schiller-wine

Picture: Stephan Reinhard (Black Shirt) at the 2012 Grosses Gewaechs (the Ultra-premium Dry German Wines) Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, Germany

Robert Parker recently announced a change in his team, with potentially a major impact on how the Wine Advocate will assess German wine. US-based David Schildknecht leaves the team and Germany-based Stephan Reinhardt joins the team.

I have the highest professional respect for David. His talent is exceptional, and he will be greatly missed, said Robert Parker. It's never easy replacing any of our writers, but we believe Stephan is a great addition to the team as a native and recognized authority on German wine.

David Schildknecht

David is one of the authorities for German (but not only German) wine in the English-speaking wine world. He is a legend in German wine circles in the US. I go back with David for many years. When I moved to the US in the early 1980s, David was a retailer in Washington DC. I remember long discussions (in German) with him at Pearson’s on Wisconsin Street, when he worked there. He was also a frequent guest at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter). He now lives in Cincinetti.

Picture: David Schildknecht at the 1. International Riesling Symposium in Hattenheim, Germany

Stephan Reinhardt

Born, raised and based in Germany, Stephan Reinhardt has established himself as a leading wine journalist in Germany. But he has also gained recognition beyond the borders of the German-speaking part of Europe. Most recently, his book The Finest Wines of Germany was shortlisted as Best International Wine Book of Year by the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers' Award.

Stephan Reinhardt was editor-in-chief of Vinum, a 10-issue magazine distributed in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, and of Weinwisser, a Swiss/German wine newsletter. He has written stories for a number of publications, including The World of Fine Wine; a handful of German daily newspapers; and lifestyle magazines including Der Feinschmecker, Falstaff and Fine -- das Weinmagazin.

Stephan Reinhardt is passionate about Riesling, Port and Pinot Noir, loves music (especially jazz), travel and soccer (especially the Cologne soccer club). He studied drama (Theaterwissenschaft), communication (Kommunikationswissenschaft) and psychologie (Psychologie) at Munich University and worked as a junior professor (Assistant) at the Institut für Theaterwissenschaft in Munich from 1997 to 2000. He lives with his family near Hamburg, Germany.

I am excited to be writing for one of the greatest wine journals in the world, said Stephan Reinhardt. I have the deepest respect for Robert Parker and the Wine Advocate and am thrilled to be joining his esteemed team of world-renowned reviewers.

German Wine: Reinhardt versus Schildknecht

Looking at David’s and Stephan’s background, I would not be surprised if the coverage of German wine by the Wine Advocate will change with David leaving and Stephan coming on board.

David is very much grounded in the traditional American perspective of German wine. The American taste is leaning towards the fruity-sweet style wines of German white wine. For the American taste, the Mosel Region, with its fruity-sweet Kabinett and Spaetlese wines, is at the heart of German wine. German dry wines are only now gaining interest in the American market. Similarly, although red wine accounts for 1/3 of the German wine production, they are hard to find in the American market.

Pictures: Stephan Reinhard (Black Shirt) at the 2012 Grosses Gewaechs (the Ultra-premium Dry German Wines) Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, Germany

Stephan comes from different angle. He has lived all his live in Germany. He is very well integrated with the wine scene in Germany - producers, retailers, sommeliers and cunsumers. He is also a bit younger than David and pretty active on facebook. There, in the German discussion groups, or more generally: among wine lovers in Germany, the talk is about premium and ultra-premium German dry wines and the new generation of German premium and ultra-premium red wines. People do talk about fruity sweet Kabinett and Spaetlese wines, but interest for these wines is clearly limited in Germany. Stephan is part of the new wave of German premium dry white and premium red wines. A few days ago, with the new job, Stephan Reinhardt supplemented his friend facebook page with a fan facebook page and called the new page: Stephan Reinhardt trocken.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Team

Here is the current team.

Stephan Reinhard: Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as Alsace, Champagne and the Loire Valley.

Robert Parker: Northern California, Bordeaux, California Retrospectives, Bordeaux Retrospectives, Value Wines

Neal Martin: Burgundy's Cote d'Or, Macon, Beaujolais, Chablis, sweet white wines of Bordeaux, South Africa, Port, Madeira & Banyuls

Mark Squires: Dry table wines of Portugal, Israel, Greece, Romania, Lebanon and Bulgaria
Lisa Perrotti-Brown: Australia, New Zealand

Jeb Dunnuck: Rhone Valley (North & South), Central & Southern California, Washington State, Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern France

Monica Larner: Italy

Luis Gutierrez: Spain, Chile, Argentina

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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Christian G.E. Schiller's Review of the Book: Ralf Frenzel (ed.) - Riesling, Robert Weil. Tre Torri, Wiesbaden, Germany, 2013, in: Journal of Wine Economics, Volume 9, 2014, No. 1, Cambridge University Press

German Riesling and International Grape Varieties – Top Wine Makers Wilhelm Weil and Markus Schneider at Kai Buhrfeindt’s Grand Cru in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany

In the Steinberg, Eberbach Abbey, Rheingau, Germany

Surprising the World with their Pinot Noir: Johannes and Christoph Thoerle, Winzerhof Thoerle, Rheinhessen, Germany

Doepfner’s im Maingau Meets Frankfurt/Wein, with Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Chat Sauvage, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Five Hochheim (Rheingau) Winemakers Presented their Vintage 2011 Wines in Hochheim, Germany

A Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn, Rheingau, with Angela and Peter Jakob Kühn, Germany

German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA

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

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Lunch with Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Nahe Valley, Germany

Caroline and Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel (Nahe Valley), Presented their New Wines (Vintage 2012), Germany

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Lunch at an Iconic Restaurant in Baden, Germany: Restaurant Schwarzer Adler

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Picture: Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

“In the midst of today’s Riesling renaissance, it is important that the leading Riesling regions of all continents work together and exchange thoughts,” said Hessen’s former Prime Minister Roland Koch in his opening remarks at the 1st International Riesling Symposium in 2010. Three and a half years later, on May 26 and 27, 2014, Riesling experts from around the world - top winemakers, representatives from the trade and restaurant sector, and journalists – gathered again at Schloss Rheinhartshausen in the Rheingau to celebrate, discuss and taste the arguably most noble white grape in the world - Riesling.

The International Riesling Symposium - the official name is: Internationales Riesling Symposium (in German with an "es" at the end) - in the Rheingau is part of the so-called Riesling Coalition, encompassing 3 major Rieslings events in Germany (International Riesling Symposium), in the US (Riesling Rendezvous) and in Australia (Riesling Downunder). Following this year’s International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, the Riesling Coalition caravan will travel to Australia next year for the 2015 Riesling Downunder, followed by the Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State, in 2016 and the next International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau in 2017.

Six very interesting lectures and discussions, four outstanding wine tastings - one in the morning and one in the afternoon of each day - and a walking wine dinner provided for two fascinating and highly entertaining days around Riesling. The symposium was attended by about 200 people, including such luminaries as Stuart Pigott from Germany, Willi Bruendlmayer from Austria, Helmut Doennhoff from the Nahe, Ernst Loosen from the Mosel and Stephen Henschke from Australia. Top winemaker Wilhelm Weil and his right hand and Export Director Jochen Becker-Köhn orchestrated the two days event. Finally, participants had a chance to visit Weingut Robert Weil, Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg on a pre-conference tour on Sunday, before the conference started.

The conference was organized by the VDP Rheingau and Weingut Weil. The VDP is Germany’s elite winemakers association; it has about 200 members.

This is the first posting providing an overview about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany. More, specific postings will follow, about the following subjects:

A Tour through the Rheingau - Visits of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Wilhelm Weil, Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Stuart Pigott Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World?
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Giuseppe Lauria the Grands Crus Couples from VDP.Grosse Lage Vienyards – Riesling Grosses Gewaechs and Riesling Spaetlese
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Cornelius and Fabian Lange Rieslings from Danube, Rhine, Nahe and Moselle: The European Riesling Route
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Caro Maurer Aged Rieslings from around the World: Riesling and its Aging Potential
German Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
American Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Austrian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
New Zealandian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Australian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Canadian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

For last year's Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, see:
The 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle: Impressions from the Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, USA
The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

For the 1st International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, see:
1.International Riesling Symposium
Aging Potential of Riesling– A Wine Tasting at the 1st International Riesling Symposium in Germany Led by Jancis Robinson

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US (mainly Washington State and Finger Lakes Region) with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares, respectively.

Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine.

Picture: Riesling in the World (Source: Willi Klinger Presentation at the 2. International Riesling Symposium)

Pre-Conference Visits of Weingut Wilhelm Weil, Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg on Sunday, May 25, 2014

Many of us accepted Wilhelm Weil’s invitation and joined him on a pre-conference tour. We started out at Weingut Robert Weil with lunch, wine tasting and tour. At Kloster Eberbach we were received by General Manager Dieter Greiner, who showed us around in the historic cellars and the new, modern winery, as well as in the famous Steinberg vineyard and who opened extraordinary wines, including a 1959 Steinberger Cabinet. We concluded the tour at Schloss Johannisberg with a cellar tour, tasting and dinner; the charming and energetic Domain Director Christian Witte was our host.

Pictures: At Weingut Robert Weil, Kiedrich

For Weingut Robert Weil, see:
Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany
Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Picture: In the Bus, on the Way to Kloster Eberbach, with Kloster Eberbach Managing Director Dieter Greiner

Pictures: In the Steinberg Vineyard

Pictures: At the new Kloster Eberbach Winery

Pictures: At Kloster Eberbach, Tasting a 1953 Steinberger Cabinet

For Steinberg and Kloster Eberbach, see:
In the Steinberg, Eberbach Abbey, Rheingau, Germany

Picture: On the Way to Schloss Johannisberg, with Hunter Smith, Frankland Estate

Pictures: Touring Schloss Johannisberg with Domain Director Christian Witte

Pictures: Dinner at Schloss Johannisberg

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller and Guiseppe Lauria, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland, at the End of the Evening

International Riesling Symposium: Monday May 26, 2014

Pictures: Mingeling before the Opening of the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

10:00 Opening

Wilhelm Weil opened the conference.

Pictures: Wilhelm Weil Opening the Conference

10:30 Willi Klinger – Lecture: The 10 Commandments of Riesling Marketing

Austrian Wine Marketing Managing Director Willi Klinger shared with us his thoughts - from an Austrian perspective - on the opportunities and challenges in marketing Riesling wines around the globe.

Picture: Willi Klinger Lecturing

Pictures: Coffee Break before the first Tasting

11:45 Stuart Pigott – First Tasting: Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World?

We tasted 20 most interesting New World Rieslings from Australia, North America, East Europe and New Zealand, presented by Stuart Pigott from New York/Berlin. As Stuart Pigott said, Riesling has become a global grape and fine Riesling wines are being produced not only in Germany, Alsace and Austria any more, but in many regions of the global.

Pictures: Stuart Pigott – First Tasting: Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World

Pictures: Coffee Break

14:00 Hans R. Schultz – Lecture: Do we know the Climatic and Viticultural Basis for the Production of Great Riesling Wines?

Professor Hans R. Schultz from the Geisenheim University shared with us his research results.

Pictures: Hans R. Schultz – Lecture: Do we know the Climatic and Viticultural Basis for the Production of Great Riesling Wines?

Pictures: Coffee Break

15:15 Giuseppe Lauria – Second Tasting: The Grand Cru Couple from VDP.Grosse Lage – Riesling Grosses Gewaechs and Riesling Spaetlese

Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland taster Giuseppe Lauria from Wiesbaden led a tasting of 12 wine pairings - ultra-premium German wines in two versions: the same wine fermented dry (with a normal alcohol level) (Grosses Gewaechs) and fermented sweet (with a low alcohol level) (Spaetlese). Basically, in the second wine the fermentation was stopped to leave residual sugar in the wine. This was a fascinating blind tasting.

Pictures: Giuseppe Lauria – Second Tasting: The Grand Cru Couple from VDP.Grosse Lage – Riesling Grosses Gewaechs and Riesling Spaetlese

17:00 Jochen Becker-Köhn – Discussion: The Sommelier’s Experience with Riesling

Picture: Discussion: The Sommelier’s Experience with Riesling

Picture: A Beer before the Dinner

20:00 Walking Wine Dinner with 4 Chefs, including Chef Hans Stefan Steinheuer (Steinheuers Restaurant, Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, 2 stars Michelin)

Pictures: Walking Dinner

International Riesling Symposium: Tuesday May 27, 2014

9:30 Manfred Stoll – Lecture: Viticultural Strategies to Manipulate Berry Maturation in Riesling

Professor Stoll from the Geisenheim University shared with us his research results.

Picture: Manfred Stoll – Lecture: Viticultural Strategies to Manipulate Berry Maturation in Riesling

Pictures: Coffee Break

10:45 Cornelius and Fabian Lange – Third Tasting: Rieslings from Danube, Rhine, Nahe and Moselle: The European Riesling Route

Wine Journalists Cornelius and Fabian Lange led an entertaining tasting of 25 dry ultra-premium Rieslings, all from Europe - from the Rheingau, the Wachau, Alsace, Mosel, Pfalz, Kamptal, Nahe, Rheinhessen and Franken. This was again a blind tasting.

Pictures: Cornelius and Fabian Lange – Third Tasting: Rieslings from Danube, Rhine, Nahe and Moselle: The European Riesling Route

13:00 Monika Christmann – Lecture: How to Optimize the Alcohol Content of Riesling Wines?

Professor Christmann from the Geisenheim University shared with us her research results.

Picture: Monika Christmann – Lecture: How to Optimize the Alcohol Content of Riesling Wines?

Pictures: Coffee Break

14:15 Caro Maurer - Fourth Tasting: Riesling and its Aging Potential

Wine Journalist Caro Maurer (Master of Wine) led a tasting of 23 dry and sweet-style, aged Rieslings from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Canada and Austria, going back to 1945, 1959 and 1971. The youngest wines were 10 years old. All the 23 wines were brilliant, showing the aging potential of Riesling, both in a dry and sweet style.

Pictures: Caro Maurer - Fourth Tasting: Riesling and its Aging Potential

16:00 Dirk Wuertz – Lecture: Riesling and the Digital World of Wine

Wine Blogger and Weingut Balthasar Ress Dirk Wuertz led a presentation and discussion about the role of Social Media for wine makers and consumers. In my comment, I praised the facebook page of Weingut Dr. Loosen as being a good example for how to manage a facebook fan page.

Pictures: Dirk Wuertz Lecturing

The End

Picture: Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, Closing the 2nd International Riesling Symposium

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The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

1.International Riesling SymposiumAging Potential of Riesling– A Wine Tasting at the 1st International Riesling Symposium in Germany Led by Jancis Robinson

Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany

Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Stepping up: From 3 … to 4 Quality Levels - The New Classification of the VDP, Germany

When Americans Drink German Wine - What They Choose

German Wine Basics: Sugar in the Grape - Alcohol and Sweetness in the Wine

1st International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

Approaches to Classifying German Wine: The Standard Approach (the Law of 1971), the VDP Approach and the Zero Classification Approach

Riesling, Pinot Noir and Indian Cuisine: A tête-à-tête Dinner with Winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Rasika in Washington DC, USA

In the Steinberg, Eberbach Abbey, Rheingau, Germany

Top 10 Riesling Producers in the World– Snooth 2012

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Austria at the 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, USA

Steffen Christmann (Weingut A. Christmann) and Wilhelm Weil (Weingut Robert Weil) Presented the New Wine Classification of the VDP, Germany

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Pictures:German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Virginia, Philadelphia and Washington DC in June 2014

Wine Majesties have a long tradition in Germany. Basically all wine villages, wine regions and the country as a whole have wine queens and wine princesses. Of course, the crème de la crème are the national wine majesties, the German Wine Queen and the two German Wine Princesses.

One of the two reigning German Wine Princesses, Sabine Wagner, will come to Virginia, Philadelphia and Washington DC in the US for a series of events between June 25 and June 30. The trip is organized by Annette Schiller (ombiasy PR and WineTours) and supported by the German Wine Institute (Mainz, Germany) and the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter).

Picture: Annette Schiller and Christian G.E. Schiller hosting a Summer of Riesling Party at their Home in Washington DC (McLean, Virginia) in 2013

German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Sabine Wagner: “I am currently a student at the Geisenheim University, studying for 3 years International Wine Business. In September 2013, I became one of two German Wine Princesses for a period of 12 months. In that position, I am an ambassador for German wine and winemakers, in Germany and all over the world, sponsored by the German Wine Institute.”

