Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, Christian Schiller, Winemaker Bob Berteau, Chateau St. Michelle in Washington State and Riesling Gurur Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Prowein 2015

Düsseldorf, Germany, once again impressively underlined its reputation as a capital for the wine and spirits sector: after three days of activity (March 15 to 17), ProWein 2015, International Trade Fair Wines and Spirits, came to a very successful close: 5,970 exhibitors from 50 nations showcased their products.

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Christian Schiller at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany

All major wine nations and cultivating regions were represented in the nine exhibition halls – the “classics” from Europe and the New World as well as the more “exotic” such as Bolivia and Armenia. In addition, 420 spirits exhibitors from 30 countries offered classy brandies and liqueurs as well as national specialties and international classics. This product spectrum attracted more than 52,000 trade visitors, including more than 24,000 international visitors, to ProWein 2015 – an increase of 7% compared to 2014. This is largely due to the higher number of trade visitors from the U.S./Canada as well as Central and South America.

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Christian Schiller with Jean Pierre Josselin, Domaine Jean Josselin et Fils in Gye-sur-Seine, at the Prowein Champagne Lounge. We will stop at Domaine Jean Josselin et Fils for a tasting in June 2015 during the forthcoming Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Craig Wolf, President and CEO of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, stated: “I have to say I was quite impressed with the size, scope and the tremendous variety of quality products on offer at ProWein from all over the world – all in a modern, easily navigable facility. ProWein has done an amazing job building and growing one of the premier industry trade shows, creating a multitude of opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.” Equally gratifying was the great ordering activity at ProWein 2015: 40% of the trade visitors placed orders onsite and about 44% plan to order after the trade fair.

Pictures: Claudia Schug lecturing about the Wines of California

Picture: US Ambassador John Emerson at Prowein 2015 with Düsseldorf Mayor Geisel and Mrs. Emerson

“The international appeal of ProWein and its relevance as an order platform for the retail, restaurant and hotel trade is probably unique. Our visitors come from 123 countries – 13 more nations than last year,” explained Hans Werner Reinhard, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf. “The busy ordering activity at the trade fair itself is also of high relevance, as is post-fair activity. To sum it up: ProWein is undisputedly the world’s most important trade fair for wines and spirits.”

Pictures: US Importer Kevin Pike and Hayley Johnson of Schatzi Wines tasting with Jochen Dreissigacker, Weingut Dreissigacker, see: Visit: Weingut Dr. Heger in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tours by ombiasy (2014)

As in the past, trade visitors’ main interest focused on wines from Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Austria. Also noticeable was the increased interest in Champagne (20%), and sparkling wines (19%) as well as spirits (21%). Compared to last year, demand for German wines rose again by 9% to 59%. The evaluation from the German Wine Institute was therefore also positive. “From the point of view of German exhibitors, the new hall concept at ProWein was well received by trade visitors.

The move into the new exhibition halls made it possible that about 120 more companies from German winegrowing regions (a total of 960 German exhibitors) could present themselves to the international trade audience,” said Monika Reule, Managing Director of the German Wine Institute (Deutsches Weininstitut – DWI). “The eagerly awaited 2014 vintage was popular with the trade attendees. It has produced very fruity and pleasantly sleek white wines that captivate with their fresh buzz. The slightly larger harvest over last year suits the current market climate very well. This means we can better meet the continuing good demand both at home and abroad – which was once again demonstrated at this year’s ProWein.”

Pictures: Markus Schneider, Weingut Markus Schneider, with Annette and Christian Schiller, see: Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Picture: Johannes Jülg and his Brother, Weingut Jülg, Pfalz, see: Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Picture: VDP President Steffen Christmann, Weingut Christmann, see: Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Picture: Hansjörg and Birgit Rebholz, the third Generation of the Rebholz Family Estate, with Annette and Christian Schiller, see: Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Picture: Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, and Annette Schiller, see: German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Nik Weis and his Wife, Weingut Sankt Urbans-Hof, with Annette and Christian Schiller, see: Germany’s Top 19 Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2014

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with H.O. Spanier, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling Gillot, see: Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Pictures: Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann, with Annette and Christian Schiller, see: Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Picture: Katharina Wechsler, Weingut Wechsler, see: Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Pictures: Johannes and Christoph Thörle, Winzerhof Thörle, with Yves Beck, see: Visit: Winzerhof Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Picture: Rainer Schnaitmann and his Wife, Weingut Schnaitmann, with Annette Schiller, see: Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Picture: Rainer Wachstetter, Weingut Wachstetter, and Annette Schiller, see: Weingut Wachtstetter in Wuerttemberg – A Profile, Germany

Picture: Regine Schork, Romantik Hotel und Restaurant Zum Schiller and Annette Schiller, see: Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Pictures: Fritz Keller and Friedrich Keller, Weingut Franz Keller, with Annette and Christian Schiller and Ernst Loosen, see: Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Fritz Keller– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014) and: Lunch at Restaurant Schwarzer Adler in Oberbergen, with Weingut Franz Keller Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Picture: Georg Prinz zur Lippe, Weingut Schloss Proschwitz in Sachsen, with Annette and Christian Schiller, see: Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Picture: Dörte Näkel, Weingut Meyer-Näkel in the Ahr Region, with Annette Schiller, see: Kuenstler, Meyer-Naekel, Wirsching – Winemaker Dinner at Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany

Picture: Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil in the Rheingau, see: Kiedrich: Visit of the Basilica of Saint Valentine and of Weingut Robert Weil - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Picture: General Manager Christian Witte, Weingut Domäne Schloss Johannisberg, and Annette Schiller, see: A Tour through the Rheingau (Germany) - Visit of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Robert Weil, Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg (IRS 2014), Germany

Austria – with 53,800 square feet the fifth largest nation at ProWein 2015 – also drew positive conclusions. “ProWein is the most important wine trade fair in Europe and the world. This is also relevant not least for the Austrian wine business,” underlined Wilhelm Klinger, Managing Director of Austria’s wine marketing board Österreich Wein Marketing. “In view of the new hall layout with the necessary move from Hall 7 into Hall 17 we have gone into the offensive and have developed an entirely new concept in terms of design, visitor guidance and catering. And I can say the concept has paid off. Our winegrowers made many good contacts from our main export markets Germany, the U.S. and the Benelux – and have also had many promising discussions with trade buyers from China and Eastern Europe.”

Pictures: Gerhard Wohlmuth sen., Gerhard Wohlmuth jun., Mrs Wohlmuth, Weingut Wohlmuth, with Annette and Christian Schiller, see: Visit: Gerhard Wohlmuth sen. and his Weingut Wohlmuth in Austria

The ancillary program at ProWein 2015 featured more than 300 tasting sessions, lectures and presentations hosted either at the exhibitors’ stands or at the central ProWein Forum. The numerous tasting zones on the most varied themes - such as SOPEXA with its 100 selected French wines, the Champagne Lounge or the MUNDUS VINI competition - offered visitors an excellent opportunity for independent tasting. In the sprits segment, the FIZZZ Lounge with the motto “Drinks of Tomorrow” was another highlight. At the successful new “same but different” special show, ten international exhibitors demonstrated their unusual projects for production and sales.

Pictures: Tasting of the UGCB (Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux), see: Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Picture: Annette Schiller and Dany Rolland, Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol, see:  Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur with Winemaker/Owner Dany Rolland, Pomerol, France

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Stephan von Neipperg, Château Canon La Gaffeliere, see: Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France

Picture: Annette Schiller and Anne Cuvelier, see: Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Léoville-Poyferré, with Didier Cuvelier and Anne Cuvelier, France

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with Basile Tesseron, see: A Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, with Winemaker and Owner Basile Tesseron (2013), France

In the evenings, the “ProWein goes City” initiative with its over 80 events in Düsseldorf was a favorite among wine enthusiasts and gourmets. Highlights included a wine evening with Chateau Palmer at Steigenberger Parkhotel and the Big Bottle Party organized by the trade magazine Falstaff.

Pictures: An "Altbier" at the Ürige in the Evening - Düsseldorf is a Beer City

ProWein 2015 was also a platform for presenting the other Messe Düsseldorf organized wine trade fairs ProWine China and ProWine Asia. After two successful events, ProWine China will again be held in Shanghai from November 11 - 13, 2015 with about 650 exhibitors. The premiere of ProWine Asia will take place from April 12 - 15, 2016 in Singapore. The next staging of ProWein in Düsseldorf is scheduled from March 13 - 15, 2016.

schiller-wine - Related Postings

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Trip September 2012, France

Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Fritz Keller– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Lunch at Restaurant Schwarzer Adler in Oberbergen, with Weingut Franz Keller Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Visit: Weingut Dr. Heger in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tours by ombiasy (2014) 

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

Germany’s Top 19 Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2014 

Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

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

A Tour through the Rheingau (Germany) - Visit of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Robert Weil, Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg (IRS 2014), Germany

Visit: Gerhard Wohlmuth sen. and his Weingut Wohlmuth in Austria

Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur with Winemaker/Owner Dany Rolland, Pomerol, France

Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Léoville-Poyferré, with Didier Cuvelier and Anne Cuvelier, France

A Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, with Winemaker and Owner Basile Tesseron (2013), France

Picture: North Gate Vineyard Winemakers/Owners Mark and Vicki Fedor at North Gate Vineyard. Their 2012 Meritage is one of the 12 Wines in the 2015 Governor's Cup Case

Governor Terry McAuliffe awarded the Virginia Wineries Association’s (VWA) 2015 Governor's Cup to Muse Vineyards for their 2009 Clio, a Bordeaux-style blended red wine. This is the first Governor’s Cup for Muse Vineyard, based in Woodstock in Shenandoah County.

Speaking at the Governor’s Cup awards ceremony, Governor McAuliffe said, “I am honored to present this year’s award to Muse Vineyards for their 2009 Clio. Robert Muse and his wife, Sally Cowal, embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Virginia winemakers: a vision for excellence, a relish for hard work in the vineyard, and an aptitude for risk and experimentation. Thomas Jefferson would be proud of Robert and Sally’s efforts and I congratulate them for winning the 2015 Governor’s Cup.”

For the results of the past 2 years, see:
Virginia's Best Wines: 2014 Virginia Wineries Governor’s Cup, USA
Governor’s Cup Competition 2013, Virginia, USA

Muse Vineyard’s Clio is a blend of 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, and 25% Petit Verdot. Winemaker Robert Muse, in consultation with Matthieu Finot of King Family Vineyards in Crozet, employed a non-interventionist approach to the fermentation, an option made possible by optimally ripe grapes from the 2009 vintage. Following de-stemming and a light crush, the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc were fermented separately with daily punch-downs. The wine was racked directly into 50% new and 50% neutral French oak barrels where it aged for three years before its bottling. The winemaker's tasting notes on the 2009 Clio are as follows: Deep burgundy in color, this classically-styled Bordeaux blend presents a lovely complex nose with notes of ripe cherry, vanilla, black tea, nutmeg and leather. The wine is wide and steady on the palate with a fine tannin structure, balance and length. Decanted, it continues to open beautifully for at least an hour. It will mature nicely for five or more years.

"The 2009 Clio is one of the first wines we produced from our vineyard,” said Robert Muse. This wine is grown and produced solely at our estate. It is something that speaks to the geology of the Shenandoah Valley, to the weather unique to our land and to the methods employed in our vineyard. It is that local element and authentic nature of winemaking that excites my wife, Sally, and me. We are glad others enjoy the fruits from this effort, and we are honored to be recognized among those that have won this award before us.”

The 2015 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition was conducted over four weeks of preliminary tastings, held at the Capital Wine School in Washington, D.C. in January. The final round of tastings was held at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond in early February. The Governor's Cup award winner and the other 11 wines that make up the 2015 Governor's Cup Case, are the top 12 highest scoring wines chosen from 390 entries of both red and white wines, from 94 wineries.

In addition to Muse Vineyards’ 2009 Clio, the other 11 wines in the 2015 Governor’s Cup Case are:

Cactocin Creek Winery - 2012 Meritage
Cross Keys Vineyards – 2013 Touriga
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery – 2013 Petit Verdot
Jefferson Vineyards – 2010 Meritage
King Family Vineyards – 2012 Meritage
Michael Shaps - 2012 Tannat
Michael Shaps – 2012 Raisin d’Etre White
Narmada Winery - 2010 Yash-Vir
North Gate Vineyard - 2012 Meritage
Rockbridge Vineyard - 2010 V d’Or
Vint Hill Craft Winery - 2012 Petit Verdot

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Mark Fedor of North Gate Vineyard, see: North Gate Vineyard in Virginia, USA – A Profile

This year's results are notable for a wide geographic scope of winners, as well as diversity of the wines themselves. For example, three wines from the 2015 Governor’s Cup Case hail from the Shenandoah Valley, four from Northern Virginia, and five from the Central Virginia area. The wide spectrum of wines include Bordeaux blended reds, Petit Verdot, a Touriga, a Petit Manseng, two white blends, a dessert wine, and a Tannat.

Jay Youmans, one of only of 35 Masters of Wine in the U.S., directed the competition. Youmans, who is also a Certified Wine Educator and the owner and educational director of the Capital Wine School, recruited wine judges from the professional wine buying and wine media community. A list of the judges along with their bios can be found at http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup.

Virginia is the 5th largest wine industry in the US, with nearly 200 wineries and 2,500 acres of vineyards. In the original charter of the thirteen colonies was a royal commission to pursue three luxury items that England was unable to provide for itself: wine, silk, and olive oil. Every colony made attempts to satisfy the requirements of its charter. Despite many years of failure, the early Americans persisted in their efforts. A big step forward was made in 1740 when a natural cross pollination occurred between a native American grape and a European vitis vinifera. Other successful crossings followed.

Picture: Virginia

In 1762, John Carter, who had 1,800 vines growing at Cleve Plantation, sent 12 bottles to the Royal Society of Encouragement of the Arts, Manufacture and Commerce in London for their evaluation. Minutes of their meeting on the 20th of October 1762 declared Carter’s wines to be “excellent” and a decision was taken to reward Carter’s efforts with a gold medal for his wines. These were the first internationally recognized fine wines produced in America.

Over the past 30 years or so, Virginia wines have experienced a tremendous development - to elegant and balanced, mostly European vinifera-based wines. Recently, Donald Trump as well as AOL founder Steve Case bought a Virginia winery.

Today, the vitis vinifera grapes Chardonnay and Viognier are the leading white varieties. Increasingly they are made without any or with neutral oak, to retain natural acidity and freshness. It appears Viognier is on its way to becoming Virginia’s official “signature grape”.

For French-American hybrid varieties, Seyval Blanc is still popular, but resembles now the fresh and crisp wines from France’s South West. Vidal has become the backbone of the artificially frozen (cryoextraction), ice wine which I am not a great fan of. Cryoextraction is an approach, developed by the French, which kind of simulates the frost in the vineyard in the wine cellar.

As far as red wines are concerned, there has been a shift from straight varietal wines to blends, with the blends now being dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Mirroring the Virginia white wines, there is an increasing focus on neutral oak and clean, vibrant fruit.

Tannat, Uruguay’ signature grape from the South West of France, is showing up in more Virginia wines, usually as a blend. The only red French American hybrid which has performed consistently well in Virginia is Chambourcin, which resembles the Gamay grape of Beaujolais.

Finally, Claude Thibault, a native from France, has taken Virginia sparkling wines to a new level. His NV Thibault-Janisson Brut, made from 100 percent Chardonnay, which President Obama offered his guests at his first state dinner, is as close as you can get to Champagne outside of France. See more: "As Close as You Can Get to (French) Champagne at the US East Coast – Claude Thibaut and His Virginia Thibaut Janisson Sparklers at screwtop Wine Bar"

schiller-wine: Related Posting

Northern Virginia Magazine October 2012: Wine Recs from Local Winos

Virginia Wines Shine in San Francisco - 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition, USA

Jim Law and Linden Vineyards in Virginia – A Profile, USA

Boxwood Winery in Virginia: Lunch with Wine Makers Rachel Martin and Adam McTaggert in the Chai between the Tanks – TasteCamp 2012 East Kick-Off, USA

An Afternoon with Jordan Harris, Winemaker of Tarara, Virginia, USA

Vineyard Walk, Wine Tasting in the Vineyard and Lunch in the Tarara Tank Cellar with Wine Maker Jordan Harris, Tarara Winery, USA

Visiting Jennifer Breaux Blosser and Breaux Vineyards in Virginia, USA

Bordeaux Meets Virginia: Visiting Rutger de Vink and his RdV Vineyards with Anne Cuvelier from Chateau Leoville Poyferre in St. Julien, Bordeaux

Judging Virginia Wines in Suffolk, Virginia - Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic 2012

A New Winery in Virginia - The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, USA

Boxwood Winery in Virginia: Lunch with Wine Makers Rachel Martin and Adam McTaggert in the Chai between the Tanks – TasteCamp 2012 East Kick-Off, USA

Book Review: "Beyond Jefferson's Vines - The Evolution of Quality Wine in Virginia" by Richard Leahy, USA

TasteCamp 2012 in Virginia, USA – A Tour d’Horizont

As Close as You Can Get to (French) Champagne at the US East Coast – Claude Thibaut and His Virginia Thibaut Janisson Sparklers at screwtop Wine Bar

See: American Wines with French Roots: The Wines President Obama Served at the State Dinner for President Hollande, USA/France 

Visiting Wine Maker Doug Fabbioli and his Fabbioli Cellars in Virginia, USA

North Gate Vineyard in Virginia, USA – A Profile

Virginia's Best Wines: 2014 Virginia Wineries Governor’s Cup, USA

Governor’s Cup Competition 2013, Virginia, USA

Picture: Kaub with the Castles Pfalzgrafenstein and Burg Gutenfels 

The Mittelrhein Valley is one of the 13 German wine regions. It is a breathtaking region, where excellent wines are produced.

We took a boat trip from Rüdesheim (in the Rheingau) to Bad Salzig (in the Mittelrhein region), where our bus was waiting for us to take us to Zell in the Mosel region. We did not stop at any Mittelrhein winery and did not taste any Mittelrhein wine. But we had a fantastic boat trip.

Next year on the tour, we will stop in Bacherach, stay overnight there and enjoy a tasting with Cecilia Jost, Weingut Toni Jost.

