schiller-wine

Picture: Wine Dinner at Chateau Lassus, a Crus Bourgeois du Medoc, during the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) with Owner and Winemaker Stefan Paeffgen and his Wife Heike. See: Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

On September 22, 2015, the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Medoc announced that 251 chateaux had made it into the official selection for the 2013 vintage. This vintage is known as being difficult and heterogeneous.

Around 20 million bottles of wine are expected to carry the Cru Bourgeois label, accounting for approximately 25% of the Medoc's production. Most estates selected are AOC Medoc and Haut-Medoc properties, but there are also several properties from Pauillac, Margaux and St Estephe, as well as Listrac-Medoc and Moulis.

The full list of the 2013 Official Selection of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc is available here.

For earlier selections, see:
The 267 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc of the 2012 Vintage Announced, France
The 256 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc of the 2011 Vintage Announced, France
The 260 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc of the 2010 Vintage, France

The Cru Bourgeois Classification of 1932

From 1932 to the end of the 1900s, the Cru Bourgeois du Medoc system was a classification system set in stone. The first Cru Bourgeois list was drawn up by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Agriculture in 1932, selecting 444 estates from the Medoc for the classification. These were wines that were not included in the 1855 Classification of Crus Classes, but still of high quality.

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasy PR and WineTours, with a 2012 Chateau Le Crock, Cru Bourgeois, and a 2012 Chateau Leoville Poyferre, a Classified Growth, both owned by the Cuvelier Family. In the (Annulled) 2003 Classification, Chateau Le Crock was a Cru Bourgeois Superieur

Cru Bourgeois du Médoc Today: A Label Awarded Annually

Today, the Cru Bourgeois du Medoc is a wine label that is awarded annually, on the basis of an assessment of both production methods and the wine. Production methods are periodically inspected and the wines are submitted to an independent panel for annual tasting. Any property in the Médoc may apply.

The first vintage that came under the current system, is the 2008 vintage, announced in 2010.

Note that some very highly regarded wines outside the 1855 classification such as Château Gloria and Château Sociando-Mallet do not submit their wines for the Cru Bourgeois du Medoc classification. Thus, there is a sizable number of top producers in the Medoc today that are neither in the 1855 classification nor in the Cru Bourgeois du Medoc classification.

Picture: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Wine Dinner at Chateau Lassus, a Crus Bourgeois du Medoc, during the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) with Owner and Winemaker Stefan Paeffgen and his Wife Hike. Vignobles Paeffgen comprises 4 chateaux: Le Reysse, Lassus (Crus Bourgeois du Medoc), Clos du Moulin (Cru Bourgeoi du Medoc) and Moulin de Lestagne.

See:
Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France
A German Wine Maker in the Medoc: Dinner with Stefan Paeffgen at Château Le Reysse, France

The Cru Bourgeois Classification of 2003 (Annulled)

In between the current annual classification system and the 1932 classification system set in stone, there was a new classification introduced in 2003 that was subject to a lot of controversy and later annulled. Of the 490 châteaux that applied to be included in the classification of 2003, only 247 were included, a significant contraction of the original listing made in 1932 (444 estates).

The 2003 Cru Bourgeois classification classified the 247 properties in three tiers: Exceptionnel (9 properties), Supérieurs (87 properties) and straight Bourgeois (151 properties).

In February 2007, the 2003 was annulled. At this point, the 1932 classification was briefly reinstated, with its single tier and 444 estates.

The Future: A New Classification System

Recently, the members of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc voted overwhelmingly in favor of the creation of a classification system for their wines. The move was approved by 75% of members in a secret ballot with a provisional timetable setting a date of 2020 for the introduction of the system.

From 2020, with the 2018 vintage, crus bourgeois will again become a classification. Frédérique de Lamothe, director of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc, said “It will last for five years and be in two tiers but the details are not yet defined. The names of the tiers have not been decided. We may keep an external body to control impartiality, but these details have not been decided either.”

schiller-wine: Related Posting

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Château Léoville-Poyferré, Chateau Le Crock, Didier Cuvelier in Bordeaux and the Cuvelier Los Andes Wines in Argentina

A German Wine Maker in the Medoc: Dinner with Stefan Paeffgen at Château Le Reysse, France

The 260 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc of the 2010 Vintage, France

The 256 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc of the 2011 Vintage Announced, France

The 267 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc of the 2012 Vintage Announced, France

Best Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (2011) - Decanter's 58 Favorites, Bordeaux

Picture: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau - Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen Pouring

The Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (organized by Annette Schiller) took place from September 6 – 12, 2015. The group was small - there were 7 of us, including Annette and Christian Schiller. We visited a total of 14 wineries in 5 different wine regions: Rheingau, Mittelrhein, Ahr, Mosel and Nahe.

I already provided a summary of the tour: Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

This posting focuses on the visit of Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau.

Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen was our host.

Tour and Tasting

The visit started in the tasting room of Weingut Baron Knyphausen, where Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen served us two outstanding Sekts. We then took a walk to the vineyards and through the cellar, before sitting down at the Draiser Hof for an entertaining tasting with Gerko Freiherr zun Knyphausen.

Pictures: Welcome

Weingut Baron Knyphausen

Weingut Baron Knyphausen is located in Eltville. The holdings (24 hectares) include the famous Erbacher Marcobrunn, Erbacher Siegelsberg and Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, with Riesling accounting for 85 percent of the total. Annual production is 130000 bottles.

Weingut Baron Knyphausen is member of the VDP, the association of German elite winemakers (since 1972) and founding member of the Charta Association.

Weingut Baron zu Knyphausen is managed by Frederik Freiherr zu Knyphausen, the oldest son of Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen. Knyphausen.

Pictures: Sekt Reception

Draiser Hof

Weingut Baron Knyphausen goes back to one of the oldest viticultural enterprises in Germany. The Draiser Hof - home of Weingut Baron Knyphausen - was built in 1141 by the Cistercian monks of the Eberbach Abbey to cultivate the monastery’s vineyards and fields in Erbach and Eltville.

Picture: Draiser Hof

The Draier Hof, as part of the Eberbach Abbey, was secularized under Napoleon in 1803. The new owner was the Duke of Nassau. He gave it as a present to his Minister Hans Christoph Ernst von Gagern to thank him for his loyal services during the secularization negotions. Hans Christoph Ernst von Gagern sold it to Georg Huber from Eltville in 1805, who then sold it to Gisbert Freiherr von Bodelschwingh-Plettenberg in 1815. Gisbert Freiherr von Bodelschwingh-Plettenberg died in 1845 and his son, Karl von Bodelschwingh-Plettenberg inherited it. Finally, through marriage of his only child, Wilhelmine, the Draiser got into the possession of the von Knyphausen family, a noble family from the Friesland area in the northern part of Germany. Until that time, the von Knyphausens were mainly Prussian Generals or Ministers.

Pictures: Cellar Tour

Investor

In 2010, the Grapevault Wine Fund No.1 became majority partner and took an active role in the management of the estate. Earlier this year, the shares were transferred to the Phillips family in Munich, also an investor in the Grapevault Wine Fund No.1, and Frederik Freiherr zu Knyphausen, was appointed Managing Director of Weingut Baron Knyphausen.

Pictures: In the Vineyard

Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen and his 5 Sons

Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen is well known in the Rheingau. The Knyphausens is the only noble family still fully involved in in winemaking in the Rheingau, where winemaking used to be dominated by the nobles. Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen has 5 sons. The oldest, Frederik, just took over the management of Weingut Baron Knyphausen. Gisbert is a well-known singer-songwriter in Germany. He lives in Berlin. Dodo just married winemaker Desiree Eser and works now with his wife at Weingut August Eser.

Pictures: Tasting with Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen

Tasting

2012 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Riesling Sekt Brut
2009 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Riesling Sekt Brut “Herrlichkeit”

2013 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Riesling feinherb
2014 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Riesling feinherb

2012 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Riesling Charta Riesling Kabinett
2012 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Baron K’ Riesling Kabinett

2012 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Erbacher Michelmark Riesling VDP.Erste Lage
2013 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Wisselbrunnen Riesling VDP.Grosse Lage GG

2013 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Erbacher Michelmark Riesling Spätlese
2011 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Erbacher Michelmark Riesling Auslese

Christy Canterbury, MW

American MW, Christy Canterbury, (2012): Team Knyphausen makes more than 30 wines and tends to seven main vineyards. Despite this generous and lengthy tasting, we simply couldn’t taste everything. Founded in 1141, this may be the one of the oldest estates in the Rheingau, but Gerko and his team are far from tradition-bound. New vineyards are being planted, and like the barrel-aged Riesling and Pinot Noir Sekt, new wines are being produced. I’m particularly curious about their Gemischter Satz idea (using Roter Traminer, Gelber Orleans, Weisser Heunisch, Silvaner, Weisser Elbling and Roter Riesling), and I hope some of it will eventually reach US shores. If not, I’ll be knocking at their doorstep soon after it’s commercialized.

Bye-bye

Thank you Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen for a wonderful visit.

Pictures: Bye-bye

Postings on the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

Fall Tours by ombiasy WineTours 2015 - A Very Special Treat: Experience Harvest Time !

Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau

Wine and Music at Eberbach Abbey

Tour and Wine Lunch at Wein- und Sektgut Barth in Hattenheim, Rheingau

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Josef Spreitzer in Oestrich, Rheigau

Wine Tasting at Weingut Toni Jost in Bacharach, Mittelrhein

Cruise on the Rhine River from Bacharach to Boppard, Mittelrhein

Wine Tasting at Weingut J.J.Adeneuer in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Ahr

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr

Wine Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel

Wine Tasting at Weingut St. Urbans-Hof in Leiwen, Mosel

Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Van Volxem in Wiltingen, Saar, Mosel

Wine Tasting at Weingut Hexamer, in Monzingen, Nahe

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg, in Niederhausen, Nahe

Tour and Wine Dinner at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe

Tour and Tasting at Sektmanufaktur Bardong in Geisenheim, Rheingau

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Schloss Johannisberg in Geisenheim, Rheingau

Picture: Mario Scheuermann's Deutsche Sauvignon Blanc Trophy 2015 - Top 3 Wines

No longer limited to the Loire Valley in France and Marlborough in New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc is now cultivated all over the world, including in Germany. Against this background, wine journalist Mario cheuermann organized for the 9th time the annual “Deutsche Sauvignon Blanc Trophy” competition.

Picture: Mario Scheuermann and Christian Schiller at Kloster Eberbach

Sauvignon Blanc in the World

Sauvignon Blanc originates from the Bordeaux and Loire regions in France. It is now planted in many of the world's wine regions.

In France, Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the maritime climate of Bordeaux (especially in Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves and Pessac-Leognan as a dry wine, and in Sauternes as a sweet wine) as well as the continental climate of the Loire Valley (as Pouilly Fumé, Sancerre, and Sauvignon de Touraine).

Sauvignon Blanc is one of only four white grapes allowed in the production of white Bordeaux AOC. In the Sauternes region, the grape is blended with Sémillon to make the noble-sweet Sauternes. The composition varies from producer and can range from 5-50% of Sauvignon Blanc, with the Château d'Yquem using 20%.

In Australia, particularly the Margaret River region, the grape is often blended with Sémillon. In the 1990s, Sauvignon Blanc wines from the maritime climatic regions of New Zealand became popular on the global wine market. In North America, California is the leading producer of Sauvignon Blanc with plantings also found in Washington State. There, wine produced from the Sauvignon Blanc grape is also known as Fumé Blanc, introduced by Robert Mondavi as an allusion to the French Pouilly-Fumé. Sauvignon Blanc is also gaining prominence in Austria, South Africa, Italy and Germany.

Around 80,000 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc are estimated to be planted worldwide, with the largest concentrations in France and New Zealand.

Picture: Mario Scheuermann's Deutsche Sauvignon Blanc Trophy 2015 - Top 5 Wines

Sauvignon Blanc in Germany

Sauvignon Blanc is well established now in Germany after its introduction 10 years ago, but still only a niche wine. About 500 producers grow Sauvignon Blanc in Germany on about 600 hectares. Its stronghold are the Rheinhessen, Baden, Wuerttemberg and Pfalz regions.

Mario Scheuermann's Deutsche Sauvignon Blanc Trophy 2015

Here are the results, including Mario Scheuermann’s tasting notes (in German).

Platz 1
2013 Sauvignon blanc “S”, Bassermann-Jordan, Deidesheim, Pfalz
Strohgelb. Ein herrlicher Duft von reifer SB Frucht, ganz leicht unterstützt von Holz. Am Gaumen opulent, weich, unglaublich dicht. Saft und Druck. Weich und abgerundet. Feine, sehr reife Säure. Lnager Nachhall. Etwas Kaffee und Schokolade im Abgang. Das ist Sauvignon nahe an der Perfektion. 95

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

Platz 2
2014 Sauvignon blanc Fumé, Weingut Stern, Hochstadt, Pfalz
Strohgelb. Sehr feine Rauchnote in der Nase. Am Gaumen reich, dicht und kraftvoll, kompakt und stoffig, Eine reife Säure. Feine Zitrusnote. Starke Mineralität. Langer Abgang. 95

Platz 3
2013 Sauvignon blanc 500, Weingut von Winning, Deidesheim, Pfalz
Strohgelb. Wunderbar burgundische Nase, mineralisch, mit einer sehr dezenten Holznote. Am Gaumen saftig, frisch, helle Frucht. Die pure Eleganz, Sehr lang und nachhaltig. Toller Stoff. 94

Platz 4
2014 Sauvignon blanc “vom Stein”, Weingut Maier, Schwaikheim, Württemberg
Helles Strohgelb. Leicht trüb (Fassmuster). Wunderbare Nase, würzig, komplex, feine Frucht, etwas Hefe und Holz, auch Brennnessel, Kräuter und Mineralität, leichte Stachelbeernote. Auch am Gaumen vielschichtig aufgebaut mit Mineralität über Stachelberaroma, kraftvoll, dicht, aber unfertig. Grosses Potenzial. Deutlicher Nachhall und Länge. 94

Platz 5
2013 Sauvignon blanc BAER, Weingut Oliver Zeter, Neustadt/Weinstrasse, Pfalz
Kräftiges strohgelb. Wunderbare Nase mit reifen Obstaromen und etwas, komplexer Ausdruck von reifer Frucht, Holz und Hefearomen. Das Bukett entwickelt sich sehr gut mit Luft, wird reicher. Am Gaumen saftig dicht und kraftvoll, weich mit dezentem Säurespiel, sehr lang und tief, aber völlig unfertig. Salzig im Abgang. Komplexer und sehr entwicklungsfähiger Wein. 93

Platz 6
2013 Sauvignon blanc Fumé, Weingut Oliver Zeter, Neustadt/Weinstrasse, Pfalz
Strohgelb. Eine sehr schöne Komination aus Frucht und feinen Holznuancen in der Nase, würzig, kräuterig, Blüten, Tee etwas Honig. Am Gaumen kraftvoll, dicht und konzentriert. Schöne saftige Art getragen vom Alkohol. Kleine reife Zitrusnote langer Abgang. 93

Platz 7
2014 Sauvignon blanc Fumé, Weingut Wageck, Bissersheim, Pfalz
Strohgelb. Nase verhalten, etwas Gummifreifen, rauchig, Feuerstein. Am Gaumen dicht und kraftvoll, saftig, langer Abgang. Grosser Wein. 93

Platz 8
2014 Sauvignon blanc Binger-Berg Limited Edition, Weingut Pauser, Flonheim, Rheinhessen
Helles strohgelb. Schöne reife, gelbe Stachelbeerfrucht in der Nase, dazu etwas tropische Ananas und Chutneywürze. Am Gaumen saftig, opulent, dicht, dabei sehr frisch. Schöne Konzentration wunderbar fruchtige Säure. sehr langer Abgang und Nachhall. 93

Platz 9
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Marget, Heitersheim, Baden
Strohgelb. Sehr klare rtypische Naase, würzig, komplex. Am Gaumen frisch, saftig, kräftige Säure, deutolich Stachelbeere, dazu tropische Früchte wie Ananas. Schöne straffe Struktzur, Saft und Spiel. 92

Platz 10
2012 Sauvignon blanc Réserve, Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann, Fellbach, Württemberg
Strohgelb. Nase verhalten und verschlossen, aber erkennbar konzentriert, kompakt und dicht, sehr fediner mineralische Würze. Am Gaumen mineralisch, würzig, tief, völlig in sich ruhend, burgundisch. Feine Süsse im Inneren, opulent, aber fest nicht ausufernd. Sehr langer Abgang. Das ist Sauvignon auf ganz hohem Niveau. Zeigt längst noch nicht alres was in ihm steckt. 92

Platz 11
2014 Sauvignon blanc Fumé, Weingut Georg Mosbacher, Forst (Pfalz) 92
Platz 12
2014 Käsleberg Sauvignon blanc Selektion, Weingut Landerer, Vogtsburg-Niederrotweil (Baden) 92
Platz 13
2014 Sonnenberg Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Jülg, Schweigen (Pfalz) 92
Platz 14
2014 Paradies Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Hubert Müller, Maikammer (Pfalz) 92
Platz 15
2013 Sauvignon blanc 3 Stern, Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann, Fellbach (Württemberg) 92
Platz 16
2014 Sängerhalde Sauvignon blanc 1 Lilie, Weingut Aufricht, Meersburg (Baden) 92
Platz 17
2014 Cuvée SC 3 Stern, Weingut Dobler , Weinstadt-Beutelsbach (Württemberg) 92
Platz 18
2013 Gartenlay Sauvignon blanc, Josten & Klein, Remagen (Mittelrhein) 92
Platz 19
2014 Sauvignon blanc -SW- , Weingut Martin Waßmer, Bad Krozingen-Schlatt (Baden) 92
Platz 20
2014 Terra Rossa, Weingut Weedenborn, Monzernheim (Rheinhessen) 92
Platz 21
2014 Daubhaus Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Gres, Appenheim (Rheinhessen) 92
Platz 22
2014 Schneckenhof Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Birkert, Bretzfeld-Adolzfurt (Württemberg) 92
Platz 23
2014 Herrnberg Sauvignon blanc, vinum autmundis, Gross Umstadt (Bergstrasse) 92
Platz 24
2013 Sauvignon blanc Fumé, Weingut Weedenborn, Monzernheim (Rheinhessen) 92
Platz 25
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Prinz, Hallgarten (Rheingau) 91
Platz 26
2013 Ovum, Weingut G. Aldinger, Fellbach (Württemberg) 91
Platz 27
2014 Sauvignon blanc EHL [Zweimännerwein], Winzerhof Stahl (Franken) 91
Platz 28
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Michael Schroth, Grünstadt-Asselheim (Pfalz) 91
Platz 29
2014 Sauvignon blanc , Weingut Weedenborn, Monzernheim (Rheinhessen) 91
Platz 30
2914 Haselstein Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Luckert, Winnenden (Württemberg) 91
Platz 31
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Pfirmann, Landau-Wollmersheim (Pfalz) 91
Platz 32
2014 Sauvignon blanc ***, Weingut Stern, Hochstadt (Pfalz) 91
Platz 33
2014 Sauvignon blanc II von Winning, eidesheim (Pfalz) 91
Platz 34
2014 Sauvignon blanc Deutscher Wein 7/15, Weingut Bruker, Grossbottwar (Württemberg) 91
Platz 35
2014 Sauvignon blanc GOLDADLER, Weingut Zimmerle, Korb (Württemberg) 91
Plkatz 36
2014 Sauvignon blanc Fumé, Weingut Eugen Müller, Forst (Pfalz) 91
Platz 37
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut S & B Clauß, Nack (Baden) 91
Platz 38
2014 Sauvignon blanc R, Weingut Knauß, Weinstadt (Württemberg) 91
Platz 39
2014 Sauvignon blanc Savage, Weingut Espenhof, Flonheim (Rheinhessen) 91
Platz 40
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Oberhofer, Edesheim (Pfalz) 91
Platz 41
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Karl-Heinz Johner, Bischoffingen (Baden) 91
Platz 42
2014 Sauvignon blanc 503er, Weingut Bruker, Grossbottwar (Württemberg) 91
Platz 43
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Kirsten, Klüsserath (Mosel) 91
Platzn 44
2013 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Kilian Hunn, Gottenheim (Baden) 91
Plkatz 45
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Nägele, Neustadt-Hambach (Pfalz) 91
Platz 46
2014 Ölbaum Sauvignon blanc Kabinett trocken, Weingut Hummel, Malsch (Baden) 91
Platz 47
2014 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Oliver Zeter, Neustadt/Weinstrasse (Pfalz) 91
Platz 48
2014 Loirista, Anette Closheim, Langenlonsheim (Nahe) 91
Platz 49
2014 Dezberg Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Gerhard Leiss, Gellmersbach (Württemberg) 90
Platz 50
2013 Sauvignon blanc, Weingut Andreas Laible, Durbach (Baden) 90

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Mario Scheuermann's Deutsche Sauvignon Blanc Trophy 2014, Germany

The Sauvignon Blanc Trophy 2010 - The Top 20 German Sauvignon Blancs

Sauvignon Blanc in Austria– A Comparative Tasting with Falstaff's Peter Moser at Weinsinn in Frankfurt, Germany

Concours Mondial du Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Picture: Tour and Wine Dinner at Domaine de Chevalier with Director Adjoint Rémi Edange and Owner and Director Olivier Bernard – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Led by Annette Schiller, the Bordeaux Tour 2015 by ombiasy WineTours took place from September 15 to 24, 2015. The group comprised 8 wine lovers from the United States, including Annette and Christian Schiller. I already provided an overview of the tour. See the list of postings at the end of the article. This posting focuses on: Tour and Wine Dinner at Domaine de Chevalier with Director Adjoint Rémi Edange and Owner and Director Olivier Bernard.