Sabine Wagner was born and grew up in Hochheim, the famous wine village in the eastern part of the Rheingau. Unusually, her parents are not winemakers; often, wine queens and wine princess came from a winemaking family. In 2009, Sabine was elected Wine Princess of Hochheim. From there on, the way was only upwards: Sabine became Wine Queen of Hochheim in 2011; (regional) Wine Queen of the Rheingau in 2012; and (national) Wine Princess of Germany in 2013.

Picture: Christian G.E. and Annette Schiller with German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at Weinhaus Bluhm in Mainz, Germany, with Hosts Roland and Silvia Ladendorf

Looking back, in 1931, the first German wine region, the Pfalz, crowned its own wine queen. Because the Palatine Wine Queen was Germany's only wine queen, she automatically represented the German wine industry in general as well as the Palatine wine region until 1939, and then again, from 1947 until 1949.

Since 1950, the German Wine Queen has been elected in a separate competition. Basically all German wine villages have their (local) wine queen and wine princesses. From these local majesties, all German wine regions select their (regional) wine majesties. From the regional wine queens, the German Wine Queen and the two German Wine Princesses are chosen. Until 1999, it was a condition that the candidates had to be single - they could be neither married nor divorced - and had to come from a family of winemakers. Since 2000, the candidates only have to have "clear and strong ties with German wines." Selection is no longer based so much on good looks and dancing skills today; more important, in addition to a knowledge of oenology and winemaking technology, quick wit and eloquence are required. During their one-year term of office, the Wine Queen and Wine Princesses advertise German wine at trade fairs, wine festivals and other events. The Wine Queen competition is arranged by the German Wine Institute (DWI) in Mainz.

See:
A Date with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at Weinhaus Bluhm in Mainz, Germany

Events

Here is the current list of all planned events. For any changes, check the "Events" Page of ombiasy PR and WineTours. For any questions, you can send me an e-mail: cschiller@schiller-wine.com

Wednesday, June 25, Evening
Restaurant 2941
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042
Wining and Dining with a Princess: Wine Pairing Dinner with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Thursday, June 26, 2014 7:30 pm
German Wine Society, Philadelphia
Cafe Aldo Lambert
2011 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill, NJ
German Wine Tasting with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Friday, June 27, 2014 7:30 pm
German Wine Society, Washington DC
500, N ST NW, Harbor Square Room, Washington DC 20024
German Wine Tasting with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Saturday, June 28, 2014 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
MacArthur Beverages
4877 Mac Arthur Blvd., NW, Washington DC 20007
Tasting of the German Wine Portfolio of MacArthur Beverages with Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Saturday, June 28, 2014, Evening
At the "Schillers" (location upon reservation)
Summer of Riesling Party: Bring your own Bottle of Riesling - with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner as Guest of Honor

Sunday, June 29, 2014 6:00 pm
B Too
1324 14th Street NW, Washington DC, 20005
Wining and Dining with a Princess: Wine Pairing Dinner with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Monday, June 30, 2014, Evening
Evo Bistro
1313 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101
Wining and Dining with a Princess: Wine Pairing Dinner with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

schiller-wine: Related Postings

3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

New Developments in German Wine - Annette Schiller at the German Wine Society in Washington DC, USA

New Developments in German Wine - Annette Schiller at the German Wine Society in Philadelphia, USA

A Date with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at Weinhaus Bluhm in Mainz, Germany

Summer of Riesling with Annette and Christian Schiller in Washington DC, USA

Winemaker Dinner with Château LAFON-ROCHET Wines and Winemaker Anaïs Maillet at Chef Bart Vandaele’s Hipp B Too Restaurant in Washington DC, US/France

"Wurzelwerk" Goes America: 3 Vineyards, 3 Winemakers and 9 Wines

Weingut Gunderloch– The New Generation: Owner Johannes Hasselbach in Washington DC, US

The Wines of Stefanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, Austria

Weingut von Hoevel – The New Generation: Max von Kunow in Washington DC, US

Pictures: Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours, and Christian G.E. Schiller at TopWine China 2014 in the China National Convention Center (which is in the Olympic Park), Beijing, China

China has become the 5th largest wine market in the world (following the US, France, Italy and Germany and ahead of the UK, Argentina, Spain, Australia and Portugal). Annual wine consumption in China has reached 16.8 million hectoliters, compared with 29.2 million hectoliters in the US. China is in the top 10 group of wine consuming countries.

Picture: At TopWine China 2014

Not surprisingly, there is an increasing number of annual wine fairs in China. One wine fair that is rapidly gaining importance is TopWine China in Beijing, which in 2014 took place during June 4 to 6 at the China National Convention Center, which is part of the Olympic Park.

There were 7 large foreign pavilions, with the French pavilion by far the largest. Other countries represented were: Australia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. In addition, there were about 150 Chinese booths, most of them importers. This posting focuses on the German producers presenting their wines at TopWine China 2014.

The German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner spent June 4 and 5 at TopWine China 2014.

Pictures: German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner and Christian G.E.Schiller at the 2014 TopWine China

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller, Rachel Wang (Wine Writer and Educator), Sabine Wagner, Manuela Liebchen (in Charge of China, Asia and Russia at the DWI) and Annette Schiller

From the German perspective, a well attended German wine tasting, led by Sabine Wagner, was one of the highlights of the trade show; I will post about the tasting on schiller-wine.

Pictures: German WineTasting at TopWine China 2014

In the evening of June 5, the German Embassador to China, Michael Claus and his wife Daniela Claus, had a reception at their Residence, with German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner being the Guest of Honor. Wine Princess Sabine Wagner poured a selection of very interesting wines, from winemakers present at TopWine China 2014 as well as other German winemakers. I will report separately about the event.

Picture: Invitation Card from the German Ambassador

The main reason for flying over to Beijing was the birthday of my daughter Cornelia Tremann, who lives with her husband Chris Tremann in Beijing. Cornelia is with UNDP and Chris with the American Diplomatic Service.

Picture: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller on Tiananmen Square, Beijing

The German Pavilion

Pictures: The German Pavilion

Mack and Schühle International

Founded in 1939 as a wine retail shop in Hechingen, today, Mack and Schühle is one of the largest wine importer and distributer in Europe.

Weingut Philipp Lang

Small family owned and run winery in the Baden region. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc account for 80% of the production. “The work in the vineyard, with some vines over 40 years old, is characterized by a close-to-nature approach.

Pictures: Weingut Philipp Lang

Jakob Gerhard Wein- and Sektkellerei

A 80 hectares winery in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with a world-wide sales network, including since 2011 a sales office in Chengdu, China. Popular among the German wine consumers in Asia, notably in Japan.

WeinAllianz

A marketing cooperation of German wine co-operatives from almost all German wine regions, with a portfolio of 800 wines.

Peter Mertes Weinkeller

The Peter Mertes winery has been run as a family business since its formation in 1924. With more than 300 employees, today we are active worldwide in the wine business from our company headquarters in Bernkastel-Kues.

Weingut Rappenhof

A relatively large family wine producer in Rheinhessen.

Weingut Dr. Heger

A German top producers – member of the VDP, the association of about 200 elite winemakers. Located in Baden and run by Joachim and Silvia Heger.

Weingut Markgraf von Baden

A German top producers – member of the VDP, the association of about 200 elite winemakers. Located in Baden and run by Joachim and Silvia Heger. 25 hectares.

Pictures: Annette and Christian G.E.Schiller with Michael Prinz von Baden, Weingut Markgraf von Baden

Weingut Salwey

A German top producers – member of the VDP, the association of about 200 elite winemakers. Located in Baden and run by the young Konrad Salwey since his father’s death in 2011. 40 hectares.

Josef Drahten

Josef Drathen is a large producer of still wine and sparkling wine, based in the Mosel Valley. The portfolio includes wines from the most important wine German wine growing areas as well as wines from other, mostly European, countries plus carbonised wine cooler and mulled wine (Glühwein).

Weingut Fuchs

Weingut Fuchs is a family-owned and run winery (since 1626) in Floersheim-Dalsheim, with vineyards in Rheinhessen and the Pfalz. “Diversity is important to us. Therefore you can find a wide range of fruity white wines and powerful red wines in our assortment. We offer dry and semi-dry wines as well as scrumptious, sweet ones.”

Pictures: Weingut Fuchs

Einig-Zenzen

Einig-Zenzen produces wines from 200 different wine-growing regions around the world and has an annual production of 3.2 million cases. In 1939, the Einig-Zenzen company was founded by Jacob Einig and his son-in-law Peter Josef Zenzen. Today the company remains family owned and is managed by Dr. Peter and Regina Zenzen.

Koenig Johann Weingut im Saartal

A small (10 hectares) family owned and run winery in the Saar Valley (Mosel Region). “We are a young and dynamic winery. We only use indigenous wild yeasts that have inhabited our wine region for 1000s of years.”

Weingut Heinrich Vollmer

With 135 hectares, Weingut Heinrich Vollmer, in the Pfalz region, is among the larger wineries in Germany. A wine supplier for Lufthansa for 4 decades.

Weingut Wilhelm Sitzius

A small (15 hectares) family owned and run winery in the Nahe region (Langenlonsheim), founded in 1560.

Kessler-Zink

Located in Rheinhessen. “We are very popular in China and provide our clients with reasonably priced wines. Sweet wines are our specialty, including Eiswein, Beerenauslese and Spaetlese.”

Picture: Kessler-Zink

Weingut Albert Glas

Small (25 hectares) family owned and run winery in the Pfalz. “Three Glas generations work together in our winery and we cultivate about 70 acres of vineyards. We are young, innovative and technologically advanced but our being will always be in the soil and in close harmony with nature.”

Picture: Weingut Albert Glas (Source: Domink Glas facebook)

Individual Booths

I also saw the following individual booths.

German Wine Alliance (China)

Pictures: Sales Consultant Liang Fan and Annette Schiller

Schmidt Vinothek

"Featuring an exquisite collection of fine wines from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Schmidt Vinothek was established in 2012 to meet the diverse tastes of Hong Kong wine connoisseurs."

Pictures: Schmidt Vinothek

Henkel and Co Group

Picture: Henkel Group

Schloss Johannisberg

Schloss Johannisberg is a castle and winery in the village of Johannisberg the Rheingau region. It has been making wine for over 900 years. In 1775, Schloss Johannisberg made the first Spätlese. It has the same ownership as the Henkel and Co Group (see above).

Picture: Schloss Johannisberg

Winzerkeller Wiesloch

Winzerkeller Wiesloch is a co-operative in the Baden region with 2000 members and a vineyard area totaling 750 hectares.

Picture:(Regional) Wineprincess Conny Dohn (Kurpfalz) and Winzerkeller Wiesloch General Manger Jürgen Bender

TopWine China 2015

Bye, bye - see you next year.

Picture: Announcement TopWine China 2015

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Picture: Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, and Stuart Pigott Chairing the Tasting: Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium took place on May 26 and 27, 2014, at Schloss Rheinhartshausen in the Rheingau. Riesling experts from around the world - top winemakers, representatives from the trade and restaurant sector, and journalists – gathered to celebrate, discuss and taste the arguably most noble white grape in the world - Riesling.

Picture: Stuart Pigott and Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

I have already provided an overview about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium event: The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

This posting focuses on one particular event, a spectacular tasting, led by Stuart Pigott: Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World?

Pictures: Fun at the Tasting

For last year's Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, see:
The 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle: Impressions from the Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, USA
The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

For the 1st International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, see:
1. International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany
Aging Potential of Riesling– A Wine Tasting at the 1st International Riesling Symposium in Germany Led by Jancis Robinson

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US (mainly Washington State and Finger Lakes Region) with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares.

Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine. In terms of quality wines, Riesling is usually included in the top three white wine varieties, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is highly terroir-expressive, meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine’s place of origin.

The Tasting

Pictures: The Tasting

Australian Terroir

Grosset, 2013 Springvale Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Jeffrey Grosset, owner and founder, has always been an innovator, challenging tradition and questioning accepted practices. The winery was founded in 1981. The vineyard area totals 21 hectares. Production is 11000 cases. Riesling accounts for 70% of the production. The Claire Valley, north of Adelaide, where Grosset is located, is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, best known for Riesling wines. It has a climate of daily extremes.

Grosset, 2013 Polish Hill Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Both are extremely bright wines. Both wines are bone dry. Both wines have strikingly different personalities.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Jeffrey Grosset at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Henschke, 2013, Lenswood Green’s Hill Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Henscke is a sixth generation family estate established in 1868 in the Barossa’s Eden Valley. The vineyard area totals 100 hectares. Production is 40000 cases. Riesling accounts for 10% of the production, Shiraz for 40%. Stephen and Prue Henschke believe in careful traditional winemaking and use organic and biodynamic practices.

Lots of apple notes, high acidity, long finish.

Henschke, 2013, Julius Eden Valley Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Striking acidity, with aromatic layers. One of my Australian favorites. All 4 of them, you could leave for another 20 years in the cellar.

Pictures: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Frankland Estate, 2011, Riesling Isolation Ridge Vineyard

Stuart Pigott: Frankland Estate is a family owned and operated wine producer located in the isolated Frankland river region some 380 kilometers south-east of Perth in Western Australia. It was founded in 1988. The vineyard area totals 30 hectares. Annual production is 20000 cases. Riesling accounts for 30% of the production.

11% alcohol – so much for New World wines being high in alcohol.

Pictures: Hunter Smith, Frankland Estate, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Jim Barry, 2009, The Florita Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Back to the Claire Valley. Jim Barry was founded in 1959. The vineyard area totals 243 hectares. Annual production is 80000 cases. Riesling accounts for 30% of the production, Shiraz for 40%.

I cannot imagine a more prototypical Australian Riesling than this one. Has the lime aroma, which is so typical for Australian Riesling. The wine has lost first flush of freshness.

Picture: Peter Barry and Ernst Loosen in China during the "Riesling Revolution" Tour in 2014 (Source: Dr. Loosen Website)

New Style Dry Rieslings from North America

Trefethen Family Vineyards, 2013, Dry Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Who says that Riesling does not well in Napa Valley and should not be grown there? Trefethen Family Vineyards was founded in 1968. The vineyard area totals 243 hectares. Annual production is 60000 cases, of which 3% only is Riesling.

Tantalus Vineyards, 2012, Riesling

Stuart Pigott: This wine is from Canada, from an area bordering Washington State. Many people would say that it was impossible to make wine there. Tantalus started to make wine in 2005. Production is 6000 cases. Very high acidity. This is a wine that is daring.

Chateau Grand Traverse, 2012, Lot 49 Riesling

Chateau Grand Traverse, 2012, Whole Cluster Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Edward O’Keefe founded Chateau Grand Traverse in 1974 with the aim of producing world class Riesling on the Old Mission Peninsula in Northern Michigan, USA, not a place that people would associate with world class Rieslings. A place where you need to be daring and John O’Keefe, who is responsible for these 2 wines, is daring. The wines have some very interesting aromas that you do not find elsewhere, anis, phenol. Riesling accounts for 70% of the production of Chateau Grand Traverse.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and John O'Keefe, Chateau Grand Traverse, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

New Style Dry Rieslings from East Europe

Stuart Pigott: Nobody is taking East Europe seriously, when it comes to Riesling. But a lot is happening there. I included 2 wines from “behind the Iron Curtain” that should give you an idea what is happening there, in Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Czech Republic and other countries.

Chateau Bela, 2012, Chateau Bela Riesling

Stuart Pigott: From the Slovakian part of the Danube Valley. An Egon Mueller (Mosel) project. Founded in 2001, 6 hectares, 2000 cases.

Klaus Zimmerling, 2012, Riesling “R”

Stuart Pigott: A wine from the Sachsen area in the former GDR. A seriously concentrated and elegant wine. It has some noticeable sweetness, but this is where the fermentation stopped.

Weingut Klaus Zimmerling was founded in 1992, 4 hectares, 1300 cases, 40% Riesling.

Pictures: Christian G.E. and Annette Schiller with Klaus Zimmermann at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

New Style Medium-dry Rieslings from North America

Chateau Ste. Michelle, 2012 Eroica Riesling

Stuart Pigott: A joint venture of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington State and Weingut Dr. Ernst Loosen in the Mosel Valley, with grapes from Washington State. A very successful wine. Chateau Ste. Michelle makes almost 3 million cases of wine every year. For me the distinctive aroma is white peach.