Picture: Cecilia Jost, Weingut Toni Jost, at Kloster Eberbach

Lunch at Restaurant Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss in Rüdesheim, Rheingau

Before boarding the boat, we had lunch at Restaurant Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss in Rüdesheim, which belongs to the world class winemaker Weingut Breuer.

Pictures: Lunch at Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss in Rüdesheim

Weingut Breuer was founded in 1880, and developed into an 80 acre estate with top vineyards in Rauenthal and Rüdesheim. Today, daughter Theresa owns the estate. She is a very talented winemaker. Year after year, she produces wines of the highest quality without jeopardizing her own distinctive style, noticeable in every bottle.

Picture: Theresa Breuer and Christian G.E. Schiller in New York City

In the middle of the hustle and bustle of Rüdesheim, the Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss is an oasis of very good traditional German food and elegant Rieslings from the Breuer winery.

Boat Trip on on the Rhine River

Time to indulge in the breathtakingly beautiful view of the Rhine River and its banks dotted with castles, forts, and ruins dating from the middle ages, passing the famous Loreley Rock and the slopes of the Mittelrhein wine region.

Pictures: Boat Trip on the Rhine River

Beginning just below Bonn and extending about 100 km south along the banks of the Rhine, the Mittelrhein is a beautiful region of steep, terraced vineyards and some of the wine world's most splendid scenery, medieval castles and ruins clinging to rocky peaks, sites of ancient legends where Siegfried, Hagen and the Loreley seem to spring to life.

Nearly three quarters of the vineyards are planted with Riesling. Viticulture was established in the region by the Romans, once they had established the cities of Cologne (Colonia) and Bonn (Bonna). The region saw its heyday in medieval times, at a time when the Cistercian order built the Kloster Heisterbach abbey above Oberdollendorf. The small town of Bacharach is an ancient centre of the wine trade. The name of the town of Bacharach comes from the Roman "Baccara" = "Altar of Bacchus".

The Mittlerhein below St. Goarshausen is one of the few vineyards in the world where phylloxera has not yet struck. Small, family-run wineries are typical of the region. But winemaking in the Mittelrhein is shrinking at a rapid pace. Today, with 500 hectares vineyard area, it is less than 25% of what it was 100 years ago. The slopes are extremely steep, discouraging young winemakers to continue with the tradition of their fathers, while consumers are flooded with reasonably priced and good quality wines from all over the world. However, increasingly young and dynamic winemakers, such as Cecilia Jost, are successfully trying to reverse this trend.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut): Estate Tour and Wine Tasting with Kerstin Pawis– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Kloster Pforta: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Managing Director Christian Kloss – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Winzerhof Gussek in the Saale Unstrut Region: Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Owner and Winemaker André Gussek – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Tour and Tasting at the Historic Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg, Franken– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Bickel-Stumpf in Franken: Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting with Reimund Stumpf, Matthias Stumpf and Melanie Stumpf-Kröger - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau: Tour and Wine Tasting - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Visit: Winzerhof Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Künstler– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Picture: Kloster Eberbach, see:  Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau: Tour and Wine Tasting - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014) and: Wining in the Steinberg Vineyard– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

At the annual spring presentation of the winemakers of the VDP Rheingau (the VDP is the association of German elite winemakers and VDP Rheingau the subdivision of VDP members from the Rheingau) at Kloster Eberbach on Sunday March 8, 2015, the VDP Rheingau winemakers had invited their colleagues from the Burgenland in Austria. Thus, the about 30 winemakers from the Rheingau, predominantly presenting Riesling, were joined in the Lay Brothers' Dormitory at Kloster Eberbach by about 30 winemakers from Burgenland, predominantly presenting red wines.

 Pictures: Kloster Eberbach

Rheingau

It is remarkable: For its entire length of nearly 560 miles, the Rhine flows north with one exception – a 28-mile stretch where the river changes its course. Here, it flows to the west, thereby enabling both the river and the vineyards facing it to bask in the warmth of the sun all day long. This is the Rheingau, one of the medium-size German wine regions. It is a quietly beautiful region, rich in tradition. Queen Victoria's enthusiasm for Hochheim's wines contributed to their popularity in England, where they, and ultimately, Rhine wines in general, were referred to as Hock.

 Picture: Rheingau

The third President of the USA - and notable bon viveur - Thomas Jefferson visited the Rheingau in 1788 and wrote that the wine of the "Abbaye of Johnsberg is the best made on the Rhine without comparison … That of the year 1775 is the best." He also referred to the Rheingau’s Riesling as the "small and delicate Rhysslin which grows only from Hochheim to Rudesheim". Impressed by the quality of the Rheingau Riesling wines, he bought 100 grapevines to take back to his estate in Virginia.

Although the Rheingau is one of Germany’s smaller wine-growing regions, its 3,100 ha (7,660 acres) of vineyards are vastly diverse in their geological makeup. The soil varies from stony slate at the western part near the villages of Assmannshausen and Rudesheim to loess, sand and marl in the lower central villages of Geisenheim, Johannisberg, Winkel, Oestrich and Hattenheim. Soil reverts to stony phyllite in the higher central and eastern villages of Hallgarten, Kiedrich and Hochheim. Generally, wines from the lower slopes where the soil is heavier—sandy loam and loess—produce fuller wines, while at the higher slopes where it is more stony and slatey, the wines reflect more minerality, elegance and concentration.

The Rheingau enjoys a distinctly continental climate with cold winters and warm, but not hot, summers. The Rheingau is dominated by Riesling, accounting for 4/5 of the vineyard area. Pinot Noir accounts for 1/10 and is concentrated around Assmannshausen.

Picture: Winemaker Tobias Fiebrandt, Weingut Leitz, see: The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Picture: Cecilia Jost, Weingut Toni Jost, see: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx While last year, we did not stop at a Mittelrhein winemaker, this year, the Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours will include a tasting at Weingut Toni Jost, with Cecilia Jost

Picture: Reiner Flick, Weingut Joachim Flick, see: FairChoice Certified Wine in Germany: Weingut Joachim Flick in the Rheingau

Picture: Annette Schiller and Alexander Jung, Weingut Jung, see: Impromptu Winetasting with Alexander Jung, Weingut Jakob Jung, Erbach, Rheingau, Germany

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with Bernd and Ralf Schönleber and their Spouses, Wein- und Sektgut F.B. Schönleber

Picture: Annette Schiller with Eva Raps and Urban Kaufmann, the new Owners of Weingut Lang in Hattenheim, see: Weingut Hans Lang, Hattenheim in the Rheingau: Eva Raps, Managing Director of VDP, and Urban Kaufmann, Swiss Cheese Producer, Take Over, Germany

The following wine producers from the Rheingau showed their wines – mainly Grosses Gewächs and other Rieslings from the 2013 vintage, but also a few older vintages as well as a few Rheingau Pinot Noir wines: Allendorf, Barth, Diefenhardt, Joachim Flick, Alexander Freimuth, Georg Müller Stiftung, Hamm, Prinz von Hessen, Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach, Johannishof, Toni Jost, Jakob Jung, Graf von Kanitz, Baron Knyphausen, Robert König, Peter Jakob Kühn, Künstler ,Lorenz H. Kunz, Hans Lang (Urban Kaufmann GmbH), Leitz, G. H. von Mumm, Achim von Oetinger, Balthasar Ress, Schloss Johannisberg, Schloss Vollrads, F. B. Schönleber, Josef Spreitzer, Robert Weil und Domdechant Werner.

Burgenland

Burgenland is one of Austria’s 4 wine regions – Lower Austria, Styria, Burgenland and Vienna. For many years Burenland was a bit on the margin, although it has a log wine growing tradition. Burgenland belonged to Hungary until 1921 when it was annexed to Austria post WWI. It is a melting pot of Magyar, Slavic and Austrian cultures. Many of the towns have two names, one Croatian or Hungarian and the other name Austrian.

Picture: The Wine Regions of Austria

The vineyard area of Burgenland totals 14.000 hectares and comprises 4 areas: (1) Neusiedlersee: At the edges of the vast and shallow Lake Neusiedl, a variety of grapes are grown on 9,100 hectares of vineyards, including world-famous noble sweet wines. (2) Neusiedlersee-Hügelland: At the foot of the Leithagebirge and west of Lake Neusiedl, a variety of grapes are grown on 4,150 hectares of vineyards, including the renowned Ruster Ausbruch. (3) Mittelburgenland: On 2,100 hectares of vineyards, one red grape variety plays the leading role: Blaufränkisch and 4 towns are the wine-growing area´s main producers: Deutschkreutz, Horitschon, Lutzmannsburg and Neckenmarkt. (4) Südburgenland: One of Austria´s smallest wine-growing areas, where excellent terroir wines are produced from 500 hectares of vineyards, which are situated mainly on the Eisenberg, with Blaufraenkisch being the typical red wine.

The spectrum of Burgenland wine ranges from great white wines and full bodied red wines to an array of noble sweet wines. The shallow Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) is one of the few places on earth where noble rot attacks grapes reliably every year. At the same time, there has been a red wine revolution in Austria during the last 20 years and increasingly Austria’ top red wines tend to come from the Burgenland.

Picture: Christian Schiller with Ernst Triebaumer and his Spouse, Weingut Ernst Triebaumer, Rust, Austria

Picture: "John" Nittnaus, Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, see: Meeting “John” Nittnaus from Gols, Burgenland, Austria

Picture: Annette Schiller with Benedikt Händler, Weingut Prieler, see: Lunch with Silvia Prieler, Weingut Prieler, Schuetzen am Gebirge, Austria

Burgenland was represented by the following winemakers, who mainly brought their top red wines: Bernthaler & Bernthaler, Esterhazy, Feiler-Artinger, Giefing, Goldenits, Groszer Wein, Hans Igler, Jalits, JbN - Jägersberger, Koppitsch, Kummer, Herbert Lassl, Leberl, Leo Hillinger, Mad - Haus Marienberg, Nehrer, Nittnaus, Pöckl, Prieler, Reumann, Rittsteuer, Schützenhof, Seewinkelhof Salzl, Lehner, Triebaumer, Umathum & Zantho, Unger, Wellanschitz, Weninger und Wurzinger.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau: Tour and Wine Tasting - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Künstler– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

FairChoice Certified Wine in Germany: Weingut Joachim Flick in the Rheingau

Impromptu Winetasting with Alexander Jung, Weingut Jakob Jung, Erbach, Rheingau, Germany

Weingut Hans Lang, Hattenheim in the Rheingau: Eva Raps, Managing Director of VDP, and Urban Kaufmann, Swiss Cheese Producer, Take Over, Germany

Meeting “John” Nittnaus from Gols, Burgenland, Austria

Lunch with Silvia Prieler, Weingut Prieler, Schuetzen am Gebirge, Austria

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

The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland is the leading wine guide for German wine. Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland uses a scale of 1 to 5 grapes to rate winemakers and a scale of 1 to 100 points to rate their wines.

The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 contains 1000 German wine producers, the 1000 best German wine makers, of which 11 received 5 grapes. Compared to 2014, one winery was promoted to 5 grapes and one winery was demoted to 4 1/2 grapes. Thus, there continue to be 11 winemakers with 5 out of 5 grapes.

Weingut Schloss Lieser from the Mosel joined the group of Germany's elite winemakers and Weingut Dönnhoff, to the surprise of many German wine experts, lost that credential. In fact, Cornelius Dönnhoff, who now is in charge of the wines at Weingut Dönnhoff, is Winemaker of the Year in Stuart Pigott's recent list of Best Wines and Winemakers. See: Cornelius Dönnhoff, Weingut Dönnhoff: Stuart Pigott’s Winemaker of the Year, Germany

Ahr

None.

Baden

Bernhard Huber

One of the winemakers leading the German red wine revolution. He also produces outstanding white wines. Does not have any sweet or noble-sweet wines in his portfolio. 26.5 hectares.

Bernhard Huber, only 53 years old, died in June 2014, a few months before our visit, after a battle with cancer.

See:
Visit: Weingut Dr. Heger in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tours by ombiasy (2014)

His wife Barbara wrote us in a moving email that she and their children try to keep Bernhard Huber's vision of wine making alive and that they will continue to produce top quality wines.

We will visit Weingut Huber during the upcoming Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015):  4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Picture: Julian and Barbara Huber at the 2014 Gault Millau Awards Ceremony in Mainz, see: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Franken

Rudolf Fürst

Weingut Rudolf Fuerst 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. Sebastian Fuerst in the process of taking over from his father Paul Fuerst. 18.6 hectares.

We will visit Weingut Rudolf Fürst at the forthcoming Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

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

Hessische Bergstrasse

None.

Mittelrhein

None.

Mosel (Mosel - Saar -Ruwer)

Fritz Haag

Weingut Fritz Haag is located in Brauneberg in the Mosel Valley. It was founded in 1605. It is now run and owned by Oliver Haag and his wife Jessica Haag. Weingut Fritz Haag owns a total of 16.5 hectares of Riesling vines around Brauneberg, with 6.5 hectares within Brauneberger Juffer and 3 hectares in the Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr vineyard.

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

Egon Müller

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

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours, and Egon Müller, Weingut Egon Müller, at the Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Joh. Jos. Pruem

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.

See:
JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

We will visit Weingut JJ Prüm during the forthcoming Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015):
4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

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

Schloss Lieser (Thomas Haag)

The newcomer in the list of 5 out of 5 grapes producers. Brother of Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag, see above. 12 hectares.

Picture: Thomas Haag in Mainz

See:
Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 

Nahe

Emrich-Schönleber

Frank Schönleber is in the process of taking over from father Werner, who was Gault Millau winemaker of the year 2006. Only white wines, mainly Riesling. 16 hectares.

We will visit Weingut Emrich-Schönleber on the forthcoming Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015):  4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours, and Frank Schönleber at Kloster Eberbach

Pfalz

Knipser

A world class producer of both 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. Werner Knipser’s children Sabine Knipser and Stephan Knipser are in the process of taking over. 40 hectares.

Ökonomierat Rebholz

A broad wine portfolio with Riesling and Pinots (Blanc, Noir and Gris) as well as Chardonnay. All dry. A mover and shaker in the "Grosses Gewächs" movement. 19 hectares.

The visit of WeingutÖkonomierat Rebholz was one of the highlights of the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014): Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014. We will be back in 2015.

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

Rheingau

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.

The visit of Weingut Robert Weil was one of the highlights of the Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014): Kiedrich: Visit of the Basilica of Saint Valentine and of Weingut Robert Weil - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014). We will be back in 2015.

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

Rheinhessen

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.

We will visit Weingut Klaus Peter Keller during the upcoming Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015):  4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours, Julia and Klaus Peter Keller at the 2015 Rieslingfeier in New York, see: The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Saale-Unstrut

None.

Sachsen

None.

Wuerttemberg

None.

Previous Years

As for previous years, see:

Germany's Top 11 Winemakers (with 5 out of 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015
Germany's Top 11 Winemakers (with 5 out of 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Germany’s Top 10 Winemakers (with 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2013
Germany’s Top 10 Winemakers (with 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2012
Germany’s Top 9 Winemakers - the 2010 Gault Millau Wine Guide

Each year, the Gault Millau also selects a winemaker of the year, a discovery of the year, etc. See for these awards this year and previous years:

Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany
Best German Wines and Winemakers: Gault Millau Awards – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Best German Wines and Wine Makers – the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2013 Awards
2012: Best German Wines (Awards) – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2012
2011: Gault Millau WeinGuide Germany 2011– Ratings
Gault Millau Wine Germany 2010

schiller-wine - Related Postings

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015

JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

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

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

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

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

Cornelius Dönnhoff, Weingut Dönnhoff: Stuart Pigott’s Winemaker of the Year, Germany 

Weingut Huber: One of the Fathers of the German Red Wine Revolution: Weingut Huber in Baden

Picture: Collette Faller and Christian G.E. Schiller at Domaine Weinbach in December 2010

Colette Faller of Domaine Weinbach passed away at age 87 in February 2015. This comes less than a year after in May 2014, her daughter Laurence died from a tragic heart attack.

Colette Faller took over the domaine in 1979 after the death of her husband Théo. For the last 2 decades, she worked closely with her daughters Laurence and Catherine Faller, in charge respectively of winemaking and sales.

Catherine Faller, married to a dentist, will now run Domaine Weinbach with her sons Théo and Eddy. Ghislain Berthiot, who worked with Laurence for many years, will continue to be in charge of winemaking.

I visited Domaine Weinbach a few years ago with my wife Annette Schiller. We spent a couple of hours with Collete Faller tasting wines with her in the dining room of her charming, antiques-filled country home, where family mementos and photographs of her late husband stood on an old china cabinet. You could feel through the pictures and the furniture the history of the place. She was a fascinating woman. She also showed us around the winery. Catharine dropped by several times.

Initially, Collete Faller was wearing regular clothes, but when I talked about taking pictures, she disappeared and came back dressed stylishly.

Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote that Colette Faller, "a robust, vivacious woman of extraordinary charm and vision, has turned out a dazzling succession of profound Rieslings, Gewurtztraminers, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blancs and dry Muscats from her surrounding vineyards."

Much of the credit of course has to go to her daughters Catharine and Laurence Faller. The latter studied chemical engineering, then took enology courses in Toulouse and Beaune. She even did a stint in California in 1989. In 1993, she returned to Domaine Weinbach and began assuming some of the winemaking duties. By 1996, she was making many of the winemaking decisions, and in 1998 she was given free rein as winemaker.

Domaine Weinbach

Domaine Weinbach is located just outside the castle-crowned town of Kaysersberg, the birthplace of 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer.

Kaysersberg with its ancient buildings, Germanic half-timbered gingerbread houses and cobblestoned streets, is a magical place surrounded by some of Alsace's finest vineyards. Among them are Weinbach's Monopole Vineyard Clos des Capucins and the Grand Crus Schlossberg and Furstenstum, which have major holdings owned or controlled by the Fallers.

Pictures: Domaine Weinbach

The Domaine Weinbach is a former monastery built in 1612 by capucines monks, who made wine already on the Clos. During the French Revolution, the monastery was seized and sold as a national property. In 1898, it was acquired by the Faller brothers. The Faller brothers left it to their son and nephew Théo. He, a prominent figure in Alsace winegrowing, was devoted to Domaine Weinbach all his life and developed, expanded and enhanced it. Since his death in 1979, his wife Colette Faller and their two daughters Catherine and Laurence have carried on Théo's passion for the great wines of Alsace and his unrelenting commitment to delivering excellence.