See: Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Director Adjoint Rémi Edange was our host.

Director and Owner Olivier Bernard, who is currently President of the “Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux”, the association of 133 grands crus estates in the Bordeaux region, joined us on the tour.

Tour and Wine Dinner

The tour started in the vineyard. We then moved to the modern production facility. Here we were joined by Olivier Bernard. We than had a tasting of the new vintage from barrel. From there, we moved to the dining room for a gourmet dinner with winetasting.

Domaine de Chevalier

Domaine de Chevalier is located south of the City of Bordeaux in the commune of Léognan, the capital of the Graves region.

Domaine de Chevalier is classified as a Graves Cru Classé. Domaine de Chevalier is one of the few Graves estates to produce both first class reds and whites.

Pictures: Welcome at Domaine de Chevalier

Viticulture of significance at Domaine de Chevalier was begun during the 19th century when it was owned and run by Arnaud Ricard, also the proprietor of Château Malartic-Lagravière.

In 1983 Domaine de Chevalier was bought by the Bernard family, producers of Cognac and major Bordeaux wine merchants. Managed by Claude Ricard since 1948, he stayed on as advisor for several years. It was during the tenure of Claude Ricard, that Domaine de Chevalier was included in the 1959 Graves Classification.

From a property of 80 hectares, the vineyard area consists of 35 hectares of red grape varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.5% Petit Verdot; and 4.5 hectares of white grape varieties: 70% Sauvignon blanc and 30% Sémillon. Since the Bernard family has taken over, the vineyard size has almost doubled.

The Grand Vin, Domaine de Chevalier, is annually produced in 7,000 cases of the red wine and 1,200 cases of the dry white. The red and white second wines, L'Esprit de Chevalier, has a production of 5,800 and 800 cases, respectively. There is also a third wine, Pessac Leognan.

The first grapes were planted by a man who was a chivaley, the old Gascon word for knight. Later the modern French word “Chevalier” was used for the estate, the old name “Domaine” instead of the word “Chateau” to describe a wine making estate has never been abandoned. It is one of a very few Bordeaux estates to be named Domaine instead of Château.

Olivier Bernard and Rémi Edange

Director Adjoint Rémi Edange was our host. Director and Owner Olivier Bernard, who is currently President of the “Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux”, the association of 133 grands crus estates in the Bordeaux region, joined us on the tour.

Pictures: With Owner Olivier Bernard in the Cellar

Fine Wine and Spirits Merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd: Olivier Bernard, whose family business owns the estate, is the outgoing but canny administrator whilst Rémi Edange is hands-on, knowing every vine and every barrel. The quality curve is now further accentuated by the team's bold move to appoint Stéphane Derenoncourt, of La Mondotte fame, as consultant winemaker.

Cellar Tour

We spent some time in the wine cellar with Director Adjoint Rémi Edange. Olivier Bernard joined us there. They explained to us in detail how their wines are made. Jeff Leve from California has it nicely written up:

To produce the white Bordeaux wine of Domaine de Chevalier, after a light pressing, the juice is run off into barrel. There is no skin contact. Vinification takes place in French oak barrels. Once filled, the barrels are placed in a special cold room (the only other one in Bordeaux is at Chateau Margaux) to bring the barrel temperature gradually down to 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. This helps the fermentation to take place on a gradual basis. Fermentation temperatures reach 25 degrees Celsius or on occasion slight warmer, up to 27 or 28 degrees Celsius. There is no malolactic fermentation. The wine remains on its lees with regularly stirring for an average of 12 months. The wine spends an additional 6 months in barrel before bottling.

Pictures: With Director Adjoint Rémi Edangein the Cellar

To produce the red wine of Domaine de Chevalier, vinification takes place in stainless steel vats that range in size from 100 hectoliters to 150 hectoliters. In 2014, Domaine de Chevalier added 8 new, 80 hectoliter, egg shaped, cement vats for the vinification of the red wine. There are ample vats to allow for a parcel by parcel vinification. 33% of the red wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels. The remainder takes place in tank.

The red wine of Domaine de Chevalier is aged in 40-75% new, French oak barrels for 18 to 22 months, depending on the character of the vintage.

Tasting 2014 Grand Vin Rouge and Blanc from Barrel

We then moved to the tasting room in order to taste the 2014 Grand Vin Rouge and Blanc from barrel. They are currently available at US$ 80 (white) and US$ 44 (red) through the subscription system.

We were served scallops, foie gras avec framboise, croque monsieur and duck.

Pictures: Tasting 2014 Grand Vin Rouge and Blanc from Barrel

Wine Dinner

We then moved to the dining room for a fabulous gourmet dinner with wine tasting, led by Rémi Edange.

Daurade Royale, Echalotes Confits et ses Perles
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2007

Supremes de Caille et Foie Gras de Canard aux Noix
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2006

Fromages
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2000

Corne de Verveine Glacee
Chateau Guiraud 2003

Wine Searcher Average Prices

Wine Searcher Average Prices: White Bordeaux Wine of Domaine de Chevalier (in US$)
2014: 80
2013: 81
2012: 98
2010: 116
2000: 87

Wine Searcher Average Prices: Red Bordeaux Wine of Domaine de Chevalier (in US$)
2014: 44
2013: 41
2012: 52
2010: 87
2000: 104

Bye-bye

Thanks you Rémi Edange and Olivier Bernard for an outstanding first evening on Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015).

Pictures: Good Night and Thanks

Postings on the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Tour, Tasting and Wine Dinner at Domaine de Chevalier, Graves,with Director Adjoint Rémi Edange

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Angélus, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A.

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Beauséjour, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker Gérard Dupuy

Tour and Tasting at Château Tertre-Rôteboeuf, Saint-Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile

Tour and tasting at Château de Figeac, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé.

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

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland

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

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffelière, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Tasting at Château de Fargues, Sauternes, with Prince Eudes d’Orléans

Wine Lunch at Restaurant Château de la Tour in Cadillac and Tour at Château Du Cros, Loupiac, with Catherine Boyer, Proprietor of Château Du Cros

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé.

Lunch at the 2 Michelin Starred Restaurant La Grande Vigne

Tour of the Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm and Oyster Tasting in Grand-Piquey, with Oyster Farmer Ralph Doerfler

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Médoc, in Bégadan, with Stefan Paeffgen

Château Léoville-Poyferré, Chateau Le Crock, Didier Cuvelier in Bordeaux and the Cuvelier Los Andes Wines in Argentina

Tour and Tasting at Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Didier Cuvelier

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Pauillac, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac, 1ière Grand Cru Classé.

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil

Lunch at Restaurant Le Peyrat in Saint-Estèphe with the Grape Pickers of Château Sociando Mallet

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Basile Tesseron

Tour and Tasting at Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

Tourt and tasting at Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Diana Paulin

Picture: Wine Tasting at Domaine Mestre Père & Fils in Santenay with Jonathan Mestre

Following a vineyard walk, cellar tour and lunch with tasting at Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, we drove to Santeny for a visit of Domaine Mestre Père et Fils, which is located right in the center of Santeny.

See:
Olivier Leflaive: Vineyard Walk and Cellar Tour, with Patrick Leflaive– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France
Lunch and Winetasting at La Table de Olivier in Pouligny Montrachet– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

We went down into the wine cellar, were we had a nice tasting, led by Jonathan Mestre. Jonathan married into the Mestre family.

Pictures: Arriving at Domaine Mestre Père & Fils in Santenay

Santenay

There are no Grand Cru vineyards within the Santenay AOC and 12 climats classified as Premier Cru vineyards: La Comme, Les Gravières, Clos de Tavannes, Beauregard, Clos Faubard, Clos des Mouches, Beaurepaire, Passetemps, La Maladière, Grand Clos Rousseau, Clos Rousseau.

Area: Red - 82 ha (including 110 ha Premier Cru) and White - 47 ha (including 13 ha Premier Cru)

Picture: Annette Schiller and Jonathan Mestre during the Pre-Tour Visit, Discussing the Tour Schedule

See:
Preview: Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015 and 2016)

Domaine Mestre Père et Fils

Domaine Mestre Père et Fils is small domaine in Santenay that has been owned and run by the Mestre family for 5 generations.

bud28 (juillet 2009): Je connais le domaine depuis 3/4 ans. Je me rends tous les ans faire une petite dégustation. Je n'ai jamais été déçu surtout par les Santenay. Il dispose aussi bien en blanc qu'en rouge de pas mal de 1er cru sur Santenay.

Pictures: Tasting in the Cellar of Domaine Mestre Père & Fils in Santenay with Jonathan Mestre

J'ai récemment (il y a 2 mois) bu un SANTENAY 1er cru "Clos Faubart" 2003 Rouge (je précise car il y a la meme appellation en blanc) qui m'a procuré beaucoup de plasir. Tout simplement délicieux. Il a été ouvert aux épaules une heure auparavant.

Ca fait logntemps que j'en ai pas bu, mais le Santenay 1er cru " Passe-temps" Blanc est toujours un grand moment. Il dépasse pour moi les blancs de la cote de beaune d'autres exploitants bus jusqu'à présent (chassagne-montrachet et meursault charmes). Il me 3 bouteilles de 2003 et ça me donne envie d'en boire une rien que d'en parler winking smiley.

Pour ma part, je trouve que le domaine présente un bon (voir très bon) rapport Q/P (18 euros l'unité pour les deux bouteilles citées ci-dessus).

Tasting

We started with 3 reds, followed by 3 whites.

Pictures: The Domaine Mestre Père & Fils Wine Jonathan Poured

2013 Domaine Mestre Père & Fils Santenay
2012 Domaine Mestre Père & Fils Chassagne Montachet
2010 Domaine Mestre Père & Fils Santenay Clos Faubard 1er Cru
2013 Domaine Mestre Père & Fils Santenay
2013 Domaine Mestre Père & Fils Santenay Beaurepaire 1er Cru
2013 Domaine Mestre Père & Fils Ladoix Le Clou d'Orge

Bye-bye

Thanks Jonathan for a wonderful tasting.

Picture: Annette Schiller and Jonathan Mestre

Postings on the Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France (Posted and Forthcoming)

Preview: Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015 and 2016)

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine: Tour and Tasting with Jean Pierre Josselin - Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

The Wines of Tonnerre, France – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Séguinot-Bordet in Maligny, Chablis: Tour and Tasting with Owner and Winemaker Jean-François Bordet – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Brocard in Chablis: Lunch, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Odile Van Der Moere, Responsable de Cave – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Dinner at Hostellerie Chateau de la Barge in Creches-sur-Saone - Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais: Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Cyril Laumain, Chef de Cave – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Visit of the Abbey of Cluny and Lunch at Hostellerie d'Heloise in Cluny– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Theulot Juillot in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Nathalie and Jean-Claude Theulot – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Olivier Leflaive: Vineyard Walk and Cellar Tour, with Patrick Leflaive– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Lunch and Winetasting at La Table de Olivier in Pouligny Montrachet– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Wine Tasting at Domaine Mestre Père & Fils in Santenay with Jonathan Maestre

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Visit: Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune

Visit: Musée de l’Hospice de Beaune with Karoline Knoth, M.A.

Domaine A-F Gros in Beaune: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Owner and Winemaker Mathias Parent

Visit: Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune

Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Mathilde Nicolas (Brand Ambassador)

Wine Tasting at Domaine du Château de Prémeaux in Nuits Saint Georges with Owner and Winemaker Arnaud Pelletier

Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion in Vosne-Romanée: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Bernard Rion and Alice Rion

Domaine Guillon & Fils in Gevrey Chambertin: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Jean-Michel Guillon

Visit: Château du Clos de Vougeot

Picture: Congratulations Christian Witte, Domänenverwalter/Managing Director of Weingut Schloss Johannisberg, for #2 in the BerlinRieslingCup 2015 - Here Tasting with Annette and Christian Schiller at Schloss Johannisberg during the: Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Martin Zwick from Berlin is rapidly building up a reputation as being a mover and shaker in the German wine scene. This is due to the various Berlin Cups that he is organizing.

It all started with the BerlinRieslingCup a few years ago, a blind tasting and ranking in November of what Martin Zwick considered the leading Grosses Gewächs wines - the ultra-premium dry wines of the VDP producers, Germany’s elite wine makers - that were released on September 1 of the same year. Initially, people did not pay much attention to the BerlinRieslingCup, but this has clearly changed over the years.

Picture: Congratulations Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserat-Wittmann for #5 in the BerlinRieslingCup 2015 - Here: Welcoming the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2014 at Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann at Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Today, the BerlinCup is no longer just about Grosses Gewächs wines. Martin added a (1) BerlinGutsweinCup – ranking entry level dry Riesling wines, a (2) BerlinKabinettCup – ranking lightly sweet Riesling wines at the Kabinett level and (3) BerlinSpätburgunderCup – ranking German Pinot Noir wines. For more, see below.

BerlinRieslingCup

The Berlin RieslingCup is a very special annual ranking of German wines, at least for 2 reasons. First, it includes only dry ultra-premium Rieslings, mainly Grosses Gewächs wines. So, (1) the segment of fruity-sweet and noble-sweet ultra-premium wines, which are so popular in the German export markets, is excluded as is the (2) dry ultra-premium non-Riesling white wine segment, which is being pushed by many in the German wine industry. Second, and what makes this ranking so interesting, it is a very early ranking, basically the first one after the release of the wines in September.

Pictures: Congratulations Johannes Hasselbach for #6 in the BerlinRieslingCup 2015 - Here: Fritz Hasselbach with the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014) Group: Wine Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, with Owners and Winemaker Fritz Hasselbach and Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Grosses Gewächs (GG)

What is a Grosses Gewächs wine? There is currently a bit of confusion (and there will be even more confusion in the years to come) as (1) Grosses Gewächs was a term that was created by the VDP only a few years ago and (2) the VDP has created a new classification for German wines that differs radically from the German standard classification (and is still in the process of refining and implementing it). The latest revisions were those that came into effect with the vintage 2012.

Grosses Gewächs and the new German Wine Classification

Although many people think that there is only one wine classification system in Germany – the classification system of the Law of 1971 – this is not correct. True, the classification system of the Law of 1971 is the standard classification system in Germany and the vast majority of winemakers in Germany use this approach. A large number of winemakers, however, have moved away from the standard, in particular the VDP producers.

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller at the Grosses Gewächs Pre-release Tasting in Late August 2015 in Wiesbaden, Germany. See: Germany’s Grosses Gewächs GG Wines Released (2014 White and 2013 Red) - Notes from the Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, Germany

In a nutshell, the VDP is moving to a classification system that resembles very much the classification system in the Bourgogne. The classification of the VDP puts the terroir principle at the center of its classification approach.

With the latest modifications, the absolutely finest vineyards are called Grosse Lage and dry wines from these super top vineyards are called Grosses Gewächs. Grosses Gewächs wines are the finest dry wines from Germany’s finest vineyards. For legal reasons, the VDP producers use the terms VDP.Grosses Gewächs and VDP.Grosse Lage, instead of just Grosses Gewächs and Grosse Lage.

Pictures: Congratulations Klaus Peter and Julia Keller for #7 in the BerlinRieslingCup 2015 - Here: Annette Schiller with Julia and Klaus Peter Keller in New York: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA

To qualify for the Grosses Gewächs label, a number of criteria need to be respected. (i) The fruit has to come from a Grosse Lage vineyard. (ii) At harvest, the grapes need to be at least at Spätlese level in terms of the sugar content. (iii) Only certain – typical - grape varieties are allowed, including Riesling and Spätburgunder. Riesling is the only varietal allowed for Grosse Lage wines in the Mosel, Nahe, and Mittelrhein, but grapes like Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Lemberger, Frühburgunder, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Gewürztraminer, and Silvaner are included in other regions. (iv) Further restrictions apply: there are yield restrictions; only hand picking of grapes is permitted and harvest must be late in the autumn.

Picture: Congratulations Steffen Christmann for #11 in the BerlinRieslingCup 2015 - Here: Steffen Christman with the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014): Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

BerlinRieslingCup 2015

This year’s BerlinRieslingCup took place in early October and included 44 wines.

The overwhelming majority of the wines were GGs from VDP members. There were a few non-GG ultra-premium dry wines from non-VDP members and one from a VDP member, which did not qualify as a GG.

By definition, the 44 wines represented a subjective selection, but I think it probably included a substantial share of the ultra-premium Rieslings that could be the grand cru top wines of the 2014 vintage. 2 bottles came on the table. It is a blind tasting.

Here are the results.

Ranking

1 Bürklin-Wolf "Pechstein" GG 95 Punkte
2 Schloss Johannisberg "Silberlack" GG 95 Punkte
3 von Winning "Ungeheuer" GG 94 Punkte
4 von Buhl " Pechstein" GG 94 Punkte
5 Wittmann" Brunnenhäuschen" GG 94 Punkte
6 Gunderloch "Pettenthal" GG 93 Punkte
7 Keller "Abtserde" GG 93 Punkte
8 Schwedhelm "Schwarzer Herrgott" 93 Punkte
9. Aldinger "Gips" GG 93 Punkte
10. Wagner-Stempel "Heerkretz" GG 93 Punkte
11 A. Christmann "Mandelgarten" GG 93 Punkte
12 Battenfeld-Spanier "Am Schwarzen Herrgott" GG 93 Punkte
13 Schäfer-Fröhlich "Halenberg" GG 93 Punkte
14 Jakob Jung "Hohenrain" 93 Punkte
15 Keller "Pettenthal" GG 93 Punkte
16 Bassermann-Jordan "Ungeheuer"GG 93 Punkte
17 von Winning "Grainhübel" GG 93 Punkte
18 Emrich-Schoenleber "Halenberg" GG 93 Punkte
19 A. Christmann "IDIG" GG 93 Punkte
20 Rings "Saumagen" 92 Punkte
21 Wittmann "Morstein" GG 92 Punkte
22 Spreitzer "St Nikolaus" GG 92 Punkte
23 Bassermann-Jordan "Hohenmorgen" GG 92 Punkte
24 R. Haart "Goldtröpfchen" GG 92 Punkte
25 Heymann-Loewenstein "Röttgen" GG 92 Punkte
26 Schäfer-Fröhlich "Felsenberg" GG 92 Punkte
27 Kühling-GillotG "Pettenthal" GG 92 Punkte
28 Dautel "Steingrüben" GG 92 Punkte
29 Lauer "Kupp" GG 91 Punkte
30 Diel "Goldloch" GG 91 Punkte
31 St Anthony "10morgen" GG 91 Punkte
32 Gunderloch "Rothenberg" GG 91 Punkte
33 Buhl "Ungeheuer" GG 91 Punkte
34 Schloss Lieser "Helden" GG 91 Punkte
35 Katharina Wechsler "Benn" 90 Punkte
36 Weil "Gräfenberg" GG 90 Punkte
37 Fürst "Centgrafenberg" GG 89 Punkte
38 Sauer "am Lumpen 1655" GG 89 Punkte
39 Flick "Herrgottspfad" 88 Punkte
40 Hans Lang Wisselbrunnen 88 Punkte
41 Groebe "Aulerde" GG 88 Punkte
42 Julianne Eller "Frühmesse" 88 Punkte
43 Gold "Beutelsacher Altenberg" 87 Punkte
44 Bürklin-Wolf Ungeheuer GG 81 Punkte

The winner is – as in this year’s BerlinGutsrieslingCup - Weingut Bürklin-Wolf from the Pfalz. In general, the Pfalz region is well represented among the top 10 wines (1 Bürklin-Wolf "Pechstein" GG 95 Punkte, 3 von Winning "Ungeheuer" GG 94 Punkte, 4 von Buhl " Pechstein" GG 94 Punkte, 8 Schwedhelm "Schwarzer Herrgott" 93 Punkte) as is the Rheinhessen region (5 Wittmann" Brunnenhäuschen" GG 94 Punkte, 6 Gunderloch "Pettenthal" GG 93 Punkte, 7 Keller "Abtserde" GG 93 Punkte, 10. Wagner-Stempel "Heerkretz" GG 93 Punkte). Notable is the ranking of Weingut Schwedhelm, ahead of many well established VDP producers, as is the ranking of Schloss Johannisberg from the Rheingau, with 95 points at the top of the list (#2).