Cave Spring, 2012 CSV Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Named after the limestone caves and mineral springs located in their eponymous vineyard, Cave Spring Cellars has been producing outstanding wine for nearly 30 years. Founded and operated by the Pennachetti family and veteran winemaker Angelo Pavan, the estate has been vital in the development of the wine industry in Niagara, most notably as pioneers of vitis vinefera with plantings dating back to the 1970s.

Growing on limestone. In the summer it is almost as warm as in Napa Valley. Extreme climatic situation. A very uncompromising style.

Picture: John O'Keefe, Chateau Grand Traverse, with Angelo Pavan and Thomas Pennachetti at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Lamoreaux Landing, 2012 Red Oak Vineyard Riesling

Stuart Pigott: The Finger Lakes region is receiving quite a bit of attention. Both wines (this and the next wine) are from the Seneca Lake, in the medium-dry style. The winery was founded in 1990. Total production is 14000 cases, with 30% accounting for by Riesling.

Red Newt Cellars, 2012, Sawmill Creek Vineyards Riesling North Block

Stuart Pigott: The winery was founded in 1998. Total production is 18000 cases. Riesling accounts for 75%. Red Newt Cellars does not own any vineyards and bus all fruit from growers. Both wines are high in acidity. For both winemakers, Cabernet Franc is the other important grape.

New Style Natural Sweet Rieslings from New Zealand

Felton Road, 2013, Riesling Block 1
Felton Road, 2002, Riesling Block 1

Stuart Pigott: A wonderful combination of wines, showing very well how these wines can age. Mosel has played a role in these wines, but they have their own personality. Demeter-certified viticulture and very simple “hands off” winemaking.

Felton Road was founded in 1991. Annual production is 12000 cases. Riesling accounts for 10% and Pinot Noir for 70%.

Pictures: Owner Nigel Greening, Felton Road with Lukas Pichler, F.X.Pichler, and Christian G.E.Schiller at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Framingham, 2013, Riesling Auslese “F-Series”
Framingham, 2013, Noble Riesling

Stuart Pigott: These wines caused quite a storm at a blind tasting in which I participated. People thought that this was not possible in New Zealand. You have to be daring. Obviously, such wines can not only be made in the Mosel Valley.

Framingham was founded in 1994; it is owned by Sogrape Vinhos. Annual production is 26000 cases. Riesling accounts for 8% and Sauvignon Blanc for 75%.

Picture: Winemaker Andrew Hedley and Annette Schiller at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Stuart Pigott: These and the other wines show that New World wines can be subtle, can be intense, can be mind-blowing.

Postings about the 2014 International Riesling Symposium on schiller-wine

This posting is part of a series about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany. Here is a list of the Postings already published and those still coming.

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
A Tour through the Rheingau - Visits of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Wilhelm Weil, Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg
Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Giuseppe Lauria the Grands Crus Couples from VDP.Grosse Lage Vienyards – Riesling Grosses Gewaechs and Riesling Spaetlese
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Cornelius and Fabian Lange Rieslings from Danube, Rhine, Nahe and Moselle: The European Riesling Route
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Caro Maurer Aged Rieslings from around the World: Riesling and its Aging Potential
German Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
American Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Austrian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
New Zealandian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Australian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Canadian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

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The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

1st International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

Aging Potential of Riesling– A Wine Tasting at the 1st International Riesling Symposium in Germany Led by Jancis Robinson

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When Americans Drink German Wine - What They Choose

German Wine Basics: Sugar in the Grape - Alcohol and Sweetness in the Wine

Riesling, Pinot Noir and Indian Cuisine: A tête-à-tête Dinner with Winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Rasika in Washington DC, USA

Top 10 Riesling Producers in the World– Snooth 2012

Steffen Christmann (Weingut A. Christmann) and Wilhelm Weil (Weingut Robert Weil) Presented the New Wine Classification of the VDP, Germany

Picture: Christian G.E.Schiller and David White, Terroirist, Finalist in the Category Best Industry/Business Wine Blog, in Rioja, Spain, at the 2013 Digitale Wine Communications Conference

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Lenn Thompson, New York Cork Report, Finalist in the Category Best Single Subject Wine Blog, at TasteCamp 2012 in Virginia, USA

The finalists in the 2014 Wine Blog Awards were announced.

The awards are open to any English-language wine blog located anywhere in the world. The winners will be chosen based on 50% of the input coming from the judges and 50% coming from the public vote and will be presented live at the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference, which will be in Santa Barbara, California on July 11-13th.

Best Blog Post of the Year

Finalists:

Katie Kelly Bell’s This Winemaker Hunts Trees to Make the Perfect Wine

Erin Scala’s Chasing Mrs. Elizabeth Bird, NYC’s First Female Sommelier

Christopher Watkin’s Beauty Is A Rare Thing: Building the 2012 Monte Bello

Richard Jenning’s Sanford & Benedict: Historic Vineyard’s Story Told for First Time by Co-Founder

Lauren Mowery’s Turkish Wines: Vinkara Winery Working to Preserve Indigenous Varieties with Delicious Results

Best Original Photography or Video on a Wine Blog

Finalists:

The Journey of Jordan Winery

The Lynmar Life

Cork Envy

Wine Oh TV

4488: A Ridge Blog

Brunellos Have More Fun

Best Industry/Business Wine Blog

Finalists:

Fermentation: The Daily Wine blog

Lodi Wine

Terroirist

Berry Bros. & Rudd Rudd Wine Blog

Texas Wine and Trail

Best Wine Reviews on a Wine Blog

Finalists:

Wine School of Philadelphia

Cuvée Corner

Kens Wine Guide

1WineDude

HoseMaster of Wine

The Reverse Wine Snob

Best Single Subject Wine Blog

Finalists:

Señorita Vino

The Wine Bar

New York Cork Report

Washington Wine Report

On the wine trail in Italy

Best Winery Blog

Finalists:

The Journey of Jordan: Food, Wine & Hospitality

The Lynmar Life

Been Doon So Long

The La Crema Blog

4488: A Ridge Blog

Best Writing On a Wine Blog

Finalists:

HoseMaster of Wine

Chris Kassel’s Intoxicology Report

Jameson Fink

The Gray Report

Chasing the Vine

Wine Fashionista

Best New Wine Blog

Finalists:

Sherry Notes

Wine Snark.com

Girl and the Grape

La Dolce Vino

Italian Wine Central

Best Overall Wine Blog

Finalists:

Jamie Goode’s Wine Blog

Been Doon So Long

Hawk Wakawaka Wine Reviews

Enobytes Wine

On Reserve: A Wine Law Blog

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Picture: Ernst Loosen at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany (2014). Ernst Loosen is a Leader in terms of Social Media among German Winemakers.

A few weeks ago – just before the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany – Weingut Weil joint the facebook community with a facebook fan page for Weingut Robert Weil. Within a day, Weingut Robert Weil went from zero to more than 1000 followers. Wilhelm Weil said that he was late in the game. This prompted me to check a few German top producers as to how they were performing in terms of Social Media and if Wilhelm Weil really was late.

Test and Results

I used the Feinschmecker listing, which includes 19 wineries in its top category of 5 out of 5 F’s. I asked the following questions:

A: Does the winery have a web site?
B: Does the winery have a web site in English?
C: Does the winery have a facebook fan page?
D: Does the winery have a twitter account?

Here is what I found: In a nutshell, at least in terms of the top wine producers, Weingut Robert Weil was not at all late, when it started a facebook fan page in May 2014. Indeed, Weingut Robert Weil was early. Only 6 out of the 19 top wine producers (Feinschmecker – 5/5 F’s) have a facebook fan page. Only 1 out of 19 top wine producers has a twitter account. This is Weingut Dr. Loosen. In fact, both his facebook fan page and his twitter account are managed out of Portland in Oregon, US. This devastating overall picture however would probably lighten up, if you would look at the young generation of German winemakers. They tend to be more active on facebook. However, almost none of them is active on twitter.

Meyer Näkel

Weingut Meyer Näkel was established by the marriage of Paula Meyer and Willibald Näkel. Although Willibald Näkel only cultivated 1.5 hectares of vines he was already a pioneer for the then rather unusual dry red wines from the Ahr valley. Today’s 15 hectares estate is managed by his son Werner Näkel, his wife Claudia and their daughters Meike and Dőrte.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Picture: Doerte Näkel and Christian G.E. Schiller at the 2014 Weinbörse in Mainz

See:
Kuenstler, Meyer-Naekel, Wirsching – Winemaker Dinner at Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany

Rudolf Fürst

Weingut Rudolf Fürst has the reputation of being a specialist for red wines, Spaetburgunder and Fruehburgunder, which account for 60% of the production; but brilliant dry wines are also produced. 18.6 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Picture: Paul Fürst, Annette Schiller and Guiseppe Lauria at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau (2014)

Horst Sauer

Weingut Horst Sauer is well known for his noble-sweet wines, but the Sauers also produces top dry wines, from Silvaner and Riesling. 16.5 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Fritz Haag

Weingut Fritz Haag produces a broad range of styles, from dry to lusciously noble sweet wines. Weingut Fritz Haag is owned and run by Oliver Haag. In the US, it is available through Loosen Bros. (Ernst Loosen). 16.5 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and German Winemaker Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag, in Seattle

See:
The German Winemakers at the 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, USA

Kartäuserhof

A wine estate in the Ruwer Valley, with a long tradition and an exciting history, now led by Christoph Tyrell; he has focused on carefully crafted dry wines. 19 hectares. A couple of months ago, a press release indicated that Christoph Tyrell, who has no children and who is on his mid-60s, has arranged the succession of the Karthaeuserhof with his cousin Albert Behler. Albert Behler lives in New York City, where he is President and CEO of the Paramount Group, one of the largest privately-owned real estate companies in New York City. 19 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Christoph Tyrell, Karthäuserhof, in Mainz, Germany.

For more, see:
The Karthäuserhof in the Mosel Valley: An Eventful History – From Grenoble in France to New York City in the US

Dr. Loosen

Run and owned by one of the most entrepreneurial German winemakers, Ernst Loosen; in addition to producing outstanding wines in Germany, he makes the famous Eroica in Washington State (jointly with Chateau Ste. Michelle) and has started to produce wine, notably Pinot Noir, in Oregon. 22 hectares.

A: Yes (managed out of Oregon, US)
B: Yes (managed out of Oregon, US)
C: Yes (in English, managed out of Oregon, US, over 6400 followers)
D: Yes (in English, managed out of Oregon, US, over 4000 followers)

Pictures: Ernst Loosen, Annette Schiller and Christian G.E.Schiller at the Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen

See:
Riesling from Germany and Pinot Noir from Oregon: A Winemaker Dinner with Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen and J.Christopher Wines, at Black Salt in Washington DC.
Riesling, Pinot Noir and Indian Cuisine: A tête-à-tête Dinner with Winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Rasika in Washington DC, USA
Ernst Loosen and Dr. L. Riesling - His Hugely Popular Entry-level Wine Sold Throughout the World;
The Doctor Made a House Call - A Tasting with Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at MacArthur Beverages in Washington DC, USA

Egon Mueller - Scharzhof

The legendary Scharzhof lies on the Saar River. Egon Mueller’s fruity sweet and noble sweet, low alcohol wines are a legend. 16 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Joh. Jos. Pruem

A: Yes (but just an one page web site)
B: Yes (but just an one page web site)
C: No
D: No

For decades now, one of the really exceptional winemakers in Germany. The aging potential of the Weingut J.J. Pruem wines is legendary. Katharina Pruem is in the process of taking over from her father Manfred Pruem. 21 hectares.

I met Manfred's daughter Katharina Pruem in Washington DC recently and wrote about Weingut JJ Pruem: JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

Picture: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, with Manfred Pruem, Weingut JJ Pruem.

See:
German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013
3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

Sankt Urbans Hof

A rather young wine estate that was established about 50 years ago. It is now owned and run by the founder’s grandson, Nik Weis. Most of the elegant, fine and light wines are exported. 33 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: Yes (over 500 fans, Urban Riesling)
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Nik Weis in Berlin: Germany’s VDP Wine Estates Celebrate 100th Anniversary in Berlin - Overview

Maximin Grünhaus - Von Schubert

The historic Maximin Grünhaus estate lies at the foot of a long, steep south-facing slope on the left bank of the Ruwer river and is divided into three separate but contiguous vineyards: Abtsberg, Herrenberg, and Bruderberg. The estate belongs to the family of Carl von Schubert. The estate was first documented in 966. The Schubert family purchased it in 1882.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Carl von Schubert in Washington DC

See:
Carl von Schubert from the Maximin Gruenhaus Estate Returned a Favor: With his Wines in Washington DC (and in Seattle), USA
Schloss Lieser

The village Lieser is located next to Bernkastel-Kues. The village’s landmark is the mighty castle “Schloss Lieser”, built in 1875 and inhabited by the Baron of Schorlemer. In 1904 the winery of Schloss Lieser was constructed. Over the years, several changes of ownership led to a decline in quality. In 1992, Thomas Haag, son of Wilhelm Haag, former proprietor of Weingut Fritz Haag, became the General Manager, bought the estate in 1997 and brought the estate of Schloss Lieser back to the top of the Riesling estates in Germany. 10 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: Yes (but inactive, last posting in 2013)
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Thomas Haag, Schloss Lieser, at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany (2014)

Herrmann Dönnhoff

Owner and winemaker Helmut Dönnhoff is a Grand Seigneur of German wine. His son Cornelius is in the process of taking over. 25 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: Yes (Over 1300 fans)
D: No

Picture: Tasting with Helmut Doennhoff

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

Emrich-Schoenleber

Werner Schoenleber has invested a great deal of personal dedication and his promotion to the top rank is definitely warranted. His wines are known to be rich in character and highly esteemed worldwide. 17 hectares.

A: Yes
B: No
C: Yes (more than 400 fans)
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Werner Schoenleber, Weingut Emrich-Schoenleber at the 2013 Riesling Gala at Kloster Eberbach, Germany

Schäfer- Fröhlich

Tim Fröhlich took over Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in 1995 and has since then impressed the wine world with his dry, fruity -sweet and noble sweet white wines. 15 hectares.

A: Yes
B: No
C: No
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Tim Froehlich, Weingut Schaefer-Froehlich, in Wiesbaden

Knipser

A world class producer of both dry white and red wines. Werner Knipser has been experimenting with international red grape varieties for some years. Virtually all wines are fermented in a dry style. 57 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Künstler

As a founding member of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, I have watched Weingut Kuenstler in Hochheim ising from a small winery to one of the world leaders of German wine. The wine growing tradition of the Künstler family can be traced back to Southern Moravia in 1648. I remember very well the small row house in Hochheim that was the initial home of the Kuenstler winery in Hochheim. 42 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: No
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Gunter Kuenstler at Schloss Johnnisberg. Weingut Kuenstler was founded by my the late Franz Kuenstler. We were both founding members of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim: The Wines of Franz Kuenstler from Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany

See:
Kuenstler, Meyer-Naekel, Wirsching – Winemaker Dinner at Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany

Robert Weil

A top producer of Riesling wines, in particular fruity sweet and noble sweet wines, well presented in the major wine markets in the world. Now co-owned by the Japanese Suntory company and General Manager Wilhelm Weil, the fourth generation of the founding family. 80 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: Yes (since June 2014, over 1600 fans)
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E.Schiller, Martina Weil, Annette Schiller, Wilhelm Weil at the 2013 Rheingau Riesling Gala

See:
German Riesling and International Grape Varieties – Top Wine Makers Wilhelm Weil and Markus Schneider at Kai Buhrfeindt’s Grand Cru in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany
Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Keller

Leader of the Rheinhessen wine renaissance. Has a broad wine portfolio with 60 % accounted for by Riesling and also including the lesser known autochthon Silvaner as well as Spaetburgunder. 15 hectares.

A: Yes
B: No (a few English articles on the German web site)
C: No
D: No

Wittmann

Leader of the Rheinhessen wine renaissance. Since 2003 only biodynamic wine growing. A broad portfolio with 60% Riesling and also Silvaner and Spaetburgunder. Known for his outstanding dry wines. 25 hectares.