Domaine Weinbach omprises 27 hectares. Although all the bottles of Domaine Weinbach bear the name of the Clos des Capucins, only a small number originate from the Clos itself. The rest come from the Faller's other holdings, including in their Grand Cru sites. Domaine Weinbach wines also come from vineyards they have leased and cultivate themselves.

Pictures: Collette Faller and Christian G.E. Schiller at Domaine Weinbach in December 2010

Schlossberg is probably the most significant site, being the first vineyard in Alsace to have Grand Cru status approved in 1975. Furstentum is a south-southeast facing Grand Cru site, nestled in the Kaysersberg Valley to the northeast of Schlossberg. The vines in Grand Cru Mambourg, like Furstentum, are a recent purchase for the Faller Family. The nearby Altenbourg lieu-dit provides Pinot Gris as well as Gewurztraminer.

Winemaking Philosophy

Laurence Faller believed in minimal intervention in the winemaking process. The grapes are harvested by hand and whole-cluster pressed in horizontal pneumatic presses. The wines are fermented under the action of the indigenous yeast and aged in the same old upright oval casks that range in size from 3,000- to 6,000-liter capacity, then usually bottled after about seven months. The wines usually do not undergo malolactic fermentation.

Picture: In the Cellar of Domaine Weinberg with Colette Faller

The Domaine Weinbach Wine Portfolio

Riesling

The Riesling range starts with the Riesling Cuvée Théo, sourced from the Clos des Capucins, where Theo rests. The Riesling (and the Gewurtztraminer) that grow there bear his name.

The Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg originates from the upper slopes of the Grand Cru Schlossberg vineyard. There are three further special cuvées from the Grand Cru Schlossberg: (1) Riesling Cuvée Ste Catherine, from the lower slopes of Schlossberg; the grapes are picked late (some time around the 25th of November, day of Sainte Catherine) so that they can enjoy the late autumn sun, (2) Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Ste Catherine which comes from old vines on the mid-slope in Schlossberg, and (3) Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Ste Catherine L’Inedit. "L'Inédit means the original one and is from the most beautiful plots. It is only produced when Riesling reaches an exceptional maturity” told us Colette Faller.


The Domaine Weinbachs Riesling wines have a fine and delicate fruitiness; they are racy, nervy, dry but at the same time they are mature and long on the palate. “Riesling holds a special place in our vineyards and in our hearts” said Colette Faller.

Tokay Pinot Gris

The Tokay Pinot Gris Cuvée Ste Catherine is sourced from old vines in the Clos des Capucins.

The other Pinot Gris cuvées come from lieu-dit Altenbourg. The Tokay Pinot Gris Cuvée Laurence is sourced from vines in the lower part of the Altenbourg vineyard, whereas the Tokay Pinot Gris Altenbourg Cuvée Laurence comes from the main part of the Altenbourg plot.

Gewürztraminer

As the Riesling, the Gewurztraminer Cuvée Théo originates from the Clos des Capucins. The remaining Gewuerztraminer cuvées are predominantly from Altenbourg again. The Gewurztraminer Cuvée Laurence comes from the foot of the lieu-dit, and the Gewurztraminer Altenbourg Cuvée Laurence comes from the main part of the Altenbourg plot.

In addition, there is also the Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Furstentum Cuvée Laurence which comes from Grand Cru Furstentum.

Colette Faller said “with wonderful aromas of rose, gilly-flower, jasmine, spices, crystallized citrus fruit… with velvety bodies, they are sumptuous as an aperitif, with exotic food, smoked salmon or even with cheese, especially with French cheeses such as Munster or Roquefort.”

Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Muscat and Pinot Noir

There is a Sylvaner Réserve from the Clos des Capucins. “The Sylvaner is good with cooked pork meats, oysters, fish. It is also a thirst-quenching wine“ said Colette Faller.

The Pinot Réserve is a blend of fruit from the Clos des Capucins and from vines at the foot of the Altenbourg lieu-dit.

The Muscat Réserve is a blend from the Clos des Capucins and the marly limestone soil at the foot of the Altembourg. “Dry, with an incomparable fruitiness, it really gives the impression of biting a raisin. It can be a wonderful aperitif and goes really well with asparagus and lightly spiced dishes” said Colette Faller.

The Pinot Noir Réserve is sourced from the Clos des Capucins and Schlossberg.

Vendanges Tardives, Sélection de Grains Nobles and Quintessences de Grains Nobles

There are also Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles cuvees. However, many regard the greatest wines to be the Quintessences de Grains Nobles. “They are exceptional wines, remarkable because of their great aromatical complexity, of their rare concentration and their perfect balance” said Colette Faller.

The Quintessences de Grains Nobles are extremely rare nectars, produced in tiny quantities in only a few vintages. The word Quintessence was invented in Domaine Weinbach; it was used the first time to describe a sumptuous cuvée of the 1983 vintage.

Catherine Faller

The fate of Domaine Weinbach is now in the hands of Catherine Faller and her two sons. All the best Catharine.

Picture, Werner Jülg, Weingut Jülg, with his 3 Sons Friedrich, Moritz and Johannes Jülg

We started the day with a tasting at Weingut Friedrich Becker, a world class producer, in Schweigen in the Pfalz. Just around the corner is Weingut Jülg, which is not in the same category as Weingut Becker but clearly on a steep upward movement, with the young generation taking over.

We had a lovely lunch cum wine tasting in the garden restaurant of Weingut Jülg. Johannes Jülg, who has taken over the winemaking responsibility, joined us for lunch and conducted the tasting. After lunch, we toured the winery.

Weingut Jülg

Weingut Jülg is in Schweigen, the southernmost village in the Pfalz region, right at the border to France. The winery was founded in 1961. Today, Werner Jülg is in charge of the overall management of the winery. Since 2010, his oldest son Johannes has been responsible for the winemaking.

The vineyard area totals 18 hectares in the Einzellage (single vineyard) Sonnenberg (of which 40% is in France) and the Gewanne (lieu-dit) Springberg, Pfarrwingert, St. Paul und Wormberg.

White grape varieties account for 70% of the production, with Riesling, Weißburgunder and Grauburgunder dominating. Red grape varities account for 30% of the production, with Pinot Noir and St. Laurent in the lead.

Total production is 12.000 cases. Most of the wine is sold at the estate – in the wine tavern, the garden restaurant and directly to consumers. 20% of the wine is exported, including to the USA (5%).

The Jülg Family

Weingut Jülg is a traditional family winery cum wine tavern and garden restaurant, with 3 generations involved.

Werner and Karin Jülg – in their 50s I would guess - are the generation in the middle. Werner took over the winery several years ago from his father Oskar, while his brother Peter fell in love with a French girl from a village just 10 kilometers away in Alsace and established Maison Jülg in France. For the last 20 or 30 years ago, until handing over to his son Johannes, Werner was in charge of winemaking. Karin runs the wine tavern and the lovely garden restaurant.

Werner’s mother Erika is still in the kitchen, while her husband Oskar passed away.

Pictures: The Jülg Family

Werner and Karin Jülg have three sons: Johannes, Friedrich and Moritz. Johannes Jülg is now responsible for winemaking at Weingut Jülg. Before coming back home to Schweigen in 2010, he looked around in the world of fine wine, including at Theo Minges, Weegmüller, Keller, Stodden and Clemens Busch in Germany and at Domaine des Lambrays in the Bourgogne.

Pictures: Winemaker Johannes Jülg

His brother Friedrich graduated with a Masters in Winemaking from Geisenheim University earlier this year and currently is on a six months stint in New York City with the US importer of Weingut Jülg, Bonhomie Wine Imports.

Picture: Friedrch Jülg

Moritz got a degree in Marketing and International Business in January 2015. After stints at the Daimler AG and the Robert Bosch GmbH, he will do an internship at Audi AG in Ingolstadt next month.

Lunch and Wine Tasting with Johannes Jülg

When you enter the courtyard of Weingut Jülg through the main gate, as we did, you have in front of you a large space, which - when the weather is fine - invites you to sit down and relax, with the food and the wines of the Jülg family. To the right is the cosy wine tavern for cooler days and in front of you is the winery, where the wine is made and aged in small barrique barrels, traditional wood barrels and stainless steel tanks.

Pictures: Weingut Jülg - Wine Tavern and Garden Restaurant

Of course, people come here because of the fine wines. But they also come because of the traditional food. Leberknödel, Saumagen, Wurst, Schnitzel and Rippchen are all home-made as is the cheese.

Pictures: Delicious, Home-made Food

The Wines we Tasted

Weingut Jülg has 2 grapes (out of 5 grapes) in the Gault Millau: We are very happy with the performance of Johannes Jülg. He likes to add a French touch to his wines and does this very successfully. This means that the fruit components are moved to the backburner. Instead, character and a long aging potential dominate. This approach shows best in the Riesling wines from St. Paul and Springberg – luscious notes of yellow fruit, with good concentration and minerality. Equally, his Pinot Noir is a wine for the true connoisseur – Pinot pure.

Weingut Jülg classifies its wines into 4 groups: Gutsweine, Terroirweine, Lagenweine, Sekt. We had wines from each of these 4 groups.

Pictures: Wine Tasting with Johannes Jülg

2011 Chardonnay Sekt extra brut

Excellent sparkler. Weingut Jülg has quite a selection of sparklers in its portfolio, all made in the traditional method. We liked the Jülg Sekt so much that we order a couple of cases for the anniversary party of my mother.

2013 Jülg Riesling trocken Terroirwein Kalkmergel
2013 Jülg Riesling trocken Terroirwein Buntsandstein
2013 Jülg Sonnenberg Weissburgunder trocken Lagenwein
2012 Jülg Spätburgunder trocken Gutswein
2012 Jülg Pinot Noir trocken Lagenwein

The flagship wine of Weingut Jülg. Concentrated, fine, elegant. Johannes achieves this by limiting the yield to 30 hl/ha, hand-selecting the small, aromatic berries at harvest, spontaneous fermentation, on the lees for 14 days, and 18 months aging in new barrique barrels. On the nose, aromas of blackberry and cherry, coupled with some leather, good concentration on the palate, flavors of warm spice and cranberry last through the long finish. Outstanding wine.

Winery Tour

Following lunch and the winetasting, Werner Jülg and his 3 sons showed us around in the winery.

Pictures: Winery Tour

Jülg Wines in the USA: Bonhomie Wine Imports

Jülg wines are available in the USA through Bonhomie Wine Imports: From the southernmost village in the Pfalz, Schweigen, we bring you the wines of Weingut Jülg. In fact it’s so close to the border that the top vineyard site, the Sonnenburg is actually 2/3s in France! Johannes Jülg has recently taken the reins here from his father Werner, and continues a tradition of growing with respect for nature, using green manure only for fertilization and hand harvesting. Soils are complex here and there is great diversity from site to site. In 2012 the Buntsandstein Riesling provides the right balance, with lifted aromatics and tangy passionfruit. From the Sonnenburg comes a lushly fruited Scheurebe that has the crisp cut of grapefruit-like citrusy tartness and also, a racy and vibrant dry Muskateller laced with spice and mineral notes that linger in the finish. Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc are also important grapes here, look for them later on this year.

RIESLING ‘Buntsandstein’
RIESLING TROCKEN ‘Kalkmergel’
MUSKATELLER TROCKEN
SCHEUREBE TROCKEN
SPÄTBURGUNDER TROCKEN

Video: Winemaker's Day

Weingut Jülg released a video entitled "Winemaker's Day". It is very well done and really fun to watch. The video was produced during the 2014 harvest, i.e. during the days when we visited Weingut Jülg.

Bye-bye

Thank you very much Erika, Werner, Johannes, Friedrich and Moritz Jülg for a wonderful event.

Picture: The Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2015 Group with the Jülg Family at Weingut Jülg in Schweigen, Pfalz, Germany

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

In the Vineyard and the Wine Cellar (and Lunch) with Robert Schätzle, Owner and Winemaker, Weingut Schloss Neuweier in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting Luncheon at 1 Star Michelin Röttele's Restaurant im Schloss Neuweier in Baden, with Winemaker Robert Schätzle and his Weingut Schloss Neuweier Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Zähringer in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Winemaker Paulin Köpfer– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombasy (2014)

Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein in Baden: Tour and Tasting with Baron Johannes von Gleichenstein– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014), Germany

Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Fritz Keller– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Lunch at Restaurant Schwarzer Adler in Oberbergen, with Weingut Franz Keller Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Visit: Weingut Dr. Heger in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tours by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Karl-Heinz Johner in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Karl-Heinz and Patrick Johner – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

At Maison Trimbach in Alsace with Hubert Trimbach – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Picture:  Virginia Wine Chat “Live” with Frank Morgan at Breaux Vineyards, Virginia, USA

Virginia Wine Chat is a monthly virtual gathering to discuss the wines, winemakers, wineries and regions of Virginia, the up and coming wine region at US East Coast.

Founder and Moderator is Frank Morgan, who introduces himself on his twitter account as follows: “Aerospace industry by day, proud parents, chronic traveler, wine enthusiast & vinous bloggers by night, reader, observer, kinda runner. Founder of #VAWineChat.”

I have known Frank for many years. Funny: Although we are both based in Virginia, we met the first time we met in person in Italy during the European Wine Bloggers Conference (now Digital Wine Communications Conference) 2011.

Pictures: Christian Schiller and Frank Morgan in Brescia, Italy, see: Blogging,Wining and Dining at the European Wine Bloggers Conference (#EWBC)October 2011 in Brescia, Italy – A Tour D’ Horizont)

About a year ago, Frank created Virginia Wine Chat. It is a monthly one hour talk show at a Virginia winery with the winemaker and/or owner, via UStream and twitter. People watch the talk show online and interact with Frank and his guest(s) during the show via twitter. A few people, like my wife Annette Schiller and me this time, have the privilege of seeing the show “live”. You can also watch the show later at any time via the Virginia Wine Chat UStream channel.

Pictures: Arriving at Breaux Vineyards

There were about a dozen people sitting in the show, including Mark and Vicky Fedor from North Gate Vineyards, Kathy Lang Wiedemann and Kimberly B. Richardson.

I have participated in previous shows online, sometimes being far away from Virginia. This time, was the first time for me to be at the show and watch the show “live”.

Breaux Vineyards

Breaux Vineyards is owned by Paul Breaux, who made his money with a real estate company specializing in sales and property management on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and is managed by Jennifer Breaux Blosser, Paul’s daughter, and her husband Christopher M. Blosser.

Pictures: Frank Morgan and Jen Breaux Blosser getting ready for the Show

What began as a small hobby in the carriage house of the original 1750's Log Cabin on the far side of the property, has grown into what the Washington Post describes as "Loudoun County's most impressive wine undertaking."

Today, the 404 acre estate has over 100 acres planted in 18 different grape varieties. Breaux Vineyards produces 10.000 to 12.000 cases per year. 90% of it is sold on the premises.

Pictures: Virginia Wine Chat at Breaux Vineyards

Breaux Vineyards has been voted Virginia’s “Favorite Winery” consecutively for the past three years. It is located only an hour from metropolitan DC, Dulles and BWI airports and a short distance from historic Harpers Ferry, WV.

See also:
Visiting Jennifer Breaux Blosser and Breaux Vineyards in Virginia, USA

Picture: Pündericher Marienburg Vineyard

Most of the area under vines of Weingut Clemens Busch is situated in the Pündericher Marienburg vineyard which covers almost the entire hillside on the opposite side of the river from the village of Pünderich. When you want to visit the area or when Clemens and his team want to work in the vineyard, you and they have to take the ferry boat across the Mosel river.

This is exactly what we did with Rita Busch during the Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours, before returning to the beautiful, restored half-timbered Busch family home, built in 1663, for a wine tasting, where Clemens Busch joined us. Because flooding is a constant danger, the vaulted cellar, built in the 1970s, lies nearby, on higher grounds at Clemens’ parents’ home.

In a region most known for the noticeable residual sugar and low alcohol of its wines, Clemens Busch’s focus is on dry premium Rieslings that can compete with the best dry whites in the world. He also produces off-dry wines as well as powerful, complex noble sweet wines. In 1984 he began using organic viticultural practices and more recently moved towards biodynamic.

Weingut Clemens Busch

Weingut Clemens Busch is one of the top producers in Germany. And not only that. In a region where the humidity and extremely steep vineyards make most wine makers to rely on some level of pesticide, Clemens Busch is 100% organic/biodynamic. And: In a region where noticeable residual sugar in the finished wine and low alcohol is the calling card, Clemens Busch’s focus is on dry premium Rieslings that can compete with the best dry whites in the world. But Clemens Busch also produces off-dry wines as well as powerfully complex, nobly sweet wines.

Pictures: Welcome

Weingut Clemens Busch is in Pünderich in the Mosel Valley, rather far down stream. The Busch family lives near the banks of the Mosel in a restored half- timbered house built in 1663. Because flooding can occur here, the vaulted cellar, built in the 1970s, lies nearby, on higher ground, at Clemens’s parents’ home.

The business has been run by Rita and Clemens Busch since 1986, with son Florian joining the team in 2008. Clemens is the fifth generation winemaker at this estate.

Vineyard area: 10 hectares
Annual production: 55,000 bottles
The winery is since 2007 member of the VDP (Association of German VDP).

Organic/Biodynamic

Weingut Clemens Busch is considered by many to be the master interpreter of the natural winemaking approach in Germany. Clemens Busch began using organic practices in 1984 and more recently moved towards biodynamic. Winemaking is practiced in accordance with the guidelines of the ECOVIN association.

Pündericher Marienburg

Most of the area under vines is situated in the Pündericher Marienburg vineyard which covers almost the entire hillside on the opposite side of the river from the village of Pünderich.

Until the wine law of 1971, the Pündericher Marienburg consisted of several small plots and not without good reason, because the wines grown in the different parts of today’s Marienburg vineyard are still very different. It is not only the different slate soils but also the special microclimates that play an important role here. To emphasize the specific differences that exist within the Pündericher Marienburg, the corresponding wines of Clemens Busch still bear the names of the old plots (Gewanne): Fahrlay and Fahrlay-Terrassen, Falkenlay and Raffes, as well as Rothenpfad and Felsterrasse.

