Picture:  Tasting at Weingut Emrich-Schönleber in Monzingen, Nahe, with Owner/ Winemaker Frank Schönleber - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

The Nahe Valley portion of the 2017 Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours comprised:

Tasting at Weingut Emrich-Schoenleber in Monzingen, Nahe, with Frank Schönleber

Wine-pairing Lunch at Landgasthof Zur Traube in Meddersheim, Nahe, with Petra Hexamer and the Wines of Weingut Hexamer.

Dinner with Wine Pairing the Restaurant of Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Cornelia, Stefan and Georg Rumpf.

At Weingut Emrich-Schoenleber in Monzingen, Frank Schönleber was our host.

Pictures: Arriving at Weingut Emrich-Schönleber

Weingut Emrich-Schönleber

The first mentioning of winegrowing in the Schönleber family dates back to the mid-18th century. Today the estate has 20.4 hectares of vineyards and 85% is planted with Riesling. Monzingen is located in the western fringes of the Nahe winegrowing area, with vineyards situated between 160 to 250 metres above sea level, and protected from the north by the Soonwald forest. Werner Schönleber’s rigorous quality control brought the winery to the upper echelon in Germany and beyond.

Werner and son Frank’s philosophy of winemaking says it all: “It is up to us to nurture both soil and vine. We are very careful to ensure that these two elements are healthy and in mutual balance - that is, most importantly, that the yield of the vines is in harmony with the water and nutrients available in the soil. We tend assiduously to each individual vine by hand. In doing so, we can control yields and ensure that the foliage on each vine is always well aerated. This allows the grapes to remain healthy for longer and to be picked late in the harvest at optimum ripeness. Only the minimum of nutrients is drawn from the soil. Except for the juice in the grapes, we ultimately return all the natural goodness back into the vineyard where it belongs. We generally fertilize with good-quality, home-made compost where necessary.”

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Emrich-Schönleber in Monzingen, Nahe, with Owner/ Winemaker Frank Schönleber - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyards

Total: 20.4 hectares

Varieties: 86% Riesling, 7% Grauburgunder, 5% Weißburgunder, 2% Müller-Thurgau

Production: ca. 130,000 bottles/year

9.0 ha FRÜHLINGSPLÄTZCHEN, Monzingen | VDP.GROSSE LAGE
5.5 ha HALENBERG, Monzingen | VDP. GROSSE LAGE
0.7 ha AUF DER LEY, Monzingen | VDP. GROSSE LAGE
2.8 ha Monzingen | VDP.Ortswein
2.4 ha VDP. Gutswein

Monzinger Frühlingsplätzchen: The Frühlingsplätzchen vineyard has a southwest-to-southeast exposure. At its steepest point, it has a 70% incline. It is little wonder therefore that the winter snows melt the fastest and that spring awakens particularly early in this vineyard. Its soils mostly consist of red slate and gravel, frequently interspersed with the red-coloured loam referred to as Rotliegend. Even at a young age, Frühlingsplätzchen will seduce you with its playful, spring-like fruit character. Its aromas are often redolent of peach and ripe apple, while fine herbal notes also tend to emerge. A few years of cellaring will lend a more pronounced minerally quality that makes Frühlingsplätzchen wines increasingly electrifying with age.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Werner Schönleber, Weingut Emrich-Schönleber at the 2013 Riesling Gala at Kloster Eberbach, Germany

Monzinger Halenberg: Monzingen's smallest vineyard is planted exclusively with Riesling vines, most of which belong to us. Facing south with gradients of up to 70%, Halenberg has stony blue slate and quartzite soils that put our vines through their paces - making them struggle in the summer for every drop of water. As a result, the grapes in this vineyard stay smaller and develop an especially exquisite aroma. Halenberg has an inherent, finely structured, minerally saltiness. It often reveals aromas reminiscent of ripe grapefruit and other exotic fruits. After a little ageing, it takes on its characteristically spicy, herbal personality.

Picture: Annette Schiller and Frank Schönleber at Kloster Eberbach

Monzinger Auf der Ley: This vineyard plot is situated above Halenberg. Gravel is the dominating feature of its soil, in addition to slate. The average incline is 50%. Strong thermals mean that the vineyard is very warm despite its lofty perch. Wines from this site have cool, stony characteristics. Auf der Ley is our most austere wine – but it also has the strongest personality. To a certain extent, it marries the finesse and elegance of Frühlingsplätzchen with the minerally intensity of Halenberg. Only after a number of years does it begin to show its true stature.

The Wines we Tasted

2016 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Weissburgunder S trocken
2015 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Grauburgunder S trocken


2016 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling trocken
2016 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Lenz Riesling trocken
2016 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Mineral Riesling trocken


2015 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Frühtau Monzinger Riesling trocken
2014 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Halgans Monzinger Riesling trocken


2016 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Halgans Monzinger Riesling trocken
2010 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Halgans Monzinger Riesling trocken


2016 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Frühlingsplätzchen Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage
2016 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Halenberg Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage
2010 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Halenberg Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage


2012 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Frühlingsplätzchen Riesling Spätlese VDP.Grosse Lage
2014 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Halenberg Riesling Spätlese VDP.Grosse Lage
2015 Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Halenberg Riesling Auslese VDP.Grosse Lage


Bye-bye

Thanks Frank for an outstanding tasting.