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Berlin Cups)

Germany’s Best Ultra-premium Dry Riesling Wines - BerlinRieslingCup 2015, Germany
Germany’s Best Ultra-premium Dry Riesling Wines - BerlinRieslingCup 2014, Germany
Germany’s Best Ultra-premium Dry Riesling Wines - BerlinRieslingCup 2013, Germany
Germany’s Ultra Premium Dry Riesling Wines – The Berlin Riesling Cup 2012
Germany’s Top Wines – The Berlin Riesling Cup 2011 Ranking

Martin Zwick’s BerlinGutsrieslingCup 2015 - Rating Dry Entry-level Rieslings from Germany's Best Producers
Martin Zwick’s BerlinGutsrieslingCup 2014 - Rating Entry-level Rieslings from Germany's Best Producers
BerlinGutsrieslingCup 2013– Rating Entry-level Rieslings from Germany
Berlin Gutsriesling Cup 2012, Germany

Martin Zwick's BerlinKabinettCup 2015: Germany's Best 2014 Riesling Kabinett Wines
Martin Zwick's BerlinKabinettCup 2014, Germany
BerlinKabinettCup 2013 - Kabinett 2012, Germany

Germany's Best Pinot Noir Wines - BerlinSpätburgunderCup 2012/2014
BerlinSpaetburgunderCup 2011/2013, Germany

Schiller-wine - Related Postings

Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Germany’s Grosses Gewächs GG Wines Released (2014 White and 2013 Red) - Notes from the Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, Germany

Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann at Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Wine Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, with Owners and Winemaker Fritz Hasselbach and Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

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

Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

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

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

Picture: Tasting in the Weinworks Building of Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll

Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll is beautifully situated right in the middle of the world-renowned vineyard Würzburger Stein in the town of Würzburg in Franken, Germany. With 3 grapes in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015, it is one of Germany’s top producers.

Sandra and Ludwig Knoll own and run the estate. We were hosted by Christian Lau and briefly met Ludwig Knoll. Christian Lau gave us a cellar tour and tasted the wines with us.

Pictures: Arriving at Weingut am Stein Ludwig Knoll

Franken

Franken, located in the northern part of Bavaria, is boasting a long tradition and some fine terroirs (mostly shell limestone and Keuper, a kind of marl). Its two leading grape varieties are Riesling and Silvaner. Typically, Franken wine comes in the distinctive, dumpily-rounded Franken “Bocksbeutel” wine bottle. The bottle’s unusual shape dates back to at least the 16th century. The Bocksbeutel may only be used for Franken wines. In Germany, it is a sign of excellence, while in the US, many consumers link this kind of bottle shape to lower quality wine.

Pictures: In Würzburg in the Evening

Weingut am Stein Ludwig Knoll

Ludwig Knoll and his wife Sandra are the fifth generation to run this 30 hectares estate. Weingut am Stein Ludwig Knoll is nestled on the side of the most famous Franconian vineyard, the Würzburger Stein. Silvaner, generally regarded as the Franken region’s most distinctive variety, accounts for about 25 percent of their vineyards. The Knolls moved to organic viticulture in 2008 and are now fully biodynamic.

Export accounts for 10% of the sales. Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll is currently not available in the American market, although they used to export to the US a few years ago via Dr. Loosen Imports.

Pictures: In the Central Court Area with Christian Lau

Vineyards

The vineyards of Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll are in the Würzburger Stein, the Würzburger Innere Leiste and the Stettener Stein, with 25% Silvaner, 25% Pinot Blanc, Gris and Noir and 20% Riesling.

Christian Lau: We see biological equilibrium as the key element for our vineyards. The path to achieving this has begun with fastidious soil remediation and intensive learning. Nature shows us what the vines need – it is the driving force and peace of mind.

Stettener Stein

The Stettener Stein lies along the River Main approximately 20 kilometers downstream from Würzburg. Stetten has a very long tradition in viticulture and the Stettener Stein vineyard is one of the oldest in the Franconian wine region.

The Stettener Stein was formed about two million years ago by the erosive power of the Main. The main vineyards lie in a semicircular cutting about 80 Meters above the river on top of the rocky limestone banks. The sheltered vineyard plot with an incline 50 to 60%, faces in a south-south-westerly direction. The highly calcareous topsoil is very shallow, and easily warmed. The flat topsoil induces stress on the vines and pose difficulties for the roots to penetrate. This stress forces the vines to develop deeper roots to penetrate the characteristic mineral shell limestone layer.

Würzburger Stein

Würzburger Stein: The steeply sloping, south-facing, concave-shaped Würzburger Stein stretches high above the city. It lies at a height of 210 to 250m above sea level and has a gradient between 30 and 70%.

The soil was formed by the weathering of the middle and top shell-limestone layers. The soil structure is very rich in skeletal material and has a very thin topsoil. This favors its excellent capacity for storing heat. In some places the shell-limestone is interspersed with layers of loam and clay.

Above the vineyard is a belt of forest which protects the vines from the north (cool) wind. The shape of the hill, the proximity of the city, the direction and the soil structure create ideal local climatic conditions for grape development and ripening.

Pictures: Cellar Tour

Würzburger Innere Leiste

Innere Leiste: The Innere Leiste lies on the left side of the Main River in a small valley on the south side of the `Marienberg´, the fortress of the Prince Bishops. Its position is a typical example of the great influence of the micro-climate on the environment of a vineyard. The heat from the Würzburger basin reaches up from the city the Marienberg protects the vineyard from the cold northerlies.

The soil of the Innere Leiste is middle shell limestone, a sediment layer made from lime algae and shells. Formed over millions of years the clay rich limestone contributes to the excellent heat retaining quality of the soil. The stony, weakly mineral loam is deep and has a good humus supply. This leads to a balanced nutrient availability for the vines.

Pictures: The Steinkeller, which we only saw under Construction

Wine, Art and Food

Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll was founded in 1890. Initially, the winery was located in the old town of Würzburg. The main occupation of the Knoll family was a coopery and wine was made only on the side. In 1980, the Knoll family decided to move the winery to the foot of the Würzburg Stein. Sandra and Ludwig Knoll took over the winery in the 1991 and substantially redesigned the winery.

Today, Weingut am Stein comprises an ensemble of buildings, which were either renovated, upgraded or added since Sandra and Ludwig Knoll took over. In a first step, the Kitchen House was added and the inhouse catering establishment upgraded into a Restaurant and Wine Bar. Then, the Wineworks, were we had our tasting, and the WinePress House with guest quarters were added. When we visited there was construction work going on.

Picture: Ludwig Knoll

The outcome is an architectural ensemble that has won many prizes. Christian Lau: We chose the architecture with a view of expressing the style of our wines in the buildings. We do not make wines any more that are baroque or playful; they are straightforward. So we tried to match the architecture with the uncompromising style of our wines.

First, the restaurant and wine bar are leased out to Chef Bernhard Reiser, who cooks there at the highest level. Reisers is a one-star Michelin Restaurant and the wine bar was included by Geroldsteiner in a list of the 18 best wine places in Germany. The wines offered are of course Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll wines, but also other top wines.

Pictures: Restaurant and Wine Bar

Second, the Kitchen House: Christian Lau: Cooking and eating together with a group of nice people. The Kitchen House is the part of our winery devoted to fun and the enjoyment of wining and dining whilst acquiring valuable culinary tips. Spend time in the Kitchen House in relaxed company looking over our head chef’s shoulder, whilst enjoying our wines.

Third, in the newly erected Winepress House, on the left when you enter the winery, the grapes are pressed in the basement. But the Winepress House also includes guest quarters. Christian Lau: You are invited to enjoy our large 3 bedroom apartment with an open dining, kitchen area. A cosy fireplace in winter or the terrace in summer gives you the opportunity to relax on the base of the Würzburger Stein, whilst overlooking the city.

The natural stone building with its horizontally layered facade in shell limestone panels is a modern interpretation of the vineyard house typical of the region.

Picture: Winepress House

Fourth, the second new building further into the estate is the equally high profile WineWorks. It is used for presentations and wine tastings.

Picture: WineWorks

Christian Lau: Its design is notable for a twin-layer facade in green glass and for the vertical oak beams with which the building is clad, features redolent with the colors and structure of the Würzburger Stein. They trigger a play of light that varies with the time of day and subjects both the inner and outer appearance of the WineWorks to a constant process of change. The building is so close to the vineyard hills that there is a sense of the vine’s horizontal structure passing seamlessly over into the timber beams. Vineyard and WineWorks become a single harmonious entity.

Pictures: Tasting with Christian Lau

The Wines we Tasted

Interestingly, Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll uses different bottle types for its various wines. The basic VDP,Gutswein is bottled in Bordeaux bottle. The VDP.Ortswein and VDP.Erste Lage is bottled in a Bocksbeutel bottle. The VDP.Grosse Lage wine is bottled in a Bourgogne bottle.

Picture: Line-up of the Wines we Tasted

Frank and Frei (a joint venture with other winemakers from Franken) and Junge Wilde are the 2 entry-level categories of Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll (which we skipped).

2014 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Würzburger Silvaner trocken VDP.Ortswein
2014 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Würzburger Stein Silvaner trocken VDP.Erste Lage
2013 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Stettener Stein Silvaner Grosses Gewächs VDP.Grosse Lage

2013 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Vinz Alte Reben Silvaner trocken

VINZ – Back to the roots. Vinz – The wine named after the youngest member of the Knoll family, are Ludwig Knolls speciality. The grapes originate from the steep slopes of the Stettener Stein vineyard.
The old vines are over 40 years old. These two authentic wines with independent characters immerse you in suspense and minerality. The depth and length on the palate underline the salty mineral complexes from the Stettener Stein.

2014 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Würzburger Innere Leiste Riesling trocken VDP.Erste Lage
2013 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Stettener Stein Riesling Grosses Gewächs VDP.Grosse Lage
2013 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Vinz Alte Reben Riesling trocken
2013 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Montonia Weissburgunder trocken

2013 Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll Montonia Spätburgunder trocken

Since 1998 the Montonia range is synonymous for the best Burgundy wines produced at Weingut am Stein. The inspiration for the range is derived from Ludwig Knolls daughter Antonia. The range presents itself multifaceted, full bodied with concentrated fruit.

Low yields and the contact with fine pored European oak guarantee the success of this wine. The potential is shown after numerous years of aging, the fine aromas and elegant full bodied finish need the time to develop.
Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll also has noble-sweet wines, sparkling wines and brandies in its portfolio.

Bye bye

Thanks Christian Lau for a very nice tour and tasting.

Postings: Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) (Published and Forthcoming)

Preview: Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

The Art Marketer: OMBIASY PR & WINE TOURS - Germany-East

Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Tasting at Weingut Lützkendorf with Uwe Lützkendorf – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut): Estate Tour and Wine Tasting with Markus Pawis – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Weingut Thürkind in Gröst, Saale-Unstrut: Tour, Tasting and Lunch – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Schiller's Favorite Winemakers in the Saale Unstrut Region, Germany

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe, in Zadel, Sachsen: Tour and Tasting with Prinz zur Lippe – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Dining with Prinz zur Lippe, Owner of Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, at the Lippe’sches Gutshaus - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Weingut Karl Friedrich Aust in Radebeul, Sachsen: Tour and Lunch with Tasting – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Visit of Weingut Klaus Zimmerling: The Wines of Klaus Zimmerling and the Art of his Wife Malgorzata Chodakoska - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Schiller's Favorite Winemakers in Sachsen (Saxony), Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching in Iphofen in Franken with General Manager Uwe Matheus– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Visit and Tasting at Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll in Würzburg, Franken

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Star Winemaker Paul Fürst at Weingut Fürst in Franken

Würzburg and its 3 Historic Wine Taverns: Juliusspital, Bürgerspital and Staatlicher Hofkeller

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Graf Neipperg in Schwaigern, Württemberg

Tasting at Weingut Dautel in Württemberg with Christian Dautel

Wine Pairing Dinner at Restaurant Friedrich von Schiller in Bietigheim-Bissingen in Württemberg

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Herzog von Württemberg at Schloss Monrepos with Owner F.R.H. Carl Duke of Württemberg

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Rainer Schnaitmann at Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann in Fellbach, Württemberg

Wine Tasting at Weingut Simon-Bürkle in Zwingenberg, Hessische Bergstrasse

Picture: Jancis Robinson, MW, The Financial Times, Annette Schiller, ombiasy PR and WineTours, and Christian Schiller in Montreux, Switzerland, at the DWCC2014

Grosse Weine – Unser Leben / Grand Wines – Our Lives is a wonderful coffee table book, which Wilhelm Weil produced as a birthday gift for his friend and right hand man, Weingut Robert Weil’s Deputy Managing Director, Jochen Becker-Köhn. Along with other wine friends, I contributed to the book.

The Story Behind the Book

2 years ago, I received a package from Wilhelm Weil, with a bottle of his outstanding ultra-premium wines, and 2 sets of Skat cards, which had “Weingut Robert Weil” in the light-blue “Robert Weil label color” on the back.

Pictures: Dinner with Jochen Becker-Köhn in Singapore

See also:
Deputy Managing Director Jochen Becker-Köhn and Export Director Nicolas Pfaff of Weingut Robert Weil in Singapore

Skat is arguably the most popular German card game. It was developed in the early 1980s in Altenburg in Thiringia, Germany, based on the three-player game of Tarock and the four-player game of Schafkopf. As a student, I used to play Skat a couple of times per week in the evening.

In a letter, Wilhelm Weil explained why he had sent me the wine bottle and the Skat cards and what his plan was: His right hand man and close friend for many, many years, Jochen Becker-Köhn, was turning 60 in August 2015 and his idea was to put together a picture book for him, with pictures from people who know Jochen, drinking Weingut Robert Weil wine and playing Skat with the Weil Skat cards. Wilhelm Weil invited me and Annette to support the project.

My Photo Submissions

Well, I found it a great idea. In the following months, wherever I travelled, I was looking for an opportunity to shoot a picture for the Jochen Becker-Köhn book. I managed to submit two photos and both made it into the book.

The first one was taken in Singapore, with the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the back.

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller in Singapore, with the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the Back

The second one was taken in Montreux, at the 2014 Digital Wine Communications Conference, with Jancis Robinson.

Picture: Jancis Robinson, MW, The Financial Times, Annette Schiller, ombiasy PR and WineTours, and Christian Schiller in Montreux, Switzerland, at the DWCC2014

The Book

Recently, when I arrived in my Frankfurt Home for the 3 fall tours of ombiasy WineTours (Germany-South, Germany-North and Bordeaux), I found a copy of the book in the mail.

The book contains more than 200 photos, including my 2 submissions.

You find a selection of the photos on the web site of Weingut Wilhelm Weil in the "Up-to-date" column under the heading: A hand of Skat, played around the world with cards from Weingut Robert Weil! (August 23, 2015) and on the facebook page of Weingut Wilhelm Weil.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

Deputy Managing Director Jochen Becker-Köhn and Export Director Nicolas Pfaff of Weingut Robert Weil in Singapore

Weingut Robert Weil, Kiedrich, Rheingau, Germany: Super Sommerfest/Summer Party 2014

Weingut Robert Weil Goes Facebook, Germany

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

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

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

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

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

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

Picture: Bordeaux City Getting Ready "pour un pot" - View from Hotel La Tour Intendance

This is an update of Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City (2014), which I prepared following the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2013).

See here:
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France, 2014
Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Over the course of the past 2 years, there were a number of changes. Overall, more wine bars appear to have closed down than new wine bars opened. The list below is in no particular order.

See here:
Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux City

The city of Bordeaux is a jewel, with vestiges from the Roman era and medieval town gates. However, the 18th century was its golden age. Victor Hugo once said: “Take Versailles, add Antwerp, and you have Bordeaux.”

Bordeaux is often referred to as "Little Paris". Baron Haussmann, a long-time prefect of Bordeaux, used Bordeaux’s 18th century, big-scale rebuilding as a model when he was asked by Emperor Napoleon III to transform a then still quasimedieval Paris into a “modern” capital that would make France proud.

The city was ruled by the English for a long time, which is why Bordeaux seems to have an "English flair". After the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Bordeaux came under English rule between 1152 and 1453. It was then that the British first developed their taste for Claret, as the red Bordeaux wine is called in the UK.

The city has recently been classified by UNESCO as an “outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”.Bordeaux has a million inhabitants, including a lively university community of over 60,000.

Pictures: Visiting Bordeaux City

Bordeaux is a flat city, built on the left banks of the Garonne. The Garonne merges a dozen kilometers below the city with the Dordogne to form the Gironde, which is biggest estuary in France. The two main entertainment spots are: (1) Formerly inhabited by wine merchant warehouses, the docks (les quais) are now home to gardens, bike and skate paths, boutiques, museums, cafés, bars and restaurants. (2) La Victoire is the other area for entertainment: Historical monuments meet student life and bars. Most of the pubs and bars of the town are here. Virtually, all the shops in the surroundings of this area are bars.

See:
In the Wine Capital of the World: the City of Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy
Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars

Le Wine Bar

19 Rue des Bahutiers, in the historic St. Pierre district

Annette's and my favorite wine bar in Bordeaux.

Run and owned by two charming Italians, Giancarlo Savini, Emmanuel Cadei, and their French wives, the wine list also includes many wines from Italy and other countries. A cosy, small place. The food is charcuterie and cheese. Le Wine Bar is an excellent location to enjoy a glass on an outdoor terrace.

Pictures: At Le Wine Bar with Owner Emmanuel Cadei

Le Bar a Vin

3 Cours du 30 Juillet

Le Bar a Vin is located on the ground floor of the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, diagonally opposite the Grand Théatre. Le Bar a Vin is one of the few wine bars open all day. However, if you are interested in premium Bordeaux wines, this is not the place to go. Le Bar a Vin does not showcase the wines of the perhaps 400 producers people talk about in the world, but the wines of the 15.000 or so other producers that also make excellent wines. Most wines are around Euro 3 per glass including tax and service.
The menu - updated every several weeks - includes about 20 Bordeaux wines, all served by the glass only. But Le Bar a Vin also serves one or two premium wines; we had the 4. Cru Classé en 1855 Château Lafon Rochet 2007 at €8. The food menu is plates of charcuterie, and cheeses for Euro 6.

Pictures: At Le Bar a Vin

Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery

14 Cours de l'Intendance

Not too far away from Le Bar a Vin is Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery, just the opposite of Le Bar a Vin. The enomatic system contains wines of the 400 producers or so that are known all over the world. For higher-end wines, Max Bordeaux is the place to go. If you have questions, a wall-mounted iPad offers fact sheets and wine critics’ tasting notes about every single wine, in English. However, no casual seating or food is available. Also, Max Bordeaux closes early in the evening (8 pm).

Pictures: At Max Bordeaux

Aux Quatres Coins Du Vin

8 Rue de la Devise

Like Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery, wines are also dispensed with the enomatic system and, more like Le Bar a Vin, this cute wine bar offers more affordable wines. Unlike both Le Bar a Vin and Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery, its selection includes also non-Bordeaux wines - 32 different wines: 8 whites, 8 red from Bordeaux, 8 red from other parts of France and 8 red from abroad. In addition, you can always order a bottle from the 130 references wine list. Aux Quatres Coins Du Vin also serves cheese and charcuterie platters, but not a full meal. A hipp, young crowd.

Pictures: At Aux Quatres Coins Du Vin

Vin Urban (formerly Vinset)

27 Rue des Bahutiers

Formerly Vinset, a new wine bar just around the corner of Le Wine Bar.

Pictures: Vin Urban

Le Boutique Hotel Wine Bar

3 Rue Lafaurie Monbadon

Winerist: A small and cozy bar in the lobby of a Boutique Hotel in the city center, this wine bar is a great experience for the adventurous wine lover. Here also the waiters don’t offer you a menu, rather they ask what type of wine you prefer and bring you a bottle with a hidden label. You then can taste and attempt to discover the varietal, vintage and production area, which isn’t always even in France. In addition, the bar offers tapas and deli plates as well as a garden seating area for the warm summer months.

Picture: Le Boutique Hotel Winebar

Le Millésime Wine bar and Tapas Restaurant

4 rue du Puits Descujols

Le Millésime Bar à vins: Situé dans le cœur historique de Bordeaux, à 20 mètres de la Place de la Bourse, le Millésime est un nouveau concept de bar à vins et restaurant à Bordeaux qui propose la dégustation de grands crus classés au verre, accompagnés d’une grande variété de tapas élaborés à partir de produits frais des marchés du sud ouest et d’Espagne. Notre chef Martial décline également à travers une carte de plats typiques les saveurs de la cuisine du sud ouest de la France. L’ambiance du Millésime est à la fois chic et décontractée, appuyée par la présence récurrente d’un DJ pour les soirées week-end. Le Millésime vous propose un grand choix de vins au verre avec plus d’une trentaine de références principalement de vins de Bordeaux, Bourgogne, vallées du Rhone et de la Loire, sans oublier les vins Espagnols et d’Amérique du sud. Parmi ces choix, Le Millésime a également la particularité de proposer des premiers grands crus classés au verre : ce mois-ci Château d’Yquem 1995, Château Cheval-Blanc 2004, et Château Haut-Brion 2002.