Pictures: Crossing the Mosel by Ferry Boat with Rita Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch

Fahrlay and Fahrlay-Terrassen, directly across the river from the Busch’s house, consist mainly of blue slate, producing a Riesling with a particularly intensive mineral flavor and slightly salty notes in the finish.
Falkenlay, including the old-vine section called Raffes, is made up of grey slate, producing particularly creamy, fruit-driven Rieslings.

Picture: In the Pündericher Marienburg Vineyard

Wine Cellar

In the cellar, it is obvious that Clemens Busch does without high technology. After crushing, the grapes undergo skin contact and ferment spontaneously in both stainless steel and in oak Fuder (wooden casks of 1000 liters), sometimes into the next year’s harvest. In addition to lees contact, Clemens Busch likes to do lees stirring to increase the wines’ fruitiness and richness.

As an exception, special yeast is used for noble-sweet wines where the sugar levels are sometimes so high that wild yeasts would not even begin to work. The wine ages in the oak fuder.

The Wines we Tasted

We tasted an impressive selection of Weingut Clemens Busch wines. Except for the 2 warm-up wines, all were VDP.Grosse Lage wines, both in the dry and sweet taste ranges (GGs, Spätlese, Auslese).

2012 Clemens Busch Riesling Vom Grauen Schiefer trocken VDP.Ortswein
2013 Clemens Busch Riesling Vom Roten Schiefer trocken VDP.Ortswein
2012 Clemens Busch Marienburg GG Rothenpfad trocken VDP.Grosse Lage
2012 Clemens Busch Marienburg GG Fahrlay trocken VDP.Grosse Lage
2012 Clemens Busch Marienburg GG Falkenlay trocken VDP.Grosse Lage
2011 Clemens Busch Marienburg GG Falkenlay trocken VDP.Grosse Lage
2009 Clemens Busch Marienburg GG Falkenlay trocken VDP.Grosse
Lage
2005 Clemens Busch Marienburg Spätlese Fass 41 VDP.Grosse
Lage
2011 Clemens Busch Marienburg Spätlese Goldkapsel VDP.Grosse
Lage
2009 Clemens Busch Marienburg Auslese Fahrlay VDP.Grosse Lage

Pictures: Wine Tasting with Clemens Busch

Export

The Weingut Clemens Busch wines are widely available in the US. Louis/Dressner is the main American importer. I also found them on the website of David Bowler Wine in New York.

Louis/Dressner: We have no brands. We are not looking for them. We do have a group of often fanatical growers who are doing their best to make wines that are original because they are honestly crafted. These might seem old-fashioned, but in the present context it is almost revolutionary.

David Bowler Wine: Is a New York based importer and distributor focusing on naturally made, small batch wines from around the world. Working with importers and directly with wineries, it is our mission to present wines of personality and character, wines that reflect something about where they are made and who made them.

They currently have 12 different wines in their portfolio, ranging from estate wines to super noble-sweet wines, including the following:

Riesling Trocken 2012: “A good winemaker doesn’t make wine, he merely accompanies it during its creation. The fundamentals of this are always to be found in the vineyard. The cellar contains the art of intervening as little as possible and mainting a healthy environment for the natural processes.” -Clemens Busch. Clemens and his wife Rita are at the cutting edge of biodynamic agriculture and minimal-intervention winemaking in the Mosel. 11.5%, naturally dry fermented.

Picture: Annette Schiller, Clemens Busch and Christian G.E. Schiller at Ripple Restaurant in Washington DC, see: German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA (2014)

Riesling Kabinett Marienburg 2011 :‘The Busch 2011 Pundericher Marienburg Riesling Kabinett originates, as usual, in a windy, high-altitude portion of this Einzellage that permits long hang-time without high must weight or risk of botrytis, in this instance, until the end of October, though as Busch readily points out, it had become “almost too ripe by then for a classic Kabinett.” Fresh white peach and fig offer enticing aromas and a succulent palate impression. This is expansive and caressing yet (at 9% alcohol) retains a delightful sense of levity, and lime and grapefruit lend a tingling, lip-smacking sense of refreshment while warding-off any sense of excess sweetness. While not enormously complex – for now, anyway – it’s quite irresistible, and ought to be worth following for at least the better part of a decade. 90 Points” David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate #206, April, 2013

Riesling vom roten Schiefer 2011: Another village wine from parcels planted on red slate. It is Half-trocken, as Clemens rarely gets it to ferment dry. Fermentations stop at 11g or 14g but sometimes can go as high as 20g in residual sugars.

Bye-bye

Thanks you very much Rita and Clemens fpr a wonderful experience.

Pictures: Bye-bye

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut): Estate Tour and Wine Tasting with Kerstin Pawis– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Kloster Pforta: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Managing Director Christian Kloss – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Winzerhof Gussek in the Saale Unstrut Region: Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Owner and Winemaker André Gussek – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Tour and Tasting at the Historic Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg, Franken– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Bickel-Stumpf in Franken: Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting with Reimund Stumpf, Matthias Stumpf and Melanie Stumpf-Kröger - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau: Tour and Wine Tasting - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Visit: Winzerhof Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Künstler– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

In the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Weingut Clemens Busch)

German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA (2014)

Tasting with Rita Busch at Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, Germany(2014)

The German Winemakers at the 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, USA (2013)

With Wine Maker Clemens Busch in Puenderich at his Winery in the Mosel Valley, Germany (2013)

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, Christian Schiller and Jay Somers, J. Christopher Wines, at the Wine House in Virginia, USA

One of the highlights of our tour a few years ago from Seattle in Washington State to Berkeley in California (where my daughter Katharina used to live) and further South to Paso Robles, was an encounter with star winemaker and killer guitarist Jay Somers in the White Eagle Rock/Jazz Club in Seattle (and a visit of the J. Christopher Estate a few days later with Jay’s right hand man Tim Malone). See: A Riesling Guru and a Killer Guitarist cum Cult Winemaker: Ernst Loosen and Jay Somers and their J. Christopher Winery in Newberg, Oregon

Pictures: Christian Schiller with Jay Somers in Portland, Oregon, at the White Eagle Club

Thus, when I got an invitation from Desiree Schröder, the Sales Director of Ernst Loosen’s wines in Germany, to join Jay Somers and his partner Ernst Loosen at one of their events (in Cologne, Berlin and Hamburg) on their Germany Tour following Prowein 2015, I was very disappointed when my calendar did not allow me to participate, because I had a few things on my to-do-list before flying back from Germany to the USA a few days later.

Picture: J. Christopher Deutschland Tour

Against this background, I was very excited when I arrived in the USA and found out that on his way back from Germany to the US West Coast, Jay Somers was stopping on the East Coast and, inter alia, presenting his wines at the Wine House in Fairfax in Northern Virginia. So, while the tasting in Germany did not work out, I had the opportunity to taste a flight of 4 J. Christopher wines at The Wine House in Fairfax, Northern Virginia, with Jay Somers.

Pictures: Welcome at the Wine House - Annette and Christian Schiller, Jay Somers and Sarah Noble of Loosen Bros.

J. Christopher Winery in Oregon

The J. Christopher Winery is located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, a beautiful growing region of more than 100 square miles in Oregon, located just 19 miles from Portland and 45 miles from the coast. It is a joint venture of Germany’s Riesling Guru Ernst Loosen and the Oregon cult winemaker Jay Somers. J. Christopher Wines specializes in Pinot Noir made in the traditional style of Burgundy; the winery also produces Sauvignon Blanc modeled after the great wines of Sancerre.

Germany, sees his role as that of an investor who both supports the growth of the brand and broadens the winery’s exposure to Old World ideas and techniques.


Pictures: Christian Schiller with Tim Malone at the J. Christopher Winery (while under Construction)

The Jay Somers and J. Christopher Wines: The Early Years

Jay has a degree in philosophy and initially made beer. But Jay developed a passion for wine and got out of the beer business. In the years leading up to the launch of his own winery, Jay had the fortune to work with Don Kautzner at Adelsheim Vineyard in Oregon, Neil McCallum at Dry Creek Vineyard in New Zealand, and John Paul at Cameron Winery in Oregon. From Don, he learned that it was possible to make Burgundian-style Pinots in Oregon. Through Neil, he gained a passion for white wines. In his five years at Cameron, Jay adopted an Old World style of vineyard management and winemaking — a style that resulted in wines that tasted more like the Burgundies he loved to drink. With John’s encouragement, he bottled his first J. Christopher vintage in 1996, using the Cameron facility and fruit purchased from the neighboring Charlie’s vineyard. His first vintage, like many to follow, sold out in less than a week.

After Jay’s third vintage of J. Christopher, Jay spent the next 11 years making J. Christopher alongside Holloran Vineyard Wines at the Holloran facility in the Willamette Valley. Here, he continued to develop his Burgundian winemaking style: “Don’t force the vineyard, don’t irrigate the crap out of it, don’t spray a bunch of chemicals on it, and do all the hand labor right.”

Pictures: Tasting with Jay Somers at the Wine House in Fairfax

Riesling Guru Ernst Loosen

Ernst Loosen is the owner of Weingut Dr. Loosen, located just outside Bernkastel in the Mosel wine region. In 2001, the Gault Millau Weinguide named Ernst Loosen the German Winemaker of the Year.

Ernst is not only a star in Germany, but also in the USA. In Germany, Ernst Loosen is also the owner of Weingut J.L.Wolf in the Pfalz region, where he makes, inter alia, Pinot Noir. The joint venture with Jay Somers is not his first project in the US. He has been making wine now for many years in Washington State: Eroica, a Riesling, also a joint venture (with the Washington State giant with Chateau Ste. Michelle).

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, Christian Schiller, Winemaker Bob Berteau, Chateau St. Michelle in Washington State and Riesling Gurur Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Prowein 2015

See:
4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux 

Jay Somers, Ernst Loosen and J. Christopher Winery: The Recent Year

Jay Somers and Ernst Loosen met years ago, and quickly realized that they shared a similar taste and passion for Pinot Noir. Their friendship led to a partnership (Loosen Christopher Wines LLC) and in 2010, they began building a winery and vineyard. As winemaker for the joint venture, Jay is in charge of all winery operations. Ernst, based in Germany, sees his role as that of an investor who both supports the growth of the brand and broadens the winery’s exposure to Old World ideas and techniques.

Loosen Christopher Wines LLC produces wines under the J. Christopher brand. The venture purchased a 40-acre property for a new vineyard and J. Christopher Winery on Hillside Drive in Newberg, Oregon, with a production capacity of 8000 cases of Pinot Noir and 2000 cases of Sauvignon Blanc and other white wines.

Pictures: Tasting with Jay Somers at the Wine House in Fairfax

The new winery has a lot of interesting features: Underground caves built using insulated concrete arches set into a north-facing slope help maintain natural cool temperatures and great humidity, allowing the wine to be held in barrels with very little evaporation loss and eliminating the energy use of artificial heating, cooling and humidification. “The caves naturally maintain a constant temperature between 52 and 60 degrees all year without any artificial heating or cooling,” said Tim Malone, when I visited the winery. “If they were above-ground, we’d be running heat and humidifiers constantly all winter and AC in the summer.”

Solar panels on the roof of the barrel cellar have generated power credits (meaning that the winery is making more energy than it’s using) since they were installed. Use of fluorescent bulbs throughout the winery add to the energy savings.

Waste from the winemaking process is all recycled. Spent grapes are composted and a process wastewater disposal system metabolizes the water and drips it into the soil at a low rate so it doesn’t get into the aquifer.

The Wines we Tasted at The Wine House

The Wine House is a wine store and a wine bistro at the same time. It offers a bistro-style dining experience paired with a large selection of wines from all over the world. I find the atmosphere very appealing – relaxed, sophisticated, and modern. The wine selection is excellent.

Pictures: Michael Pearce, Owner of the Wine House in Fairfax, and Christian G.E.Schiller

Wednesday evening is the so called Flight Night. This time, 4 J.Christopher wines were offered, with the winemaker and owner himself explaining the wines to the clients.

Jay Somers poured 4 wines:

Pictures: The 4 Wines Jay Somers Poured

2013 J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a specialty at J. Christopher. Although not widely planted in Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley, Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for the area’s climate, as this wine proves. Made in the clean, fresh style of France’s Loire Valley, this wine is fermented in stainless steel and does not go through malolactic fermentation. The result is a classic, highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc with perfect ripeness and excellent acidity.

Appellation: Willamette Valley

Cases: 650

2013 J. Christopher Cuvee Lunatique Chardonnay

When Jay first produced this fresh, clean Chardonnay with no oak or malolactic fermentation, some called him a lunatic. But its local popularity proves that he wasn’t so crazy after all.

Appellation: Willamette Valley
Cases: 260

2012 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is the flagship J. Christopher wine. The 2012 is blended from excellent vineyards in four of the Willamette Valley’s AVAs: Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills. Made with native fermentations and up to 18 months of barrel time, this is classic Oregon Pinot Noir.

Appellation: Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola Hills
Cases: 2,600

2012 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

This cuvée is a blend of selected barrels from several excellent vineyard sites in the red Jory clay of the Dundee Hills AVA. It shows the depth and power that are typical of this area, with classic savory and sanguine notes and a seamless acid structure. The 2012 vintage includes barrels from Bella Vida, La Colina, Meyer, and Charlie’s vineyards.

Appellation: Dundee Hills (Terroir Series)
Cases: 943

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

A Riesling Guru and a Killer Guitarist cum Cult Winemaker: Ernst Loosen and Jay Somers and their J. Christopher Winery in Newberg, Oregon

Wine ratings: Two American/German wines - Eroica and Poet's Leap - on Top 100 Wines from Washington State list for 2009

German American Wines: (1) Pacific Rim Riesling (2) Eroica and (3) Woelffer's Schillerwein

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

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Picture: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz

The first day of the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014) in the Pfalz ended with a tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, before heading to Deidesheim for dinner. The tour participants rated the Rebholz tasting as one of the top 3 tastings of the whole tour. The selection of wines poured was indeed outstanding. The tasting took place in the modern tasting room of the winery and was conducted by Janina Wilsch, who studied International Wine Business in Geisenheim and Gießen.

Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz

Hansjörg and Birgit Rebholz, the third generation of the Rebholz family, continue what the founder, the Ökonomierat Eduard Rebholz began: producing highly individualistic wines by working as close as possible with nature.

Hansjörg Rebholz was Winemaker of the Year 2013 (Falstaff) and Winemaker of the Year 2002 (Gault Millau). Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz has the top 5 out of 5 grapes rating in the Gault Millau (with 10 other winemakers). Also, Hansjörg Rebholz is one of the movers and shakers in the Grosses Gewächs movement in Germany.

Pictures: Arriving at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz

Ökonomierat Eduard Rebholz

Eduard Rebholz (1889 – 1966), an Oekonomierat (Economic Counsellor), became well-known as an advocate of the natural wine school of thought. Eduard took great exception to the then contemporary taste in wine and countered the unnatural, artificially sweetened blends with his idea of natural wine. His doctrine that good vinification could do without chaptalization, without “Süßreserve” (the adding of sweet/unfermented grape juice), or structural changes to the wine due to cellar techniques, influenced the work of the succeeding generations.

A trained scientist he researched climate, soils in the vineyards and the appropriate varietals, harvesting periods redefined, methods of vinification replaced by its own strict rules. He even included in his research practical experience of winegrowers in other regions. All of this forms the foundation of the Rebholz style.

Terroirs

There are three distinct terroirs in the estate’s vineyards. In the Süd-Pfalz, where the estate is located, limestone terroir rules and it is ubiquitously present in one part of the Im Sonnenschein (or in the sunshine) vineyard where Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and to lesser amounts Pinot Gris and estate specialties Gewürztraminer and Muskateller are planted.

In the Ganzhorn, a small parcel of the same site the estates Riesling excels. It performs the minor miracle of exquisite peach, apple and apricot aromas sourced from the deluvial shingle of the Queich Brook.

Rebholz’ oldest vineyard, the Albertsweiler Latt, in Albersweil was planted to Gewurztraminer in 1947. The vines are trellised on pergolas because at the time, Hansjorg’s grandfather believed the region had a similar climate to Tuscany.

Last but not least there is the Kastanienbusch (or chestnut bush), one of the steepest and highest slopes in the Pfalz at 300 meters, on red slate soil that is unusual in the region. This iron-rich, well-draining soil produce wines of great concentration. It simply produces some of the greatest dry Rieslings not only in Germany – but anywhere.

The estate’s 22 ha are farmed bio-dynamically with a production of about 10,000 cases.

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

Natural Wine

Hansjörg Rebholz: For more than 50 years, we've been making wines containing only what nature intended for them. We do not chaptalize our wines (the addition of sugar prior to fermentation in order to increase the alcohol content), nor do we use a 'Süßreserve' (unfermented grape must added to the finished wine prior to bottling).

We are proud that despite these strict and self-imposed restrictions, our name has regularly come out on top of numerous and international tastings and competitions. This continued success serves as a constant reminder for us that while we may not have chosen the easy path, for us it is indeed the right one.

Working as close to nature as possible — nothing more, nothing less. This is what we believe makes a natural wine. It is our mantra, our philosophy and our goal in the vineyard. In practice, our long established principles and methods align closely with sustainable winegrowing.

For starters, we've been following organic guidelines in our vineyards since 2005. In an effort to promote a healthy ecosystem and to protect the environment, we also forgo the use of herbicides, synthetic fungicides and mineral fertilizers. We use only organic techniques and materials that promote healthy plants, helping the vines grow strong and prosper naturally. While these methods involve more time and effort, it is a price we willingly accept in order to best protect and preserve the biodiversity within our vineyard.

We believe that this work directly impacts the quality of our wines. Each terroir is defined by its own distinct native flora and fauna, the living organisms in the soil, the natural topsoil and a certain capacity on the part of the vines and their roots to tap into and work with these elements. By nurturing a more natural ecosystem in the soil, we help the vines better express the distinct character of their terroir in their fruit, and thus ultimately in our wines. And that's exactly what we're after.

Even so, fine wine is only one reason why we pursue sustainability. We see it as our social responsibility to preserve nature, first and foremost our vineyards but also the larger world around us. We never allow ourselves to forget that we are mere stewards for the generations to come.