A: Yes
B: Yes
C: Yes (over 600 fans)
D: No

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Philipp Wittmann in Mainz

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Picture: German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Beijing, during her recent China Tour

Dear wine friends in Washington DC and Northern Virginia,

The RIESLING SUMMER 2014 has some more great events to offer for the city dwellers in DC and a bit further out for the folks who like being surrounded by nature:

June 25th: wine pairing dinner with German and Austrian wines at restaurant 2941 in Falls Church, VA. Chef Bertrand Chemel will surprise us with a fantastic menu matching the wines selected. Bertrand Chemel is an extraordinary chef and I am very sure that he would have earned a Michelin-star if there would be a Michelin guide for this area. The setting of this restaurant is also very beautiful, very serene and perfectly interwoven with its surrounding nature. I am very proud to team up with him to make this dinner happen.

June 29th: wine pairing dinner with German wines at restaurant B Too in Washington DC. This is one of the newest, hippes restaurants in town with a lively ambiance and a wonderful chef. Chef Bart Vandaele is one of the best chefs in DC and will create a very creative menu matching German Rieslings. I am proud to team up with him again (some of you might remember the Lafon-Rochet dinner in May, where he went the extra mile to create those absolutely outstanding courses to go with the wines) to organize this dinner.

The German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner, elected after a stiff knowledge competition to become the German Wine Ambassador for one term, will be in town for one week and will moderate both dinners and will tell you everything you want to know about German wine.

Please make your reservations directly with the restaurants.

Hope to see you there.

Annette Schiller
Ombiasy PR and WineTours

Christian Schiller
schiller-wine

Picture: The German Ambassador to China, Michael Claus, and his Wife, Annette and Christian Schiller and the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at the German Embassy in Beijing, China

German Wine Dinner Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 2941 Restaurant in Northern Virginia

Restaurant 2941
2941 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, VA 22042

Call the restaurant to make your reservation at 703 270 1500.

Canapés
crispy shrimp, yuzu aioli
yellowfin tuna tartare serve in a sesame cone
mini burger, tomato, lettuce, brioche buns
Dr. L, Sekt Riesling, Mosel, Germany (N.V.)
~
Slow Cook Salmon & Lobster Roll
avocado, tobiko wasabi, haricots vert
Donnhoff, Trocken, Riesling, Nahe, Germany (2012)
~
Saucisson A l’Ail En Brioche
Dijon mustard jus
Prieler, Blaufränkish Johanneshöhe, Burgenland, Austira (2011)
~
Orecchiette
braised rabbit leg, English peas, fennel, herbs
Becker Famliy, Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany (2010)
~
Pheasant Duo
Thai yellow curry, roasted artichoke, lemongrass
Kruger-Rumpf, Dautenpflanzer, Riesling, Grosses Gewaches, Nahe, Germany (2012)
~
Beesting
honey, caramelized almond, berries

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller, Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel, and Jonathan Schuyler, Wine Director/Sommelier at a recent Bourgougne Winemaker Dinner: Dining with Côte de Beaune Winemaker Pascal Maillard, Domaine Maillard Père et Fils, at Restaurant 2941 in Virginia, USA

Dining and Wining with a Wine Princess, Sunday, June 29, 2014 at B Too Restaurant in Washington DC

B Too
1324 14th Street NW
Washington DC, 20005

Call the restaurant to make your reservation at 202 627 2800 or send an email to info@btoo.com

Here is the Menu and the Wine Selection of Chef Chef Bart Vandaele.

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Château LAFON-ROCHET’s winemaker Anaïs Maillet and Chef Bart Vandaele at a recent B Too Winemaker Dinner, see: Winemaker Dinner with Château LAFON-ROCHET Wines and Winemaker Anaïs Maillet at Chef Bart Vandaele’s Hipp B Too Restaurant in Washington DC, US/France

Other Events with German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner will be in the area for about a week. In addition to the two wine dinners above, there will also be other events, notably two wine tastings with the German Wine Society in Philadelphia and Washington DC, as well as a store-tasting at MacArthur Beverages in Washington DC and, last but not least, a Riesling Party at the Schiller's residence.

For more on German Wine Pricess Sabine Wagner and her US East Coast schedule, see:
Announcement: A Royal Wine Visit - German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Virginia, Philadelphia and Washington DC in June 2014, US/Germany.

The posting also contains a full list of events of German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in the Washington DC, Philadelphia and Northern Virginia area. For an up-to-date list of all events, go to the events page of Ombiasy PR and WineTours:
Events: Ombiasy PR and WineTours

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Picture: The German Ambassador to China, Michael Claus, and his Wife, Daniela Claus, Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, Christian Schiller and the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at the German Embassy in Beijing, China

From Tuesday, June 3 to Monday, June 9, 2014, German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner was in China to promote German wine. She had a quite busy schedule: 2 inter-continental flights, 3 intra-China flights, 6 nights in China, 3 days in Beijing, 1 1/2 days in Shanghai, 1 day in Shenzhen and then another day in Shanghai.

In the last week of June, German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner will be in the US to promote German wine:

Announcement: A Royal Wine Visit - German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Virginia, Philadelphia and Washington DC in June 2014, US/Germany.

We overlapped in Beijing. I was in China because of the birthday of my daughter Cornelia Tremann, who lives with her husband Chris Tremann in Beijing. Cornelia is with UNDP and Chris with the American Diplomatic Service.

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller in the Forbidden City and at the Great Wall, China

TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China

In Bejing, Wine Princess Sabine Wagner focused on TopWine China 2014, which took place during June 4 to 6 at the China National Convention Center. Annette Schiller and I spent June 4 at TopWine China 2014, focusing on the producers from and France.

I have already reported about Germany and TopWine China here:

Germany at TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China

Pictures: German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner and Christian G.E. Schiller at the 2014 TopWine China

Discover the Taste of Germany – Winetasting at TopWine China 2014

From the German perspective, a German wine tasting, led by German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner and Rachel Wang, Wine Writer and Educator, was one of the highlights of the trade show. I participated in the well-attended tasting and will report in more detail on the event in a separate posting on schiller-wine.

Pictures: German WineTasting at TopWine China 2014

Reception by the German Ambassador to China, Michale Claus and his Wife Daniela Clau

In the evening of June 5, the German Ambassador to China, Michael Claus and his wife Daniela Claus, had a reception at their Residence, with German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner being the Guest of Honor. Wine Princess Sabine Wagner poured a selection of very interesting wines, from winemakers present at TopWine China 2014 as well as other German winemakers. Other guests included German winemakers that were in Beijing for the TopWine China 2014 trade show as well as journalists, retailers, importers and sommeliers from the local wine scene. Ex-Minister Rudolph Scharping – now consulting for Chinese companies – was in town and also attended the reception.

The reception at the German Embassy was part of the 2014 Riesling Weeks China, which took place from June 1 to 16, 2014. Targeted cities were Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen (which Wine Princess Sabine Wagner visited during her China Tour) and Qingdao, Changsha and Guangzhou.

I will report separately about the event at the German Embassy.

Pictures: German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at the German Embassy in Beijing, China

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Announcement: A Royal Wine Visit - German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Virginia, Philadelphia and Washington DC in June 2014, US/Germany.

Picture: Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Weil, and Guiseppe Lauria

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium took place on May 26 and 27, 2014, at Schloss Rheinhartshausen in the Rheingau. Riesling experts from around the world - top winemakers, representatives from the trade and restaurant sector, and journalists – gathered to celebrate, discuss and taste the arguably most noble white grape in the world - Riesling.

I have already provided an overview about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium event: The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

This posting focuses on one particular event, a spectacular tasting, led by Giuseppe Lauria: The Grand Cru Couple from VDP.Grosse Lage – Riesling Grosses Gewächs and Riesling Spätlese.

Pictures: Guiseppe Lauria Leading the Tasting

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US (mainly Washington State and Finger Lakes Region) with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares.

Pictures: Paul Fürst, Annette Schiller, H.O. Spanier, Caroline Spanier-Gillot and Guiseppe Lauria

Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine. In terms of quality wines, Riesling is usually included in the top three white wine varieties, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is highly terroir-expressive, meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine’s place of origin

VDP.Grosse Lage, Grosses Gewächs and Spätlese

Although many people think that there is only one wine classification system in Germany – the classification system of the Law of 1971 – this is not correct. True, the classification system of the Law of 1971 with its pyramid of ripeness of the grapes at harvest (Qualitätswein, Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese …) at the center is the standard classification system in Germany and the vast majority of winemakers in Germany use this approach. A large number of winemakers, however, have moved away from the standard, in particular the producers of premium and ultra-premium wines.

Importantly, the powerful group of German elite winemakers – the VDP (Verband Deutscher Praedikatswein Produzenten) – has conceived its own classification system and is developing it further.

Pictues: The Tasting

Following their colleagues in the Bourgogne, the terroir principle has taken center stage in the VDP classification. Effective with the 2012 harvest, the VDP classification has the following 4 quality layers (In brackets, the equivalent quality classes in the classification system of the Bourgogne):

• VDP.Grosse Lage (Grand Cru in Burgundy)
• VDP.Erste Lage (Premier Cru in Burgundy)
• VDP.Ortswein (Village level in Burgundy)
• VDP.Gutswein (Bourgogne régional in Burgundy)

The ultra-premium wines are those that come from a VDP.Grosse Lage. Dry wines from these top vineyards are called Grosses Gewächs: Grosses Gewächs wines are the finest dry wines from Germany’s finest vineyards. Wines that are not fully fermented and exhibit residual sweetness from these finest German vineyards are called VDP.Grosse Lage Kabinett, or Spätlese or Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein, depending on the sugar level in the finished wine.

The Tasting

Giuseppe Lauria, from the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland (responsible for the Rheingau), took us through a tasting of 12 Grand-Cru wine couples: always the same input (same vineyard, same grape varieties, same ripeness level of the grapes), but 2 different outputs - one wine fully fermented as Grosses Gewaechs and one wine not fully fermented to produce a Spätlese (in the VDP definition). In other words: what we had in the glass was the same grape material in 2 different interpretations. This was a blind tasting.

Geheimrat J.Wegeler, Mosel, 2012 Bernkastel Doctor, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG - very acid, shows cool minerality, citrus and apple aromas. The Spätlese - a quite elegant wine, also with strong minerality.

Schloss Lieser, Mosel, 2012 Niederberg Helden, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG – spontaneous fermentation, long contact with lees, strong minerality, shows were the wine comes from. The Spätlese – fruit is very upfront, aromas are more difficult to detect, needs more time to open up, 90 grams RS.

Picture: Christian G.E Schiller and Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, at Lunch

Grans-Fassian, Mosel, 2012, Trittenheim Apotheke, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG - not a big wine, fragile, not as much in balance as the previous two GG wines.

Dönnhoff, Nahe, 2012, Niederhausen Hermannshoehle, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG – prototype for the region, earthy notes, pronounced acidity, still a very young wine. The Spätlese – apricots, white peach, quite balanced, quite long in the mouth.

Picture: Cornelius and Helmut Dönnhoff and Martin Tesch

Emrich-Schoenleber, Nahe, 2012, Monzingen Hallenberg, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG – got power, but remains elegant, really good structure, quite monolithic in its style. The Spätlese – wonderfully balanced, is full of energy, great drinkability.

Picture: Werner Schönleber, Weingut Schönleber

Wagner-Stempel, Rheinhessen, 2012, Siefersheim Heerkretz, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG – fermented in wood, very mineral. Daniel Stempel: The Spätlese – only a few bottles were made of this wine, basically for the export market.

Picture: Daniel Stempel, Weingut Wagner Stempel

Toni Jost, Mittelrhein, 2012, Bacharach Hahn, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG – explosive Riesling fruit, ripe, peaches, a fruit – forward wine, fermented in stainless steel, with 10% botrytis. The Spätlese – 50% botrytis, also fermented in stainless steel.

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller, Annette Schiller and Cecilia Jost, Weingut Toni Jost - Hahnenhof

Oekonomierat Rebholz, Pfalz, 2011, Birkweiler Kastanienbusch, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG – herbal, spicy, only fully ripe grapes without botrytis were used. The Spätlese – 70 grams RZ, quite complex, big potential.

Picture: Hansjörg Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz

K.F. Groebe, Rheinhessen, 2011, Westhofen, Kirchspiel, GG and Spätlese

Robert Weil, Rheingau, 2011, Kiedrich Gräfenberg, GG and Spätlese

Giuseppe Lauria: The GG – mango, yellow fruits, also lots of minerality.

Josef Spreitzer, Rheingau, 2009, Oestrich Lenchen, GG and Spätlese 303

Picture: Andreas Spreitzer, Weingut Spreitzer

Leitz, Rheingau, 2009, Rüdesheim Berg Roseneck, GG and Spätlese

Thanks

Thanks Guiseppe for a great tasting.

Postings about the 2014 International Riesling Symposium on schiller-wine

This posting is part of a series about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany. Here is a list of the Postings already published and those still coming.

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
A Tour through the Rheingau - Visits of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Wilhelm Weil, Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg
Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Stuart Pigott, Germany
The Grand Cru Couple from VDP.Grosse Lage – Riesling Grosses Gewächs and Riesling Spätlese. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Giuseppe Lauria, Germany
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Cornelius and Fabian Lange Rieslings from Danube, Rhine, Nahe and Moselle: The European Riesling Route
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Caro Maurer Aged Rieslings from around the World: Riesling and its Aging Potential
German Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
American Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Austrian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
New Zealandian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Australian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Canadian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

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Green Sauce or Grüne Sosse, is a sauce made of 7 specific herbs: parsley, chives, cress, sorrel, chervil, borage, salad burnet, chopped fine, and mixed with a combination of sour cream, yoghurt or creme fraiche, a bit of oil, vinegar, and mustard, salt and pepper and then served over boiled potatoes with 2 hard-boiled eggs.

Grüne Sosse can be a full meal with just the potatoes and the hard-boiled eggs. Frankfurter Schnitzel is a Schnitzel topped with Grüne Sosse. I like Grüne Sosse with roast beef.

You buy the herbs in white paper packets at any food store; they are widely available during the season.

Pictures: Grüne Sosse (Source: tegus.de and Greenpinkorange.com)

The Winners in the 2014 Contest

Grüne Sosse tastes different in every restaurant as everyone seems to have his/her own recipe for it. Some chop the herbs with a knife, others us a blender or food processor; purists argue that is has to be chopped with a knife. Some also use mayonnaise, which I like, but not the purists. It may often have chopped up eggs in the sauce itself, which I like, but not everybody agrees with me.

The annual contest takes place over the course of a week in a large tent in the center of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, during the month of May. Every day, a day winner is chosen. On the last day, the six day winners compete in the final round for the overall winner and the 2 runners-up.

Here are the 2014 winners:

First Prize: Liebfrauenberger

Runners-up: Gerbermühle and Apfelwein Wagner

Other Day Winners: Buchscheer, Solzer, Müllers Buergerhaus (Rosbach-Rodheim), Historischer Gasthof zum Riesen (Seligenstadt)

Gerbermühle's Grüne Sosse

Gerbermühlstraße 105, 60594 Frankfurt am Main
+496968977790

Pictures: Gerbermühle, with Lorelei Schiller

Apfelwein Wagner

Schweizer Straße 71, 60594 Frankfurt am Main
+49 69 612565

Picture: Apfelwein Wagner in Sachsenhausen

Buchscheer's Grüne Sosse

Schwarzsteinkautweg 17, 60598 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
+49 69 635121

Pictures: Buchscheer, with Otto Schiller

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Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Kai Schäatzel, Weingut Schätzel, at the Roter Hang Festival

Once a year, the winemakers of the Roter Hang (Red Slope) - the famous vineyard south of Mainz in the Rheinhessen area - invite for a wine tasting in the middle of the vineyard. The Roter Hang wine tasting takes place on a small road leading up the Roter Hang. There are booths, were you can buy wine and food, and plenty of chairs and tables, where you can sit down and enjoy the wine, the food and the gorgeous setting – you look over the vineyards down to the Rhine River and you see the skyline of Frankfurt am Main in the far distance.

This year, 29 winemakers participated and presented about 60 wines at 6 booths. Except for the first booth, where you could buy wines at the Gutswein and Ortswein level, at all other booths you could buy wines from 2 to 3 single vineyards of the 12 single vineyards of the Roter Hang. Thus, stopping at a booth allowed you to go through different interpretations of wine from the same vineyard.