Verre o Vin

43 Rue Borie, (Chartrons)

Winerist: Located just down the street from the Wine Museum in Chartrons, Verre o Vin is a small local bar with an amazing offering. Carved into the historic limestone buildings of the city’s ancient wine district, Verre o Vin offers both bottle service and wines by the glass served from Enomatic machines. There is also a small but high quality menu of farm-to-table deli plates and regional items, like foie gras, to accompany your tasting.

Pictures: Verre O Vin

Login Bar (formerly Wine and Soul)

23 Rue du Couvent (Chartrons)

A new opening.

Picture: Login Bar ( Photo: Per Karlson)

Wine More Time

8 Rue St. James

Wine Shop and Wine Bar

Winerist: With a wine list that changes frequently, Wine More Time is a wine store, a wine bar and a temple to all things wine. Offering a wide range of French wines at reasonable prices, the bar also offers a unique selection of beers and spirits as well as deli plates. With its dedicated tasting space, they offer specialised wine courses and planned tastings and can organize private events.

L’Univerre

40-42 Rue Lecocq

Bar – Restaurant – Wine Shop

Bordeaux expert and Bordeaux City resident Jane Awson recommendation on twitter.

Decanter: L’Univerre Wine Shop opened in April 2014 by Olivier Beyre. The restaurant was already well known for its extensive wine list, but now the bottles are available to buy and take off-premises, with an excellent range from Bordeaux, the Rhône, Burgundy, Germany, Austria… you name it.

The Wine Cellar Insider: L’Univerre known for its extensive wine list of Grand Crus Class wines as well as traditional wines from smaller producers. A more recent arrival to the wine bar scene in Bordeaux, L’Univerre is the brainchild of Fabrice Moisan. His curated menu is short, with well-executed dishes of classic French comfort food paired with an extensive wine list (which is 62 pages long!). While most Bordeaux wine bars stick to Bordeaux, that is not the case here as you can also find wines from the Rhone valley, Burgundy, the Loire as well. In the cellar are older vintage Bordeaux that are priced to sell and Fabrice is open to queries about his other rare bottles.

L'Intendant

2 Allées deTourney

Wine Store

Not a wine bar., but an amazing wine store of 4 levels connected by a single spiral staircase, just next to the Grand Hotel. The collection includes over 15,000 bottles.

Pictures: At L'Intendant

Racines

59 Rue Georges Bonnac

Restaurant

Not a wine bar; not a wine centered restaurant.

Un nouveau restaurant vient d’ouvrir à Bordeaux ce mois ci : le restaurant Racines. A l’initiative de ce restaurant on retrouve Daniel Gallacher ; ce jeune Chef d’origine écossaise a un joli parcours à son actif, avec notamment un passage au Plaza Athénée chez Alain Ducasse. Il n’est pas inconnu des bordelais non plus, puisqu’il était auparavant le Chef du restaurant Dubern. Daniel Gallacher a souhaité s’installer à son propre compte, et c’est en plein centre de Bordeaux, rue Georges Bonnac qu’il a trouvé et aménagé son local.

Daniel propose des formules simples pour manger à son restaurant : Menus uniques à 17 euros pour le déjeuner, et 25 euros le soir avec le choix entre 2 entrées, 2 plats et 2 desserts. Le Menu est le même midi et soir (seuls les amuses bouches et pré dessert sont rajoutés pour le dîner). Il existe aussi un Menu Dégustation à 40 euros avec l’ensemble des plats. Ces Menus changent tous les jours et sont affichés en sale.

Schiller’ Favorites

Here is a complete list of Schiller's Favorites:

Europe

Germany

Schiller's Favorite Winemakers in Sachsen (Saxony), Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Winemakers in the Saale-Unstrut Region, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany
Schiller's Favorite (Wine-) Restaurants in Deidesheim in the Pfalz, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Berlin, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Frankfurt am Main, 2013, Germany
Schiller's Favorite Apple Wine Taverns in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France
Schiller’s Favorite Restaurants, Brasseries, Bistros, Cafes and Wine Bars in Paris, France
Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France, 2014
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in St. Emilion, France
Schiller’s Favorite Restaurants, Brasseries, Bistros, Cafes and Wine Bars in Paris, 2012 France
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux (City) (2012), France

UK, Spain, Austria, Hungary

Schiller's Favorite Winebars in London, UK
Schiller’s Favorite Tapas Bars in Logroño in La Rioja, Spain
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in London, 2012, UK
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Wine Spots in Vienna, Austria
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Budapest, Hungary
Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria (2011)

USA

Riesling Crawl in New York City – Or, Where to Buy German Wine in Manhattan: Schiller's Favorite Wine Stores, USA
Schiller's Favorite Oyster Bars and Seafood Places in Seattle, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle, USA
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Washington DC, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Crab Houses in the Washington DC Region, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, 2012, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in San Francisco, USA
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Places Where You Can Have a Glass of Wine in Healdsburg, California

Asia

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Singapore
Schiller s Favorite Winebars in Beijing, 2014, China

Africa

Schiller's Favorite Wines of Madagascar
Schiller’s 12 Favorite Restaurants of Antananarivo, the Capital of Madagascar

Postings on the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Tour and Wine Dinner at Domaine de Chevalier with Director Adjoint Rémi Edange and Owner/Director Olivier Bernard– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Angélus, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A.

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Beauséjour, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker Gérard Dupuy

Tour and Tasting at Château Tertre-Rôteboeuf, Saint-Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile

Tour and tasting at Château de Figeac, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé.

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

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland

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

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffelière, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Tasting at Château de Fargues, Sauternes, with Prince Eudes d’Orléans

Wine Lunch at Restaurant Château de la Tour in Cadillac and Tour at Château Du Cros, Loupiac, with Catherine Boyer, Proprietor of Château Du Cros

Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé.

Lunch at the 2 Michelin Starred Restaurant La Grande Vigne

Tour of the Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm and Oyster Tasting in Grand-Piquey, with Oyster Farmer Ralph Doerfler

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Médoc, in Bégadan, with Stefan Paeffgen

Château Léoville-Poyferré, Chateau Le Crock, Didier Cuvelier in Bordeaux and the Cuvelier Los Andes Wines in Argentina

Tour and Tasting at Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Didier Cuvelier

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Pauillac, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac, 1ière Grand Cru Classé.

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil

Lunch at Restaurant Le Peyrat in Saint-Estèphe with the Grape Pickers of Château Sociando Mallet

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Basile Tesseron

Tour and Tasting at Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

Tourt and tasting at Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Diana Paulin

Picture: Christian Schiller, Annette Schiller and Sommelier Paul Grieco (Terroir, Summer of Riesling) at the 2015 Rieslingfeier in New York City, USA

This is a German and shorter version of an earlier article in English, published here on schiller-wine: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA

Here is a list of all postings:

Coming-up: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA
A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA
The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA
Riesling Crawl in New York City– Or, Where to Buy German Wine in Manhattan: Schiller's Favorite Wine Stores, USA
The Gala Dinner of the Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA
Lunch at Momofuku Ssäm Bar in New York City, USA

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Die Rieslingfeier ist eine jährliche Veranstaltung in New York City, die den deutschen Riesling huldigt. Im Mittelpunkt steht das Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner, das als “wahrscheinlich grösstes BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) Dinner mit deutschem Wein auf der Welt” vom Veranstalter angepriesen wird. Fachseminare, Weinproben, und andere Veranstaltungen runden das Programm ab. Die Rieslingfeier ist eine Idee von Stephen Bitterolf, dem Eigentümer und Geschäftsführer der vom Boden Importfirma, und wird auch von ihm organisiert.

Picture: New York City

In diesem Jahr fand die Rieslingfeier am 31 Januar statt. 11 deutsche Winzer waren dem Ruf von Bitterolf gefolgt:

Johannes Weber, Hofgut Falkenstein, Mosel (Saar),
Christian Vogt, Weingut Karthäuserhof, Mosel (Ruwer),
Klaus Peter Keller, Weingut Keller, Rheinhessen,
Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Mosel,
Egon Müller, Weingut Egon Müller, Mosel (Saar)
Johannes Selbach, Weingut Selbach-Oster, Mosel
Eva Fricke, Weingut Eva Fricke, Rheingau
Johannes Leitz, Weingut Josef Leitz, Rheingau,
Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut Van Volxem, Mosel (Saar),
Andreas Hütwohl, Weingut von Winning, Pfalz,
Hanno Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken, Mosel (Saar)

Picture: Standing: Johannes Weber, Hofgut Falkenstein, Mosel (Saar), Christian Vogt, Weingut Karthäuserhof, Mosel (Ruwer), Klaus Peter Keller, Weingut Keller, Rheinhessen, Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Mose,Egon Müller, Weingut Egon Müller, Mosel (Saar)
Sitting: Johannes Selbach, Weingut Selbach-Oster, Mosel, Julia Keller, Weingut Keller, Rheinhessen
Eva Fricke, Weingut Eva Fricke, Rheingau
Not on the Picture: Johannes Leitz, Weingut Josef Leitz, Rheingau, Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut Van Volxem, Mosel (Saar), Andreas Hütwohl, Weingut Von Winning, Pfalz, Hanno Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken, Mosel (Saar)

Die Riesingfeier 2015 began mit einer Begrüssungsparty in der beliebten Weinbar Corkbuzz in Chelsea am Vorabend um 22 Uhr.

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Christian Schiller with Christian Vogt, Weingut Karthäuserhof, Mosel (Ruwer), Eva Fricke, Weingut Eva Fricke, Rheingau and Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Mosel

Samstag ging es dann morgens mit Seminaren weiter. Umgeben von weltbekannten Skulpturen von Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Henry Moore und Auguste Rodin fanden die Seminare im The Modern statt, einem Restaurant im MoMA:

Terroir, Riesling und der Rhein - mit Eva Fricke, Keller, Leitz. Moderator: David Schildknecht
Saar Vielfalt - mit Hofgut Falkenstein, Van Volxem, Zilliken. Moderator: David Schildknecht
Was ist ein Kabinett? - mit Karthäuserhof, Egon Müller, Selbach-Oster. Moderatoren: John Gilman und Stephen Bitterolf
Riesling Reborn - mit Immich-Batterieberg, Van Volxem, von Winning. Moderator: David Schildknecht

Pictures: Annette Schiller with David Schildknecht, Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut Van Volxem, Mosel (Saar), Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Mosel, and Andreas Hütwohl, Weingut Von Winning, Pfalz

Am Nachmittag ging es weiter mit dem Riesling Crawl: Die deutschen Winzer schenkten in New Yorker Weinläden ihre Weine aus. Die Teilnehmer an der Rieslingfeier als auch interessierte New York Weinlieberhaber hatten die Möglichkeit, Weine der 11 teilnehmenden Winzer zu probieren und mit den Winzern darüber zu reden.

Picture: Riesling Crawl

Pictures: Egon Müller and Hanno Zilliken at Astor Wines & Spirits, 399 Lafayette Street

Pictures: Johannes Selbach (Selbach-Oster) and Christian Vogt (Karthäuserhof) at Flatiron Wines & Spirits, 929 Broadway

Pictures: Klaus Peter and Julia Keller with Timo Seiwert (Pinard de Picard) at Moore Brothers Wine Company, 33 East 20th Street, with David Schildknecht, Christian Schiller and Annette Schiller

Den krönenden Abschluss bildete das Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner. Während ein Lagerkomplex neben dem Restaurant in Flammen aufging und New York’s Feuerwehrleute in eisigen Temparaturen den Brand bekämpften, fand im Reynard im Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn eine spektakuläre Riesling Party statt. Über 100 Weinfreaks waren aus dem ganzen Land nach New York gepilgert, um mit den 11 deutschen Top-Produzenten ein Abendessen und deutschen Riesling zu genießen. Jeweils 1 Winzer sass mit 10 Riesling Fans an einem Tisch. Unter den amerikanischen Weinfreunden waren insbesondere die Tische von Egon Müller, Hanno Zilliken und Klaus Peter Keller begehrt.

Die Weine wurden eingeschenkt und das Essen serviert von einer Riege von New York Star Sommeliers, angeführt von Sommelier Raj Vaidya (Daniel). An meinem Tisch (Johannes Leitz) waren wir in den guten Händen von Paul Grieco (Terroir Bars) und Juliette Pope (Gramercy Tavern). Getrunken wurden erstmal die Weine, die am Tisch mitgebracht worden waren. An meinem Tisch waren wir natürlich rheingaulastig mit Johannes Leitzs Spitzenweinen, einschliesslich vieler älterer Jahrgänge. Aber man konnte auch an anderen Tischen probieren. Viele meiner amerikanischen Weinfreunde mit einer Vorliebe für restsüsse Moselweine zog es zu den Tischen von Egon Müller und Hanno Zilliken.

Picture: Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn - Rieslingfeier and Rieslingfire

Picture: Stephen Bitterolf Opening the Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner

Pictures: Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner - the Tables of Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut Van Volxem, Mosel (Saar), Klaus Peter Keller, Weingut Keller, Rheinhessen, Hanno Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken, Mosel (Saar), Egon Müller, Weingut Egon Müller, Mosel (Saar) and Johannes Leitz, Weingut Josef Leitz, Rheingau

Picture: David Schildknecht and Annette Schiller

Picture: Johannes and Barbara Selbach and Annette Schiller

Picture: Annette Schiller, Julia Keller, Klaus Peter Keller

Picture: Germany-based Retailer Timo Seiwert and Klaus Peter and Julia Keller

Picture: Egon Müller Pouring

Picture: Kluas Peter Keller Pouring G Max 2012

Picture: Dan Weber (Schatzi Wines), Eva Fricke, Johannes Leitz, Paul Grieco

Picture: Egon Müller and Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut Van Volxem

Picture: Volker Donabaum (Importer), Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut Van Volxem, Mosel (Saar)and Paul Grieco

Picture: Somlier Aldo Sohm (Le Bernadin/Aldo Sohm Wine Bar) and Christian Schiller

Picture: The Sommeliers - Rieslingfeier Chef Sommelier Raj Vaidya (Daniel), Andrew Algren (Alinea, Chicago), Ryan Arnold (LEYE, Chicago), Bryn Birkhahn (Pearl & Ash), Michelle Biscieglia (Blue Hill), Levi Dalton (I'll Drink to That), Michael Engelmann (The Modern), Raphael Ginsburg (Ai Fiori), Paul Grieco (Hearth / Terroirs), Michael Madrigale (Bar Boulud / Boulud Sud), Laura Maniec (Corkbuzz), Thomas Pastuszak (NoMad), Juliette Pope (Gramercy Tavern), Eric Railsback (Lieu Dit Winery), Jarred Roth (Riverpark), Michael Scaffidi (Union Square Cafe), Amanda Smeltz (Roberta's and Blanca), Michele Smith (Brooklyn Fare), Aldo Sohm (Le Bernardin / Aldo Sohm Wine Bar), Jeff Taylor (Betony), Mia Van de Water (North End Grill), Dustin Wilson (Eleven Madison Park), Hristo Zisovski (AltaMarea)

Neben dem offiziellen Programm gab es auch eine Reihe von Nebenveranstaltungen. Klaus Peter und Julia Keller erzählten mir, dass sie ihre Weine in Thomas Kellers Per Se Restaurant unter den Motto “Keller and Keller” präsentiert hatten und mit Egon Müller zusammen in Eric Ripperts Le Bernardin einen festlichen Abend veranstaltet hatten.

Pictures: Egon Müller and Klaus Peter Keller at Le Bernadin

Ich freue mich schon auf die Rieslingfeier im nächsten Jahr.

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with a Weingut Leitz Wine

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, USA

Visiting Weingut Josef Leitz in Ruedesheim– Johannes Leitz is Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide 2011

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

Coming-up: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

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

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

Riesling Crawl in New York City– Or, Where to Buy German Wine in Manhattan: Schiller's Favorite Wine Stores, USA

The Gala Dinner of the Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Lunch at Momofuku Ssäm Bar in New York City, USA

Picture: Wine Pairing Lunch at Röttele’s Restaurant (1 Star Michelin) at Schloss Neuweier, with Chef Armin Röttele - German South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2015)

The first stop of the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours, which took place from August 30 – September 5, 2015, was at Schloss Neuweier in the small village of Neuweier in Baden, close to the spa-town Baden Baden. We had a wine luncheon at the 1-star Michelin Restaurant of Chef Armin Röttele with Robert Schätzle, Owner and Winemaker of Weingut Schloss Neuweier.

I already provided an overview about the tour here:
Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Before the luncheon, Robert showed us around in the vineyards and the cellar and poured his Vintage 2014 releases for us. I already reported about the initial part of the visit, i.e. the vineyard and cellar tour and the wine tasting with Robert here:
Tour, Tasting (and Lunch) with Robert Schätzle, Owner and Winemaker, Weingut Schloss Neuweier in Baden– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2015)

This (second) posting focusses on the wine luncheon.

Schloss Neuweier

(1) Röttele's Restaurant and Weingut Schloss Neuweier are both part of the wonderfully restored, historic castle Schloss Neuweier, where wine has been made for centuries.

(2) The castle belongs to the few historic buildings from the 12th century that still exist.

(3) Die Ritter von Bach were the first who started planting vines and producing wine. All subsequent owners showed interested in winemaking.

(4) Its current shape took the castle, when it was owned by Philipp Kämmerer von Worms, called von Dalberg. During 1548 to 1549, this gentleman created the castle as you can see it today. To remind everyone of his creation he put in the entry portal: Zeyt bryngt Rosen – Time brings Roses.

(5) In 1615, the castle was passed onto the second daughter of Philipp von Dalberg, whose husband was Wolf von Eltz and Knebel von Katzenellenbogen. Katzenellenbogen was a high ranking knight who fought under the rule of the Archbishop of Mainz. He also was an important person in terms of winemaking at Weingut Schloss Neuweier. He brought his knowledge from the Franken area, the Bocksbeutel bottles and the Niersteiner and the Laubenheimer grape varities, which replaced the traditional Elblinger and Ortlieber.

(6) During the 19th century the castle changed its owners quiet frequently. From 1869, the Rößler family from Baden-Baden became the owner of the castle. The Rößler family is responsible for the Mauerberg vineyard gaining international recognition.

Pictures: Weingut Schloss Neuweier

(7) Until recently, the driving force behind Schloss Neuweier, including Weingut Schloss Neuweier, was Gisela Joos. She and her husband, a well-known architect from Frankfurt am Main, took over the castle, including the winery, in 1992 and invested around Euro 50 million in the castle, including the winery. What you see today is essentially due to their efforts and money. In 1999, Weingut Neuweier was admitted to the prestigious VDP association, when Gisela Joos was in charge.

(8) Today, the “Schlossherr” (owner) of Schloss Neuweier and the winemaker at Weingut Schloss Neuweier is Robert Schaetzle. His family acquired the estate in 2012. The senior management of the winery of course changed with Robert taking over. The already high quality level of the wines was definitely maintained if not increased by Robert Schaetzle. The Joos family is still living in the castle, but on a lease basis.

Röttele’s Restaurant and Residence at Schloss Neuweier

During the period when the Rössler family owned Schloss Neuweier, a “Besenwirtschaft” (basic wine tavern, where the winemaker sells his own wine) was opened at Schloss Neuweier. Over time, that basic tavern developed into a fine dining restaurant.

Armin and Sabine Röttele took over in 2005. A year later, Armin was awarded a Michelin star. Today, Röttele’s Restaurant at Schloss Neuweier is one of the best restaurants in Germany.

Pictures: Chef Armin Röttele

Sue Style: Expect deliciously pronounced southern accents (the chef spent years in Switzerland’s Tessin before returning here to his roots), intense flavors and colors, silken home-made soups and pastas, toothsome vegetables, locally raised meat and game.

Robert Schätzle: We were very lucky that in the year 2005 the family Röttele took on the restaurant on the ground floor of the castle. Mr. Röttele is a very inspiring and inventive Chef whose creations leaves your mouth watering. Mr. Röttele’s talent was internationally recognized so it was not surprise that he gained 1 Star from the Michelin in 2006.

Pictures: Wine Pairing Lunch at Röttele’s Restaurant (1 Star Michelin) at Schloss Neuweier, with Owner and Winemaker Robert Schätzle, Weingut Schloss Neuweier - German South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2015)

Armin Röttele: Il menu di passione

Chef Armin Röttele suggested an amazing "Il menu di passione", complemented with Weingut Schloss Neuweier wines.