Our wines conform to the published standards of the EU Eco Regulation and have earned EU organic certification. All of our wines bear the Öko-Kontroll number DE-ÖKO-003

Pictures: Tasting with Janina Wilsch

The Wines we Tasted

2011 Ökonomierat Rebholz Spätburgunder Tradition trocken
2009 Ökonomierat Rebholz Im Sonnenschein GG Spätburgunder trocken
2012 Ökonomierat Rebholz Siebeldinger Weisser Burgunder Vom Muschelkalk trocken
2013 Ökonomierat Rebholz Ganz Horn - Im Sonnenschein GG Riesling trocken
2013 Ökonomierat Rebholz Im Sonnenschein GG Riesling trocken
2013 Ökonomierat Rebholz Kastanienbusch Riesling Auslese

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

In the Vineyard and the Wine Cellar (and Lunch) with Robert Schätzle, Owner and Winemaker, Weingut Schloss Neuweier in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting Luncheon at 1 Star Michelin Röttele's Restaurant im Schloss Neuweier in Baden, with Winemaker Robert Schätzle and his Weingut Schloss Neuweier Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Zähringer in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Winemaker Paulin Köpfer– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombasy (2014)

Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein in Baden: Tour and Tasting with Baron Johannes von Gleichenstein– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014), Germany

Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Fritz Keller– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Lunch at Restaurant Schwarzer Adler in Oberbergen, with Weingut Franz Keller Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Visit: Weingut Dr. Heger in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tours by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Karl-Heinz Johner in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Karl-Heinz and Patrick Johner – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

At Maison Trimbach in Alsace with Hubert Trimbach – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Lunch, Wine Tasting and Winery Tour at Weingut Jülg in Schweigen, Pfalz with the Jülg Family – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller in Meissen, Saxony, Germany

My Dear Wine Friends,

Picture: Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach

Johannes Selbach: Selbach-Oster – Mosel with Heart and Soul. Our wines are timeless, just like our vineyards. Our wines are made by individualists for individualists, produced by progressive traditionalists for people who are passionate about wine, and who understand and cherish the value of heritage.

Johannes Selbach took us on a winery tour and led an impressive tasting of his wines.

Picture: Arriving at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen

Weingut Johannes Selbach

The ancestors of the Selbach family have been cultivating Riesling since 1600. The Selbach family originated from the village "Ürzig" and the Oster family comes from the small village of "Zeltingen" on the opposite side of the river. Today, Johannes Selbach and his wife Barbara, with the increasing help of son Sebastian and daughter Hannah, manage their vineyards and winery with passion and respect for the estate’s traditions.

The great-grandfather of Johannes owned a Mosel steamship and shipped his wines in oak barrels down the Mosel and the Rhine to the North Sea ports. These barrels again were made by Matthias Oster, a cooper and the great-grandfather on the paternal side of the family. Therefore, the winery developed in three fields, on one side as a top estate in the region and simultaneously on the other side as a négociant and brokerage firm, making wines from grapes and juice bought from other producers and consolidating the production of smaller producers, offering a broad and comprehensive range of fine German wines.

Picture: Johannes and Barbara Selbach and Annette Schiller in New York at the 2015 Rieslingfeier, see: The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Johannes Selbach in New York City at the 2013 Riesling and Co Tasting, see: Schiller’s Favorites at the 2013 Riesling and Co Tasting in New York City, USA

Hence, there are three companies under one roof:

First, Weingut Selbach-Oster: The Selbach-Oster estate continues the long family tradition producing top quality Riesling.

Vineyard area: 21 hectares
Annual production: 13,300 cases
Vineyard holdings: Zeltingen - Himmelreich, Schlossberg, Sonnenuhr (all blue Devonian slate); Wehlen - Sonnenuhr (blue Devonian slate); Graach - Himmelreich, Domprobst (both blue Devonian slate with a layer of loam underneath); Bernkastel - Badstube (blue Devonian slate)

Second: Weinkellerei J. & H. Selbach (Négociant Firm): J. & H. Selbach Weinkellerei, a négociant firm, incorporated in 1920, has always been devoted to supplying a broader range of fine, high quality Riesling wines and excellent service. Longterm partnerships are the basis for J. & H. Selbach's grapes, juice and wine purchases, ensuring consistency and quality for these wines.

Third, Weinkommission J. & H. Selbach (Brokerage Agency Firm): As brokers on all major German auctions, J. & H. Selbach provides a full service from wine evaluation to buying, consolidating and shipping top wines from Germany's leading estates.

Pictures: Cellar Tour with Johannes Selbach

Our Precious Land

Johannes Selbach: One of Germany’s most spectacular wine growing areas is undoubtedly the Mosel valley. The river meanders in narrow bows through a landscape where Celts and Romans already grew wine 2000 years ago. We live and work in this, the oldest wine region of Germany and in the world's largest area of extremely steep vineyard land.

The lay of the land creates a unique macro climate which, together with primeval slate soils, creates wines that are one-of-a-kind. The exceptional Rieslings produced under these circumstances offer elegance, saltiness and a cool minerality, and rank among the greatest white wines in the world.

The Beauty and the Beast

Johannes Selbach: The Mosel is famous for extremes and contradictions. On one hand we have a mild, almost Mediterranean climate while on the other hand we have extremely steep slopes - up to a 60% angle - and rocky, meager soil.

These contrasts make for our unique terroir, and lay the foundation for the special charm and finesse of our wines.

The mostly south-facing, steep slopes allow the sun to shine directly onto the vines. The river both reflects sunlight and stores warmth, as do the slate stones, which also retain heat and release it onto the vines at night.

The forest above the vineyards provides shelter against cold winds. These conditions permit a long, gentle growing season and a markedly late harvest, which gives complex fruit flavors, light body yet also with abundance and seemingly endless nuance - all with very little alcohol!

The rocky, sparse slate soil on the steep slopes forces the Riesling vines to sink roots deeply into the ground and into the solid bedrock to find water and minerals. It is exactly this "minerality" that marks our Mosel wines with flavors that cannot ever be imitated elsewhere.

Our focus on quality starts with low yields and meticulous care in each detail of working the vines, entailing an enormous amount of hard physical work – particularly in our steep slopes. This is especially true during harvest when we pick the grapes by hand in multiple passes in our steep slopes.

The fermentation, mostly with wild, indigenous yeast, takes place in our cold cellars which help preserve the fine, multifaceted aromas and the crispness of the juice. Half of our wines mature in big, old oak barrels (“Fuder”) that do not add any woody flavor to the wine, but let it breathe and mature. Depending on what Nature gives us, we produce Riesling wines that range from completely dry to the sweetness of dessert wines, from elegant and delicate to rich and complex. No matter what the degrees of dryness or of sweetness, all of our wines exhibit pristine minerality with relatively little alcohol – the paradigm of great Mosel Riesling.

Pictures: Tasting with Johannes Selbach

The Wines we Tasted

“Selbach aims for a typical modern Mosel style, which reflects the minerality of the rocky Devonian slate soils, as well as the elegance and finesse of the Riesling fruit in clear, crisp, elegant, low-alcohol, yet full-flavored handcrafted wines,” says Stephan Reinhardt, in The Finest Wines of Germany.

Johannes Selbach: Selbach-Oster Rieslings are not “zeitgeisty” wines that change according to the whims of fashion. Nor are they “made” according to recipe. Though they are deeply delicious, they do not seek to "seduce" with short-term exotic aromas from specially cultured yeasts, aromatic enzymes or ice-cold fermentations. They are true characters, wines with structure, wines that display their heritage, rooted deep into the slate rock like our old vines – many of which are still on their own vinifera roots.

Shaped by their unique terroir, our wines come with their own original characteristics, which we strive to preserve, and not to alter. They will age beautifully for many years and will gain complexity with age. They present a wide variety of aromas, depth of flavor and true complexity while also showing clarity and minerality.

Peach, apricot, apple, as well as citrus fruit and herbs are typical features of the aroma of our young and dry wines. Our delicately and subtley sweet wines show nuances of quince and tropical fruit, and the ripest of them will display honeyed and raisined flavors, often backed by a touch of salty minerality, and always balanced by crunchy acidity.

These wines are long lived and develop additional complexity through secondary and tertiary aromas that enrich the taste spectrum.

2013 Weißburgunder Qualitätswein trocken


2012 Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett trocken
2012 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese trocken


2013 Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken
2011 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese feinherb „Alte Reben"


2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese feinherb „Ur-Alte Reben"
2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett


2011 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett
2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese trocken
2013 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese *


2013 Anrecht Riesling
2013 Schmitt Riesling
2012 Rotlay Riesling

The hallmark of the estate are 3 old parcels that Weingut Selbach-Oster harvests en-bloc; or, as single pickings, with no selections pulled from the vineyard prior to harvesting. The Rotlay (in the Zeltingen Sonnenuhr, rich in iron ore), the Schmitt (in the Zeltingen Schlossberg), and the Anrecht (in the Zeltingen Himmelreich) are all old parcels high on their respective slopes and post trained on their original rootstock. Typically, Auslese is selected by successive passes through the vineyard—picking fruit for Kabinett and Spätlese first and leaving the healthiest berries on the vine to concentrate. For the en-bloc wines selection of this type is avoided, in order to maintain a holistic flavor profile that contains that of ultra-ripe grapes, optimally ripe, and of lesser-ripe ones which has the ability to reflect a complete terroir of both place and moment. Because his approach in winemaking is minimal, Johannes Selbach will allow his wines to ferment naturally, as slow or as complete as manifest, resulting in dry wines in some vintages and fruity in others.


2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling TBA


Johannes Selbach at the Finger Lakes

Recently, Johannes Selbach teamed up with Paul Hobbs, a California-based renowned wine maker to establish a winery on a 27 hectare-estate on the southern tip of Lake Seneca in the Finger Lakes AVA in New York State.

For more, see: Johannes Selbach, Weingut Selbach-Oster, teams up with Paul Hobbs to make Riesling in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State, USA/Germany

Bye-bye

Thank you Johannes for a memorable tasting.


schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut): Estate Tour and Wine Tasting with Kerstin Pawis– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Kloster Pforta: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Managing Director Christian Kloss – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Winzerhof Gussek in the Saale Unstrut Region: Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Owner and Winemaker André Gussek – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Tour and Tasting at the Historic Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg, Franken– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Bickel-Stumpf in Franken: Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting with Reimund Stumpf, Matthias Stumpf and Melanie Stumpf-Kröger - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau: Tour and Wine Tasting - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Visit: Winzerhof Thörle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Künstler– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

In the Mittelrhein Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Region – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Weingut Selbach-Oster)

Johannes Selbach, Weingut Selbach-Oster, teams up with Paul Hobbs to make Riesling in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State, USA/Germany

The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Schiller’s Favorites at the 2013 Riesling and Co Tasting in New York City, USA

Picture: Count Stephan von Neipperg at the UGCB Tasting at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, see: The Wine Empire of the von Neipperg Family in France, Bulgaria and Germany

Prowein in Düsseldorf - arguably the largest and most important annual wine fair in the world - always runs from Sunday to Tuesday. While there are many highlights, a particular one is the UGCB tasting on Monday, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. It takes place in a separate hall, so you do not need a Prowein ticket to attend.

Pictures: Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and Christian Schiller at Prowein 2015, see: Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany – Schiller’s Impressions

Before Prowein in March, the UGCB tours the USA and Canada to present their wines in Miami, Toronto, St John’s, New-York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Denver, San-Francisco and Los Angeles. We were booked for New York, but had to skip the tasting because of a severe snow storm.

UGCB

The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux is a trade association that includes the 130 or so top chateaux from Bordeaux, excluding the 12 or so very top chateaux. Created in the 1970s by a group of chateau owners the objective was to pool their resources to raise the profile of their wines in export markets. It has now grown to a 4 million euro marketing program that includes organizing the primeur tastings for the new vintage in Bordeaux every year, trade tastings in all the major export countries and consumer events, such as the ‘Weekend des Grands Grand Cru’, held in Bordeaux each Spring.

Pictures: UGCB Tasting at Prowein 2015

Vintage 2012

Producer and writer Gavin Quinney (@GavinQuinney) provided his impressions of the 2012 vintage in Bordeaux on the liv-ex blog as a guest posting:

(1) 2012 is a good to very good vintage, but not a great one.

(2) It’s certainly a vintage for drinking, not investment. Many wines will be good to drink in the short to medium term.

(3) 2012 was a late harvest which tended to favor the earlier ripening Merlot over the Cabernets, partly because drizzle, humidity and finally heavy rain set in from the second week of October onwards.

(4) It is an uneven vintage but hundreds of reds have lovely color, supple fruit, crowd-pleasing texture and no hard edges.

(5) Happily, very few wines show any green, unripe character. The fruit is ripe (thanks to ten weeks of sunshine from mid-July onwards) even if many wines lack real depth, complexity and length.

(6) 2012 is notably strong in the 'précoce' terroirs of the Right Bank, and south of Bordeaux in the northern Graves. More often than not, for Merlot.

(7) The plateau of Pomerol is successful, but it’s tiny and expensive. Several candidates for ’wine of the vintage’ come from here.

(8) Merlot on the clay and limestone terroirs around the town of St-Emilion (and beyond) also fared well. Here there are some great wines, although you have to pick those that suit your palate, and pocket.

(9) There are many attractive Crus Classés in the Medoc, yet few big scoring wines for me (or for Mr Parker, I’d suggest). It might have been different if October had been kinder to the Cabernets.

Picture: Christian Schiller with Franz Hirtzberger, Weingut Hirtzberger, and Emmerich Knoll, Weingut Knoll, 2 Austrian Wine Giants, at the UGCB Tasting, see: Austria’s Best Wines and Winemakers - Falstaff WeinGuide Österreich/Südtirol 2014/15

Picture: Christian Schiller and German Wine Legend Armin Diel, Weingut Diel, see: New Vintage Tasting at Schlossgut Diel, with Armin and Caroline Diel, Germany, 2014

Picture: Annette Schiller and Uli Karbiersch and his Chef, Weingarten, a Leading Wine Bar/Bistro in Frankfurt, see: Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

(10) There are some real successes, and possible values, from all four of the major Medoc appellations (Margaux, St-Julien, Pauillac and St-Estephe) but there are several fairly disappointing wines, including some big names. I think you have to treat them on a chateau by chateau basis.

(11) It’s not quite correct to say that it’s a Right Bank vintage, however. There are some lovely wines from Pessac-Leognan on the left bank, south of Bordeaux, and many estates there produced fine dry whites to boot. The Graves should prove to be a source of values in 2012.

(12) There are many pretty wines from the petit chateaux of the Right Bank, less so for the Cru Bourgeois of the Left. It’s a vintage to re-evaluate after bottling at this level.

(13) Élevage - barrel ageing - will be key. With such gentle fruit, new oak could dominate while older oak barrels can dry out a wine. It's not that the wines are over-oaked; they could simply be under-wined.

(14) Thankfully, few estates got it wrong with the dreaded ’over-extraction’.

(15) Hundreds of estates have seriously upped their game in the last decade or so. There’s much more precision than there used to be - in the vineyard, with picking dates, in sorting the grapes, in the wine-making - and there’s stricter selection for the final blends. It shows in the wines, almost more so in 2012 than in a uniformly good year like 2010.

(16) It’s a fine vintage for dry whites, and not just at the top level in Pessac-Léognan. Most Sauvignon and Sémillon across Bordeaux were picked in fine weather in mid-September, in very good condition.

(17) The summer drought and October rains proved difficult for sweet wines after three excellent years on the trot. Although some big names declared that they wouldn't be making a wine this year (Yquem, Rieussec and so on) there are, in fact, some heroic efforts from Sauternes and Barsac. In small quantities.

(18) Comparison with another vintage? None, as far as the climate goes. 1998 perhaps, 2001 even? Not really. As it was a case of 'picking before the rains' for many chateaux, 2012 could even be a modern take on 1964 (great Pomerols, St-Emilions and Graves, awkward in the Medoc on the whole). But much has changed since the Beatles.

(19) Actually, never mind 1964, a lot has changed since 2004. Not least, the prices. Onwards and upwards.

Tasting Notes from Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy Wine Tours (2015)

As usual at these tastings, the number of wineries present and pouring wines was quite substantial. With the time frame constraint, you either could opt for a speed-tasting or a selective tasting. My wife Annette and I opted for the latter and concentrated on wineries we had visited before on a ombiasy wine tour and/or wineries which are included in the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2015. See: 4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Pictures: Impressions from Bordeaux: Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy, with Stephan von Neipperg, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière, Dany Rolland, Château Le Bon Pasteur, Anne and Didier Cuvelier, Château Léoville Poyferré and Basile Tesseron, Château Lafon-Rochet

2012 Château Léoville Poyferré (Pourer: Anne Cuvelier)

A concentrated and full bodied wine with gentle tannins. Top!

Wine Enthusiast: 94-96 Points
Wine Spectator: 90-93 Points
Wine-Searcher Average Price in US$: 67

Picture: Annette Schiller and Anne Cuvelier, Château Léoville Poyferré, see: Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Léoville-Poyferré, with Didier Cuvelier and Anne Cuvelier, France  

2012 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière (Pourer: Stephan von Neipperg)

50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc. Deeply cored. Coffee, cassis, chocolate notes on the nose. A full-bodied, silky wine on the palate. Lovely and long finish.

Wine Advocate: 92-94 Points
Wine Spectator: 90-93 Points
Wine-Searcher Average Price in US$: 57

Pictures: Stephan von Neipperg, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière, with his Wife (see: Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France), Karl Eugen Erbgraf zu Neipperg, Weingut des Grafen Neipperg, Schwaigern, Württemberg (see: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany) and Annette Schiller. A Tasting at Weingut des Grafen Neipperg in Schwaigern will be one of the Highlights of the Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), see: Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

2012 Château Lafon-Rochet (Pourer: Basile Tesseron)

54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Notes of wet wood, leather and black raspberries on the nose. Rich and medium to full bodied. Long finish, with mineral and cassis notes.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 87-90 Points
Wine Enthusiast: 88-90 Points
Wine-Searcher Average Price in US$: 34

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller, with Basile Tesseron, Château Lafon-Rochet, see: A Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, with Winemaker and Owner Basile Tesseron (2013), France

2012 Château Le Bon Pasteur (Pourer: Dany Rolland)

Notes of dark chocolate, espresso and plum on the nose. Medium to full-bodied wine. Soft tannins and a generous texture on the palate. Smooth finish.