Pictures: Roter Hang Festival

Rheinhessen

Rheinhessen is an area that used to be known for winemakers often focusing on quantity and not quality. Rheinhessen is the largest viticultural region in Germany. Every fourth bottle of German wine comes from Rheinhessen. The high-yielder Mueller-Thurgau accounts for about 1/5 of the vineyards. Unlike in other German wine regions, where monoculture of the vine is the norm, here the many rolling hills are host to a wide variety of crops grown alongside the grape. Rheinhessen also has the rather dubious honor of being considered the birthplace of Liebfraumilch. At the same time, Rheinhessen is among Germany’s most interesting wine regions. A lot is happening there. There is an increasing group of mostly young and ambitious winemakers who want to produce and indeed do produce outstanding wine and not wines in large quantities.

Pictures: Roter Hang Festival

Rheinterrasse

One region of Rheinhessen, the Rheinterrasse, had always been in a somewhat different league, the stretch of vineyards which runs from Bodenheim, south of Mainz, in the north to Mettenheim in the south, often referred to as the Rheinterrasse.

The vineyards of the Rheinterrasse have a favoured mesoclimate in comparison with others in the region. The Rheinterrasse accounts for one-third of the region's Riesling wines. The wines from the Rheinterrasse were at some point even more expensive than Bordeaux wines.

Pictures: Roter Hang Festival

Roter Hang

The Roter Hang (Red Slope) is at the center of the Rheinterrasse. This steep slope extends for some five kilometers (three miles) with a total of 180 ha (445 acres) around Nierstein on the left bank of the Rhine.

The Roter Hang has a very special terroir, resulting from the drop of the Rheinhessen plateau before human life started. As a consequence of these movements the Roter Hang has a mineral-rich soil, a mixture of iron and clayish slate, which is at least 250 million years old (Permian Period). Further, the slope faces south to southeast, which helps in terms of the solar radiation. The red slate retains warmth, and additional warmth comes from the sunlight reflected from the surface of the Rhine.

Pictures: Roter Hang Festival

Schiller’s Favorites (in Alphabetic Order)

I spent an afternoon at the Red Slope Festival, with my wife Annette Schiller and my grandchildren Lorelei and Otto Schiller. I met a number of my favorites Roter Hang winemakers and had a chance to chat with them, while tasting their wines. Some of my favorites I did not meet, because of one of 2 reasons: They are not a member of the Roter Hang Association (this is the case for Weingut Klaus Peter Keller for example) or they did not have a shift while I was there (this was the case for Weingut Gunderloch).

Weingut St. Antony

Weingut St. Antony is a winery that has high ambitions, the financial backing of its owner (since 2005) Detlev Meyer, and a gifted winemaker at the helm, Felix Peters, and holdings in the top-rated Nierstein sites Hipping, Ölberg, Orbel and Pettental. Varieties planted here are Riesling (80%), as well as Pinot Noir (8%), Pinot Blanc (8%) and Silvaner (4%). Annual production is around 160.000 bottles of wine. St. Antony is a member of the VDP association. A top producer.

Weingut Jakob Gerhardt

Weingut Jakob Gerhardt is a winery that I did not have on the radar until I visited China a few weeks ago. There, at the TopWine China 2014, I familiarized myself with the portfolio of Weingut Jakob Gerhard, which is expanding into the Chines market.

See:
Germany at TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China

Weingut Gunderloch

Weingut Gunderloch is a winemaker with an interesting history that has reached fame world wide under the stewartship of Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger, a descendent of Carl Gunderloch, and her winemaker husband Fritz Hasselbach in charge. Gunderloch is very export-oriented and well known in the US, with more than 50%t of the production sold abroad. In 2002, the Winespectator carried an article about Fritz Hasselbach as the only winemaker to have received a perfect 100 points score for not only one, but three of his wines. The 1992, 1996 and 2001 Riesling TBA, Nackenheimer Rothenberg were each awarded 100 points.

My wife and I used to go by bike from Mainz to the Gunderloch Tavern on Sunday afternoon to eat a "Spundekaes" (a regional speciality) with a couple of glasses delicious Gunderloch wines. Unfortunately, they closed the Tavern a few years ago.

A year or so ago, Agnes and Carl’s dynamic son Johannes Hasselbach took over. One of his new projects is the Wurzelwerk project, with his sister and brother-in-law Stefanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch in Austria and Max von Kunow in the Saar Valley.

I was able to taste the excellent Weingut Gunderloch wines, but did not meet any of the Hasselbach family. Johannes, I know, was on a sales trip in Northern Europe.

See:
"Wurzelwerk" Goes America: 3 Vineyards, 3 Winemakers and 9 Wines
Weingut Gunderloch– The New Generation: Owner Johannes Hasselbach in Washington DC, US
Visiting Agnes and Fritz Hasselbach at their Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, Rheinhessen, German
Riesling Lounge Goes Lomo, Germany

Weingut Fritz Ekkehard Huff

I started to become interested in Weingut Fritz Ekkehard Huff, when Christine Huff began to get involved in winemaking at her father’s winery. With Eva Vollmer and Mirjiam Schneider she has become to be know as the 3 Wine Amazones from Mainz. All three of them make fascinating wines. At the invitation of Stuart Pigott, the 3 Wine Amazones visited New York City last year and I remember vividly, when we met at one of the Terroir Wine Bars shortly after they had landed in New York City and they could not access the ATM machines. I helped them out and they later repaid in kind (with their wine).

When I was at the wine festival, Christine Huff poured at one of the booths.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Christine Huff, Weingut Fritz Ekkehard Huff

See:
The Mainz Wine Amazones - Christine Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer - in New York City, USA
International Women's Day 2012: Meeting the Wine Amazones Tina Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer of Mainz, Germany

Weingut Keller

Klaus Peter Keller is the undisputed star of Rheinhessen and one of the best winemakers in Germany. His GMax ultra-premium dry Riesling sells for several hundred of US dollars. He recently bought land in the Roter Hang, but did not present his wines at the Roter Hang wine tasting.

Weingut Schätzel

Weingut Schätzel is a winery with a long tradition that only entered the limelights when Kai Schätzel took over a few years ago. Under him, the the winery has seen a major upswing. The Schätzel wines are now talked about and Kai Schätzel was there when the VDP Rheinhessen organized a village wine tasting and also invited interesting non-member wineries. The backyard of Weingut Schätzel is georgeous. I celebrated my 60th birthday there.

Kai Schaetzel, his wife and his mother poured at the first booth (Gutsweine and Ortsweine), when I was there.

Picture: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, and Kai Schätzel, Weingut Schätzel

See:
Celebrating Riesling and my Birthday at Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany
A New Fixture in the Reemerging Red Slope of Nierstein - Visiting Kai Schaetzel and his Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany
Riesling Lounge Goes Lomo, Germany

See:
German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013
3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux
New Developments in German Wine - Annette Schiller at the German Wine Society in Philadelphia, USA

Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider

Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider has been a solid Rheinhessen top producer for many years, widely available in the US. The vineyard area totals 14 hectares, of which 50% is accounted for by Riesling.

Long-time patron Albrecht Schneider is in the process of handing over to the next generation. His daughter Ursula Müller (nee Schneider) has married Steffen Müller, Weingut Müller-Schwabsburg, and the young couple is in the process of taking charge of both wineries.

I met the patron Albrecht Schneider at one of the booths and his daughter Ursula Müller and her husband, while walking up the road.

Pictures: Albrecht Schneider, Ursula Müller (nee Schneider) and Steffen Müller, Weingut Müller-Schwabsburg and Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider

See:
Visit: Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany - for Upcoming German Wine Society Tasting in Washington DC, USA
Distinguished American Wine Blogger Lindsay Morriss from New England Interns at Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider in Rheinhessen
An Evening with Lindsay Morriss: The Wines of Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider and her Ideas on How to Raise the Profile of German Wines in the USA

schiller-wine: Related Postings

"Wurzelwerk" Goes America: 3 Vineyards, 3 Winemakers and 9 Wines

Weingut Gunderloch– The New Generation: Owner Johannes Hasselbach in Washington DC, US

Visiting Agnes and Fritz Hasselbach at their Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, Rheinhessen, German

Celebrating Riesling and my Birthday at Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany

A New Fixture in the Reemerging Red Slope of Nierstein - Visiting Kai Schaetzel and his Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany

Riesling Lounge Goes Lomo, Germany

Germany at TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China

The Mainz Wine Amazones - Christine Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer - in New York City, USA

International Women's Day 2012: Meeting the Wine Amazones Tina Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer of Mainz, Germany

Visit: Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany - for Upcoming German Wine Society Tasting in Washington DC, USA

Distinguished American Wine Blogger Lindsay Morriss from New England Interns at Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider in Rheinhessen

An Evening with Lindsay Morriss: The Wines of Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider and her Ideas on How to Raise the Profile of German Wines in the USA

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

New Developments in German Wine - Annette Schiller at the German Wine Society in Philadelphia, USA

Pictures: Riesling Weeks 2014 Reception at the German Embassy in Beijing with German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

It all started in the U.S in 2005. The world-wide Riesling Renaissance was gaining momentum and the German Wine Institute organized its first ever "Riesling Week" - a promotion of German Rieslings in restaurants and in the wine trade in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Las Vegas. What started with a few dozen partners in these cities has since then developed into a campaign with a few hundred partners throughout the whole United States. Encouraged by this success, the German Wine Institute has implemented trade and gastro promotions in many other wine markets as well, including China.

In China, the 2014 Riesling Weeks took place from 1st to 16th June 2014. Targeted cities were Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changsha and Guangzhou. As part of the 2014 Riesling Weeks in China, the German Ambassador to China had a reception at his residence on June 6, 2014, with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner the Guest of Honor. Other guests included German winemakers that were in Beijing for the TopWine China 2014 trade show as well as journalists, retailers, importers and sommeliers from the local wine scene. Ex-Minister Rudolph Scharping – now consulting for Chinese companies – was in town and also attended the reception.

Riesling Weeks 2014 Reception at the German Embassy in Beijing with German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Wine Giant China

In a rather short period of time, China has become the 5th largest wine market in the world (following the US, France, Italy and Germany and ahead of the UK, Argentina, Spain, Australia and Portugal). Annual wine consumption in China has reached 16.8 million hectoliters, compared with 29.2 million hectoliters in the US. China is in the top 10 group of wine consuming countries.

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller at the Great Wall and in the Metro in Beijing, China

With less than a liter per year, the Chinese per capita consumption is dismal, but the number of consumers is huge. Thus, overall wine consumption is large. And, per capita consumption is on an upward trend. If the per capita consumption increases just by as much as – for example – the Australian per capita consumption increased between 2007 and 2001, China would become the largest wine market in the world, overtaking the US, France, Italy and Germany. China’s wine boom started less than 20 years ago. It is poised to become the largest wine consumer in the world in the not too distant future.

Around 80 % cent of the wine consumed in China is red. The color red is considered lucky in China and is also affiliated with the Communist government, while white is associated with death and is predominantly seen at funerals. About 70% to 80% of wine consumed in China is produced locally or a blend of Chinese and imported wine.

Pictures: German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner Pouring, Chatting and Posing with the German Ambassador

On the production side, China has emerged as the fifth biggest wine producer in the world, mainly for domestic consumption, although Chinese wine has started to appear on the shelves of other countries. Wine producer China, where traces of wild wine dating from the second and first millennium BC have been found, is clearly on the fast track. Most of the grapes used are indigenous to China but international grapes, notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, are more and more planted in Chinese vineyards.

Jancis Robinson: China undoubtedly has a present and burgeoning future as a wine producer and consumer, but all Chinese wine regions assayed so far have one major disadvantage. They are either, like Shandong on the east coast, so wet in summer that it is a struggle to harvest fully ripe, healthy grapes, or they are so cold in winter, like Ningxia, where Moët Hennessy recently established a sparkling-wine operation, that the vines have to be laboriously buried every autumn to protect them from freezing to death. Quite apart from the damage it can do to vines, the continuing urbanisation of China suggests that eventually this may become rather expensive.

Nevertheless, both on the consumption side and the production side, it is only a matter of time, until China becomes the world largest wine country.

Picture: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller with Ex-Minister Rudolph Scharping.

German Wine in China

China's import wine market is dominated by the French. Over 50 percent of imported wine comes from France. Labels like Chateau Lafite or Mouton have a cult status among the country's nouveau-riche. German wines are much less glamorous. The recent austerity and anti-corruption drive of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping has led to a marked decline in conspicuous consumption and sales of high-end wine.

Picture: German Ambassador Michael Claus and Michaela Liebchen from the German Wine Institute

Concerning German wine, generally, Chinese people do not think of wine when it comes to Germany's finer exports. They think of cars, machines and possibly beer. German winemakers and the German Wine Institute are in the process of changing this. German wine exports to China have increased dramatically in recent years, although from a low base. It is expected that China will soon become the largest wine market in Asia for German wine exports, ahead of Japan.

The Wines

Here are the wines that were poured by Wine Princess Sabine Wagner.

Picture: The Wines that Wine Princess Sabine Wagner Poured

Sparkling Wine

1636 Mosel Riesling Sekt trocken
Producer: Einig-Zenzen, Mosel

Red Wines

Merlot just rose Black Label
Producer: Weingut Albert Glas, Pfalz

Cuvee WS trocken Rotwein
Producer: Weingut Wilhelm Sitzius, Nahe

Cuvee Fuchs Extra Rotwein
Producer: Weingut Fuchs, Rheinhessen

2010 Novis Rotweincuvee
Producer: Weingut Dr. Heger, Baden
Importer: Dalian Yutai Chongxin International Trading

2010 Spätburgunder
Producer: Weingut Knipser
Importer: CCWine

Dry Style White Wines

2011 Blankenhornsberger Muskateller trocken
Producer: Staatsweingut Freiburg, Baden
Importer: Quin International

2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Producer: Weingut Georg Mosbacher, Pfalz
Importer: Connoisseur Club Shanghai

2008 Forster Jesuitengarten Riesling GG
Producer: Weingut Bassermann-Jordan, Pfalz
Importer: German Fine Wine Ltd., Shanghai

2012 Riesling Feinherb
Producer: Weingut Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium, Mosel
Importer: Euro Starbrands

Fruity-sweet White Wines

Riesling Spaetlese
Producer: Weinallianz
Importer: Shanghai Hengjin Logistics Co. Ltd.

Altum Riesling Spätlese
Producer: Weingut Heinrich Vollmer, Pfalz

2011 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese
Producer: Weingut St. Urbans-Hof, Mosel
Importer: Kerry Wines

Spätburgunder Weissherbst Spätlese
Producer: Weingut Philipp Lang, Baden

Serga König Johann Berg Riesling Auslese
Producer: König Johann Weingut, Mosel
Importer: Run Yang Drinks Co. Ltd

Dienheimer Schloss Riesling Auslese
Producer: Jakob Gerhardt Wein- und Sektkellerei, Rheinhessen
Importer: Jakob Gerhardt Wein- und Sektkellerei

Food: Stir-fries

For dinner (main course), 4 Chefs from the Beijing Kempinski Hotel prepared delicious stir-fries for us.

Pictures: Dinner

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Picture: Riesling from Danube, Rhine, Nahe, and Moselle: the European Riesling Route - A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Cornelius and Fabian Lange

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium took place on May 26 and 27, 2014, at Schloss Rheinhartshausen in the Rheingau. Riesling experts from around the world - top winemakers, representatives from the trade and restaurant sector, and journalists – gathered to celebrate, discuss and taste the arguably most noble white grape in the world - Riesling.

I have already provided an overview about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium event: The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany and reported about particular events (see below)

This posting focuses on one particular event, a spectacular tasting, led by Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Riesling from Danube, Rhine, Nahe, and Moselle: the European Riesling Route.

Picture: Riesling from Danube, Rhine, Nahe, and Moselle: the European Riesling Route - A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Cornelius and Fabian Lange

For last year's Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, see:
The 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle: Impressions from the Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, USA
The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

For the 1st International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, see:
1.International Riesling Symposium
Aging Potential of Riesling– A Wine Tasting at the 1st International Riesling Symposium in Germany Led by Jancis Robinson

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US (mainly Washington State and Finger Lakes Region) with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares.

Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine. In terms of quality wines, Riesling is usually included in the top three white wine varieties, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is highly terroir-expressive, meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine’s place of origin.

The Tasting

1. Flight

Wein- und Sektgut Barth Rheingau
Barth Sekt Primus Brut, made from 2009 Hattenheim Hassel Erstes Gewaechs
2009 Hattenheim Hassel Erstes Gewächs

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: The same grape material in 2 different interpretations – as a sparkling wine and as a still wine. It is hard to believe that the 2 wines were made with the same grape material.