Kleine Schlossköstlichkeiten - Small appetizers from the castle kitchen

Ceviche vom Thunfisch und glasierter Jakobsmusche mit Ras el Hanout Cous Cous und Limettenaromen – Ceviche of tuna and glazed scallops with Ras el Hanout Cous Cous and lime flavors

2014 Weingut Schloss Neuweier Sauvignon Blanc trocken Gutswein
2012 Weingut Schloss Neuweier Goldenes Loch Riesling trocken Erste Lage

Iberico Schweinerücken im Kakao gebraten mit Dörraprikosen, Ingwerkarotten und Chorizo Kartoffeln – Rack of Iberico pork with cacao and sundried apricots, ginger carrots and Chorizo potatoes

2012 Weingut Schloss Neuweier Heiligenstein Spätburgunder trocken

Auswahl von Italienischen und Schweizer Rohmilchkäsen – Variaton of Italian and Swiss raw milk cheeses

2010 Weingut Schloss Neuweier Mauerberg Riesling Auslese

Gefüllte Mohncrepes auf warmen Zwetschgenkompott und Grand Manier Eis – With poppy seeds stuffed crepes on plum compote with Grand Manier ice cream

2013 Weingut Schloss Neuweier Spätburgunder Rose Sekt trocken

Süsse Sommerüberraschung – Sweet summer surprise

Thanks

Thanks Chef Armin Röttele for an outstanding luncheon.

Bye-bye

Bye-bye Robert.

Postings on the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

Fall Tours by ombiasy WineTours 2015 - A Very Special Treat: Experience Harvest Time !

Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Tour, Tasting (and Lunch) with Robert Schätzle, Owner and Winemaker, Weingut Schloss Neuweier in Baden– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2015)

Wine Pairing Lunch at Röttele’s 1 Restaurant (1 Star Michelin) at Schloss Neuweier, with Owner and Winemaker Robert Schätzle, Weingut Schloss Neuweier

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey (VDP) in Baden with Benno Salwey

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Franz Keller (VDP) in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden

Wine Paring Lunch at Restaurant Schwarzer Adler (1 Star Michelin) in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden

Schiller's Favorite Wine Taverns of Freiburg

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber (VDP) in Baden, with Yquem Viehauser

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Heger (VDP) in Baden.

Tour and Tasting at Maison Léon Beyer in Eguisheim, Alsace, France, with Marc Beyer

Tour and Tasting at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, Alsace, with Catharine Faller

Wine Pairing Lunch at Wine Tavern Jülg, Weingut Jülg, in Schweigen, with Johannes Jülg

Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz (VDP) in Siebeldingen, Pfalz

Schiller's Favorite Wine Taverns in Deidesheim

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Müller-Catoir in Neustadt-Haardt, Pfalz

Tour and Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann (VDP) in Gimmeldingen, Pfalz, with Steffen Christmann

Tour and Tasting at Weingut von Winning (VDP) in Deidesheim, Pfalz

Tour and Tsting at Weingut Josef Biffar in Deidesheim, with Owner and Winemaker Fumiko Tokuoka

Wine Pairing Dinner at Restaurant FUMI at Weingut Josef Biffar in Deidesheim, with Owner and Winemaker Fumiko Tokuoka

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Markus Schneider in Ellerstadt, Pfalz, with Markus Schneider

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht in Kallstadt, Pfalz, with Franziska Schmitt

Tasting at Weingut Dreissigacker in Bechtheim, Rheinhessen, with Ute Dreissigacker

Tour and Wine Pairing Lunch at Weingut Eva Vollmer in Mainz-Ebersheim, Rheinhessen, with Eva Vollmer

Picture: Wine and Music at Eberbach Abbey in the Rheingau - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Some of the events of the Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) focused exclusively on wine. Others focused on other aspects, notably art, history and food. The visit of the Eberbach Abbey was one of those, where wine was important, but art and history were at the center.

I already provided an overview about the Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) here:
Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

This posting focuses on a special event, the visit of the Eberbach Abbey.

Kloster Eberbach

The Eberbach Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery, founded in 1136 by Bernard of Clairvaux as the first Cistercian monastery on the eastern bank of the Rhine River.

Today, the Eberbach Abbey is a large State-owned winery (the State of Hessen is its proprietor) and one of the largest wineries in Germany. Its Romanesque and Gothic buildings are impressive.

Most of the vineyard holdings of the Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach date back to the 12th centuries, when Cistercian monks founded the Eberbach Abbey. The vineyards of Eberbach Abbey were, at 300 hectares, the largest in medieval Europe.

The Abbey, including its vineyards, was secularized under Napoleon in 1803. The new owner was the Duke of Nassau. Then, from 1866, Prussia became the owner of the Abbey and its vineyards. Finally, in 1945 after World War II, the Federal State of Hessen took it over.

Pictures: Kloster Eberbach

Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach

The Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach serves as an umbrella organization for seven individual wine estates, including 3 wine producing facilities and cellars:

The Bensheim Estate is the only one located in the Hessische Bergstraße wine-growing region. Grand Duke of Hessen-Darmstadt founded this Estate in 1904, the vineyard holdings total 38 hectares. The main grape variety planted is Riesling (25 ha), as well as Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

The red wine Estate Assmannshausen at the western edge of the Rheingau has a vineyard area of 27 hectares in the Höllenberg site, of which 25 hectares are planted with Pinot Noir. These two Estates do their own bottling, and market the wines under their own names.

The Hattenheim Estate (50 ha vineyard area in the Engelmannsberg, Siegelsberg and Marcobrunn sites).

The Hochheim Estate.

The Rauenthal Estate (48 ha in the Baiken and Wülfen sites).

The Rüdesheim Estate (23 ha in the Berg Roseneck, Berg Rottland and Berg Schlossberg sites).

The Steinberg (32 ha, a monopole holding).

Pictures: Kloster Eberbach

The total vineyard area of the 7 estates comes to more than 200 hectares, of which 85% are planted with Riesling, 10% with Pinot Noir and 5% with other varieties.

A few years ago, the Hessische Staatsweingüter built a new winemaking facility and celler just outside the wall of Steinberg, the Steinbergkeller. The Steinbergkeller – a state of the art winery - was a very controversial project. It was constructed for several 100 million Euro.

Visit of Kloster Eberbach

We had the opportunity to tour the Abbey, including the old monk’s dormitory where every year the famous auction of premium German wines takes place. A very special treat was a peek into the treasure chamber, where century old wine bottles are still stored and where the movie “The Name of the Rose” with Sean Connery was filmed in 1986.

The event started (between 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm) with multiple concerts (Lieder, Baroque Music, Guitar Music) in the different halls of the Eberbach Abbey, performed by members of the Frankfurt School of Music and Performing Arts.

Pictures: Multiple Concerts at Kloster Eberbach

This was followed (at 08:00 pm) by the main concert in the Basilika of Eberbach Abbey: “L’isola disabitata” by Joseph Haydn, performed by the ensemble of the Frankfurt School of Music and Performing Arts.

Picture: Main Concert in the Basilika of Kloster Eberbach

Lunch at the Rauenthal Estate

Earlier during the day, after the visit of Weingut Baron Knyphausen in the morning (see here: xxxxxx), we had lunch at the Restaurant & Gutsausschank Baiken in the vineyards above the town of Eltville. This wine tavern – part of the Eberbach Abbey complex - sits right in the middle of the vineyards on the hill overlooking the town of Eltville.

Pictures: Lunch at the Rhauenthal Estate of Kloster Eberbach

Weinhotel Koegler in Eltville

Following lunch we checked in at Weinhotel Koegler in Eltville - a small, upscale boutique hotel located within the historic walls of the Koegler winery in the center of Eltville with a wonderful combination of medieval stone walls and ultra modern décor. We spend the night in a house that made world history: In 1467 it was here that Johannes Gutenberg created the most important early prints of the oldest dictionary world-wide.

Pictures: At Weinhotel Koegler with Owner/Winemaker Ferdinand Koegler

Eltville and the Rhine River

Before driving over to Kloster Eberbach in the early evening, we had a chance to explore the beautiful upmarket, historic town of Eltville situated right on the banks of the Rhine River. Annette and I took a break at the wine tasting booth at the river front and enjoyed watching the cargo boats that travel the river up- and downstream.

Picture: Eltville

Postings on the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

Fall Tours by ombiasy WineTours 2015 - A Very Special Treat: Experience Harvest Time !

Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Wine and Music at Eberbach Abbey

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Wein- und Sektgut Barth in Hattenheim, Rheingau

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Josef Spreitzer in Oestrich, Rheigau

Wine Tasting at Weingut Toni Jost in Bacharach, Mittelrhein

Cruise on the Rhine River from Bacharach to Boppard, Mittelrhein

Wine Tasting at Weingut J.J.Adeneuer in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Ahr

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr

Wine Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel

Wine Tasting at Weingut St. Urbans-Hof in Leiwen, Mosel

Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Van Volxem in Wiltingen, Saar, Mosel

Wine Tasting at Weingut Hexamer, in Monzingen, Nahe

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg, in Niederhausen, Nahe

Tour and Wine Dinner at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe

Tour and Tasting at Sektmanufaktur Bardong in Geisenheim, Rheingau

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Schloss Johannisberg in Geisenheim, Rheingau

Picture: 25 Years of Reunited Germany – 25 German Wines that Represent Modern Germany

This year, Germany celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its reunifaction. At this occasion, the German “Bild Zeitung” issued a list of 25 German wines “die jeder schon mal getrunken haben sollte” (which everybody should have had already). This is an excellent list, representing very well the depth and the breadth of what Germany produces today. It includes expensive and inexpensive wines, white and red, still and sparkling.

If I had to do a tasting with the title “Introduction into German Wine of Today”, this would be a very good guide for composing the tasting list.

The list was compiled by Herbert Seckler of the Sansibar on the Sylt Island.

Here is the list, with prices and a combination of Schiller/Seckler comments.

Basically, it is all dry wines, except for 2 wines. This is how Germany thinks about its wines. Dry is the rule and sweet the exception. Many of the dry wines are ultra-premium Grosses Gewächs wines – top wines from top vineyards, mostly in the Euro 30 to 50 price range. Fruity-sweet (Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese) wines remain popular in some export markets, including the US, but Germans have lost interest in drinking them. There are only 2 such wines in the list. There are also 4 red wines, with red wines accounting for more than 1/3 of German wine production today. There are also 2 Sekts; Germans love sparkling wine and drink ¼ of all sparklers produced in the world.

Picture: 25 Years of Reunited Germany – 25 German Wines that Represent Modern Germany

White

01 2013 Riesling von der Fels Klaus Peter Keller Rheinhessen trocken Euro 16,95 – Klaus Peter Keller, star winemaker (G-Max) from Rheinhessen.

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

02 2014 Grauburgunder Markus Schneider Pfalz trocken Euro 8,80 – Great guy, great wines. His wines were served at the State Dinner when President Obama and Michelle Obama visited Germany.

See also:
Tasting the Wines, President Obama was Served: Visit of Weingut Markus Schneider, Pfalz – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

03 2013 Riesling Hermannshöhle Dönnhoff Nahe GG trocken Euro 59 – Among the top 10 Riesling producers in the world. GG stands for Grosses Gewächs, the new category of ultra-premium German dry wines.

See also:
Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Dönnhoff with Christina Dönnhoff– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

04 2013 Riesling Gräfenberg Robert Weil Rheingau GG trocken Euro 39,50 – Iconic winemaker from the Rheingau.

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

Picture: Christian Schiller and Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, in Kiedrich, Germany

05 2011 Riesling Erdener Treppchen Auslese Markus Molitor Mosel Euro 58,90 – A 100 Parker Points wine, a fruity-sweet wine.

06 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Fume Oliver Zeter Pfalz trocken Euro 14,90 – Sauvignon Blanc accounts for a small portion of the German wine production, but is increasingly planted.

07 2015 Weissburgunder Einzigacker Dreissigacker Rheinhessen Euro 35,50 – Jochen Dreissigacker is a rising star in Germany. His wines were also served at the State Dinner for President Obama and Michelle Obama in Berlin.

08 2014 Silvaner Escherndorfer Lump Horst Sauer Franken trocken Euro 14,50 – A typical, bone-dry Silvaner from Franconia. Asparagus wine.

09 2013 Riesling Ungeheuer Bürklin-Wolf Pfalz GG trocken Euro 34,50 – Chancellor Bismark used to say: Dieses Ungeheuer schmeckt ungeheuer (This Ungeheuer tastes amazing).

10 2013 Sauvignon Blanc 500 von Winning Pfalz trocken Euro 38 – A leading Sauvignon Blanc (and oaked Riesling) producer from the Pfalz.

11 2014 Riesling Hahn Toni Jost Mittelrhein GG trocken Euro 23,70 – An ultra-premium dry Riesling from the leading Mittelrhein producer.

12 2014 Riesling Hipping Lisa Brunn Rheinhessen trocken Euro 15 – Lisa Brunn is a young, up-and-coming female winemaker from Rheinhessen.

13 2014 Riesling Felseneck Schäfer-Fröhlich Nahe GG trocken Euro 38,50 – Schäfer-Fröhlich has become a top star in the past 5, 6 years.

14 2014 Riesling Kastanienbusch Rebholz Pfalz GG trocken Euro 40 – A top dry Riesling from the Pfalz.

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

15 2014 Riesling Saarburger Rausch Geltz Zilliken Saar Kabinett Euro 13,90 – A prime example of a fruity-sweet Mosel wine, unique in the world.

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

16 2014 Riesling Silberlack Schloss Johannisberg Rheingau GG trocken Euro 39 – An ultra-premium dry wine from the oldest Riesling domaine in the world.

Picture: Christian Witte, Domänenverwalter/Managing Director of Weingut Schloss Johannisberg with Annette and Christian Schiller at Schloss Johannisberg during the: Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

17 2014 Riesling Frauenberg Battenfeld-Spanier Rheinhessen GG trocken Euro 38 – The sister estate of Kühling-Gillot, both owned and run by H.O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot.

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

Rosé

18 2014 Clarette Rosé Knipser Pfalz trocken Euro 8,60 – From one of the best red wine producers in Germany.

19 2014 Spätburgunder Rosé Martin Wassmer Baden trocken Euro 7,30 – A Rosé from Baden.

Red

20 2013 Spätburgunder Cuvée Diehl Nahe trocken Euro 50,50 – Caroline Diel not only makes outstanding Riesling.

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

21 2013 Das Kreuz - Rotweincuvée Rings Pfalz trocken Euro 38 – A world class blend.

22 2013 Blutsbruder Karl May Rheinhessen trocken Euro 12,50 – Ever heard of the author Karl May?

23 2011 Cuvée C Grosse Reserve Aldinger Württemberg trocken Euro 28,90 – Yu rarely find wines from Württemberg outside of Germany.

Picture: Armin Diel and wife (Schlossgut Diel), Didier Cuvelier (Leoville Poyferre) and Annette Schiller (ombiasy PR and WineTours) at Weingut Wilhlem Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau

Sekt

24 NV Von Buhl Reichsrat von Buhl Pfalz brut Euro 14,90 - A “Champagne” from Germany. One out of four sparkling wines produced in the world is consumed in Germany (25% of world production).

See also:
Winemaker Dinner at Weingut Reichsrat von Buhl in Deidesheim, Pfalz, Germany

25 NV Brut Cuvée Marie Luise Raumland Rheinhessen Euro 14 – Raumland is Germany’s leading producer for premium and ultra-premium sparklers.

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Picture: Tour and Tasting at Château Angélus – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Led by Annette Schiller, the Bordeaux Tour 2015 by ombiasy WineTours took place from September 15 to 24, 2015. The group comprised 8 wine lovers from the United States, including Annette and Christian Schiller.

I have already provided an overview about the whole tour: Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

This posting focuses on our visit of Château Angélus in Saint-Emilion.

On that day, we visited three entirely different châteaux and had 3 entirely different experiences in in Saint-Emilion.

The first visit, Château Angélus, was to one of the most prestigious châteaux belonging to the top 1% in the rankings of Bordeaux.

Picture: Arriving at Château Angélus

The second visit, Château Beausejour was to one of the 30,000 or so non-classified châteaux in the Bordeaux region that produce 95% of Bordeaux wines; we met a passionate winemaker who makes beautiful every day wines.

During the third visit, at Tertre Rôteboeuf, we met an outstanding winemaker who is a maverick and whose wines have become very expensive; unusually in this price category, he does not sell his wines through the “Place de Bordeaux” system.

Laurent Benoit was our host at Château Angélus.

Pictures: Laurent Benoit was our host at Château Angélus

Tour and Tasting

We started the tour in front of Château Angélus. Laurent Benoit played the American National Anthem for us. We proceeded to the vineyards. From there, we took a look at the cellar and finished the visit with a tasting of the Château Angélus grand vin 2012 in the new reception area.

Château Angélus

Château Angélus is one of the only four (Angelus, Ausonne, Cheval Blanc, Pavie) wine producing estates classified as premier grand cru classé A in the Saint-Emilion appellation. It was promoted to premier grand cru classé A status in the 1996 St-Emilion reclassification.

Château Angélus has been owned by the de Boüard de Laforest family since 1909, when the Domaine de Mazaret was bequeathed to Comte Maurice de Boüard de Laforest.

The name refers to the three Angelus bells audible from the vineyards, coming from the chapel at Mazerat, the church in Saint-Martin de Mazeret and Saint-Émilion.

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Angélus

Vineyards

Château Angélus sits in the middle of a natural amphitheatre on the south-facing hillside of the famous footslope „pieds de côtes“, just half a mile from the village of Saint-Emilion, with the vineyard area (23.4 hectares) around the estate.

Cabernet Franc (which makes up 48% of the blend) is grown at the bottom of the slope, where the soil is sandier and warmer, while the Merlot (50% of the blend) is grown in the limestone-rich clay soils at the top of the slope.

Château Angélus uses an optical sorting machine.

Pictures: In the Vineyards

Cellar

Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats, concrete and open top, oak vats at 28 to 32° degrees Celsius. After malolactic fermentation is completed, the wine is aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for between 18-24 months.

Château Angélus also produces a second wine, Le Carillon de l’Angelus. The annual production averages 10,000 cases of the Grand Vin and 1,000 cases of the second wine.

Pictures: In the Cellar

Management

In June 2012, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, was named Executive Manager. She is the daughter of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, who joined the family business at Angélus in 1976. Until she took over, Château Angélus had been run - for several decades - by Stephanie’s father Hubert de Boüard de Laforest and her uncle Jean-Bernard Grenié. Initially, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest worked under his uncle, but he became the #1 in 1985.

Picture: Current and Previous Managers and Owners of Château Angélus

Pictures: Jean-Bernard Grenié, Ivanhoe Johnston (Negociant), Annette Schiller, Panos Kakaviatos and Christian G.E. Schiller in Washington DC

See:
Owner Jean-Bernard Grenié and Wine Journalist Panos Kakaviatos Presented the Wines of Chateau Angélus and Chateau Daugay at Black Salt Restaurant in Washington DC, USA

2012 Vintage: Special Label

To celebrate its promotion to premier grand cru classé A status in 2012, Château Angélus released the 2012 vintage with a special, black label, embossed with a 21.7 carat gold imprinted script. The special label will only be used for the 2012 vintage.

Picture: Château Angélus 2012

Renovation

At our previous visit in 2013, we could observe the final stages of a massive renovation of the property. The project was led by the noted architect Jean-Pierre Errath and included the construction of new cellars, a new reception area for visitors and the bell tower. Reportedly, the costs of the projected amounted to Euro 8 million.

Pictures: At Château Angélus in 2013

Prices

Wine-searcher average prices in US$ per 0.75 liter bottle:

2014 230
2013 234
2012 344
2011 234
2005 462
2000 487

Tasting

The tour ended in the tasting room. We tasted the Château Angélus 2011.

Pictures: Tasting

Postings on the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

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Tour and tasting at Château de Figeac, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé.

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Picture: Der Feinschmecker with Germany's 40 Best Winebars

Der Feinschmecker, the leading German gourmet journal (monthly), issued a list of Germany's 40 best wine bars. Here they are, grouped by cities, including the comments of Der Feinschmecker (in German).

For some of the cities below, I have put together a list of Schiller's favorites; I have added links to those lists.

Berlin

See also:
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Berlin, Germany

Cordobar

Clevere Idee fürs Schummerlicht: Die Schrift in der Weinbibel mit 900 Positionen riesig groß zu drucken ist hilfreich, nicht nur nach ein paar Stunden Anwesenheit. Sommelier Willi Schlögl und der Koch Lukas Mraz servieren beste Weine und kreative Küche.

Berlin-Mitte, Große Hamburger Str. 32, Tel. 030-27 58 12 15

Picture: Cordobar

Maxim - Bar à Vins

Der ausgebildete Archäologe Maxime Boillat bietet seinen Gästen Gelegenheit, sich, wie er sagt, "offen forschend ans Faszinosum orange und natural wines heranzutasten". 80 Weine aus Frankreich und Deutschland stehen auf der Karte, 20 davon sind immer offen.

