2005 his restaurant Buchholz. In 2007 the Buchholz restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. 

Frank Buchholz closed his Michelin-starred Restaurant Buchholz in 2015, but continued to operate it as a cooking school and for special events like the winemaker dinner we attended. In addition, he owns and runs Restaurant Bootshaus, beautifully locacated on the banks of the Rhein river in Mainz. We had lunch there during the Germany Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2018. See: Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Winemaker Philipp Wittmann

Weingut Wittmann belongs to the group of say 20 #wordclass winemakers in Germany. Weingut Wittmann wines are available in the USA through Loosen Bros USA.

Loosen Bros USA: The Wittmann family has been growing grapes and producing wine in the small Rheinhessen village of Westhofen since 1663. Today, the estate cultivates 62 acres of vines in the rolling limestone hills found in the southern part of the region, just west of the Rhine river valley. They have been pioneers in developing the full-bodied, well-balanced style of dry wines for which the region has become known. And they were early adopters of organic (1990) and biodynamic (2004) viticulture.

Riesling is the dominant grape variety, accounting for 65% of the estate’s vineyard area. They also produce the three Pinot varieties (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir), as well as Silvaner. In addition, small quantities of Scheurebe, Chardonnay and some minor varieties are grown.

The estate has as its foundation the pursuit of balanced wines that have tension, depth and intensity, but at the same time fresh and elegant. Philipp Wittmann looks for natural balance in the vineyards, in order to slow the ripening process and harvest grapes that have fully developed flavors, but are not overripe. The Wittmann family has developed a deep bond with the land they cultivate. This respect for nature and commitment to quality earned Philipp Germany’s Winemaker of the Year 2014.

Accolades for Weingut Wittmann

Winery of the Year – Best White Wine Collection — Eichelmann 2024 Wine Guide
Top 100 Winery, 2019 — Wine & Spirits
Top 100 German Wines 2022— James Suckling
Winemaker of the Year 2014 — Gault Millau Wine Guide

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

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen, Rheinhessen, with Philipp Wittmann - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

We will definitely visit Weingut Wittmann on the forthcoming Germany Tour by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours. Join us!

See: Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2024/01/announcement-2024-tours-by-ombiasy_0569121469.html

Arriving at "Buchholz"

Star-chef Frank Buchholz