2. Flight

Weingut Rudolf Fürst Franken
2009 Bürgstadt Centgrafenberg VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Picture: Sebastian Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst

Wein- und Sektgut F.B. Schönleber Rheingau
2009 Mittelheim St. Nikolaus Erstes Gewaechs

Weingut F.X. Pichler Wachau
2009 Duernstein Kellerberg Smaragd

Picture: Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler and Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours

Weingut Hirtzberger Wachau
2009 Spitz Singerriedel Smaragd

Weingut Knoll
2009 Duernstein Schuett Smaragd

Pictures: Emmerich Knoll, Weingut Knoll, and Christian G.E. Schiller

Domaine Trimbach Alsace
2009 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile

Domaine Weinbach Alsace
2009 Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvee Saint Catharine

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: A baroque, opulent style, with botrytis influence, is a common feature of these 7 wines. The Hirtzberger wine is a super-sized Riesling, the Knoll is peppery, the Weinbach is punchy and a bit bitter, which we like.

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Thesis # 1 – the message of Riesling is a mantra of diversity.

3. Flight

Weingut van Volxem Mosel
2010 Kanzem Altenberg Alte Reben VDP.Grosse Lage

Roman Niewodniczanski: We try to make our wines in a traditional style, low yields, old vines, a wine that is low in alcohol.

Picture: Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut van Volxem

Weingut von Winning Pfalz
2010 Deidesheim Kieselberg VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Weingut Bründelmayer Kamptal
2010 Zoebinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben Erste Lage

Picture: Willi Bründelmayer, Weingut Bründelmayer

Weingut Loimer Kamptal
2010 Langenlois Seeberg Erste Lage Kamptal DAC Reserve

Picture: Fred Loimer, Weingut Loimer

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: We find a lot of modern ideas in the Bründelmayer Riesling and more traditional ideas in the van Volxem Riesling, both wines are brilliant, the Bründelmayer Riesling is like a new-borne baby fresh in your hand, with the van Volxem, we have super slate sensations, a soft appearance, notes of litchis, roses, an amazing wine, the most interesting wine is the von Winning Riesling, we find a lot of acidity, but we also find oak, which is well integrated, a most-interesting interpretation of Riesling, the Loimer Riesling is pure freshness, pure acidity, a razor sharp interpretation.

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Thesis # 2 – Riesling is the Conchita Wurst of grape varieties – it is something in-between.

4. Flight

Gut Hermannsberg Nahe
2011 Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube VDP. Grosses Gewaechs

Weingut Tesch Nahe
2011 Laubenheimer Kartaeuserhof Riesling trocken

Martin Tesch: We have lots of different soils. We like to keep things simple and short: one grape variety, no oak, screw caps.

Picture: Martin Tesch, Weingut Tesch

Weingut Kühling-Gillot Rheinhessen
2011 Nierstein Pettenthal VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

H.O. Spanier: We produce bio-dynamic. We do not do anything. The wine ferments and we leave the wine alone to develop.

Picture: H.O. Spanier, Weingut Kühling-Gillot

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: The last 3 wines are very close together, very similar interpretations, a good trio from the southern, middle and northern parts of Germany

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Thesis # 3 – There is no reference wine in the world of dry Rieslings. This is not the case for noble-sweet wines (JJ Prüm, Egon Mueller, Weil, Dönnhoff).

5. Flight

Weingut A. Christmann Pfalz
2011 Gimmeldinger Mandelgarten VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Stefan Christmann: This wine shows very well what the Pfalz can do, spontaneously fermented, let the wine develop.

Picture: Stefan Christmann, Weingut A. Christmann

Weingut Dr. Loosen Mosel
2011 Uerzig Wuerzgarten Alte Reben Reserve VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Super soft, a lot of harmony in the wine.

Picture: Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen

Weingut Johannishof Rheingau
2011 Ruedesheim Berg Rottland Erstes Gewaechs

Picture: Johannes Eser, Weingut Johannishof

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Thesis #4 – on a global scale, Riesling is not very successful, acidity levels are often regarded as excessive, sweet-style Rieslings are completely out of fashion, Riesling is not a good dinner companion.

6. Flight

Weingut Heymann-Löwenstein Mosel
2012 Winningen Uhlen “Blaufuesser Lay” VDP. Grosses Gewaechs

Weingut Hans Wirsching Franken
2012 Iphofen Julius-Echter-Berg VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Weingut Keller Rheinhessen
2012 Dalsheim Hubacker VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Thesis #5 – If Riesling would become a global player, success would kill it.

7. Flight

Weingut Wittmann Rheinhessen
2012 Westhofen Morstein VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Picture: Philipp Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann

Weingut August Kesseler Rheingau
2012 Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Weingut Prinz
2012 Hallgarten Jungfer VDP.Grosses Gewaechs

Picture: Fred Prinz, Weingut Prinz

Cornelius and Fabian Lange: Thesis #6 – It is best to let Riesling continue its freedom.

Postings about the 2014 International Riesling Symposium on schiller-wine

This posting is part of a series about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany. Here is a list of the Postings already published and those still coming.

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
A Tour through the Rheingau - Visits of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Wilhelm Weil, Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg
Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Stuart Pigott, Germany
The Grand Cru Couple from VDP.Grosse Lage – Riesling Grosses Gewächs and Riesling Spätlese. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Giuseppe Lauria, Germany
Riesling from Danube, Rhine, Nahe, and Moselle: the European Riesling Route - A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Cornelius and Fabian Lange
2. International Riesling Symposium: Tasting with Caro Maurer Aged Rieslings from around the World: Riesling and its Aging Potential
German Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
American Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Austrian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
New Zealandian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Australian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Canadian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

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New Developments in German Wine - Annette Schiller at the German Wine Society in Philadelphia, USA

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

1st International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

Aging Potential of Riesling– A Wine Tasting at the 1st International Riesling Symposium in Germany Led by Jancis Robinson

The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany

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German Wine Basics: Sugar in the Grape - Alcohol and Sweetness in the Wine

Riesling, Pinot Noir and Indian Cuisine: A tête-à-tête Dinner with Winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Rasika in Washington DC, USA

Top 10 Riesling Producers in the World– Snooth 2012

Steffen Christmann (Weingut A. Christmann) and Wilhelm Weil (Weingut Robert Weil) Presented the New Wine Classification of the VDP, Germany

Picture: Chi Restaurant in Beijing

In early June 2014, I spent a week in Beijing, China. I visited TopWine China in Beijing, which took place during June 4 to 6 at the China National Convention Center (which is part of the Olympic Park). I have reported about the German winemakers and wines at the 2014 TopWine China here:

Germany at TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China

The main reason for flying over to Beijing, however, was the birthday of my daughter Cornelia Tremann, who lives with her husband Chris Tremann in Beijing. Cornelia is with UNDP and Chris with the American Diplomatic Service. On the day of our arrival, Cornelia and Chris took us to Chi Restaurant in a hutong, where we had Western Food and Chinese Wine.

Picture: View of Beijing from the Appartment (26th floor) of Cornelia and Chris (in the China World Apartments Complex) with the Famous CCTV Headquarters Building on the Left

Hutongs

Hutongs are a type of narrow alleys, commonly associated with northern Chinese cities, most prominently Beijing. In Beijing, hutongs are alleys formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences. Many neighborhoods were formed by joining one siheyuan to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another. With the construction boom in Beijing, the number of hutongs has dropped dramatically as they are demolished to make way for new roads and buildings. More recently, however, some hutongs have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history.

Dinner at Chi

Chi is a small, one-room venue, with an open kitchen, a few simple tables, and bar seating viewing the work of the chefs. The style of the interior is urban renewal, with re-purposed materials, unfinished wood and exposed brick.

Food is organically-sourced Western fusion, delivered in a succession of small plates, tapas style. There is a set, handwritten menu only, which I was told, changes often.

Pictures: Chi Restaurant

The Food

The price for the 5 course dinner was 260 Renminbi (1 US$ = 6.2 Renminbi), tax and tip included (you do not tip in China).

Pictures: The Menu

The Wine

Most of the wines of Chi Restaurant are imported wines. We chose a locally produced 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend: People’s Cabernet 2011, Grace Vineyard, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. After that, when Chi General Manager Nathan Hui Xiang Zhang joind us, we had a Chi house wine, from Spain.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with when Chi General Manager Nathan Hui Xiang Zhang

Grace Vineyard

Named Best Winery 2012 by the Chinese edition of La Revue du Vin de France, the family-owned winery in the country’s northeastern Shanxi province was founded in 1997 by C. K. Chan. Its first vintage was 2001. Along with the smaller operation Silver Heights in Ningxia, it is one of the few internationally recognized Chinese wine makers.

Picture: Grace Vineyard (Source: Grace Vineyard Facebook Page)

Today, Grace Vineyard has 200 hectares in Shanxi (and Silver Heights 75 hectares in Ningxia). Combined, they produce 2.5 million bottles per year. The current portfolio of 13 wines, crafted by Australian winemaker Ken Murchison, includes predominantly red varietals — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc — as well as some Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Retail prices start from $10 for the entry-level Vineyard Series to $77 for the high-end Chairman’s Reserve.

Since 2002, C.K. Chan’s daughter, Judy Chan (Leissner), a former human-resources analyst, has been in charge. Torres China takes care of the distribution.

Picture: Judy Chan (Source: Grace Vineyard)

People’s Cabernet 2011, Grace Vineyard

Grace Vineyard: The red grapes were selected from different plots of vineyard neighboring Mount Helan in Ningxia, at 1,000 meters altitude, grown by local farmers from Qing Tong Xia region which were trained to obtain low yield and to pick at optimum maturity.

The grapes are lightly crushed and transferred to the stainless steel tank for a short period of pre-fermentation soak, follow by alcoholic fermentation (which takes around 6 days). The wine is off-skin (press) early without extending the post-ferment maceration. Secondary fermentation (malolactic) takes place in stainless steel tanks, follow by a short aging period (5 months) in older barrel.

Dark red with crimson hue. This wine shows distinctive character of fresh red & dark cherry fruits, with hint of pepper spice character underlying. Medium weight wine, with good acid / tannins balance while having hint of coco-spice on the finishing.

Picture: People’s Cabernet 2011, Grace Vineyard, China

The People Series of Grace Vineyard

From the press release: People’s Series is a tribute to the People of China, with images of people on the label: workers, farmers, students, merchants, etc. It is also a modern approach on Chinese winemaking for Grace Vineyard. The grapes for the red wine, People’s Cabernet, were selected from different plots of vineyards neighboring Mount Helan in Ningxia at 1,100 meters altitude, grown by local farmers from Qing Tong Xia region who were trained to obtain low yield and to pick at optimum maturity. As for the white wine, it is made by 100% Chardonnay grapes coming from the vineyard neighboring the winery in Shanxi wine region.

There are plans to export the wines.

Thanks

Cornelia and Chris, thanks for a great evening.

Picture: Cornelia and Chris Tremann

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Bye Bye

Picture: Chi Restaurant in Beijing, China

Chi Restaurant
English address 67 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng district
Chinese address 东城区五道营胡同67号

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Picture: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner, and Christian G.E. Schiller in Washington DC during the US East Coast Tour of Sabine Wagner

Wine Majesties have a long tradition in Germany. Basically all wine villages, wine regions and the country as a whole have wine queens and wine princesses. Of course, the crème de la crème are the national wine majesties, the German Wine Queen and the two German Wine Princesses.

Picture: Sabine Wagner at the White House

One of the two reigning German Wine Princesses, Sabine Wagner, came to the US for an East Coast Tour (Northern Virginia, Philadelphia and Washington DC) with a series of events between June 25 and June 30, 2014. The trip was organized by Annette Schiller (Ombiasy PR and WineTours) and supported by the German Wine Institute (Mainz, Germany) and the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter).

German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Sabine Wagner: “I am currently a student at the Geisenheim University, studying for 3 years International Wine Business. In September 2013, I became one of two German Wine Princesses for a period of 12 months. In that position, I am an ambassador for German wine and winemakers, in Germany and all over the world, sponsored by the German Wine Institute.”

Sabine Wagner was born and grew up in Hochheim, the famous wine village in the eastern part of the Rheingau. Unusually, her parents are not winemakers; often, wine queens and wine princess came from a winemaking family. In 2009, Sabine was elected Wine Princess of Hochheim. From there on, the way was only upwards: Sabine became Wine Queen of Hochheim in 2011; (regional) Wine Queen of the Rheingau in 2012; and (national) Wine Princess of Germany in 2013.

Pictures: German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner making new Friends

Looking back, in 1931, the first German wine region, the Pfalz, crowned its own wine queen. Because the Palatine Wine Queen was Germany's only wine queen, she automatically represented the German wine industry in general as well as the Palatine wine region until 1939, and then again, from 1947 until 1949.

Since 1950, the German Wine Queen has been elected in a separate competition. Basically all German wine villages have their (local) wine queen and wine princesses. From these local majesties, all German wine regions select their (regional) wine majesties. From the regional wine queens, the German Wine Queen and the two German Wine Princesses are chosen. Until 1999, it was a condition that the candidates had to be single - they could be neither married nor divorced - and had to come from a family of winemakers. Since 2000, the candidates only have to have "clear and strong ties with German wines." Selection is no longer based so much on good looks and dancing skills today; more important, in addition to a knowledge of oenology and winemaking technology, quick wit and eloquence are required. During their one-year term of office, the Wine Queen and Wine Princesses advertise German wine at trade fairs, wine festivals and other events. The Wine Queen competition is arranged by the German Wine Institute (DWI) in Mainz.

Pictures: German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner making new Friends

Annette Schiller's Impressions

Dear All, this past week was a fabulous week for German wine. Many of you participated in one or several of the events with Sabine Wagner, the reigning German wine princess. Sent by the German Wine Institute as ambassador for German wine she was here to promote German wine. Ombiasy PR, WineEvents & WineTours organized tastings, wine pairing dinners, classes, and a BYOW party at our house. I think we all learned a lot from Sabine’s presentations on German wine in general, on the new classification for German wine, and on the rigorous knowledge competition throughout several years to become the National Ambassador for German wine. Sabine showed us wines from entry level to ultra-premium level, and from bone dry to sweet. It was a showcase of what serious German winemakers are capable of producing.

Slowly, but surely, German wine works its way up from the back burner to the front burner. This was evident in the choices people brought to the BYOW party. The topic was Riesling. Last year 80% of the people brought Rieslings from other regions than Germany. The majority of the German Rieslings were dry. This year, it was just the other way around: 80% of our guests brought German Rieslings and the majority of those wines were dry.

The year 2014 will be a very interesting one for German wine. The budding period was extremely early due to the exceptional warm weather in early spring. We can expect a very good vintage if the weather will continue to be as cooperative throughout the rest of the ripening period. Harvest will take place 2 - 3 weeks earlier than usual and the wine tours to German wine country I organize for the fall will very likely hit harvest time. That will be an extraordinary experience for the guests on my tours. Usually winemakers don’t like to be bothered during harvest. Full attention has to be paid to the correct picking, crushing, getting the juice into the tanks or barrels, and the wine estates look pretty much like a very busy zoo. Because all winemakers/owners of the wineries we are going to visit are personal friends, we are allowed to tour their wineries, and to taste the wines.

This year I am doing two tours. You find every little detail on the tours on my webpage.

QUINTESSENTIAL GERMAN WHITES September 4 - September 13, info at: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/tours/germany-north-2014
THE SUN-KISSED GERMAN SOUTH September 14 - September 20, info at: https://ombiasypr.com/index.php/tours/germany-south-2014

There are a few slots available. Please make your decision asap since hotel reservations, which are always the bottleneck, need to be confirmed.

Enjoy the perfect summer wine: Riesling! A good read is the column by Dave McIntyre in the food section of the Washington post. In today’s Post is the 2. part of Dave’s column on Riesling. Last week’s Wednesday edition had the 1. part.

Looking forward to having you on my tours (and of course I will arrange an event with Sabine)!
Best
Annette

Events in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Philadelphia

During her US East Coast tour, Wine Princess Sabine Wagner led 6 tastings. I will report in detail about the events in separate postings (see below). This posting provides an overview.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Restaurant 2941, 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042

Wining and Dining with a Princess: Wine Pairing Dinner with Chef Bertrand Chemel and the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

We started out with a fantastic wine pairing dinner at one of the best restaurants in the Washington DC area, Restaurant 2941. We were a group of about 30 German wine lovers.We only had dry wines.