Berlin- Mitte, Gormannstr. 25, Tel. 030-658 339 62

Ottorink

Rund 1200 Weine meist junger, innovativer Kollegen hat der gelernte Winzer Andreas Rink in seiner Weinbar mit viel Holz und Parkett schon vorgestellt. Die Karte wechselt monatlich, 70 Weine gibt es glasweise. Namensgeber Otto war der Berliner Opa.

Berlin- Kreuzberg, Dresdener Str. 124, kein Tel., info@ottorink.de

Rutz Weinbar

In der Weinbar unterhalb seines Restaurants "Rutz" hat sich der Starkoch Marco Müller der "Rettung der deutschen Esskultur" verschrieben. Die legendäre Weinkarte mit 850 Positionen wird von mehr als 400 Rieslingen angeführt. Als Grundlage gibt es Köstliches wie das Rippchen vom Wollschwein mit Blaumohn.

Berlin-Mitte, Chausseestr. 8, Tel. 030-24 62 87 60

See also:
Weinbar Rutz and Restaurant Hot Spot, both in Berlin, Germany, on the Newsweek List of 101 Best Places to Eat in the World, 2012
Billy Wagner Invited to the 10th Bottle Party at Wein Bar Rutz in Berlin

Pictures: Rutz Ex-Sommelier Billy Wagner Pouring

Bielefeld

Wernings Weinstube

In einem Kreuzgewölbe aus dem 13. Jahrhundert führt Familie Werning ihr rustikal gestaltetes Weinlokal. Im Programm sind 35 offene, vorwiegend deutsche Weine und rund 150 Flaschenweine aus aller Welt.

Innenstadt, Alter Markt 1, Tel. 0521-136 51 51

Bochum

Yamas

Keine Deko-Amphoren, keine Säulen aus Gips! In modernem Interieur schenkt Stavros Liakeas hochwertige griechische Weine aus. Dazu schmecken mezédes, kleine Gerichte im Tapas-Format.

Innenstadt, Massenbergstr. 1, Tel. 0234-530 96 43

Bonn

Der Weinkommissar

Die Ermittlungen ergeben: Direktimporte aus Italien, flankiert von Wein aus Slowenien (vorzüglich: das Gut Verus), Österreich, Deutschland. Die Einrichtung: freundlich und hübsch in Grün und Weinrot mit Stuckdecke und Lüstern. Vorn Stehtische zwischen Weinregalen, hinten Theke und Bistro-Ecke.

Innenstadt, Friedrichstr. 20, Tel. 0228-965 00 65

Bremen

Engel Weincafé

Abends gehört "der Engel" den Weinfans. Bemerkenswerte Auswahl im Jugendstilambiente einer ehemaligen Apotheke. Teure große Weine schenkt man zu fairen Preisen mit dem Coravin-System aus, beim dem eine Kanüle durch den Korken in der Flasche gebohrt wird. So bleibt der Wein verschlossen.

Ostertor, Ostertorsteinweg 31/33, Tel. 0421-69 64 23 90

Dresden

Bean & Beluga

Die Weinbar im Gourmetrestaurant öffnet schon mittags. In sachlich-zeitgemäßem Ambiente gibt es zu den Weinverkostungen jeweils wechselnde Businesslunch-Menüs aus Stefan Hermanns Küche. Die Weinkarte umfasst 400 Positionen.

Bühlau/Weißer Hirsch, Bautzner Landstr. 32, Tel. 0351-44 00 88 00

Weingalerie Dr. Müller

Dieser Geheimtipp liegt versteckt im Kavaliershaus von Schloss Albrechtsberg, vom Garten aus blickt man auf die Elbe. In ihrer Weingalerie organisiert Familie Müller Verkostungen und Seminare im Keller oder auf der Terrasse.

Dresden -Loschwitz/Wachwitz, Bautzner Str. 130, Tel. 0351-2517819

Wein.Kultur.Bar

Silvio Nitzsche lebt in der kleinen Bar seine Auffassung von Genuss aus, die Plätze sind über Monate ausgebucht. Neben Weinseminaren stehen Verkostungen und Themenabende auf der Agenda. Jana Weiske kümmert sich um die ungewöhnlich reichhaltige Käseauswahl.

Dresden -Striesen-Ost, Wittenberger Str. 86, Tel. 0351-315 79 17

See also:
WeinKulturBar in Dresden, Saxony: One of the Best Wine Bars in Germany

Picture: With Host Silvio Nitzsche at WeinKulturBar in Dresden

Düsseldorf

Galerie am Karlplatz

Seit einiger Zeit heißt er Carlsplatz, doch die Betreiber der Weinbar sind bei der alten Schreibweise geblieben. Man wählt unter 30 offenen Flaschen aus Europa und Übersee, auch heimische Top-Winzer sind vertreten. Jahrgangssardinen oder Käsevom Affineur Waltmann runden das Angebot ab.

Carlstadt, Benrather Str. 6b, Tel. 0211-86 39 99 90

Saittavini

Unter hoher Stuckdecke gebietet Michelangelo Saitta über mehr als 1000 Weine. Die Auswahl reicht vom erfrischenden 2014 San Vincenzo von Roberto Anselmi bis zum hochklassigen 2004 Masseto der Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. Gutes Angebot auch an offenen Weinen.

Cucina italiana. Düsseldorf-O berkassel, Luegallee 79, Tel. 0211- 57 79 79-18

Essen

Emma 2

Über 800 Weine aus Deutschland, Frankreich, Italien, Österreich und Südafrika können gegen ein moderates Korkengeld genossen werden, vom Silvaner aus Franken bis zu gereiften Barolo-Jahrgängen. Vieles gibt es auch glasweise.

Essen-Rüttenscheid, Emmastraße 2, Tel. 0201-74 92 72 78

Frankfurt am Main

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

Paris' Bar

Mit der französischen Hauptstadt hat das kleine Lokal nur den Namen gemein, es heißt vielmehr nach seinem Inhaber. Paris Kosmidis setzt beim Wein auf Europa, die Auswahl reicht von ein fachen Winzerschoppen bis zu besten Grands Crus, auch glasweise. Dazu gibt es Appetithäppchen von Oliven bis Graved Lachs.

Frankfurt am Main, Sachsenhausen, Oppenheimer Landstr. 27, Tel. 069-96 23 38 11

See also:
Wine Bar: Paris Bar and Cafe in Frankfurt am Main

Picture: Paris' Bar and Café

Hamburg

Neumanns

Dass hier ein Hochsitz verbaut ist, erkennt man nicht auf den ersten Blick. Tatsächlich lieferte ein Jagdstand aus Österreich die Holzbohlen, die nun die Wände verkleiden. Restaurantleiter Sascha Masuch konzentriert sich bei den 50 offenen Weinen auf Deutschland und Österreich, hat jedoch auch ausgewählte Flaschen aus Frankreich, Italien und Übersee im Programm.

Hamburg-Rotherbaum, Grindelhof 77, Tel. 040-38 07 65 67

Poletto Weinbar

Remigio Poletto und sein Partner Luigi Francia wissen, was das Eppendorfer Publikum will: ein elegant-schickes Ambiente mit viel Holz innen und grünen Palmen außen, dazu ausgewählte Weine mit Schwerpunkt auf Italien. Bodenständiges Essen. Filiale im Stadtteil Wellingsbüttel.

Hamburg -Hoheluft-Ost, Eppendorfer Weg 287, Tel. 040-38 64 47 00

Vineyard

Dass man Wein nicht in abgehobener Atmosphäre trinken muss, beweisen die Macher des "Vineyard". In einer Art Lagerhalle im Hinterhof, zwischen Paletten und groben Holzmöbeln, wählt man hier aus einem Sortiment von 500 Weinen, dazu gibt es Fingerfood und Flammkuchen.

Hamburg -Eimsbüttel, Osterstr. 92, Tel. 040-43 21 32 30

Witwenball

Für die Hamburger Gastroszene eher ungewöhnlich ist das lässige Interieur im Artdéco- Stil, das die Weinbar von Axel und Julia Bode ziert. Am Rande des Schanzenviertels kriegt man hier frische Weine von Newcomern genauso wie von etablierten Top-Winzern, die Karte wechselt regelmäßig. Aus der Küche kommen feine passende Gerichte.

Hamburg -Eimsbüttel, Weidenallee 20, Tel. 040-53 63 00 85

Hannover

Aresto

Am Rande der Altstadt serviert Patron Feyzi Ekinci mediterran inspirierte Küche. Und weil der Mann bekennender Liebhaber und Kenner deutscher Weißweine ist, finden Gäste auf der Karte mit 500 Positionen fair kalkulierte Rieslinge von Künstler oder Weißburgunder von Knab und Johner. Beliebt sind die Außenterrasse und der Weinkeller.

Hannover-Mitte, Klostergang 2, Tel. 0511-32 37 59

Banco

Charmante Weinbar mit kleinem Restaurant am Rande des Stadtwalds Eilenriede mit einem überschaubaren Angebot von etwa 40 Positionen. Inhaberin Sandra Falk- Kopplin schenkt Weine aus Deutschland, Frankreich und Italien aus, es stehen aber auch Entdeckungen aus Spanien und Übersee auf der Karte.

Hannover -Oststadt, Lärchenstr. 2, Tel. 0511-89 71 17 35

Kiel

Das neue Weinstein

Kleine, wohlsortierte Weinkarte, in der vor allem Güter aus Italien, Deutschland und Frankreich vertreten sind. Dazu serviert die Küche Speisen mit Pfiff wie Gänseleber- Parfait mit Erdbeere und grünem Pfeffer oder Schaumsuppe von Pfifferlingen mit Räucheraal.

Blücherplatz, Holtenauer Str. 200, Tel. 0431-55 55 77

Köln

Sorgenfrei

Blanke Holztische inmitten von Weinregalen, ambitionierte Küche und vor allem die exzellente Weinkarte (rund 30 offene und 120 Flaschenweine) kennzeichnen das Bistro im Belgischen Viertel. Den Empfehlungen des Personals - zum Bachsaibling etwa 2014er Sauvignon blanc von Knipser - kann man bedenkenlos folgen.

Köln, Belgisches Viertel, Antwerpener Str. 15, Tel. 0221-355 73 27

Vintage

Der Laden hat sich als Top-Adresse etabliert - trotz Turbulenzen wie Umzug, kurzzeitiger Insolvenz und zuletzt dem Ausstieg der Inhaberin Claudia Stern. So eindrucksvoll wie die Weinauswahl ist auch die Lage am Fluss im schicken Rheinauhafen - die Terrasse gehört zu den schönsten der Stadt.

Köln-Neustadt-Süd, Agrippinawerft 30, Tel. 0221-92 07 10

Landau

Par-Terre

Die vom Stardesigner Michael Michalsky gestaltete Vinothek in einem Gebäude der ehemaligen französischen Artilleriekaserne ist das Schmuckstück der Südpfälzer Weinszene. Geschäftsführerin Christine Ludt präsentiert eine umfangreiche Weinkarte von 55 ausgewählten Winzern der Südpfalz und dazu passende Snacks. Die Spitzenweine stehen im sogenannten Pantheon, einem sakral anmutenden Raum mit schwarzem Boden und einem kuppelartigen Deckenbild aus Altgold.

Landau, Georg-Friedrich-Dentzel-Str. 11, Tel. 06341-969 08 90

Leipzig

1770 - Mehr als Wein

Die Karte der schicken Weinbar im Hotel "Fürstenhof" führt rund 60 Positionen auf, viele davon offen im Ausschank. Vorn stehen regionale Güter wie Schloss Proschwitz und Lützkendorf, gebührend Platz haben Champagner sowie internationale Raritäten. Gute Beratung, lockere Atmosphäre, schöne Terrasse.

Leipzig-Innenstadt, Tröndlinring 8, Tel. 0341-14 00

Vinothek Steigen - Berger Granhotel Handelshof

Helles Holz, große Fenster zur Brasserie und Ziegelboden sind die Kennzeichen der gläsernen Vinothek. Hier lagern rund 170 internationale Weine, dazu Abfüllungen von Winzern der Regionen Saale-Unstrut und Sachsen. Die Verkostungen mit Sommelier Jan Wulff begleiten Antipasti und Tapas.

Leipzig -Innenstadt, Salzgäßchen 6, Tel. 0341-350581-0

Weinbar im Restaurant Falco

Von den Plätzen an der modern gestalteten Bar im 27. Stock liegt einem die Leipziger City zu Füßen. Sommelier Christian Wilhelm hält neben Klassikern aus Bordeaux, Burgund, Italien, Österreich und Spanien mehr als 300 Rieslinge aus besten Lagen bereit.

Leipzig -Innenstadt, Gerber str. 15, Tel. 0341-98827 27

Mainz

See also:
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

Laurenz

Restaurant, Weinbar und Vinothek unter einem Dach, nicht weit vom Hauptbahnhof. Wer am Tresen keinen Platz mehr bekommt, kann die Weine auch im Restaurant zu einer Auswahl an herzhaften Tellergerichten probieren. Das Angebot umfasst ausschließlich Weine aus Rheinhessen; neben bekannten Gütern finden sich auch Entdeckungen. Die Flaschenweine aus der Vinothek können für 10 Euro Korkengeld im Restaurant getrunken werden.

Mainz-Neustadt, Gartenfeldstr. 9, Tel. 06131-2168660

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with Andreas Schnura (Laurenz in Mainz) at Weingut Gunderloch

München

Geisels Vinothek

Lebhafte Hotel-Lage zwischen Hauptbahnhof und Stachus, dennoch gemütlich dank Dimmerlicht. 30 der rund 700 Weine schenkt das Team offen aus. Flaschenweise gibt es neben hochwertigem Etabliertem manch Ungewöhnliches wie schwedischen Apfel-Eiswein.

München, Ludwigvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Schützenstr. 11, Tel. 089-551 37 71 40

Sarfati

Die schicke Westend-Weinbar gehört zur Naturweinszene Münchens, entsprechend gibt's viele Bioweine und ein paar gute orange wines (länger mit den Schalen vergorener Wein). Der Schwerpunkt der etwa 120 Positionen liegt auf Frankreich und Italien, einstiegsfreundlich vertreten etwa mit Sébastien Riffaults Sancerre "Les Quarterons".

München -Schwanthalerhöhe, Kazmairstr. 28, Tel. 089-45 23 78 67

Vintage Selection

Unter Marian Kreuzers Schiffermütze steckt ein wacher Kopf, der sich auf 100 Weine von der Mosel bis Baden konzentriert. Als "Einstiegsdroge" empfiehlt er einen Secco von Johann Arnold (Franken), um dem Gast danach den spontanvergorenen Gutedel von Hanspeter Zier eisen (Baden) ans Herz zu legen.

München -Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Westermühlstr. 39, Tel. 089-88 569 718

Walter & Benjamin

Walter Zimmermanns rund 600 Weine wirken bildend - geschmacklich wie intellektuell. Wen die Auswahl überfordert, der kann sich auf die Empfehlungen im offenen Ausschank (20 Positionen) verlassen. Erklärungen kommen knapp, präzise und stets fundiert.

München -Altstadt-Lehel, Rumfordstr. 1, Tel. 089-260 241 74

Nürnberg

Vineria

Rund um die Weinregale in der mit dunklem Holz möblierten Restaurant-Vinothek stehen 800 Weine aus Deutschland, Italien, Frankreich, Spanien und Übersee zur Auswahl. Köstlich dazu: Trüffelpasta oder Dorade.

Nürnberg-Thon, Kleinreuther Weg 87, Tel. 0911-300 19 50

Perl

Maimühle - Bistro & Vinothek Kelterhaus

Diese Vinothek ist so etwas wie das Haus der saarländischen Weine. Außerdem im Keller: Flaschen aus Luxemburg, von der Saar und von der Mosel. Hausherr Frederik Theis bietet auch eine Weinwanderung durchs Moseltal an.

Perl, Bahnhofstr. 100, Tel. 06867-911 31 70

Rostock

Weinwirtschaft im Hotel zur Sonne

Die Weinkarte, wie eine großformatige launige Zeitung aufgemacht, darf jeder Gast behalten. Sie führt etwas mehr als 100 überwiegend mittelpreisige Weine auf, die meisten gibt es auch glasweise. Neuerdings macht ihnen ein craft-beer- Sortiment Konkurrenz. Zu beidem gut: Tapas.

Rostock-Innenstadt, Neuer Markt 2, Tel. 0381-497 32 49

Rüdesheim

Carl Ehrhard Winebar

Außerhalb der urdeutschen Tourismus- Zone: eine internationale, echt coole Weinbar neben dem Restaurant des Guts, die Carl Ehrhards Tochter Petra mit Partner und einem befreundeten Koch aus Kapstadt realisiert hat. Mit Stehtischen, Vintage-Barhockern aus England, dunklem Leder und viel Holz. Das Beste sind die alten Jahrgänge aus dem väterlichen Weingut. Es gibt auch craft beer.

Rüdesheim, Geisenheimer Str. 3, Tel. 06722-473 96

Stuttgart

Weinhandlung Kreis

Der ehemalige Top-Sommelier Bernd Kreis hat in seinem Weingeschäft eine winzige Weinbar eingerichtet, quasi im Schaufenster. Außergewöhnliche Entdeckungen, oft aus biodynamischer Erzeugung, sind im Ausschank. Wer Lust hat, kann am Plattenspieler selbst auflegen. Beliebter Spot für ein Gläschen zwischendurch beim Einkaufsbummel.

Stuttgart-Süd, Böheimstr. 43, Tel. 0711-76 28 39

Sylt/Westerland

Schachner - Vinothek und Bistro

Gut 2000 Weine bietet der Sommelier Martin Schachner, gebürtiger Steirer, flaschenweise in seiner Vinothek und außer Haus an, rund 80 davon auch offen. Die Snacks dazu, etwa Bergkäse mit Erdbeer-Pfeffer-Konfitüre oder Marillenpalatschinke, sind gut gemacht und lecker. Stehtische draußen laden zum lockeren Plausch. Sehr gute Beratung.

Westerland, Sylt, Bismarckstr. 12, Tel. 04651-265 19

Weinraum Sylt

Klein und geschmackvoll eingerichtet ist die Bar, in der Olaf Mauksch 400 Weine anbietet, rund 35 werden glasweise ausgeschenkt - ohne Chichi, mit authentischer Freundlichkeit. Fans von deutschem Riesling kommen auf ihre Kosten, doch auch Südafrikas Winzer sind vertreten. Kreative und schmackhafte Tapas.

Westerland, Sylt, Elisabethstr. 4, Tel. 04651-967 63 36

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

Picture: Annette Schiller and Mathilde Pepay-Cazenave at Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune

We started the day in Puligny Montrachet at Olivier Leflaive, where we enjoyed an extensive vineyard walk and cellar tour. We then had a wine tasting lunch at Olivier Leflaive. In the early afternoon, we drove over to Santenay for a tasting in the cellar of Domaine Mestre Père et Fils. We ended the day in Beaune at Bouchard Père et Fils with a tour and wine tasting (before having dinner in Beaune).

Our host at Bouchard Père et Fils was Mathilde Pepay-Cazenave.

For the past couple of years in January, Panos Kakaviatos from Wine-Chronicles and Decanter organized Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Washington DC. We were able to participate in the vintages 2010 and 2012 tastings. Thanks Panos and Henriot.

Picture: Panos Kakaviatos at the Vintage 2012 Tasting

See:
Vintage 2012 Bouchard Père et Fils Tasting at Ripple in Washington DC, USA – With Tasting Notes by Annette Schiller
Tasting Vintage 2010 Bouchard Père et Fils Wines with Panos Kakaviatos in Washington DC, USA

Bouchard Père et Fils

Bouchard Père et Fils is a large wine grower and négociant, based in Beaune, in the Côte de Beaune. Bouchard Père et Fils was established as a cloth merchant by Michel Bouchard in Volnay in 1731.

Starting in 1746, his son Joseph Bouchard began selling wines and acquiring vineyards. Over several generations, Bouchard Père et Fils has assembled one of the finest portfolios in Bourgogne of 130 hectares of vineyard in the heart of the Côte d’Or – 12 of them classified as Grand Cru and 74 as Premier Cru, including: Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Clos Vougeot, Chambertin, Beaune Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus, Volnay Caillerets, Meursault Perrières. Particularly noteworthy are high proportions of the two Grands Crus Le Montrachet (1.1 ha) and Chevalier-Montrachet (2.3 ha). Bouchard Père et Fils is since 1820 installed at Château de Beaune in the heart of Beaune (Monument Historique), with a vast cellar. In 1995, the Bouchard family sold Bouchard Père et Fils to Joseph Henriot in the Champagne.

Henriot

The Henriot Family has been in Champagne since the 16th Century. In 1808, Apolline Henriot, one of the many famous widows of the Champagne region, decided to sell their wines under the Champagne Henriot label, hitherto only reserved for family and friends. Today, Henriot Champagne can be found around the world.