Wine Cellar Insider: 88 – 90 Points
Wine-Searcher Average Price in US$: 75

Picture: Annette Schiller and Dany Rolland, Château Le Bon Pasteur see: Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur with Winemaker/Owner Dany Rolland, Pomerol, France

2012 Château Gazin (Pourer: Nicolas de Bailliencourt)

Notes of wet wood, blackberries and cassis on the nose. A rich wine with a round finish.
Wine Advocate: 93 – 95 Points
Wine-Searcher Average Price in US$: 63

Picture: Nicolas de Bailliencourt of Château Gazin

schiller-wine: Related Postings  

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

An Afternoon at Château Pape-Clément (in 2013), Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France

The Wine Empire of the von Neipperg Family in France, Bulgaria and Germany

Visiting a “Holy” Construction Site: Château Angélus in Saint-Emilion, France

Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur with Winemaker/Owner Dany Rolland, Pomerol, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Beausejour in AOC Puisseguin-St.Emilion, France

Visit of an Ultra-premium Non-mainstream Bordeaux Producer: Tertre Rôteboeuf, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile

Visiting and Tasting at Château Climens, with Owner Bérénice Lurton, Bordeaux, France 

Lunch, Tour and Tasting with Owner Catherine Thibault d'Halluin (nee Boyer) and Winemaker Julien Noel - Château du Cros, Château Mayne du Cros, Château Courbon and Clos Bourbon, Bordeaux, France

Visiting an Oyster Farm at Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux: Raphael Doerfler at Earl Ostrea Chanca , France

Tour and Tasting at Château Pontet-Canet, with Owner Alfred Tesseron, Bordeaux

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Léoville-Poyferré, with Didier Cuvelier and Anne Cuvelier, France  

A Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, with Winemaker and Owner Basile Tesseron (2013), France

A Tour and Tasting at Château Coufran, Haut-Médoc, with Co-owner Frédéric Vicaire, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages in Bages, Bordeaux, France

Tour at Tonnellerie Berger and Fils: How is a Barrique Made? Bordeaux, France

Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé de Graves, France

Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany – Schiller’s Impressions 

Austria’s Best Wines and Winemakers - Falstaff WeinGuide Österreich/Südtirol 2014/15

New Vintage Tasting at Schlossgut Diel, with Armin and Caroline Diel, Germany, 2014

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Picture: Tasting Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan in Deidesheim with General Manager Gunther Hauck

The Geheimer Rat von Bassermann Jordan Estate was established in the 1700s by Andreas Jordan, who had immigrated to the Pfalz from the Savoy region. When he died in 1848, his bequest was split three ways – an event known as the Jordansche Teilung (Teilung means “division” or “sharing” in German) – giving rise to Deidesheim’s three biggest wineries, which thenceforth developed independently of each other and still exist today. Today, they bear the names Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan, Reichsrat von Buhl and von Winningen (Dr. Deinhard). They are now all owned by wife of the late Achim Niederberger (who died last year).

We visited one of them, Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan. Gunther Hauck is the Managing Director and Ulrich Mell the winemaker. Gunter Hauck took us around on a tour of the estate and lead a fantastic winetasting.

Pictures: General Manager Gunther Hauck welcoming us

Wine-Growing Pioneers

Gunther Hauck: The story of the Bassermann-Jordan winery is the story of a family dynasty which, together with others, established and greatly influenced quality-based viticulture in Germany for almost 300 years. Each generation produced great personalities who used their intelligence, expertise and flair as well as their financial and political influence to safeguard and improve the reputation of the winery and the outstanding wines produced in the Palatinate area of Germany – until they ended up among the top echelon of the wine world.

As respected politicians they have contact with the most influential personalities of their times and contribute greatly to the improvement of the legal and regulatory framework concerning viticulture. As patrons of the arts, they donate valuable objects to a variety of museums and render outstanding services to preserve the cultural heritage of the Palatinate region. As scientists, they work on improving wine-growing methods and write the definitive book on the history of viticulture. As experts in viticulture, they neither spare costs nor efforts to consistently develop their skills, their knowledge and the quality of their estate.

Andreas Jordan founded the Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann Jordan estate in 1718. In his footsteps came a long series of respected men: Ludwig Andreas Jordan (1811-1883), Representative of the Frankfurt Parliament and the Federal Parliament; Dr. Ludwig Bassermann-Jordan (1869 - 1914), who greatly influenced the first German wine regulations and who co-founded the Association of Natural Wine Producers (later VDP); Dr. Friedrich von Bassermann-Jordan (1872 - 1959) author of one of the most fundamental works on the history of wine; finally Dr. Ludwig von Bassermann-Jordan (1924-1995), who secured a firm position at the pinnacle of the international wine market for the Bassermann-Jordan wines.

Wine Cellars

Gunther Haug: These days, the historical wine cellars in Deidesheim stand first and foremost for the traditional aging of wines in wooden casks. The precious liquid matures gently in century-old sandstone vaults. This is where we produce our sparkling wines using the traditional bottle fermentation.

In addition, our state-of-the-art vinification facility provides us with the option of producing wines at the highest technical level; this type of installation is primarily used for the modern, fruit-driven wine production. As a rule, we believe in gentle and natural fermentation without artificial additives.

Pictures: Cellar Tour

Vineyards

Gunter Haug: The name Bassermann-Jordan has always stood for excellent locations. Our winegrowing sites in Forst, Deidesheim and Ruppertsberg cover 49 hectares and include more than 20 different single vineyards. One third are top rated vineyards such as Hohenmorgen, Kirchenstück and Jesuitengarten.

With a passion for research and entrepreneurial energy, with a quest for innovation and concern for the preservation of our cultural heritage, we have, for centuries, worked on cultivating methods that increase the quality of our wines. In doing so, we have always given absolute priority to the careful handling of the grapes and focused on selection involving painstaking manual work. The result is individual wines full of character.

This does not mean that we are going to stop working on ways to improve our wines. We have, for example, a great interest in organic methods of cultivation and we believe in preventative pest management through the use of natural products and still more manual work. This leads to a flora and fauna that boasts biodiversity and supports our efforts to produce sustainable wines that are in tune with Mother Nature. In addition, we are investing money to carry out research into further cultivating methods that are geared towards climate protection.

Pictures: General Manager Gunther Hauck Explaining his Delicious Wines

Style of Wine

Gunther Haug: Due to the different wine making methods we employ, we are able to produce a broad range of wines that are rich in nuance and style. On the one hand, our palette includes terroir-based, sustainable wines with mineral characteristics, which can be stored in the traditional way employed by our winery; on the other hand, we offer delicately fruity, vibrant and highly aromatic wines, which are modern and expressive.

Our historical labels classify our range in their own specific way: The coat-of-arms label (1925) stands for all wines with residual sugar content ranging from restrained and spicy to highly concentrated, elegant and sweet. We use the Probus label (1905) for the dry Riesling wines. The 1811 label, one of the oldest wine labels in Germany, embellishes our burgundy bottles.

Pictures: Tasting

The Wines we Tasted

2011 von Bassermann-Jordan Pithium Rot (Cabernet Sauvignon, made in clay amphora)
2012 von Bassermann-Jordan Pithium (Gelber Muskateller and Gewürztraminer, made in clay amphora)
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Riesling trocken
2014 von Bassermann-Jordan Ruppertsberg Riesling trocken
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Forster Ungeheuer Z Riesling trocken
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Auf der Mauer Riesling trocken
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Hohenmorgen GG Riesling trocken
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Jesuitengarten GG Riesling trocken
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Forster Jesuitengarten Riesling Spätlese
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Forster Ungeheuer Riesling Auslese
2013 von Bassermann-Jordan Goldmuskateller Auslese

Pictures: The Wines we Tasted

In the USA: Meggalan Wine Imports

In the USA, Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan is imported by Maggalan Wine Imports. Here is how they introduce the estate to their clients and their portfolio of Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan wines: Located in the village of Deidesheim, the Bassermann-Jordan estate is one Germany’s blue-chip estates. The history of the Bassermann-Jordan winery is the story of a family dynasty which, together with others, established and greatly influenced quality-based viticulture in Germany for almost 300 years. Each generation produced great personalities who used their intelligence, expertise and flair as well as their financial and political influence to safeguard and improve the reputation of the winery and the outstanding wines produced in the Pfalz area of Germany. Today, Bassermann-Jordan stands among the top echelon of the world’s wine estates. Even the famous German writer and wine lover, Goethe, was a customer of the estate in the early 19th century.

Riesling Trocken

From vineyards above the Rhein River valley comes this wonderful dry Riesling at an affordable price! Flowers on the nose. Bright apples and pears on the palate with well-balanced acidity. Refreshing and very food friendly.

Riesling Feinherb

This wine is an example of what wonderfully balanced half-dry Riesling should be. Orchard fruits of apple and pear combine with citrus on the palate. The taste at the front and mid-palate is fruity, but the finish is dry without a hint of sweetness.

Paradiesgarten Riesling Kabinett

This wine is a cornucopia of orchard fruits; ripe apples, apricot, peach and pear provide an intense fruit rush to the front of the palate, while the well integrated acidity allows the wine to finish cleanly, leaving the palate devoid of a sweet aftertaste.

Pechstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs

The Pechstein is a Grosses Gewächs or Grand Cru Riesling, which is a model for quality classification that represents the pinnacle of the best German wines. Herbal aromas of apricot skin, pine nuts and lemon oil. The intense peach pit flavor and bright saline character are nicely paired. The finish is noteworthy with its density and pungent spiciness and length.

Hohenmorgen Riesling Grosses Gewächs

The Hohenmorgen is a Grosses Gewächs or Grand Cru Riesling, which is a model for quality classification that represents the pinnacle of the best German wines. Pungent scents of mint, sage and white pepper lead to a palate featuring luscious sweet corn and citrus along with hints of gooseberry and a slightly sweet and sour persistent finish

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with  General Manager Gunther Hauck

Jesuitengarten Riesling Grosses Gewächs

The Jesuitengarten is a Grosses Gewächs or Grand Cru Riesling, which is a model for quality classification that represents the pinnacle of the best German wines. Bright aromas of white peach, honeysuckle and nutmeg. The pure, tropical fruit flavors and velvety texture are nicely complemented by refreshing acidity. Rich, succulent and long on the aftertaste, this Riesling has the makings of a thoroughbred.

Goldmuskateller Eiswein

Sage flower, parsnip, acacia and lemon oil on the nose. Apricot jam and honey on the palate, creamy texture with great acidity for a mouthwatering finish.

Bye-bye

Thank you very much Gunther for a wonderful event.

Picture: Bye-bye

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

In the Vineyard and the Wine Cellar (and Lunch) with Robert Schätzle, Owner and Winemaker, Weingut Schloss Neuweier in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting Luncheon at 1 Star Michelin Röttele's Restaurant im Schloss Neuweier in Baden, with Winemaker Robert Schätzle and his Weingut Schloss Neuweier Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Zähringer in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Winemaker Paulin Köpfer– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombasy (2014)

Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein in Baden: Tour and Tasting with Baron Johannes von Gleichenstein– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014), Germany

Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Fritz Keller– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Lunch at Restaurant Schwarzer Adler in Oberbergen, with Weingut Franz Keller Wines – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Visit: Weingut Dr. Heger in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Weingut Karl-Heinz Johner in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Karl-Heinz and Patrick Johner – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

At Maison Trimbach in Alsace with Hubert Trimbach – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

Lunch, Wine Tasting and Winery Tour at Weingut Jülg in Schweigen, Pfalz with the Jülg Family – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Picture: Vinum March 2015

Vinum is "Europas Führendes Magazin für Weinkultur - Europe's Leading Magazine for Wine Culture", published in Switzerland and written in German. The Vinum team is headed by the trio: Rudolf Knoll, Carsten Henn (#2 at the Gault Millau WeinGiude Deutschland) and Eva Maria Dülligen.Vinum appears 10 times per year.

In the March 2015 issue, Rudolf Knoll, Carsten Henn and Eva Maria Dülligen published a list of "Germany's Next Top Winemakers" -25 young, talented winemakers. Admittedly, I do not know any of them personally; I have heart of some of them and have had the wines of others.

With regard to the latter, we had a couple of glasses of the excellent wines of Tim Strasser in Meissen, Saxony, when we were on our pre-tour visit of the Saxony wine region, and I will have more of them when we go back to Meissen in June, see: Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Pictures: Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and Christian Schiller Meissen, Saxony, with a Tim Strasser Wines and the View of Meissen, with Cathedral and Castle

The Vinum List

Here is the Vinum list, with links to the respective websites.

Matthias Meierer, www.weingut-meierer.de
Philipp Kettern, www.kettern-riesling.de
Markus Hüls, www.weinguthuels.de
Dominic Schmitz, www.schmitz-wein.de
Stefan Vetter, www.vetterwein.wordpress.com
Lisa Bunn, www.weingut-margarethenhof.de
Julian Haart, www.julian-haart.de
Teresa Deufel, www.teresadeufel.de
Peter Leipold, www.weingut-leipold.de
Markus Hillabrand, www.weingut-hillabrand.de
Egon Müller, www.scharzhof.de
Andreas Braunecker, www.weingut-bosch-kronau.de
Sven Nieger, www.sven-nieger.de
Juliane Eller, www.juwel-weine.de
Christian Honrath, www.weingut-honrath.de
Marcus Hees, www.heeswein.de
Georg Meier, www.wein.v-z-s.de
Katja Rettig, www.weingut-rettig.de
Tim Strasser, www.engelalbrecht.de
Sebastian Winterling, www.winterling-sekt.de
Johannes Bauerle, www.weingut-johannesb.de
Maximilian Schmidt, www.schmidt-am-bodensee.de
Marcel Idler, www.weingutidler.de
Patrick Kampf, www.weingut-kampf.de
Andi Schneider, www.weingut-schneider.com
Albrecht Engel, www.rothesgut.de

Picture: Vinum - Germany next Topwinzer

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and Christian Schiller at a Heart's Delight Event Earlier this Year

Heart’s Delight is an annual four-day celebration in Washington DC, USA, bringing together winemakers, celebrity chefs, gourmands, and wine enthusiasts to raise money for the American Heart Association. The events are not cheap, but high-class and tax deductible (partly). Over the past 13 years, the events have raised over $11 million for the American Heart Association, helping to support research into the number one cause of death in the United States.

This year, Heart’s Delight will take place from Wednesday, April 22 to Saturday, April 25, 2015, a bit more than a week from now. Auction Co-chair David White: We are on track to raise about $1.3 million for the American Heart Association this year.

As every year, there will be exciting dinners with celebrity chefs and winemakers at embassies, private homes and top restaurants, tastings, receptions, after-dinner-parties as well as auctions.

Program

Wednesday April 22 is our United States of Wine celebration showcasing American wine. Highlighted wines will be presented by owners and winemakers and will include a silent and live auction featuring wine from participating winemakers and exciting trips. This will be followed by a byo - style Collectors Dinner celebration, each guest will share a bottle from their cellar in an attempt to impress and outdo their fellow diners. In this friendly competition, there are no losers.

Thursday April 23 offers a series of intimate wine dinners with an international flair in homes, restaurants and Embassies with a host, chef and winemaker at each.

Friday April 24 features an exclusive Vintners Dinner and highlighting the wines of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem presented by Pierre Lurton. The dinner is followed by a live auction led by Sotheby’s Jamie Ritchie featuring wine directly from the cellars of our friends from Bordeaux in grand format. There will also be an award presented to the Congressional Honoree.

Saturday April 25 begins with a virtual tour of Bordeaux including a unique Master Class tasting of the 2012 vintage and an older vintage selected by the visiting Château owners and wine directors. The adventure continues with exciting seminars and food prepared by some of the nation’s top chefs, making Heart’s Delight the place to discover the latest in epicurean trends and new talent.

During the Grand Tasting Reception guests will have the opportunity to bid on exclusive travel packages, dining experiences and rare and exceptional wines during the spirited silent and live auctions.

Auctions

Robert Parker has donated a luncheon for a group of 11 wine lovers. He will bring 24 bottles of wine from his cellar. The minimum bid is US$ 25.000. The lucky 11 will dine with the critic at one of Jose Andres’ restaurants in Washington DC. Other auction items include trips to Bordeaux, Tuscany, Chile, Oregon and a “Seven Day Wine Tour to Wine Country Germany”, donated by ombiasyPR and WineTours (see below).

Seven Day Wine Tour to German Wine Country (Donated by: ombiasy WineTours)

The winner of this lot will enjoy one spot on this seven day immersion tour (September 6-12, 2015), which lets you explore the regions that are quintessential to understand “Riesling”. You will visit 19 premium wine estates and many cultural gems. Besides accommodation, meals, transport, the tour includes a cruise on the romantic Rhine River with its castle- and vine-ribboned bank; the Mosel River with its dizzying steep vineyards; delving deep into 2000 years of history; and tasting first class wines at world-renowned wineries such as J.J. Prüm, H. Dönnhoff, Leitz. The tour starts and ends in Frankfurt am Main. The husband and wife team Annette and Christian Schiller, both life-long wine enthusiasts, will personally guide the tour throughout the trip. Their friendship with winemakers and owners of wine estates creates a very personal, authentic experience and total immersion in the particular wine region.

Tour runs September 6-12, 2015. Spot for 1 person, airfare not included.

Estimated value: $4,200
Item #508 on page 101 of the auction catalogue

Donated by Annette Schiller & Ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

ombiasy WineTours: Impressions from Previous Tours to Germany

Pictures: Impressions from Previous Germany Tours by ombiasy WineTours, with Ernst Loosen, Helmut Dönnhoff and Steffen Christmann.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and Phil Bernstein, MacArthur Beverages at the Vintage 2013 Tasting of German Rieslings of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) 

Phil Bernstein, German Wine Buyer, MacArthur Beverages, Washington DC: Hello fellow German wine lovers. This is the 7th year I've done this tasting for the German Wine Society and it's always a fun evening. Hope you can join me for a night of great Riesling and lots of fun. If you're new to the world of German Wine this is a great opportunity to taste the whole spectrum and learn quite a bit!

The annual “New German Vintage” tasting of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) around February/March/April, led by Phil Bernstein, is always a highlight for the German wine aficionados in the Washington DC area. Phil Bernstein is very entertaining and knowledgeable about German wine. He knows more about German wine than many of my wine friends in Germany. He is in charge of German wines at MacArthur Beverages, one of the best German wine retailers in the country.