Restaurant 2941: 2941 is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the metropolitan area. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of Falls Church, VA, surrounded by lush landscaping, koi ponds, waterfalls, world-class artwork, and a lakeside view. Named by Washingtonian Magazine in 2014 as a 100 Very Best Restaurant.

Pictures: At Restaurant 2941, Northern Virginia

Thursday, June 26, 2014 7:30 pm

German Wine Society, Philadelphia

Cafe Aldo Lambert, 2011 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill, NJ

German Wine Tasting with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

Then we moved up to Philadelphia for a seated tasting at the German Wine Society (Philadelphia Chapter). The tasting was held at award winning Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill, NJ, recently honored by the Wine Spectator for the wine selection. The event was attended by about 30 German wine experts.

Pictures: At the German Wine Society in Philadelphia

Friday, June 27, 2014 7:30 pm

German Wine Society, Washington DC

500, N ST NW, Harbor Square Room, Washington DC 20024

German Wine Tasting with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

The next day, German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner led a tasting at the Washington DC Chapter of the German Wine Society. We had wines that recently arrived in the US, but also older vintages from the Chapter’s wine cellar, a sparkler, a red wine and dry, fruity-sweet and noble-sweet Rieslings. The event was attended by about 30 German wine experts.

Pictures: At the German Wine Society in Washington DC

Saturday, June 28, 2014 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

MacArthur Beverages, 4877 Mac Arthur Blvd., NW, Washington DC 20007

Saturday began with a store tasting at MacArthur Beverages in Washington DC. German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner and MacArthur Beverages German Wine Guru Phil Bernstein poured a selection of the German wines available at MacArthur Beverages, which has one of the best, is not the best portfolio of German wines in the whole country.

Pictures: At MacArthur Beverages

Saturday, June 28, 2014, 6:30 pm

At the Schiller Residence

Riesling Party

The day ended with a Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, VA. Each guest had to bring one bottle of Riesling, sweet or dry, New World or Old World. We were 70 Riesling lovers and tasted 70 Rieslings from all around the world, although Germany dominated the tasting.

Pictures: Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence

Monday, June 30, 2014, 6:30pm

Evo Bistro, 1313 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

A German Riesling Pairing Event. A Royal Wine Visit from Princess Sabine Wagner

Sabine’s US trip ended with a wine pairing dinner at our “down the road bistro” Evo Bistro in McLean, with wines from Weingut Clemens Busch, Weingut Robert Weil and Weingut Dr. Loosen, which Chef Ticara Smith paired with German, Mexican and Thai food. We were a group of 20 German wine lovers.

Pictures: At Evo Bistro

Thanks

Thank you very much, Wine Princess Sabine Wagner, for a series of wonderful events.

Postings on schiller-wine about the US East Coast Tour of German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

This posting is part of a series of postings covering the US East Coast tour of German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner.

German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner on a US East Coast Tour, US/Germany

Wining and Dining with a Princess: German Wine Pairing Dinner with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at Restaurant 2941 in Northern Virginia, US

German Wine Tastings with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at the German Wine Society (Philadelphia Chapter)

German Wine Tastings with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter)

The German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner at MacArthur Beverages in Washington DC

Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Northern Virginia with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner

A German Riesling Pairing Event at Evo Bistro in McLean, Virginia - A Royal Wine Visit from Princess Sabine Wagner

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Frankfurt/Wein is one of the best wine retail stores in Germany. It just won second place in the 2014 Best Wine Retail Shop Competition, organized by the German Wine Institute (DWI) in cooperation with the trade magazine WINE + MARKT. To celebrate this achievement, Gernot Dorsch and Wolfgang L. Feierfeil threw a party for their customers. The German Wine Queen and 5 winemakers joined us for this special event. The 5 winemakers presented one of their wines.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Nadine Poss (Deutsche Weinkönigin, German Wine Queen)

Frankfurt/Wein

Frankfurt/Wein is owned and managed by Gernot Dorsch and Wolfgang L. Feierfeil. It is a stylish, chic wine store with a portfolio concentrating on German and French premium wines. In the German portfolio, you find all the big names like Doennhoff, Kuenstler, Dr. Loosen and many more, such as the five winemakers pouring their wines at this event.

Pictures: Tasting at Frankfurt/Wein

The Winemakers and the Wines they Poured

Carmen von Nell-Breuning, Dominikaner Weingut, Ruwer

Carmen von Nell-Breuning has a Ph.D. in economics and worked for 10 years in private equity in Luxembourg, before deciding to go back to the roots and to take over the estate of her family in the Ruwer Valley, close to Trier.

Pictures: Carmen von Nell (Dominikanerweingut von Nell-Breuning)

The winery carries the double-name von Nell-Breuning since 1987, when the famous Theologe and Philosopher Oswald von Nell-Breuning („Nestor der Katholischen Soziallehre“) transferred the Breuning add-on to his nephew and Patensohn Christoph von Nell, who was in charge of the winery at the time.

When Carmen von Nell-Breuning switched jobs she thought about going back to university to study winemaking. But in the end she decided against it and to focus on the management and marketing aspects.

Markus Berres, Weingut C.H. Berres, Mosel

Weingut C.H. Berres is a small (3 hecteras) family estate in Ürzig in the Mosel Valley. It has a rich tradition dating back to the 16th century. It is currently headed by Markus Berres, who took over in 2004 from his father Alfred: Before that Markus had studied winemaking at the University of Geisenheim and worked as an enologist for Chardfarm Winery in New Zealand. Weingut C.H. Berres is very active in the American market, with 75% of the output sold there in peak years.

Pictures: Markus Berres (Weingut C.H. Berres)

Stephan Attmann, Weingut von Winning, Pfalz

Stephan Attmann, Managing Director of Weingut von Winning, was the absolute star of the evening. With his winery in Deidesheim, he belongs to the crème de la crème of German winemakers.

Deidesheim's heydays came at the beginning of the 19th century when estate owner Andreas Jordan was the first to produce high quality wines according to strict selection rules, and the first to introduce the Spätlese in Palatinate. Jordan is also the first to use the vintage, the grape variety and the vineyard site to characterize his wines, thereby setting the trend which will make Deidesheim world famous. When Jordan died in 1848, his enormous estate was split into three, a procedure which has become famous under the name "the Jordan Division." By it, the estates of Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan, Reichsrat von Buhl and Dr. Deinhard were formed, all of which became famous on their own.

Pictures: Stephan Attmann (Weingut von Winning)

In 1848, the winery bore the owner's name, Dr. Deinhard. When the owner died, the winery was taken over by his daughter and her husband, Captain Leopold von Winning, with the resulting change in name. The early 20th century was a golden age for von Winning, which also became one of the founders of VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates). Later, with the owners changing once more, the winery became known as Dr. Deinhard again. Since 2007, the winery belongs to the group of the late Achim Niederberger and since 2009 carries again the name von Winning.

Weingut von Winningen is a 40 hectar producer, with 80% accounted for by Riesling.

The Achim Niederberger Group (run after the untimely death of Achim Niederberger by his wife) owns not only von Winningen, but also Bassermann-Jordan and Reichsrat von Buhl. The 3 estates, which had been divided for many years after the “Jordan Division” are united again. In the villages of Deidesheim, Ruppertsberg and Forst, the Achim Niederberger Group now owns about 150 hectares of the best sites.

In the US, Weingut von Winning is represented by Terry Theise/Michael Skurnik. Therry Theise: THE WINERY OF THE 2013 VINTAGE IS - I hate giving this to the same estate twice in a row, but truth is truth, and VON WINNING is showing that their glorious collection in 2012 was no fluke, but instead the arrival at a lofty place they shall continue to set up house in. Believe me, I wondered. Because those astonishing ‘12s might have been lavished with pixie-dust from the weightless weight of the creamy vintage style. Would the ‘13s be arch and angular again? Not a bit of it. These guys are here to stay. It is conceivable that Von Winning ‘13s will be a little tiny bit less grand than their ‘12s, but it’s definite that their ‘13s are dramatically better than almost everything around them.

Stefan Braunewell, Weingut Braunewell, Rheinhessen

Gault and Millau: Rarely before have we tried such an improve in the wines of a winery. And this is true for several grape varieties: The Pinot Noir has improved again, the St. Laurent is a real top wine. The basis for this is enormous efforts and meticulous precision in the vineyards. The result are outstanding wines that also convey a sense of authenticity and security. … Congratulations to the "Incredible Braunewell Brothers"!

The winery is managed by three brothers: Axel, Stefan and Christian Braunewell, with Stefan focusing on the vineyards and Christian on the cellar. 18 hectares.

Pictures: Stefan Braunewell (Weingut Braunewell)

Simone Adams, Weingut Simone Adams, Ingelheim, Rheinhessen

Simone Adams: As a winemaker, I want to hit the bull's eye. Thereby, elegance, purity and finesse take the center stage of my thoughts. I do not think it is clever to let the subtlety of our climate along the 50 degrees latitude flow into over-ripeness, maximum extraction and a high level of alcohol. I aim at communicating the esprit of the Ingelheim terroir as authentically as possible.

Pictures: Simone Adams ( Weingut Simone Adams)

Simone Adams, now in her early 30s and pregnant, took over the 9 hectares winery of her parents in 2010, after finishing her winemaking studies at the universities of München, Geisenheim and Giessen with a Ph.D. She is rigorously pursuing the aim of producing high quality wines, coupled with an innovative marketing approach: She names all her wines Kaliber (caliber) plus a number (Simone Adams is a passionate hunter). She showed us her Kaliber 16. Rudolph Knoll of Vinum believes: Wenn nicht alles täuscht, wird Simone Adams bald in Rheinhessen das Feld von hinten aufrollen.

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In his new book “Best White Wine on Earth: The Riesling Story” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) Stuart Pigott, the world’s leading Riesling expert, who used to be based in Germany and now divides his time between New York City and Berlin, provides us with a list of his top 5 US Rieslings.

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares, respectively.

Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine. In terms of quality wines, Riesling is usually included in the top three white wine varieties, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is highly terroir-expressive, meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine’s place of origin.

Picture: Stuart Pigott and Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, see: The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

Riesling in the US

Over the last 2 decades, the US has become the second largest Riesling producer in the world. The main Riesling regions of the US are Washington State and the Finger Lakes Region in Upstate New York. Stuart Pigott reports in his new book that in 1999, Washington State’s vineyards included 1900 acres of Riesling and 6100 acres of Chardonnay. By 2011, Riesling there had increased to 6320 acres, while Chardonnay had dipped slightly mid-decade before recovering to 7654 acres. “Riesling isn’t always sweet, in fact it often tastes drier than Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio,” he writes. “However, even when it’s sweet, it’s a great food wine that can’t wait to get onto your dinner table and into your picnic basket.”

Stuart Pigott’s 5 Favorite US Rieslings

Here are five American Rieslings that Stuart Pigott finds remarkable, with his descriptions. I added a few photos from my collection.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes, New York)

Riesling would never have become the most important grape variety in New York state (ahead of Merlot!) if Dr. Konstantin Frank hadn't planted the first vines of this grape on the Eastern Seaboard back in 1958. From those and other old vines on the western shore of Keuka Lake, his grandson Frederic Frank makes this sleek wine with lemon and floral aromas. The 2012 (current vintage) has a pronounced mineral character and great balance. About $15.

Smith Madrone Vineyards and Winery Dry Riesling (Napa Valley)

Brothers Stuart Smith (vineyard manager) and Charles Smith (winemaker) have been making stunning dry Riesling on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley for more than 30 years. Their wine has intense aromas of melon, lime and dried flowers. The bright and "light" style is deceptive, though, for this is a wine that can age for more than a decade if properly cellared. This is an almost unknown masterpiece that proves Riesling can achieve greatness in Napa. About $25.

Navarro Vineyards Dry Riesling (Anderson Valley)

The soon-to-be released 2012 vintage from this winery in Mendocino County is one of the best dry Riesling ever made in California. Ted Bennett and Deborah Cahn have been perfecting the making of dry aromatic whites wines in this remote region for 40 years. The bouquet of white peach and apple blossom leaps out of the glass, and the wine combines ripe fruit with great elegance. Look out for equally elegant sweet Rieslings from this producer too. About $18.

Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen "Eroica" (Columbia Valley, Washington State)

This medium-dry German-American joint-venture wine first produced in 1999 was the dynamo of the modern American Riesling revolution, and it is still the benchmark against which new wines are most often judged. An intense white peach aroma and a racy-spritzy, just off-dry style are the hallmarks of this new classic. You don't need the latest vintage either. The 2011 (very sleek and mineral) and 2012 (more succulent, but still very crisp) are also seriously refreshing. About $15.

Pictures: Christian Schiller, Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, and Chateau Ste. Michelle CEO Ted Baseler at the Farewell Reception of the 2013 Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

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Chateau Grand Traverse "Whole Cluster" (Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan)

This might seem to be the last place to look for remarkable Rieslings, but since 1998 Sean O'Keefe has pushed the development of this medium-dry wine ahead at a pace not seen in America since the Apollo space program of the 1960s. The fennel and anise notes add complexity to the apple and pear fruit (in warm years, like 2012, there are also some exotic fruits). If you wonder what the mineral taste in wine really is, then try this and look out for the salty note in the aftertaste. About $15.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and John O'Keefe, Chateau Grand Traverse, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

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Picture: Wilhelm Weil and Caro Maurer, MW, at the Riesling and Aging Potential Tasting, 2nd International Riesling Symposium

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium took place on May 26 and 27, 2014, at Schloss Rheinhartshausen in the Rheingau. Riesling experts from around the world - top winemakers, representatives from the trade and restaurant sector, and journalists – gathered to celebrate, discuss and taste the arguably most noble white grape in the world - Riesling.

I have already provided an overview about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium event: The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany, and reported about particular events (see below).

This posting focuses on one particular event, a spectacular tasting, led by Caro Maurer, MW: Riesling and Aging Potential

Picture: Caro Maurer, MW, at the Riesling and Aging Potential Tasting, 2nd International Riesling Symposium

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US (mainly Washington State and Finger Lakes Region) with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares, respectively.

Pictures: Riesling and Aging Potential Tasting, 2nd International Riesling Symposium

Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine. In terms of quality wines, Riesling is usually included in the top three white wine varieties, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is highly terroir-expressive, meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine’s place of origin

The Tasting

Caro Maurer: Riesling is one of the best grape varieties for aging, because of the acidity and – in some cases – sweetness.

Pictures: Riesling and Aging Potential Tasting, 2nd International Riesling Symposium

Henschke Australia
2004 Julius Eden Valley Riesling

Caro Maurer: Germans often forget that we have Riesling all over the world. This wine – and the next wine – both have screwcaps, which keeps them fresh. The Henschke Riesling has at least 20 more years of aging potential. A lean, clean, forward style, which is so typical for the region.

Stephen Henschke: Vines are 50 years old, biodynamically made, cool fermentation, bottled early.

Picture: Stephen Henschke

Framingham New Zealand
2004 Dry Riesling

Caro Maurer: The vines were planted in Marlborough in 1981. It is a cool climate region. Andrew Hedley’s objective is to make new world wines in an old world style. Stony, flinty, not fruit driven, pure, has its elegance. 5 grams RS.

Dirk Würtz: Unglaublich spannend zu sehen war auch das Reifepotenzial der trockenen Rieslinge aus Australien und Neuseeland. Beide Vertreter aus dem Jahr 2004 standen kaum gealtert im Glas. Herausragend war der Riesling von Framingham aus Neuseeland. Perfekt balanciert, extrem jugendlich. Überhaupt sollte man sich diesen Framingham merken. Seine edelsüßen Weine gehören zum besten, was ich in diesem Bereich in den letzten Jahren getrunken habe.

Weingut Fürst Castell’sches Domänenamt Franken
2004 Castell Schlossberg Spätlese trocken

Caro Maurer: A very special wine: A Riesling from Franken, where Riesling accounts for only 4% of the production. A bolder, heavy style, long hang time. The boldness of the wine comes from the soil. Has a minerality in the finish that gives the wine a very special appearance.

Weingut Künstler Rheingau
2004 Hochheim Hölle Auslese trocken

Caro Maurer: One of the famous sites of Hochheim. 2004 was a cool vintage (after the hot 2003 vintage). Long hang time. Only healthy fruit was used. Has smoky, flinty notes in the nose, leanness in the mouth, elegance. It is a complete wine now at its peak.