When Etienne Henriot died in 1957, his son, Joseph Henriot, also a trained agronomist, gradually took over the reins of the family company from 1962. Joseph Henriot, a successful businessman, also became President of Charles Heidsieck, then Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. In 1995, Joseph Henriot bought Bouchard Père et Fils.

Since 1999, Stanislas Henriot, son of Joseph Henriot, gradually took over the management of the House and was President from 2004 to 2010. He was responsible for turning Henriot Champagne from a relatively unknown Champagne House outside of France to a global player. Notably, he set up a subsidiary in the US that imports and sells, inter alia, Henriot Champagne and Bouchard Père et Fils wines.

Château de Beaune

In 1820 Bernard Bouchard purchased the Château de Beaune, a former royal fortress built in the 15th century by King Louis XI. Four of the five original towers of the fortress, as well as parts of the ramparts, still stand today, and have featured on the list of historic monuments since 1937.

The cellars run deep underground beneath the property providing ideal natural storage conditions for Bouchard Père & Fils’ fine wines. Up to 10 metres deep, the wines develop and age undisturbed. These include a unique collection of over 2,000 bottles from the 19th century. A priceless historical legacy with, as its icon, the oldest wine – a Meursault Charmes 1846 which still retains its luster.

Pictures: Cellar Tour at Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune

Winemaking

Mathilde Pepay-Cazenave: Over time, by acquiring various terroirs with great care and patience, Bouchard Père & Fils has built up the biggest domaine in the Côte d’Or. Today the estate boasts 130 hectares of vines, of which 12 are classed Grand Cru and 74 classed as Premier Cru.

The estate’s configuration, extending as it does over 48 km from north to south with a mosaic of 450 different vineyards, protects Bouchard Père & Fils from localised weather events such as hail, storms or frost. However, this does entail having to have teams on the ground throughout the vineyards.

The multitude of vineyard parcels receives special care and attention all year round. Every Bouchard Père & Fils vineyard has been managed using sustainable viticulture for many years in order to bring out the authenticity and full potential of the wines. Bouchard Père & Fils’ constant attention to detail also continues at harvest time when the grapes are harvested by hand, placed in small crates, and then carefully selected on sorting tables.

Bouchard Père & Fils applies the “precision of a goldsmith” to each stage of winemaking. In this pursuit of precision, Bouchard Père & Fils invested in a high-tech facility in 2005, the St. Vincent winery in Savigny-les-Beaune.

Pictures: Tasting at Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune

Located 5 metres below ground level, the vinification vat room enables grapes to be transferred naturally, by gravity, into 138 maceration tanks or presses. Over 100 different wines are vinified here. They are then matured in oak in a cellar with a 4,000 barrel capacity.

This maturation period allows the purity of the aromas and the organoleptic profile of each terroir to express themselves to the full. Dug 10 metres below ground, with no covering other than the earth itself, the barrel cellar provides ideal, natural conditions of ventilation and humidity for the wines to complete their long maturation process.

After bottling, the ageing period commences. The Château’s cellars, also nearly 10 metres below ground, offer perfect conditions for ageing Bouchard Père & Fils’ wines.

Depending on the vineyard parcel and the appellation, the estate’s wines can be matured for over a year in oak barrel. Thanks to the natural hygrometry and constant temperature, the Grand Crus, from a young age, benefit from an environment which is perfect for long periods of undisturbed ageing, and they can remain for several hundred years after bottling in the protective silence of the cellars which date back to the 15th Century.

Tasting

Picture: The Wines we Tasted

Crus Blancs

Picture: The Whites

Meursault 2012 Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils
Beaune Clos Saint-Landry Premier Cru 2011 Monopole Bouchard Père & Fils
Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Premier Cru 2010 Bouchard Père & Fils
Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2011 Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils

Crus Rouges

Picture: The Reds

Pommard 2011 Bouchard Père & Fils
Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot Premier Cru 2011 Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils
Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Cailles Premier Cru 2011 Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils
Beaune Greves Vigne de l’Entfant Jesus Premier Cru 2012 Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils

Bye-bye

After the tasting some of us bought Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils.

Pictures: Visit: Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune

Postings on the Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France (Posted and Forthcoming)

Preview: Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015 and 2016)

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine: Tour and Tasting with Jean Pierre Josselin - Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

The Wines of Tonnerre, France – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Séguinot-Bordet in Maligny, Chablis: Tour and Tasting with Owner and Winemaker Jean-François Bordet – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Brocard in Chablis: Lunch, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Odile Van Der Moere, Responsable de Cave – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Dinner at Hostellerie Chateau de la Barge in Creches-sur-Saone - Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais: Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Cyril Laumain, Chef de Cave – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Visit of the Abbey of Cluny and Lunch at Hostellerie d'Heloise in Cluny– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Domaine Theulot Juillot in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Nathalie and Jean-Claude Theulot – Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Olivier Leflaive: Vineyard Walk and Cellar Tour, with Patrick Leflaive– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Lunch and Winetasting at La Table de Olivier in Pouligny Montrachet– Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Wine Tasting at Domaine Mestre Père & Fils in Santenay with Jonathan Mestre - Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Visit: Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Visit: Musée de l’Hospice de Beaune with Karoline Knoth, M.A.

Domaine A-F Gros in Beaune: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Owner and Winemaker Mathias Parent

Visit: Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune

Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Mathilde Nicolas (Brand Ambassador)

Wine Tasting at Domaine du Château de Prémeaux in Nuits Saint Georges with Owner and Winemaker Arnaud Pelletier

Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion in Vosne-Romanée: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Bernard Rion and Alice Rion

Domaine Guillon & Fils in Gevrey Chambertin: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Jean-Michel Guillon

Visit: Château du Clos de Vougeot

Picture: Dirk Würz, Weingut Balthasar Ress, Technical Director, in the Cellar Tasting the new Wine

Founded in 1870 by Balthasar Ress in Hattenheim in the Rheingau, Weingut Balthasar Ress developed into one of the leading wine estates of the Rheingau region and became a global player in the wine trade. It is a member of the VDP, the association of about 200 German elite winemakers.

Stefan Ress – now senior boss - owned and run Weingut Balthasar Ress for many years. In 2010, his son Christian Ress took over and Dirk Würtz became Winemaker and then Technical Director.

Pictures: Weingut Balthasar Ress in Hattenheim

With 46 hectares under vine, it is also one of the larger estates in the Rheingau. Riesling accounts for 90 % of the grapes in the vineyards: Berg Roseneck, Berg Rottland and Berg Schlossberg (Rüdesheim), Engelmannsberg, Nussbrunnen and Schützenhaus (Hattenheim) as well as Höllenberg (Assmannshausen). Since June 2009, the winery owns by a 3,000 square meter vineyard ion the island of Sylt; it is the most northerly vineyard in Germany.

With Christian Ress and Dirk Würtz having taken over, Weingut Balthasar Ress has launched a series of new initiatives. Dirk Würtz is the brain behind the initiates in terms of vine growing in the vineyard and wine making in the cellar. I joined Dirk Würtz during the 2015 harvest for an afternoon and had a chance to talk with him about a variety of issues, including his push towards organic/natural/biodynamic winemaking, his “orange” wine, his ultra-premium red wine, to name a view. Overall, it was an exciting afternoon with a fascinating winemaker, who is also a star in the social media wine scene in Germany.

History of Weingut Balthasar Ress

The Ress family is an old, established family in Hattenheim. For generations, they were butchers, and the butcher shop "Metzgerei Ress" exists to this day. In 1870, Balthasar Ress, who was a butcher himself, founded the inn "Gasthof Ress" on Hattenheim's main street, thereby laying the cornerstone of a long tradition in the hotel and restaurant business as well as the wine estate and wine business.

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Christian Schiller and Stefan Ress in the wineBank in Hattenheim in 2013 during the: German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013. See: Tasting at Weingut Balthasar Ress, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Stefan Ress, Germany

Since then, Carl, Paul, Stefan and now Christian Ress have been at the helm of the Ress Empire. By the 1920s, a thriving wine business had developed. In 1947, Carl Ress founded "Balthasar Ress KG - Wine Estate Proprietor, Winery, Hotel Ress." After Paul Ress’ death in the early 1980s, the family's entire properties were redistributed. Stefan Ress' siblings received the properties in Rüdesheim; he remained the proprietor of Weingut Balthasar Ress.

Picture: Christian Schiller with Christian Ress in Berlin in 2010. See: Germany's Grosses Gewaechs Wines - Premiere 2010 in Berlin

In 1999, Stefan's son Christian Ress entered the business as the fifth generation of the founding family. He became General Manager in 2010. Since then, he has continued to expand the wine estate, which today comprises 46 hectares. Christian Ress has achieved considerable attention in the wine trade for innovative projects, such as planting Germany's most northerly vineyard on the island of Sylt, near the border with Denmark, in 2009 and opening the wineBANK in Hattenheim in 2009.

Dirk Würtz – Technical Director (Betriebsleiter)

Balthasar Ress in Hattenheim has always had a strong reputation in the premium segment of German wine, but was not known to be an innovator, leader and trend-setter in German wine. This changed, when Dirk Würtz – wine maker, wine blogger and wine TV journalist – joined Weingut Balthasar Ress in 2009, first as winemaker and then as Technical Director. Together with owner Christian Ress and senior boss Stefan Ress, he is pushing Ress to new hights.

Dirk Würtz is a winemaker from the Rheinhessen region Germany. He started his career at Weingut Robert Weil, the famous Rheingau producer, to which he is still very attached. “What I am today I am thanks to Wilhelm Weil”, he says. Dirk Würtz is not only a successful winemaker, but also a leader in terms of social media in the German wine industry. Dirk is the most popular wine blogger in Germany. Until recently, he had his own internet TV show “100 Grad Öchsle”. This was a very professionally made one- hour talk show with prominent guests from the wine industry. And he was the front man of a video series on wine produced by the Stern, a leading German weekly. In 2016, Dirk will be back with a new show, he told me.

Pictures: Dirk Würtz

Robert Parker on Weingut Balthasar Ress

When I visited Weingut Balthasar Ress and Dirk Würtz, Dirk had just finished a tasting with Stephan Reinhardt, who covers Germany for Robert Parker. By joining the Robert Parker team, Stephan Reinhardt arguably became the most influential German wine critic. Let me quote what Stefan Reinhardt wrote about Weingut Balthasar Ress in his last review:

Robert Parker: Balthasar Ress is one of the Rheingau estates that is mostly discussed in tastings and wine forums in Germany. Since Dirk Würtz took over the management of the vines and the winemaking he introduced a style of wine which prefers the uncompromisingly pure, dry and straightforwardness to one that is more charming and fruitier. However, the charismatic social media star Dirk Würtz was never striving for charming wines, neither as the right (or left) hand cellar master at Robert Weill in the late 1990s nor at his own estate in Gau-Odernheim/Rheinhessen. He prefers more this naked love-me-or-leave-me style (which is just a postmodern, viral form of modern wine marketing) and it's up to you if you follow his style (100% malolactic fermentation in 2013) or not. They surely enrich (and maybe also initiated) the new move in the Rheingau which had been the most less interesting German wine region for so many years. As far as the Ress (and many other new) wines are debated they are worth to be bottled and - at least - tasted. There is something going on in the Rheingau, Ress sei Dank!

Vintage 2015 in the Rheingau

While at Weingut Balthasar Ress, the last grapes were being harvested. How will the 2015 vintage be? Dirk Würtz: “Potentially an outstanding vintage, but it can also go the other way. We have to wait and see how things develop in the cellar. Overall, the sugar content in the grapes is relatively high. Chaptalisation will not be necessary. Also, de-acidification is not an issue. It will definitely be a great Pinot Noir vintage. The Pinot Noir grapes were very healthy and the quantity was good.”

Pictures: 2015 Harvest at Weingut Balthasar Ress

Stuart Pigott on German Red Wine

Not very well known in the world, Germany has become a serious red wine producer. Red wines now account for more than 1/3 of German wine production. Before turning to one of the best German Pinot Noirs currently on the market, let me quote what German Wine Guru Stuart Pigott, now based in New York City, has to say about the “German Red Wine Revolution”.

Stuart Pigott: Sophisticated German red wine? Really? Internationally, there’s still a lot of resistance to the idea that red wines from Germany can be better than moderately good and even this would be an exception to the rule. Amongst experts and Somms around the world the standard view is still of Germany as the prototypic cool climate wine producing nation, that therefore the white wines will always work better than reds, and even these will tend to be light in body and high in acidity. Many of those experts and somms are convinced that German red wines are hopelessly over-oaked, if necessary in defiance of evidence to the contrary. The truth is that a combination of climate change and greatly increased ambition in red winemaking already began altering this significantly during the early 1990s.

2015 Weingut Balthasar Ress Caviar de Pinot

Although Riesling accounts for 90% of the Weingut Balthasar Ress portfolio, Weingut Balthasar Ress is part of the group of German winemakers that produces world class (and rather expensive) Pinot Noir wine. I had the chance to taste the 2015 Weingut Balthasar Ress Caviar de Pinot (while fermenting) and the 2013 Weingut Balthasar Ress Caviar de Pinot (from bottle).

Dirk Würtz: “At the very peak of the quality pyramid, there is our Caviar de Pinot, the top cuvée among our Pinot Noirs. For the 2015 vintage, the healthy and gently transported grapes were destemmed by hand, grape by grape, berry by berry. They were then put in this small open top fermenter, where they were crushed gently by feet. This method is known from the Douro Valley in Portugal. It generates a dense concentration of tannins, but smooth as the grape skins and the bitter cores are not crushed or destroyed. Fermentation is spontaneous. The wine will mature for 18 months in barrique barrels.”

Pictures: 2015 Weingut Balthasar Ress Caviar de Pinot

2013 Weingut Balthasar Ress Caviar de Pinot

The 2013 Weingut Balthasar Ress Caviar de Pinot could easily pass as a Frenchman, as a Bourgogne. Rather dark for a German Pinot Noir, cinnamon, clove and brown spices on the nose, silky, dense and velvety mouthfee, a very special wine, will improve further over the next 5 to 10 years.

Pictures: 2013 Weingut Balthasar Ress Caviar de Pinot

2015 Weingut Baltasar Ress Pinot Blanc Orange Wine

I also had a chance to taste the 2015 Weingut Baltasar Ress Pinot Blanc Orange Wine (while fermenting). Dirk Würtz: "Orange Wine is nothing else than a white wine fermented like a red wine, i.e. the grapes are de-stemmed, everything else is macerated and fermented like this, how we do it with red wines - on the skins. That’s it.” The previous vintages of Dirk Würtz’s Orange Wine were praised widely.

Pictures: Orange Wine in the Making

2013 Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Engelmannsberg Riesling in 2 Versions

Under the leadership of Dirk Würtz, Weingut Baltasar Ress is moving to organic/biodynamic winemaking, more generally: towards wine making with an ecological mindset. As part of this process, Weingut Balthasar Ress is working in one part of the Engelmannsberg in the conventional way and in the other part moving towards organic/biodynamic vine growing. As a result, there are 2 wines, from the same vineyard, same grape variety (Riesling), one from the organic/biodynamic parcel and the other from the other parcel (conventional). This is a most interesting experiment. The two wines (2013) are available only through K&U Markthalle in Nürnberg for Euro 23, both wines.

Tasting these two wines side by side, the differences are striking. The biodynamic version appears more mature. You can imagine that the grapes looked different at harvest compared with the conventional version, probably smaller with less juice. They had to struggle more to grow and develop. This translates into a denser wine in the glass. The mouthfeel is smoother, thicker, and creamier, with a hint of sweetness.

Picture: 2013 Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Engelmannsberg Riesling in 2 Versions

Turning to the conventional version, on the nose, you get green apple and some pepper notes, in the mouth, the wine is leaner, sharper than the biodynamic version. You can imagine that the conventionally grown grapes were greener with more juice, when they were harvested.

In terms of key numbers - like acidity, remaining sugar, etc. - the two wines are pretty much the same. Both wines are very dry, with 3 g/l emaining sugar and 6,5 g/l acidity. Looking at the bottles, the only difference on the label is the AP (Amtliche Prüfnummer): AP 31 059 011 14 (biodynamic) and AP 31 059 009 14 (conventional).

2013 Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg Riesling Trocken GG

Weingut Balthasar Ress produces a series of Grosses Gewächs GG wines, Germany’s new category for ultra-premium dry wines. A GG is a ultra-premium dry wine from a Grosse Lage (Grand Cru). Here is what Robert Parker (Stephan Reinhardt) had to say about the 2013 Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg Riesling trocken GG.

Parker: 92-94 Points - The citrus colored 2013 Rudesheim Berg Schlossberg Riesling trocken GG shows an impressively deep, pure, dense and complex bouquet of crushed rocks, quartz, limes, citrus oil, orange peel and white peaches but also some irritating malo flavors (cream, Sauerkraut). Full-bodied, this is a pure and salty Riesling showing complexity and a persistent salinity. It combines power with purity and elegance with a frisky minerality which makes this a stimulating, well balanced wine to one of the finest dry Rheingau Rieslings of the vintage.

Pictures: Wining and Partying with Dirk Würtzin 2012. See Hanging out with Rheingau Winemakers: Dirk Wuertz, Desiree Eser, Alexander Jakob Jung, Hansi Bausch and Christian Ress in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany

Picture: Christian Schiller and Dirk Würtz in the Freudenhaus in Hamburg in 2010. See: Dirk Wuertz and His Bag-in-a-box Rieslings

2013 Balthasar Ress Riesling Trocken Resspekt

The GGs are the top dry wines. At Weingut Balthasar, there is a dry white wine above that category, Balthasar Ress’s Resspekt. The grapes come from the best parcels of the Rüdesheimer Berg, i.e. from different vineyards. After a long maceration, the wine fermented spontaneously. Following a long period on the lees, the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Here is what Robert Parker (Stephan Reinhardt) had to say about the 2013 Resspekt (95 Parker points): The 2013 Riesling trocken Resspekt (a wordplay with the name Ress and the word respect) is the only wine under cork from this estate. Unfortunately the cork is sealed with a thick wax closure which is extremely difficult and time-consuming to remove. As soon as this is done you discover a golden-colored Riesling of great intensity, depth and purity on the nose. This is an enormously rich, concentrated, piquant and tension-filled yet also an elegant and well balanced Riesling of great length with dried fruit aromas in the long aftertaste. Bone dry and full-bodied, this great and particular Riesling is characterized by its botrytisized and ultra-ripe fruit flavors. Although it's not my style of Riesling I would be happy to have a glass of it at least every single year.

Balthasar Ress Von Unserem Riesling Trocken

Let me finish with a wine that I did not taste during my visit at Weingut Baltasar Ress, but which I know very well. It is my house wine in the US. Available at Total Beverages, just around the corner where I live in the US: Dry, crisp, fresh entry-level wine with citrus, lemon zest and mineral notes. Reasonably priced.

Picture: Christian Schiller at oenotheque by Wine Universe in Singapore with Sommelier and Manager Geoffrey Daurelle and a Von Unserem. See: German Wine in Singapore

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Tasting at Weingut Balthasar Ress, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Stefan Ress, Germany

Dirk Wuertz Presented the 2012 Grosses Gewaechs Wines of Weingut Balthasar Ress, Germany

Dirk Wuertz and His Bag-in-a-box Rieslings

Hanging out with Rheingau Winemakers: Dirk Wuertz, Desiree Eser, Alexander Jakob Jung, Hansi Bausch and Christian Ress in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany

German Wine in Singapore

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Picture: Mark P. Barth, Wein- und Sektgut Barth, Rheingau, Germany

The Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours, organized and led by Annette Schiller, took place from September 6 – 12, 2015. The group was small - there were 7 of us, including Annette and Christian Schiller.

The tour took us to the Rheingau, Mittelrhein, Ahr, Mosel and Nahe. In the Rheingau, we visited 5 producers: Baron Knyphausen, Barth, Spreitzer, Bardong and Schloss Johannisberg.

This posting covers the visit of Wein- and Sektgut Barth. We also had lunch at Wein- and Sektgut Barth. Mark P. Barth was our host.

Pictures: Welcome

Wein- und Sektgut Barth

Wein- und Sektgut Barth is located in Hattenheim in the Rheingau. It overlooks the Rhein River and was founded in 1948 by Johann Barth. Originally a mixed agricultural facility, the property was transformed by Norbert Barth, the son of Johann Barth, in 1973 to a fully operational winery. In 2010, Norbert’s daughter Christine Barth and her husband Mark P. Barth took over; although both are trained winemakers, Mark takes the lead in the vineyard and the cellar today.

Picture: 2 Generations

Since being in charge, Mark and Christine have re-built a state of the art cellar, tasting room (where we had our tasting luncheon) and modernized facility that is über contemporary. They have nearly doubled their production and today own 18 hectares. Production is about 135000 bottles per year. Mark Barth was recently recognized by Handelsblatt (the Financial Times of Germany) among the best young winemakers in Germany.