For previous years, see:
The Annual “New German Vintage” Tasting of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) led by Phil Bernstein - 2012 Vintage, Germany/USA
German Wine: Tasting with Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages the 2011 Vintage in Washington DC, USA
The 2010 Vintage Tasting of the German Wine Society (Aaron Nix-Gomez)
Phil Bernstein’s Third Annual German Riesling Tasting with the German Wine Society, Washington DC Chapter - Rieslings With a Touch of Sweetness 

The 2013 Vintage in Germany

A rather cold spring and a mild summer were followed by wet weather in September and October. Producers were struggling to bring grapes to full ripeness while avoiding rot. Grapes often were harvested although they would have benefitted from more ripening. Overall, this resulted in low yields and fair quality.

Presentations of the 2013 Vintage in Germany and in the US

My first major exposure to the 2013 vintage was about a year after the harvest (in late August 2014) in Wiesbaden, Germany, when I attend with about 130 other wine journalists, bloggers, sommeliers and trade people the pre-release presentation (official release date of the GGs is September 1) of the 2013 Grosses Gewächs GG (Grand Cru) wines, the new category of ultra-premium dry German wines of the VDP, the association of about 200 German elite winemakers. See: Germany’s Grosses Gewaechs – Grand Cru - Vintage 2013 White Wines and Vintage 2012 Red Wines Released. Notes from the Pre-release Tasting in August 2014 in Wiesbaden, Germany

Photos: Tasters from the US - Rudi Wiest, Justin Christoph and Christian G.E. Schiller

6 months later, I spent two days tasting the 2013 vintage in Mainz at the Weinbörse, the annual presentation of the VDP. See: 2014 Weinboerse in Mainz– The VDP Producers of the 2014 ombiasy Germany North Tour

Pictures: Weinbörse 2014 - Cornelius Doennhoff and Helmut Doennhoff tasting the wines of August Kesseler, with Paul Fürst

At the Weinbörse in Mainz, the about 200 German elite producers presented their 2013 portfolio, both red (including earlier vintages) and white wines, covering all quality levels, from the Gutswein to the Ortswein and to the Erste and the Grosse Lage levels. (Note that Germany, under the leadership of the VDP, is moving to a new classification system, modelled after the classification system in Bourgogne, see: The new (VDP) Wine Classification in Germany: Tasting Weingut Robert Weil Wines from Gutswein to Grosse Lage Wine)

Now, almost a year later: the presentation of the 2013 vintage by Phil Bernstein, arguably one of the most knowledgeable and influential German wine experts in the USA.

Pictures: 2013 Vintage Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) with Phil Bernstein

What Phil Bernstein presented differed radically from the wines presented at the Weinbörse in Germany a year ago. And right so, many of his clients and German wine experts in the USA would say.

First, Phil Bernstein did not present any red wines. Yet, about 1/3 of the wines presented at the Weinbörse in Germany were red wines. Germany has become one of the leading Pinot Noir producers in the world. But the US market is very slow in discovering what Germany now has to offer in terms of premium and ultra-premium red wines. See: The Tim Atkin Pinot Noir Taste-Off of October 2011: Germany Versus the Rest of the World - German Red Wines Show Strong Performance

Second, Phil Bernstein showed only Rieslings. Yet, Riesling accounts for only 1/3 of the German white wine production. 2/3 is accounted for by other grape varieties. Among the non-Riesling grape varieties, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Chardonnay are increasingly being planted. Why bother with these other grape varieties, many German wine lovers in the US say.

Third, most importantly, Phil Bernstein showed only sweetish Rieslings, including many Kabinetts. At the Weinbörse in Germany, just a small fraction of the Rieslings presented were sweet. Dry Riesling clearly dominated the tasting. If you wanted to taste a Kabinett, you really had to search for it. Outside of the Mosel, Rheingau and Nahe regions, there was almost no chance to find any Kabinett wine.

The German Wine Culture: Dry or Sweet or Both?

Terry Theise, in his most recent catalogue (Vintage 2014), addresses the issue of the German wine culture: Is it a dry wine culture or a sweet wine culture or both. Let me quote Terry Theise.

Terry Theise: … What I myself see, from the growers I visit and the restaurants I go to, and the stories I am told, Germany is not only a dry-wine culture, it is militantly and obsessively so. How many letters have I gotten from travelers to Germany who were promptly dismayed to find the utter hegemony of the Trocken style? I did not set these people up. They saw what I see. And what we see gives cause for grave concerns. The wines we love are threatened. … If you were dropped from the sky and landed in Germany you would conclude it is a dry wine culture.

Outside of Germany it is a not-dry wine culture, because we in other countries can perhaps see with greater perspective that the not-dry German Rieslings are a singular and precious gift to the world and to the cause of beauty.

… So the answer to the question, in truth is: It is both a sweet and a dry wine culture, but not if the Germans themselves have anything to say about it. Other than a few token dessert-wines they would just as soon see the sweet wines go extinct.

In an earlier article “Can American Fans Save German Riesling” (Slate, October 19, 2011), Mike Steinberger argued similarly: … But in the 1970s and ’80s, German drinkers soured on sweetish Rieslings. It was during this period that Germany saw a proliferation of French-influenced restaurants, and consumers demanded dry wines. … Meanwhile, domestic demand for fruity Rieslings has effectively collapsed; German palates have been completely reoriented, and Rieslings with pronounced residual sugar are now outcasts in their own neighborhood. … The fruity style now is being kept alive, barely, by foreign consumers, and Americans in particular, which is another ironic twist to this story. … Theise told me that the only reason most of his producers continue to make sweetish Rieslings is because he keeps buying them—if he were to stop tomorrow, they would very likely cease production of these wines and turn out nothing but trocken bottlings.

And the Future in the USA?

Against this background, the selection of Phil Bernstein could not have been better: The whole range of sweet-style Rieslings with a strong focus on Kabinetts. This is what the American consumer wants.

But: Will this dichotomy between German and American wine consumption of German wine (sweetish here and dry there) continue?

We will have to wait and see. Interestingly, Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, who only used to produce sweet wines from his grand cru vineyards, has started to also produce ultra-premium dry GG (Grosses Gewächs) wines from his top vineyards (at the expense of the ultra-premium sweet-style wine). He is currently on a tour through the USA to introduce his new GG wines to the American market. I just saw 4 of them on the shelves of a small wines store (The Vineyard) in the McLean neighborhood, for around US$ 45. More on the new project of Ernst Loosen here: A New Dr. Loosen Project Setting the Standard for Dry German Rieslings

Picture: Weingut Dr. Loosen Ultra-premium dry Grosses Gewächs GG (Grand Cru) Wines, with the GG Sign

Also, and I think this may potentially have a large impact, Robert Parker replaced David Schildknecht, who lives in America and is deeply rooted in the American market of German wines, with Stephan Reinhardt, who lives in Germany and grew up with dry German wine, in his Wine Advocate team. One of Germany's most distinguished experts of German dry wines is now Robert Paker's man for German wine. See: Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – David Schildknecht Leaves and Stephan Reinhardt Joins the Team

For now, Phil Bernstein – and he has an intimate knowledge of the German wine market in the USA - stayed away from any red, non-Riesling and dry Riesling wines and showed us an impressive range of sweetish Rieslings, mostly from the Mosel area.

Tasting

Phil presented wines from “big guns” of German Riesling, like Egon Müller, Dönnhoff, Zilliken and Klaus Peter Keller, but also upcoming talents like Adam and Vollenweider as well as the Merkelbach brothers, known for reasonably priced premium wines.

All in all an outstanding evening.

Here is what we tasted. Below you will find for each wine, the current US$ price at MacArthur Beverages, the region the wine comes from, how the producer is rated in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 (from 1 to 5 grapes), comments of wine experts provided during the tasting by Phil Bernstein and additional comments from me.

Hild Elbling Sekt Brut #52


Mosel, 1 grape GM

A refreshing Sekt made from an interesting grape variety: Elbling. Elbling is primarily grown in the upstream parts of the Mosel region in Germany and in Luxembourg. Elbling tends to give musts low in sugar, and wines high in acid, which makes it primarily used for sparkling wine.

Peter Lauer Fass 6 "Senior" VDP.Ortswein $27 


Mosel, 3 grapes GM

JG: Pink grapefruit, tart orange, lemongrass, rosemary, lovely.

A VDP.Ortswein, comparable to the village wine level in the Bourgogne. It was actually written on the label.

Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Kabinett $32

Mosel, 3 grapes GM

SR: Stimulating top Kabinett: stony/herbal and very salty.

Winner of the Berlin Kabinett Cup 2013, see:

Interestingly, the prestigious Karthäuserhof Estate is currently owned by a New York City resident. For the past decades, it has been run and owned by Christoph Tyrell in the 6. Generation. Christoph lives at the estate. In 2012, Christoph Tyrell, who has no children and who is in his mid-60s, arranged the succession of the Karthäuserhof 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. See: The Karthäuserhof in the Mosel Valley: An Eventful History – From Grenoble in France to New York City in the US

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

Klaus Peter Keller Von der Fels VDP.Ortswein $36


Rheinhessen, 5 grapes GM

JG: Salty stoniness, lemongrass, outstanding and a great bargain.

Another VDP.Ortswein from the cult producer Klaus Peter Keller, who makes the most expensive German ultra-premium dry wine (G-Max – US$ 300 to 600). Annette Schiller and I had the pleasure of tasting some G-Max wines with Klaus Peter and his wife Julia at the 2015 Rieslingfeier in New York, see: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA

Picture: Annette Schiller and Julia and Klaus Peter Keller, Weingut Klaus Peter Keller, at the 2015 Rieslingfeier in New York

Weiser-Künstler Mosel Feinherb $25

Mosel, 3 grapes GM

MFW: Starts off with peach and toffee, then intense and zesty.

Adam Hofberg Kabinett $33


Mosel, 3 grapes GM

TT: Completely delicious; mirabelle, quince and lemon pudding.

Dönnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Kabinett $25

Nahe, 4 grapes GM

JG: Mint, iris; gorgeous; shows how strong 2013 is for Kabinett.

Weingut Dönnhoff is one of the best Riesling producers in the word. The 3 Dönnhoff wines were my favorites of the tasting.

Reinhold Haart Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Kabinett $27


Mosel, 4 grapes GM

JG: Very pretty with scents of peach, white currant, spring flowers.

Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Kabinett $28

Mosel, 4 grapes GM

MFW: Stylish wine, pear, apricot blossom, and slate-infused herbs.

Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Kabinett $28


Mosel, 4 grapes GM

JG: Stunning grip and length; reference point Kabinett.

Weingut Zilliken is one of the few German wine producers, who almost exclusively make sweet-style wines and who export about 90% of their wines. It will be interesting to see, if this approach continues with Dorothea Zilliken taking over from her father Hanno Zilliken, see: Dorothee Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Presents her Noble Rieslings at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Dorothee Zillike, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken, at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany

Egon Müller Scharzhofberg Kabinett $85

Mosel, 5 grapes GM

JG: High class wine; smallest crop at this estate since 1945.

Egon Müller IV is the King of German sweet wines, rivaled perhaps only by Manfred Prüm of Weingut JJ Prüm. A high price for a Kabinett wine, but it is from the legendary Scharzhofberg vineyard and from a legendary wine producer. The Japanese - Japan is a very important market for Egon Müller -  pay any price for his wines.

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with Egon Müller in New York

Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Brücke Spätlese $53


Nahe, 4 grapes GM

JG: Pure magic in the making.

Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Spätlese $60

Nahe, 4 grapes GM

JG: Note of lavender and spring flowers, brilliant.

Two VDP.GrosseLage wines in the Spätlese category (new VDP classification): Both outstanding – with structure, body and a good finish.

Weingut Dönnhoff is in a transition period with Cornelius Dönnhoff taking over from his father Helmut and this is creating a bit of a discussion in German wine circles. While the leading German wine guide, Gault Millau Deutschland WeinGuide, demoted Weingut Dönnhoff and took away its 5th grape, New York and Berlin based Riesling expert Stuart Pigott made Cornelius Dönnhoff his Winemaker of the Year, see: Cornelius Dönnhoff, Weingut Dönnhoff: Stuart Pigott’s Winemaker of the Year, Germany

Picture: Annette Schiller and Helmut Doennhoff, see: An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Auslese $55


Mosel, 3 grapes GM

SR: Lime and flinty; for fans of subtle Ruwer Rieslings.

Max Ferdinand Richter Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese $50 

Mosel, 3 grapes GM

JG: Racy, salty and grippy; huge aging potential.

Merkelbach Ürziger Würzgarten Urglück Auslese $27

Mosel, 2 grapes GM

TT: Naked slate; a masterpiece of primordial minerality.

The Merkelbach brothers, both in their late 70s and without children, who could take over, are very popular in the US market, because of their very attractive prices.

Abbreviations

TT= Terry Theise, JG= John Gilman, MFW= Mosel Fine Wines, SR=Stephan Reinhardt, GM = Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

The Annual “New German Vintage” Tasting of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) led by Phil Bernstein - 2012 Vintage, Germany/USA

German Wine: Tasting with Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages the 2011 Vintage in Washington DC, USA

The 2010 Vintage Tasting of the German Wine Society (Aaron Nix-Gomez)

Phil Bernstein’s Third Annual German Riesling Tasting with the German Wine Society, Washington DC Chapter - Rieslings With a Touch of Sweetness

Germany’s Grosses Gewaechs – Grand Cru - Vintage 2013 White Wines and Vintage 2012 Red Wines Released. Notes from the Pre-release Tasting in August 2014 in Wiesbaden, Germany

2014 Weinboerse in Mainz– The VDP Producers of the 2014 ombiasy Germany North Tour

The new (VDP) Wine Classification in Germany: Tasting Weingut Robert Weil Wines from Gutswein to Grosse Lage Wine

The Tim Atkin Pinot Noir Taste-Off of October 2011: Germany Versus the Rest of the World - German Red Wines Show Strong Performance

A New Dr. Loosen Project Setting the Standard for Dry German Rieslings 

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

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

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

Dorothee Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Presents her Noble Rieslings at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany

Cornelius Dönnhoff, Weingut Dönnhoff: Stuart Pigott’s Winemaker of the Year, Germany 

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

Picture: "Alte Main Brücke" in Würzburg, Franken

The Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours is the first of 3 Germany wine tours coming up in 2015. It is scheduled for June 11 to June 20, several months before the other 2 Germany tours by ombiasy WineTours in 2015, which will take place in August and September. Also, the Germany-East tour by ombiasy WineTours will have a very strong art element, much more than the other 2 Germany tours in 2015.

Annette and I spent a few weeks in March in Europe around Prowein 2015, preparing, inter alia, the Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours. As a result of the inspection visit, Annette changed the tour a bit. Here is the revised itinerary, with a series of photos we took during the March visit.

Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

DAY 1: Thursday, June 11

09:00 am Departure from Frankfurt am Main.

12:00 pm Lunch at Veste-Wachsenburg, Thuringia.

The Veste-Wachsenburg is one of the very few intact medieval fortresses in Germany. It sits on the highest elevation of the Thuringia countryside “three fortresses” with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The restaurant at Veste-Wachsenburg, led by an ambitious chef, serves specialties of Thuringia at the highest level.

02:00 pm Departure at Veste-Wachsenburg.

We will include a short stop in Arnstadt (5 min from the Veste-Wachsenburg), home to the Bach family clan, to visit the church where Johann Sebastian Bach held his first post as cantor when he was 22 years old.

04:00 pm Arrival at the Winery Lützkendorf in Bad Kösen.

The Saale-Unstrut wine region sits on 51st latitude and is Germany’s northernmost wine region, located in the valleys of the Saale and Unstrut rivers, an area of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). The oldest record of viticulture dates back to the year 998 during the reign of Emperor Otto III. The winery Lützkendorf was founded at the dawn of the 19th century and existed until 1959 when the GDR authorities integrated the estate into the government run Agricultural Cooperative. In 1991, after the reunification of the two German States the vineyards were returned to the family. Uwe Lützkendorf reestablished the winery and built new production facilities in Bad Kösen. The stony soils and the climate of this northern wine region decisively influences the character of the wines. Uwe Lützkendorf’s philosophy of wine making is as little intervention as possible to showcase the character of the wines. In 1996 the winery Lützkendorf was the first estate in the Saale-Unstrut region to become member of the prestigious VDP, the Association of Germany’s Premium Winemakers.

06:30 pm Arrival and Check-in at Hotel Toskana in Naumburg

07:30 pm Dinner at Hotel Toskana in Naumburg.

After dinner we take a walk through the quaint, little town and taste some more Saale-Unstrut wines. We will also take a look at the impressive late Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and take a look at the house of the Nietzsche family, where the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche spent his childhood.

DAY 2: Friday, June 12

09.30 am Cellar tour, and wine tasting at the Pawis Winery (VDP) in Freyburg, Saale-Unstrut.

The Saale-Unstrut wine region is Germany’s northernmost wine region, located in the valleys of the Saale and Unstrut rivers, an area of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). The oldest record of viticulture dates back to the year 998 during the reign of Emperor Otto III. Weingut Pawis – owned and run by Bernhard Pawis - is located in the historic Zscheiplitz Estate, established in the 12th century as a convent, close to Freyburg. It is a gorgeous set-up, but as Bernhard Pawis told us, under the communist regime that did not allow private entrepreneurship, the then nationalized estate was completely run down and renovation was a major undertaking. Bernhard Pawis is a trained winemaker, educated in the former German Democratic Republic in a VEB (volkseigener Betrieb / company owned by the people) winery. Shortly after the Iron Curtain came down in 1989, Bernhard’s parents bought 0.5 hectares of vineyard land and founded a small winery. Following the death of his father in 1998, Bernhard took over the reins, undertook major investments, bought more land and the Zscheiplitz Estate, and paid detailed attention to quality. In 2001 he received the highest reward for his efforts when he was invited to join the VDP, Germany’s association of elite winemakers with only about 200 members. To listen to him, and also to his fellow winemakers in this former GDR area, recount their stories of reviving an economic and agriculture waste land after German reunification, is living history and worthy of a spy thriller.