Picture: Gunter Künstler

Weingut Jurtschitsch Kamptal
2003 Zöbinger Heiligenstein

Caro Maurer: 2003 was a hot and dry year, has prevented noble rot from developing, Alwin Jurtschitsch, the young winemaker, met his wife Stefanie Jurtschitsch (nee Hasselbach – Weingut Gunderloch), also a winemaker, in that year, fermented and aged in stainless steel, a very typical Kamptal wine, exotic in the nose, it shows an elegant leanness, despite the high alcohol content, which is amazing, still a very young wine.

Cave Spring Cellars Canada
2002 Riesling CSV

Caro Maurer: 2002 was a very dry vintage in Canada, the vines were planted in the 1970s, lots of apple notes, appears to be bone-dry but in fact has 19 gr/RS, a wonderful balance, a different style, not a German style, not an Austrian style, a Canadian style.

Picture: John O'Keefe, Chateau Grand Traverse, with Angelo Pavan and Thomas Pennachetti, Cave Spring Cellars, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Weingut Georg Breuer Rheingau
2002 Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg

Caro Maurer: 2002 is the last vintage the late Georg Breuer made, his daughter Teresa was doing her “Abitur” (German Baccaloreat) in this year, Teresa sent the wine to the tasting in memory of her late father, Schlossberg is always magic, opulent in the nose, offers a lot on the palate, rather lean, rather compressed, but you get the length and this salty feeling, which can only come from a Schlossberg.

Dirk Würtz: Breues Schlossberg ist ein Monument in Sachen Riesling und perfekt auf dem Punkt.

Weingut St. Antony Rheinhessen
2002 Nierstein Ölberg VDP.Grosses Gewächs

Caro Maurer: A vineyard not too far away from the Schlossberg, on the other side of the river, upstream, comes from the Roter Hang (Red Slope).

Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier Rheinhessen
2002 Nieder-Flörsheim Frauenberg VDP.Grosses Gewächs

Caro Maurer: The winemaker H.O. Spanier used only healthy grapes, no botrytis affected grapes, but was trying to harvest as late as possible, still a very young wine, very fresh, nice acidity, which is well integrated into the fruit, a world class wine.

Picture: Carolin Gillot Spanier and H.O. Spanier, Weingut Kükling Gillot and Weingut Battenfeld Spanier

Schloss Gobelsburg Kamptal
2002 Kammerner Gaisberg Alte Reben

Caro Maurer: Same vintage, different country, the wine is more on the floral side than on the fruity side, has some aging notes, very dry, a complex wine.

Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Pfalz
2002 Forst Ungeheuer G.C.

Caro Maurer: The Ungeheuer has South East exposure and very good drainage, one of the traditional family estates in Germany, with a long history, wine was made in a 700 liter Fuder, a typical representative of the Pfalz region, it is a more baroque style, a Rubens wine, with sexy curves.

Weingut Dr. Heger Baden
2002 Ihringen Winklerberg Spätlese

Caro Maurer: Baden is the most southern region in Germany, a fruity-sweet wine with 46 gr/RS, I would never have recognized this wine as a wine from Baden, love the citrus character in the nose, beautiful wine, you do not really taste the sweetness in the wine, a surprise to have such a wine in the tasting.

Picture: Joachim Heger with Helmut Dönnhoff, Martin Tesch and Klaus Zimmerling

Weingut Reinhold Haart Mosel
1996 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Kabinett

Caro Maurer: Kabinett is one of my favorites, because nobody else in the world can produce this style of wine, 58 gr/RS, a beautiful wine, light style, refreshing, you cannot copy it.

Dirk Würtz: Ganz ähnlich verhielt es sich mit dem 1996 Kabinett aus dem Piesporter Goldtröpfchen von Haart. Das geht auch kaum noch besser. Ein Wein mit Zug, den ich einfach nur trinken will, weil er alles das hat, was gereiften restsüßen Riesling ausmacht. Dieses Spiel, diese Harmonie und diese Unaufdringlichkeit sind einzigartig. Jeder Schluck ist der pure Genuss!

Weingut Fritz Allendorf Rheingau
1990 Winkel Jesuitengarten Auslese

Caro Maurer: 56 gr/RS (less than the previous Kabinett), good balance, has chocolate notes, ginger, spices.

Weingut Baron Knyphausen Rheingau
2004 Erbach Steinmorgen Spätlese

Picture: Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen with Wilhelm Weil and Steffen Christmann

Weingut St. Urbanshof Mosel
2002 Leiwen Laurentiulay Spätlese

Caro Maurer: Nic Weiss sent the wine saying: This wine represents the Mosel – enjoy the interplay between sugar and acidity, 79 gr/RS, you know it is a sweet wine, but you do not perceive it as a sweet wine, round mouthfeel.

Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Ziliken Mosel
1993 Saarburg Rausch Spätlese

Caro Maurer: Very pure, a classic wine from the Mosel, peaches, apples, honey on the nose, very silky on the palate, light, salty taste in the finish, a wine which cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Weingut Freiherr Langwerth von Simmern Rheingau
2002 Erbach Marcobrunn Auslese

Caro Maurer: Not much noble rot, quince, white peach, mince, apricot on the nose, honey and nuts on the palate, really nice, 91 gr/RS.

Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Mosel
1989 Scharzhofberger Auslese

Caro Maurer: Lots of botrytis, one of the most famous sites in Germany, spices, ginger, orange peel in the nose, this is about saltiness, soil and minerality, shows the elegance of the Scharzhofberg vineyard, 88 gr/RS.

Domäne Schloss Johannisberg Rheingau
1945 Schloss Johannisberg Rosalack Auslese

Caro Maurer: a war vintage, was extremely difficult to make this wine, you can smell the spices, beautiful wine.

Dirk Würtz: Da stand eine Auslese aus dem Jahr 1945 von Schloss Johannisberg auf dem Tisch. ein Wein, für dessen Beschreibung noch nicht die richtigen Worte erfunden sind. Taufrisch war er, annähernd jugendlich. Ein Hauch von Minze wehte aus dem Glas, die Süße war deutlich schmeckbar, die Säure perfekt. Sollte ich jemals Punkte für einen Wein geben wollen, dieser bekäme die Höchstpunktzahl.

Pictture: Christian Witte

Weingut Prinz von Hessen Rheingau
1994 Johannisberg Hasensprung Beerenauslese

Caro Maurer: Very spicy, raisins in the nose, beautiful, liquory texture with orange marmalade and spices on the palate, 150 gr/RS, high in alcohol, which adds to the aging potential.

Weingut G.H.Mumm Rheingau
1971 Johannisberg Schwarzenstein Beerenauslese

Caro Maurer: 1971 was a great vintage, ripe without getting fat, this is an aged wine, you can taste the oxidization, still lively, has some wonderful honey notes.

Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach Rheingau
1959 Steinberger Trockenbeerenauslese

Caro Maurer: 1959 was a good vintage, still a great pleasure for us to taste this wine, shows very well that Riesling can age.
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Picture: Dieter Greiner with Wilhelm Weil

Postings about the 2014 International Riesling Symposium on schiller-wine

This posting is part of a series about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany. Here is a list of the Postings already published and those still coming.

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
A Tour through the Rheingau - Visits of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Wilhelm Weil, Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg
Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Stuart Pigott, Germany
The Grand Cru Couple from VDP.Grosse Lage – Riesling Grosses Gewächs and Riesling Spätlese. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Giuseppe Lauria, Germany
Riesling from Danube, Rhine, Nahe, and Moselle: the European Riesling Route - A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Cornelius and Fabian Lange
Riesling and Aging Potential. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Caro Maurer, MW, Germany

German Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
American Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Austrian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
New Zealandian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Australian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
Canadian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

schiller-wine: Related Postings

The 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle: Impressions from the Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, USA

The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany

Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Stepping up: From 3 … to 4 Quality Levels - The New Classification of the VDP, Germany

When Americans Drink German Wine - What They Choose

German Wine Basics: Sugar in the Grape - Alcohol and Sweetness in the Wine

1st International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

Approaches to Classifying German Wine: The Standard Approach (the Law of 1971), the VDP Approach and the Zero Classification Approach

Riesling, Pinot Noir and Indian Cuisine: A tête-à-tête Dinner with Winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Rasika in Washington DC, USA

In the Steinberg, Eberbach Abbey, Rheingau, Germany

Top 10 Riesling Producers in the World– Snooth 2012

The German Winemakers at the 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, USA

3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

Pictures: Top Wine China 2014

Emerging Wine Giant China

China has become the 5th largest wine market in the world (following the US, France, Italy and Germany and ahead of the UK, Argentina, Spain, Australia and Portugal). Annual wine consumption in China has reached 16.8 million hectoliters, compared with 29.2 million hectoliters in the US. China is in the top 10 group of wine consuming countries.

Many people say, China is now there were America was 50 years ago. In the last 50 years, we have seen a wine revolution and boom in America and a lawyer from the Washington DC region - Robert Parker - emerging as the most influential wine critic in the world.

Jancis Robinson (2014): While in Asia last month I was asked when I thought China would produce genuinely world-class wine. I said I thought that on the basis of what I had tasted so far it would probably be within five to 10 years but added semi-facetiously, in a reference to the extraordinary speed with which the Chinese tackle their objectives, that in practice it would probably be three to six years.

Picture: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller with Cornelia Tremann on Tiananmen Square, Beijing. The main reason for flying over to Beijing was the birthday of my daughter Cornelia Tremann, who lives with her husband Chris Tremann in Beijing. Cornelia is with UNDP and Chris with the American Diplomatic Service. For other postings related to my recent China trip see below.

Not surprisingly, there is an increasing number of annual wine fairs in China. One wine fair that is rapidly gaining importance is TopWine China in Beijing, which in 2014 took place during June 4 to 6 at the China National Convention Center, which is part of the Olympic Park.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Rachel Wang (Wine Writer and Educator) at Top Wine China 2014

There were 7 large foreign pavilions, with the French pavilion by far the largest. Other countries represented were: Australia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. In addition, there were about 150 Chinese booths, most of them importers.

Consumption

With less than a liter per year, the Chinese per capita consumption is dismal, but the number of consumers is huge. Thus, overall wine consumption is large. And, per capita consumption is on an upward trend. If the per capita consumption increases just by as much as – for example – the Australian per capita consumption increased between 2007 and 2001, China would become the largest wine market in the world, overtaking the US, France, Italy and Germany.

One of the main features of the China wine market, as supposed to western markets, is the predominance of red over white wine. Around 85 per cent of the wine drank in China is estimated to be red. However, as more Chinese women develop a taste for wine, white wine drinking is expected to rise relative to red wine.

The color red is considered lucky in China and is also affiliated with the Communist government, while white is associated with death and is predominantly seen at funerals.

There are two market segments. First, the lower end mass wine market. Growth in demand in this market segment --- the easy drinking, low quality cheap wine --- is expected to be high. At 0.4 liters per person a year, wine consumption is still quite low by international comparison. In France, where wine is culturally embedded, people drink 50 liters a year with consumption in Australia, another major wine producing nation, 25 liters and in the United States 15 liters. If China's per capital wine consumption was to only increase slightly because of the scale of the population it could easily shift the center of gravity of the world's wine industry.

Second, the other market segment, where China will be increasingly present is the top wines. Since 2000, expensive red wines, in particular from France, have become very popular in China among the rich and the famous. Red wine, in particular French red wine, has become a symbol of the elite and the rich. Within a decade or so, China’s rich have gone from mixing red wine with Coke to checking Parker points when ordering a wine and being ready to pay top dollars. They have become a major player in the top market segment. The recent austerity and anti-corruption drive of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, however, has led to a marked decline in conspicuous consumption and sales of high-end wine.

The fact that expensive, red wine are more a status symbol and that they are often not consumed privately at home with friends but in public with business partners or given as present, has led to an increased price differentiation of wines depending on the condition of the label in the international market. Bottles with labels that do not meet the highest aspirations and cannot be used as a present for a business partner are suffering a steep discount at auctions or are not sold at all.

Pictures: The German Pavilion, with German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner, Manuela Liebchen (in Charge of China, Asia and Russia at the DWI) and Annette Schiller, ombiasy PR and WineTours

See:
Germany at TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China

Production

China has emerged as the fifth biggest wine producer in the world, mainly for domestic consumption, although Chinese wine has started to appear on the shelves of other countries. Wine producer China, where traces of wild wine dating from the second and first millennium BC have been found, is clearly on the fast track. China has a long tradition of producing all kinds of wine, but produced practically no vinifera wine before the economic reforms of the early 1980s.

Picture: Slovenian Booth

Jancis Robinson: China undoubtedly has a present and burgeoning future as a wine producer and consumer, but all Chinese wine regions assayed so far have one major disadvantage. They are either, like Shandong on the east coast, so wet in summer that it is a struggle to harvest fully ripe, healthy grapes, or they are so cold in winter, like Ningxia, where Moët Hennessy recently established a sparkling-wine operation, that the vines have to be laboriously buried every autumn to protect them from freezing to death. Quite apart from the damage it can do to vines, the continuing urbanization of China suggests that eventually this may become rather expensive.

Much of the wine industry is run by the Chinese Government. The wine industry is dominated by three giants. Great Wall, Changyu and Dynasty Estates are the big players of China’s burgeoning wine industry.

China’s first winery, the Changyu winery, was established in 1892. It won gold medals in the 1915 World Expo for their Roses and Rieslings. Its cellar is the largest wine cellar in Asia. Changyu puts out a million and a half bottles of wine annually. Dynasty Estates is a joint venture of the state and the French company Remy Cointreau.

Chateau Lafite Rothschild, partnering with CITIC, China's largest state-owned investment company, is in the process of setting up a winery in China to produce grand cru wines there. The French wine maker plans to plant on 60 acres in the Shandong province. Chateau Lafite has an extraordinary reputation in China - so much so that the property's second wine, Carruades de Lafite, commands the same price as other first growths.

Apart from the large wineries, the Chinese wine industry is also littered with smaller, privately owned wineries.

Picture: American Booth

Imports

China's import wine market is dominated by the French. Over 50 percent of imported wine comes from France. Labels like Chateau Lafite Rothschild have a cult status among the country's nouveau-riche.

Picture: Canadian Booth

German wines are much less glamorous. Generally, Chinese people do not think of wine when it comes to Germany's finer exports. They think of cars, machines and possibly beer. German winemakers and the German Wine Institute are in the process of changing this. German wine exports to China have increased dramatically in recent years, although from a low base. It is expected that China will soon become the largest wine market in Asia for German wine exports, ahead of Japan.

Picture: Christian G.E.Schiller at the Booth of Count Stefan von Neipperg

See:
A Morning at Château Canon La Gaffeliere in Saint Emilion with Owner Count Stefan von Neipperg, Bordeaux
The Wine Empire of the von Neipperg Family in France, Bulgaria and Germany

Exports

Most of the wine is produced for the local market. China still has a low profile outside of Asia, but many are watching to see if this industry becomes a global player. Experts predict that China could become the next Chile within a decade – a destination for affordable and quality wine production.

Top Wine China 2015

Top Wine China 2015 is coming up in 12 months.

schiller-wine and TopWine China 2014

Emerging Wine Giant China: TopWine China 2014, Beijing, China

Germany at TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China

With the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Beijing, China

Riesling Weeks 2014 in China - A Celebration at the German Embassy in Beijing, China

Western Food and Chinese Wine in a Hutong: Dinner at Chi Restaurant in Beijing, China

TopWine China 2014: Discover the Taste of Germany - A Tasting with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner and Wine Writer Rachel Wang, China

Schiller's Favorite Winebars in Beijing, China

Riesling Revolution in China

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China's Wine Boom: Is Jeannie Cho Lee the New Robert Parker?

The Forbes List of Rich People and Wine

The Emerging Wine Giant China - Mouton Cadet Bar Opening

Trends in the global wine market: old world, new world, emerging wine countries

A Global View: Who Makes and who Drinks Wine?

Wine Consumption by Country: Total and Per Capita

Global Wine Consumption and Production

A Morning at Château Canon La Gaffeliere in Saint Emilion with Owner Count Stefan von Neipperg, Bordeaux

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Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – David Schildknecht Leaves and Stephan Reinhardt Joins the Team

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

Announcement: A Royal Wine Visit - German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Virginia, Philadelphia and Washington DC in June 2014, US/Germany

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Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Stuart Pigott

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Germany’s Top Winemakers and Social Media

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