Picture: In the Cellar with Mark P. Barth

Hattenheim in the 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. Hattenheim lies about in the middle of the Rheingau wine region, close to the famous Eberbach Abbey. Eberbach Abbey dates back to the 12th century, was erected by monks of the Zisterzienser order from Clairvaux in Burgundy and is known for its Steinberger Vineyard.

Pictures: Mark P. Barth and Annette Schiller

Sekt in Germany

Besides excellent (still) wines, from early on Barth produced sparkling wines – Sekt – and in 1992 a Sekt manufactory was completed to be able to produce the Sekts entirely at the premises.

Pictures: Sekt at Wein- und Sektgut Barth

Germany is one of the largest sparkling wine markets in the world, which is not well known around the world. Germans drink a lot of sparkling wines, although in general less quality-conscious than the French. One out of four bottles of sparkling wine is consumed in Germany, roughly 500 million bottles. Sekt is made in all German wine regions, both in the méthode traditionnelle and charmat method. There are three groups of Sekt makers: (i) large and (ii) smaller Sekt houses, who only make Sekt and (iii) winemakers, who make predominantly wine, but complement their wine selection by a few Sekts. The Sekts produced by large Sekt estates tend to be in the demy-sweet and sweet range, while the Sekts of smaller estates and the wine makers, like Wein- und Sektgut Barth, are mostly in the brut and extra brut range.

Pictures: Mark P. Barth Hand Riddling

Sekt at Wein- und Sektgut Barth

At Wein- und Sektgut Barth, all Sekts are bottle fermented in the méthod traditionelle starting with base wine production, subsequent bottling, bottle fermentation, hand-riddling, and disgorging. All Barth Sekts remain on the lease between 24 and 36 months. In 2010, Wein- und Sektgut Barth released the first ever German sparkler made from a grand cru base wine. The novelty was named Barth Primus, and put Barth on the map for the serious Sekt lover.

Pictures: In the Cellar with Mark P. Barth

Although the Barth Primus is an extremely successful sparkler, Wein- and Sektgut Barth has stopped to label this Sekt as Primus but instead put the vineyard name on the label. Accordingly, in the tasting with Mark Barth, the top sparkler we had was the 2011 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Hassel Riesling brut – an ultra-premium Sekt from the Hassel vineyard, a VDP.Grosse Lage vineyard.

Today, Wein- and Sektgut Barth is recognized among Germany’s preeminent traditional method Sekt producers and they have had their products featured in Michelin star properties as well as with Lufthansa Airlines.

The Wine & Vineyards

Wein- und Sektgut Barth produces mostly Riesling (83%), followed by Pinot Noir (12%) and a few other varieties (Pinot Blanc, and Cabernet among others) on vineyards of clay, black loess, marl and slate soil, creating elegant and well-structured wines.

Environmentally friendly viticulture is of utmost importance to the Barth family, who shows great care towards the vine, soil and nature. Time-consuming vineyard work like harvest reduction and the harvest itself are all selectively done by hand for optimum ripeness and flavor. The estate was certified organic by BioWein in 2013.

Pictures: In the Vineyard with Mark P. Barth

The top sites comprise Wisselbrunnen, Schönhell and Hassel, all VDP.Grosse Lage and Schützenhaus, a VDP.Erste Lage. And of course, Wein- and Sektgut Barth also produce wines at the Ortswein level and at the Gutswein level.

The production of wine is done with natural yeasts and most whites are aged in stainless steel vats. Reds see a variety of wood treatment, both large Holzfass (wood) and small oak barrique barrels.

Lunch with Wine and Sekt Tasting

We had a traditional Rheingau "Schlachtplatte"for lunch and went through a series of Sekt and Wine tasting with Mark P. Barth.

Pictures: Lunch and Wine and Sekt Tasting with Mark P. Barth

Here are the sparkling and still wines that Mark P. Barth served:

Sekt

NV Wein- und Sektgut Barth Riesling Sekt extra brut
NV Wein- und Sektgut Barth Pinot Rose Sekt brut
NV Wein- und Sektgut Barth Ultra Pinot brut nature
2011 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Hassel Riesling brut

White Wine

2013 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Riesling trocken VDP.Gutswein
2014 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Hallgartner Riesling trocken VDP.Ortswein
2013 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Schützenhaus Riesling trocken VDP.Erste Lage
2013 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Wisselbrunn Riesling trocken GG VDP.Grosse Lage
2013 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Schönhell Riesling trocken GG VDP.Grosse Lage
2011 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Singularis Riesling

Red Wine

2013 Wein- und Sektgut Barth Hassel Riesling Spätlese VDP.Grosse Lage

Bye-bye

Thanks Norbert and Mark P. Barth!

Pictures: Bye-bye Norbert and Mark P. Barth

Postings on the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

Fall Tours by ombiasy WineTours 2015 - A Very Special Treat: Experience Harvest Time !

Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Wine and Music at Eberbach Abbey in the Rheingau - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Wein- und Sektgut Barth in Hattenheim, Rheingau

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Josef Spreitzer in Oestrich, Rheigau

Wine Tasting at Weingut Toni Jost in Bacharach, Mittelrhein

Cruise on the Rhine River from Bacharach to Boppard, Mittelrhein

Wine Tasting at Weingut J.J.Adeneuer in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Ahr

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr

Wine Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel

Wine Tasting at Weingut St. Urbans-Hof in Leiwen, Mosel

Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Van Volxem in Wiltingen, Saar, Mosel

Wine Tasting at Weingut Hexamer, in Monzingen, Nahe

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg, in Niederhausen, Nahe

Tour and Wine Dinner at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe

Tour and Tasting at Sektmanufaktur Bardong in Geisenheim, Rheingau

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Schloss Johannisberg in Geisenheim, Rheingau

Picture: Château Beauséjour – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Ever heard of Gérard Dupuy and his Château Beauséjour in AOC Puisseguin-St.Emilion? Probably not. Unless, perhaps, you are into organic wines.

Château Beauséjour is not one of the 300 or so winemakers in Bordeaux that produce a premium Bordeaux which sells en primeur for 50 to 500 Euros per bottle. No, Château Beauséjour is one of the other 18.000 producers or so that are not in the limelight and that make so called petit château Bordeaux wines. These producers have to struggle against the competition of wines from all over the world, including the New World. In my view, many of these petit château Bordeaux producers offer very good value for the price.

As part of the attempt to offer a broad perspective, the 2015 Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours included a tour, tasting and wine lunch at Château Beauséjour, a petit château producer.

Gérard Dupuy and his partner in life and business Claire received us.

Pictures: Welcome

On that day, we visited three entirely different châteaux and had 3 entirely different experiences in in Saint-Emilion:

The first visit, Château Angélus, was to one of the most prestigious châteaux belonging to the top 1% in the rankings of Bordeaux. See here: Tour and Tasting at Château Angélus– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

The second visit, Château Beauséjour was to one of the 18,000 or so non-classified châteaux in the Bordeaux region that produce 95% of Bordeaux wines; we met a passionate winemaker who makes beautiful wines.

During the third visit, at Tertre Rôteboeuf, we met an outstanding winemaker who is a maverick and whose wines have become very expensive; unusually in this price category, he does not sell his wines through the “Place de Bordeaux” system.

For an overview about the whole tour, see: Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Pictures: Tasting a New Wine, Vintage 2015

Gérard Dupuy and his Wines

Gérard Dupuy is the owner of Château Beauséjour, located on the fringes of the village of Puisseguin, where his mother still lives, and of Château Langlais where Claire and he live. Both properties belong to the AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion. He also owns vineyards in Castillon where he produces the Domaine de la Grande Courraye, AOC Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux (red)), and in 2010 he bought vineyards in Bergerac, where he produces the Clos du Moulin – AOC Bergerac (red and white). Finally, Gérard Dupuy produces a NV sparkling wine in the champagne method, Les Bulles de Beauséjour. The winemaking facilities are at Château Beauséjour and all wines are made here.

Pictures: Gérard Dupuy and Annette and Christian Schiller at Bistro Bis in Washington DC, USA

Pictures: Sommelier Moez Ben Achour and Chef de Cuisine Paul Stearman from Marcel's, one of the Top Restaurants in Washington DC, Tasting with the Wines of Gérard Dupuy. See: From Millésime Bio in Montpellier, France, to Bistro Bis in Washington DC, USA: Gérard Dupuy and his Château Beausejour Wines in AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion

Where do Gérard Dupuy's Wine come from?

There are 4 so called satellites of the AOC Saint-Emilion, which do not have the classification system of the AOC Saint-Emilion. They are all located to the north of the town of Saint-Emilion. The 4 satellites are: AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion; AOC Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion; AOC Montagne-Saint-Emilion; AOC Lussac-Saint-Emilion.

The AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion lies at the heart of the four satellite titles of the Saint-Emilion appellation. The grape varieties permitted are Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Thus, Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion produces only red wines. Merlot is predominant, most often partnered with Cabernet Franc. To qualify for the Puisseguin-St. Emilion appellation, wines must contain a minimum of 11% alcohol and come from vineyards planted to a density of less than 5500 vines per hectare. Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion was granted AOC status in 1936. 753 hectares of vine planted areas belong to the appellation.
AOC Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux lies east of the village of Saint-Emilion and north of the town of Castillon. Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux is an appellation for red wines only. The dominant grape variety is Merlot (70%). Cabernet-Franc (20%) and Cabernet-Sauvignon (10%) account for the rest.

Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux was recognized AOC only recently (1989). For a long time the wines of Castillon were only used as complementary alternatives to enhance Saint-Emilion blendings in poor years. Until 2009, these wines were sold as Côtes de Castillon. In 2009, the Côtes de Castillon appellation was merged with several other Bordeaux Côtes to form the new Côtes de Bordeaux title.

Pictures: Aperitif before Lunch

Castillon has grown from around 2,450 hectares in 1982 to 3,250 today. During the last 25 years, several growers of Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, and other famous areas have recognized the Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux’s potential and invested in local vineyards. One of them is Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of the classified Château Canon-La Gaffelière in Saint-Emilion, (whom we also visit on the ombiasy PR Wine Tour to Bordeaux) who acquired Château d'Aiguilhe.

AOC Bergerac borders the Bordeaux wine region to the east and is situated around the town of Bergerac. There are about 30,000 acres of vineyards and the Bergerac area contains 13 AOCs for red, white and rosé wines. Red grape varieties planted are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, a little bit of Côt, Fer Servadou, Mérille. The main white grape varieties are: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle. Some Ugni Blanc, Ondenc, and Chenin Blanc can also be found here.

In the Vineyard

The first thing we did after arriving, was to tour the vineyards with Gérard Dupuy. The vineyard area totals 13.5 hectares. Gérard Dupuy told us that the clay and limestone soil of Château Beauséjour is planted with Merlot (73%), Cabernet Franc (22%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). All grapes are organically grown, certified by Ecocert. “The refusal of chemical treatments at our wineries dates back to their appearance on the market after 1945. We practice the total grass cover. This method allows regulating the ecosystem in a monoculture, while limiting soil erosion. In our vineyards, wild tulips thrive in the vineyard rows in the spring.” The average age of the vines is 40 years.

Pictures: In the Vineyard

In the Cellar

Moving on to the cellar, Gérard Dupuy follows the natural wine philosophy: “In the cellar, we use a minimalist approach. Our wines are aged for a period of 12 to 24 months in oak barrels.” All of his wines are made at Château Beauséjour.

Pictures: Cellar Tour

Wine Lunch

Lunch was fabulous. We started out with an aperitif and then moved to the newly renovated dining area for a wonderful 3-course meal and Gérard Dupuy’s impressive wines.

The menu was prepared by the former Owner and Chef of the Auberge du Village in 33330 Saint Christophe des Bardes. It was excellent. Jane Anson on Auberge du Village in 33330 Saint Christophe des Bardes: “Just the kind of local restaurant you look for – inexpensive, simple and charming - and it’s very popular. The wine list is short, but well chosen (hard not to be when you are surrounded by Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classés) and as keenly priced as the food.”

The Wines Gérard Dupuy Poured

NV Bulles de Beauséjour Brut

2012 Clos du Moulin AOC Bergerac Blanc

Annette Schiller: When I came to Puisseguin in 2012, Gérard offered some oysters and a white wine. I liked the wine and asked, where the wine was from. With a mischievous grin he said: from here. That took me by surprise since he could only produce red wines from his vineyards as far as I knew. Then he explained with his dry humor that he loves oysters and that he simply wants a good wine in his cellar to go with his oysters. So, he bought vineyards in the AOC Bergerac to make his own white wine for his oysters. This Clos du Moulin white is a blend of 40% Sémillon 40% Muscadelle 20% Sauvignon Blanc.

2011 Clos du Moulin AOC Bergerac Rouge

This entry level red is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a pleasant every day wine, hearty but with a certain softness, ready to drink now. The nose of dark cherry, plum was beautiful, the finish lingering on.

2012 Château Langlais AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion
2011 Château Langlais AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion
2010 Château Langlais AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion
2009 Château Langlais AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion

2010 Château Beauséjour AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion

Annette Schiller’s notes from a tasting earlier in Washington DC: This wine was the knock off for me. The color in the glass was pitch dark, the nose of dark berries, spices, herbal notes was bewitching. This wine is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. On the palate the wine had tension, but at the same time was gloriously harmonious with an endless finish. It was matured for 24 months in new oak and produced with almost no intervention. It was a very authentic wine reflecting at its best what is called ‘terroir’. The grapes came from 80 year old vines, planted in 1936 by Gérard’s grandfather. Harvest was at a very low yield of 30 hl / ha, and only 9,000 btl were produced.

Bye-bye

Thank you so much Gérard and Claire.

Postings on the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France (Posted and Forthcoming)

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

Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Tour and Wine Dinner at Domaine de Chevalier with Director Adjoint Rémi Edange and Owner/Director Olivier Bernard – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Angélus– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

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

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Beauséjour, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker Gérard Dupuy

Tour and Tasting at Château Tertre-Rôteboeuf, Saint-Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile

Tour and tasting at Château de Figeac, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé.

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland

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

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffelière, Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Tasting at Château de Fargues, Sauternes, with Prince Eudes d’Orléans

Wine Lunch at Restaurant Château de la Tour in Cadillac and Tour at Château Du Cros, Loupiac, with Catherine Boyer, Proprietor of Château Du Cros

Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé.

Lunch at the 2 Michelin Starred Restaurant La Grande Vigne

Tour of the Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm and Oyster Tasting in Grand-Piquey, with Oyster Farmer Ralph Doerfler

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Médoc, in Bégadan, with Stefan Paeffgen

Château Léoville-Poyferré, Chateau Le Crock, Didier Cuvelier in Bordeaux and the Cuvelier Los Andes Wines in Argentina

Tour and Tasting at Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Didier Cuvelier

Tour and Wine Lunch at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Pauillac, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac, 1ière Grand Cru Classé.

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil

Lunch at Restaurant Le Peyrat in Saint-Estèphe with the Grape Pickers of Château Sociando Mallet

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Basile Tesseron

Tour and Tasting at Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

Tourt and tasting at Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Diana Paulin

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Château Beauséjour)

From Millésime Bio in Montpellier, France, to Bistro Bis in Washington DC, USA: Gérard Dupuy and his Château Beausejour Wines in AOC Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion

Lunch at Château Beauséjour (AOC Puisseguin-St. Emilion)– a Vin Bio de Bordeaux - with Owner and Wine Maker Gerard Dupuy, France

Vin Bio de Bordeaux - At Château Beauséjour in AOC Puisseguin-St.Emilion, France

Picture: In the Glass: 2008 Ruländer Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein, Baden, Germany

When I put a picture of this wine on my facebook account a few days ago, people asked: What is this? Answer: This is a very unusual German wine.

To be more specific:

First, it is a Ruländer, which is the German term for a Pinot Gris that has residual sweetness. The German term for the fully fermented (and dry) is Grauburgunder. The overwhelming majority of German Pinot Gris’ is Grauburgunder. Ruländer are hard to find in these days.

Second, it is a wine that was made with grapes from the 2008 vintage, i.e. 7 years ago, but released only in 2015.

The wine was fermented in a big, old “Stückfass” (1200 liter barrel) and spent 4 years in that barrel, before being bottled 3 years ago. It was given another 3 years in the bottle for further development before being released this year – without fining and filtration.

Only healthy grape material was chosen and the juice which was not enriched. Fermentation was spontaneous; pure breed yeast were not known in the old days. Once a year, winemaker Odin Bauer carefully racked the wine.

Third, when you look carefully at the label, you will notice that the wine does not have a “Amtliche Prüfnummer”, i.e. did not pass the Government review board for “Qualitätsweine” (or was not presented for review). Yet, it sells at Euro 39 ex-winery, in the range were the ultra-premium dry German Grand Cru GG wines are currently sold for. The price is elevated because it is an ultra-premium wine, but outside of the norms. A bit like a Super Tuscany (which did not meet the Chianti regulations).

Picture: Backlabel - 2008 Ruländer Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein, Baden, Germany

Fourth: The producer is Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein, owned by Baron (Freiherr) Johannes and Baroness Christina von Gleichenstein in the Kaiserstul area (Baden). Since 1634, this estate has been in the hands of the family of the Baron von Gleichenstein. The estate comprises 50 hectares of the finest vineyards exclusively planted with the classic Burgundy grapes. Baron Johannes and Baroness Christina von Gleichenstein manage the estate in the 11th generation.

In recent years, Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein has seen a remarkable rise, under the leadership of Baron Johannes von Gleichenstein. In 2010, Baron Johannes von Gleichenstein was named Germany’s Rising Star of the Year (Gault Millau). "Increasingly, he uses the great potential of the prime locations in Oberrotweil for excellent Burgundy,” Editor Joel Payne of the Gault Millau praised his wines.

Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein is located in the Kaiserstuhl region in Baden, the most southerly German wine-growing area, across Rhine River from Alsace.

Fifth, the 2008 Ruländer of Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein fits well into the recent trend in Germany to release wines later. Star producer Weingut Dr. Loosen in the Mosel region just relased his new GG Reserve collection, wines that have been barrel aged for 2 years. Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg announced to release the grand crus of the 2014 vintage for sale not in autumn 2015 but as late as one year later.

The release of the 2008 Ruländer of Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein in 2015 – after 7 years - is particularly extreme as is the way the wine was vinified.

Sixth: Tasting the wine, it is very aromatic and creamy, as the great Kaiserstuhl white wines were 100 years ago, according to Owner Baron Johannes von Gleichenstein and Winemaker Odin Bauer. It is of golden color, with smells of nuts, honey, caramel and chamomile. It is a thick, ripe wine with a generous mouthfeel. Smooth on the palate. Powerful, but not too heavy (13 % vol. of alcohol). Very elegant and complex.

Ombiasy WineTours Visit: Weingut Freiherr zu Gleichenstein

The Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014) took us to 5 exceptional winemakers in the Kaiserstuhl region. One of them was Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein. (The others were: Dr. Heger, Johner, Bernhard Huber, Franz Keller).

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

Baron Johannes von Gleichenstein toured with us the winery and led a tasting of his outstanding wines.

Pictures: Welcome at Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein

Pictures: In the Cellar

Pictures: Processing the Just Harvested Grapes

Pictures: Tasting with Baron von Gleichenstein

Picture: The Next Generation

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy, 2014

Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

In the Glass: A 2007 Pinot Noir from the Gault Millau Shooting Star of the Year - Estate of Baron Gleichenstein

The 251 Crus Bourgeois du Médoc of the 2013 Vintage Announced, France

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Top 50 German Sauvignon Blancs: Mario Scheuermann's Deutsche Sauvignon Blanc Trophy 2015

Tour and Wine Dinner at Domaine de Chevalier with Director Adjoint Rémi Edange and Owner/Director Olivier Bernard – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Wine Tasting at Domaine Mestre Père & Fils in Santenay with Jonathan Mestre - Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Germany’s Best Ultra-premium Dry Riesling Wines - BerlinRieslingCup 2015, Germany

Visit and Tasting at Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll in Würzburg, Franken - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Grosse Weine – Unser Leben / Grand Wines – Our Lives: Wilhelm Weil, Jochen Becker-Köhn, Skat and the Wines of Weingut Robert Weil, Germany

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

Ein Rieslingspektakel in New York: Rieslingfeier 2015

Wine Pairing Lunch at Röttele’s Restaurant (1 Star Michelin) at Schloss Neuweier, with Owner and Winemaker Robert Schätzle, Weingut Schloss Neuweier - German South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2015)

Wine and Music at Eberbach Abbey in the Rheingau - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

25 Years of Reunited Germany – 25 German Wines that Represent Modern Germany

Tour and Tasting at Château Angélus – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

The 40 Best Wine Bars in Germany (Der Feinschmecker)

Visit: Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune - Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

At Weingut Balthasar Ress in Hattenheim, Rheingau, during the 2015 Harvest with Winemaker Dirk Würtz, Germany

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

Tour, Tasting and Wine Lunch at a Petit Château and Organic Producer: Château Beauséjour – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

In the Glass: 2008 Ruländer Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein, Baden, Germany