See: Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut): Estate Tour and Wine Tasting with Kerstin Pawis– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

12:15 pm Wine pairing lunch, and cellar visit at winery Thürkind in Gröst, Saale-Unstrut

This winery was founded shortly after reunification when the government returned land to the Thürkind family which had been nationalized during the communist era. The land included 3 acres of vineyards. Rudolf Thürkind used to work as cellar master in the cooperative in Freyburg and winemaker colleagues of the wine regions in the western part of Germany encouraged the Thürkinds to start producing their own wine. Today, more than twenty years later, the Thürkind family owns 15 acres of vineyards in very favorable sites and developed the old farm into into a beautiful estate, making excellent wines, including gorgeous Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Son Mario Thürkind is now at the helm of the estate and will be our host.

Pictures: At Weingut Thürkind, Saale-Unstrut Region

04:30 pm Arrival in Leipzig and check-in at the Mercure Hotel Leipzig.

08:00 pm Gewandhaus Leipzig.

Concert with the full Gewandhaus orchestra conducted by Riccardo Chailly as part of the Leipzig Bachfest.

DAY 3: Saturday, June 13

10:00 am Guided walking tour through Leipzig.

This city is a gem for classical music lovers. There is no space to list all the world-famous composers, conductors, musicians, opera singers, and poets, who lived and worked in Leipzig. We will pay a visit to the St. Thomas church, home of the world-renowned “Thomanerchor”, the Sankt Thomas Boys Choir, and a place of musical creativity. This church is also the final resting place of its most famous cantor, Johann Sebastian Bach. We will also visit the Nikolai church, where the collapse of the communist systems in Eastern Europe and eventually the reunification of Germany began. For months on end, every Monday evening people gathered inside the church praying and demonstrating for freedom, before the protests spilled out onto the streets leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall that changed the world order established after World War II.

11:30 am Discover Leipzig on your own.

For lunch (on your own) I suggest you take a look at Auerbachs Keller. It is the second oldest restaurant in Leipzig dating back to the early 15th century. This was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s hangout when he was a student at the university of Leipzig. He made this restaurant immortal by mentioning the vaulted barrel cellar in his epic “Faust”.

01:30 pm Departure.

We could pay a short visit to the “Baumwollspinnerei”, a vast, old, former cotton-spinning mill converted to a mecca for the visual arts. More than 50 artists, among them internationally acclaimed Neo Rauch, flagship of the “Leipziger Schule”, live, work, and exhibit here. This has put Leipzig on the global art tourism map.

04:30 pm Arrival, cellar tour and tasting at winery Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe (VDP) in Zadel, Sachsen.

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with Georg Prinz zur Lippe, Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, at Prowein 2015, see: Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany – Schiller’s Impressions

The Prinz zur Lippe family was first mentioned in the early 12th century and belonged to the reigning dynasties in Europe until 1918. For more than 300 years, the family branch of Georg Prinz zur Lippe, owner of winery Schloss Proschwitz, lived in Sachsen and produced wine. However there is a 45 year long interruption, when in 1945 the Russians occupied the eastern half of Germany, and disappropriated and expelled the family. Immediately after Germany’s reunification Georg Prinz zur Lippe started to buy back his family’s wine estate and ancestral residence, the Proschwitz castle. Since then he has restored the castle to its former glory, and invested heavily to build up the winery to become a state of the art wine producing estate. With 220 acres under vine the estate belongs to one of the larger wineries in Germany and is the largest privately owned one in Sachsen. Great care is given to sustainable techniques in the vineyard to enable future generations to continue to produce outstanding wines. Dr. Prinz Georg zur Lippe will be our host.

Pictures: At Weingut Schloss Proschwitz in Zadel, Saxony

06:30 pm Wine pairing dinner at Lippe'sches Gutshaus, Schloss Proschwitz.The regional, fresh cuisine with a sophisticated twist – a perfect pairing with the Schloss Proschwitz wines - received the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs award in 2011.

08:45 pm Arrival and check-in at Welcome Hotel in Meissen.

Enjoy the view across the Elbe river on the beautiful historic city of Meissen with the cathedral and the mighty Albrechtsburg castle.

Picture: View of Meissen

DAY 4: Sunday, June 14

10:30 am Visit and tasting at winery Karl Friedrich Aust in Radebeul, Sachsen.

The origins of the “Meinholdsche Turmhaus” (tower building), the heart of the winery Aust, dates back to the year 1650. Wine was already made here in the 18th century. The Aust family was able to purchase the estate in 1975 and restored this historical gem on their own initiative. However, during the communist era they were only allowed to produce 100 liters of wine for their own consumption. The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 opened unforeseen opportunities. The new situation allowed the Aust family to cultivate their own 13 acres of vineyards, and the winery Karl Friedrich Aust was born. Karl Friedrich trained at prominent estates in the western part of Germany to learn the art of making wine and has now become a top wine maker in his own right. Wine and art is closely intertwined in the Aust family. Cordelia Friederike Curling-Aust, the sister of winemaker Karl Friedrich Aust has her own art studio and art school in the historic buildings of the estate. Her husband Brian Curling's graphic art is on display at the winery and changing exhibits are organized throughout the year.

12:30 pm Wine pairing lunch at the winery. This tiny restaurant with its tiny kitchen produces outstanding food. Local, organic ingredients and a gifted, very talented chef make for stunning, tasty, creative dishes.

Pictures: At Weingut Karl Friedrich Aust in Radebeul, Saxony

03:30 pm Arrival in Dresden and check-in at INNSIDE hotel.

Take a stroll through the historic part of Dresden, soak in the magnificent architecture and views along the “Brühl Terraces” on the banks of the Elbe river, or simply relax, take an early dinner (dinner on your own), and wind down before the opera evening.

07:00 pm Semperoper Dresden.

Opera: "The Magic Flute" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Pictures: Dresden, with the "Semperoper"

DAY 5: Monday, June 15

10:00 am Visit and tasting at winery Klaus Zimmerling (VDP) in Oberpoyritz, Sachsen.

In 1992, shortly after reunification, Klaus Zimmerling (see picture) founded this winery. This is a very special place, hard to describe – you have to feel it - where art and wine is intimately intertwined. Two people, two passions, a heart warming experience: Klaus Zimmerling, the grape whisperer, who sees his vineyard, the perfectly shaped, southern facing Rysselkuppe as a gift and natural wonder, which imposes on him the duty to go the extra mile to produce extraordinary wine; Malgorzata Chodakoska, his wife, who sculptures graceful feminine figures in her studio, which sits in the middle of the vines. Every year one of her sculptures will serve as model for the bottle label of that particular vintage.

Pictures: At Weingut Klaus Zimmerling, Saxony

01:30 pm Lunch at the Wintergarten Café at Schlosshotel Pillnitz.

The Pillnitz castle and surrounding park, built in 1720, is the most important and largest chinoise castle in Europe. Later it became the summer residence of the Saxon kings and many juicy stories surround the castle still today, because August the Strong bestowed the castle on his favorite mistress, the Countess Cosel. After lunch we will have a bit of time to stroll through the park and to enjoy the view across the Elbe river on the city of Dresden in the distance.

Picture: At Schlosshotel Pillnitz

04:30 pm Guided tour through the Royal Palace in Dresden and the museum complex.

Dresden has a long history as the capital of the kingdom of Saxony. For centuries the Saxon royals spared no money and effort to furnish the city with artistic, and cultural splendor. The baroque and rococo city center, and wealth of art, gave the city the nickname: “Florence of the north”. In modern times, until 1933, Dresden was Europe’s capital of modern art. The allied bombing at the end of World War II wiped out the city. During GDR times some of the most important historical monuments were restored. After reunification reconstruction intensified, and major reconstruction projects, including rebuilding the “Frauenkirche”, were completed. The restoration of the Royal Palace was only completed in 2013. We will be able to visit the “Grünes Gewölbe” (Green Vault), and the “Türckische Cammer” (Turkish Chamber).

DAY 6: Tuesday, June 16

11:30 am Arrival in Bayreuth, Bavaria.

We will stop at the “Festspielhaus Bayreuth” (Bayreuth Festival Theater), the opera house dedicated solely to the performances of the operas of Richard Wagner. Unfortunately guided tours will not be possible at the time of our visit because rehearsals for the 2015 festival season will already be under way. We will also stop by “Wahnfried” the home of Richard and Cosima Wagner, which is now the Wagner museum and archives. I quote the former German secretary of State, Hans-Dietrich Genscher: “Richard Wagner’s Bayreuth home “Wahnfried” is an outstanding cultural place, but also a symbol of German history – in its contradictoriness and entanglements.”

12:30 pm Lunch at Ristorante Bürgerreuth, close to the Festspielhaus.

Pictures: Festspielhaus and Ristorante Bürgerreuth in Bayreuth

04:30 pm Visit and tasting at winery Wirsching (VDP) in Iphofen, Franken.

Making dry Silvaner, Rieslings, Scheurebe, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris has been a family tradition for over 375 years. The current generation at the helm of the estate, Dr. Heinrich Wirsching is convinced that good wines originate in the vineyard. Therefore a lot of attention is given to the work outside the cellar doors, and the Wirsching wines, in particular the Silvaner, are among the best in Germany, Wirsching is an advocate of the Bocksbeutel bottle, the odd, round shaped flacon like bottle. He feels that this is the perfect bottle for his wines, so deeply rooted in their traditional Franken soil and heritage.

Pictures: Weingut Wirsching in Iphofen, Franken.

07:00 pm Arrival in Würzburg and check-in at Hotel Greifensteiner Hof.

Evening on your own. Relax after a long days journey or explore the beautiful old city of Würzburg, have a drink on the Alte Mainbrücke with stunning views of the Marienberg Fortress on the hill across the Main river.

Pictures: Würzburg, "Alte Main Brücke"

DAY 7: Wednesday, June 17

10:00 pm Arrival, cellar tour and tasting at winery Bürgerspital zum Heiligen Geist (VDP) in Würzburg, Franken.

This winery is part of the charitable foundation Bürgerspital Zum Heiligen Geist. In 1316 a noble Wüzburg couple Mergadis and Johannes von Steren built a care facility for the sick and poor elderly at the gates of the old city. In order to equip the foundation with the necessary financial means a winery was established to guarantee steady income. In 1598, the residents of the old people's home were provided with a tankard - 1.22 litres - of wine per day. If the residents behaved in an unruly manner, water was mixed with the wine as a punishment. If such behaviour went too far, the wine ration was canceled. Since 1334 270 acres of the best vineyard land around the city of Würzburg belong to the Bürgerspital. The wines show more minerality than opulence in character reflecting the characteristics of the excellent Würzburger vineyard sites. Today, 750 elderly residents live at eight facilities belonging to the Bürgerspital

12:00 pm Lunch at Restaurant Weinstuben Bürgerspital.

Pictures: Steak Tartare at Weingut Bürgerspital

03:15 pm Arrival, cellar tour, vineyards tour, and tasting at winery Rudolf Fürst (VDP) in Bürgstadt, Franken.

The Miltenberg basin in the western tip of Franken between the forested hills of the Odenwald and the Spessart, where Bürgstadt is located, provides ideal climatic conditions for first-class viticulture. The weathered colored sandstone of the Centgrafenberg vineyard in Bürgstadt and the extremely steep slopes of the Schlossberg vineyard in Klingenberg are home to the most extraordinary Früh-and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir précos and Pinot Noir) produced by Paul Fürst and his son Sebastian. The Fürst family has been producing wine in this area since 1638. In addition to the reds, brilliant white wines such as Riesling, Weissburgunder and Franken’s signature wine, Silvaner are also produced here.

06:45 pm Back in Würzburg.

Dinner on your own.

08:00 pm Imperial Hall in the Würzburg Residence:

Concert as part of the Mozart Festival in Würzburg: Mozart and Magnard: Quintett for Piano and Wind Section; Poulenc: Sextett for Piano and Wind Section

DAY 8: Thursday, June 18

09:00 am Visit of the Würzburg Imperial Residence.

This imperial palace is one of the largest in Europe and one of the most homogeneous and most extraordinary Baroque castles. The palace was built in 1720 by the Prince Bishop, Johann Philip Franz von Schönborn who wanted to construct a residence worthy of his position as absolute monarch. In 1814 Würzburg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria. The Bavarian king made Munich the capital and his residence. Thus Würzburg was no longer a center of power, but its splendor is still remarkable today.

12:30 pm Lunch (beverages on your own) at restaurant Zum Alten Rentamt in Schwaigern, Württemberg.

01:45 pm Visit and tasting at winery Graf Neipperg (VDP) in Schwaigern, Württemberg.

Proprietor Count Karl-Eugen zu Neipperg is a descendant of an Austrian / German noble line dating back to the Holy Roman Empire. Members of this dynasty always played important roles in European history and politics, and have been making wine since the 12th century. Today branches of the dynasty make wine in Germany, France, and Bulgaria. (During my tour to Bordeaux we will visit the estate of Karl-Eugen’s brother Stephan, the owner of Château Canon La Gaffelière in Saint-Emilion.) The Counts of Neipperg are said to have brought the Lemberger grape (in Austria: Blaufränkisch) to Germany in the 17th century. The Lemberger red wines in Württemberg can effortlessly achieve the caliber of its international counterparts as a deep-colored, full-bodied wine with powerful tannins. The estate’s focus is on the regions traditional grape varieties including the white specialities Muskateller and Traminer.

Pictures: Stephan von Neipperg, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière, with his Wife (see: Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France), Karl Eugen Erbgraf zu Neipperg, Weingut des Grafen Neipperg, Schwaigern, Württemberg (see: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany) and Annette Schiller at Prowein 2015

04:15 pm Visit and tasting at winery Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg.

Viticulture has been a tradition in the Dautel family since 1510. In 1995 Ernst Dautel was one of the first winemakers to age his red wines in barrique barrels, and to create red wine cuvées, a novelty in those days in Germany. The 27 acres of vineyards are planted with the traditional Württemberg grape varieties, Lemberger (Blaufränkisch in Austria), and Trollinger as well as with Pinot-Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot- Blanc. Today, son Christian, who is a graduate of the renowned Geisenheim oenological university, follows in his father’s footsteps farming the land organically and sharing his conviction that great wines can only be produced with meticulous work in the vineyard and a patient hands-off approach in the cellar.

06:45 pm Arrival and check-in at Romantikhotel Friedrich von Schiller in Bietigheim-Bissingen.

08:00 pm Wine pairing dinner at restaurant Friedrich von Schiller in Bietigheim-Bissingen. We will enjoy traditional, fresh cooked swabian dishes created with a modern twist by well-known Chef Burkhard Schork in this beautiful gourmet restaurant.

Picture: Owner Regine Schork, Romantik Hotel und Restaurant Zum Schiller and Annette Schiller at Prowein 2015, see: Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany – Schiller’s Impressions

DAY 9: Friday, June 19

10:00 am Visit and tasting at winery Herzog von Württemberg (VDP) at Schloss Monrepos in Ludwigsburg, Württemberg.

The art of winemaking at the House of Württemberg goes back to the 13th century. With 100 acres under vine it is the largest privately owned winery in Württemberg. Their vineyard sites are in the most prestigious parcels in Württemberg and tasting the Herzog von Württemberg portfolio is a high-class journey through the best of the best that the Württemberg wine region has to offer. Owner is H.R.H. Carl Herzog von Württemberg and he makes sure that old tradition and modern knowledge go hand in hand to produce outstanding wines. In 1981 a new, modern winery was constructed in the romantic park of the beautiful Castle Monrepos, the royal family of Württemberg’s lakeside weekend and hunting retreat.

12:00 pm Lunch (beverages on your own) at restaurant Gutsschänke at Schloss Monrepos.

02:00 pm Visit and tasting at winery Rainer Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg.

For over 500 years the Schnaitmann family has been making wine in the Rems and Neckar valleys. The 1997 vintage was the first one that Rainer Schnaitmann produced under his own name. In 2000 the winery was certified as organic winegrowing estate according to the EEC regulation on ecological winemaking. With 60 acres of vineyards, this winery belongs to the larger estates in Württemberg. Schnaitmann definitely helped putting Württemberg back on the map for the serious wine aficionado. To make your palate watering, I quote tasting notes by Rudi Wiest: “In the glass this Lemberger is an elegant deep violet red. The nose is nice and open revealing ripe cherries, blackberries, licorice and vanilla. The fine minerality shows some flinty notes and spices of bay leaf, juniper and fresh ground black pepper round out this Lemberger’s complex flavor spectrum. Juicy on the palate, the fruit sweetness is delicate with a refreshing minerality and balanced acidity and tannin structure.”

Picture: Rainer Schnaitmann and his Wife, Weingut Schnaitmann, with Annette Schiller at Prowein 2015, see:Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany – Schiller’s Impressions

04:45 pm Arrival and check-in at Hotel Royal in Stuttgart.

07:00 pm Theater Stuttgart, Stuttgart Ballet Company.

"A Streetcar named Desire", Ballet in two parts by John Neumeier based on the play by Tennessee Williams. Music by Sergej Prokofjew and Alfred Schnittke. World Premiere at the Stuttgart Ballet on December 3, 1983.

DAY 10: Saturday, June 20

11:45 am Visit, tasting, and wine pairing lunch at winery Simon-Bürkle in Zwingenberg, Hessische Bergstrasse.

This is a very young winery by German standards. It was founded in 1991 by two friends who shared a common devotion to and philosophy of winemaking. The late Kurt Simon and the late Wilfried Buerkle met during their studies at the Weinsberg Viticultural School, and upon completion of their studies they decided to start a winery. Their obsession with quality brought the winery to the top of what the Bergstrasse has to offer. After the untimely death of Kurt Simon in 2003, his wife Dagmar continued his work together with Wilfried Bürkle. In 2013 Wilfried Buerkle passed away and many asked what will become of this winery without the two founding shakers and movers. Wilfried’s son Johannes studied winemaking and together with Dagmar Simon they continue the legacy. In the just released Gault & Millau 2015: "This year again no other winery at the Hessische Bergstrasse produced wines showing the pronounced characteristics of the different grape varieties and vineyards in this way."

This visit will be the fitting finale of our discovery tour through unknown German wine territory and another example of the stunning qualities produced throughout Germany.

02:15 pm Departure.

03:00 pm Arrival at Frankfurt International Airport.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Coming-up: Wine & Art Tour to Saale-Unstrut - Saxony - Franken - Württemberg: Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (June 11 - June 20, 2015)

Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany – Schiller’s Impressions