Pictures: Bye-bye

Postings: Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir (Posted and Forthcoming)

Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

Weingut Georg Müller Stiftung in Hattenheim, Rheingau: Cellar Tour, Art Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour with Winemaker Tim Lilienström - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Kloster Eberbach in the Rheingau: Lunch, Tour of the Abbey, the Steinberg and the Steinbergkeller, with Tasting - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Schloss Vollrads in the Rheingau: Tour and Tasting - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, with Johannes Leitz – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ratzenberger, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Heymann-Löwenstein in Winningen, Mosel, with Reinhard Löwenstein - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut H.J. Kreuzberg in Dernau, Ahr, with Technical Director Albert Schamaun– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr, with Alexander Stodden - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Markus Molitor at Weingut Markus Molitor in Haus Klosterberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting and Vineyard Visit at Weingut Immich-Batterieberg in Enkirch, Mosel, with Gernot Kollmann - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Wining in Bernkastel-Kues in the Mosel Valley: Wine Tavern “Spitzhaeuschen”, Germany

Tasting and Vineyard Walk with Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Schanz, 2 Stars Michelin, Piesport, Mosel– Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

Cellar Visit, Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Maximin Grünhaus in Mertersdorf, Ruwer, with Owner Dr. Carl von Schubert – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut von Hövel, Saar, with Owner/ Winemaker Maximilian von Kunow - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Emrich-Schoenleber (VDP) in Monzingen, Nahe, with Frank Schönleber

Wine-pairing Lunch at Landgasthof Zur Traube in Meddersheim, Nahe, with Petra Hexamer and the wines of Weingut Hexamer.

Dinner with Wine Pairing the Restaurant of Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Corenlia, Stefan and Georg Rumpf

Tasting at Weingut J.B. Becker, in Walluf, Rheingau, with Hajo Becker

Picture: Stephan Knipser, Weingut Knipser, Sebastion Fürst, Weingut Fürst and Christian Schiller in Mainz. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 was released on Friday, November 24, 2017. I participated in the presentation of the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 in Mainz, Germany. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 reviews on about 1000 pages more than 12.000 wines of 1000 wineries. Its rating symbol is a star and Germany’s best winemakers are awarded one to five stars. The wines are rated on the 1 to 100 scale.

14 winemakers received the top rating of 5/ 5 stars in the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018. I have listed them below, arranged by region.

Ahr

None.

Baden

Bernhard Huber

One of the winemakers leading the German red wine revolution. Bernhard Huber, only 53 years old, died in June 2014, after a battle with cancer. His son, Julian Huber, has taken over. We visited Weingut Huber during the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2014 and again in 2015. 28 hectares.

See:
Wine Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)
Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber in Baden, with Yquem Viehauser and Julian Huber – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

Franken

Rudolf Fürst

Weingut Rudolf Fürst has the reputation of being a specialist for red wines, Spätburgunder and Früburgunder, which account for 60% of the production; but brilliant dry wines are also produced. Sebastian Fürst has taken over from his father Paul Fürst. 20 hectares.

Pictures:Paul Fürst, Annette Schiller, Sebastian Fürst and Christian Schiller at Weingut Rudolf Fürst. See: Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: Joel B. Payne, Stephan Knipser, Sebastian Fürst and Christian Schiller at the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Award Ceremony. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Pictures: Winemaker Dinner with Sebastian Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Franken, at Schaumahl, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, 16 Points Gault Millau, Germany

Hessische Bergstrasse

None.

Mittelrhein

None.

Mosel (Mosel - Saar -Ruwer)

Egon Müller

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

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with Egon Müller, Weingut Egon Müller, at the Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA, see: The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Picture: Annette Schiller and Egon Müller. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Schloss Lieser (Thomas Haag)

The older brother of Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag, grew up at Weingut Fritz Haag, see above. 12 hectares.

Thomas Haag has been the winemaker at Weingut Schloss Lieser in Lieser since 1992 and its owner since 1997. Schloss Lieser – a mighty castle – is the landmark of Lieser, a tiny, quaint Mosel village, built in 1875 by Baron von Schorlemer. Weingut Schloss Lieser was founded in 1904 and produced some of the greatest wines in the Mosel region. In the second half of the 1900s, however, the estate passed through several hands and went into decline.

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Schloss Lieser in Lieser with Owner/ Winemaker Thomas Haag– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

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

Picture: Annette Schiller, Thomas Haag with his Son (Weingut Schloss Lieser) and Stephen Bitterolf at the 2017 Rieslingfeier in NYC. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Zilliken

Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken is one of Germany’s leading producer of fruity-sweet and noble-sweet wines. The estate enjoys cult status in some circles, including with some of my wine friends in the Washington DC area. 11 hectares. Only Riesling.

Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken is owned and run by Hanno Zilliken and his daughter Dorothee. Hanno and Dorothee Zilliken are Winemaker of the Year (Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017). In addition, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken was promoted from 4/5 to 5/5 grapes in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017. See: Hanno and Dorothee Zilliken are Winemaker of the Year (Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017)

Picture: Christian Schiller and Dorothee Zillike at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany. See: Dorothee Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Presents her Noble Rieslings at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany

Pictures: Visiting Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken with Hanno Zilliken - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Nahe

Dönnhoff

Helmut Dönnhoff is a Grand Seigneur of German wine. After being at the helm of this prestigious producer, he handed over to his son a few years ago. Weingut Dönnhoff produces only Riesling wines. The dry ones are much appreciated in Germany, while in the US and Asia, Weingut Dönnhoff is better known for its fruity-sweet and noble-sweet Rieslings. 25 hectares.

Picture: Christian Schiller with Helmut Dönnhoff, Weingut Hermann Dönnhoff

Pictures  Annette Schiller, Helmut Dönnhoff and daughter Christina Dönnhoff (Weingut Dönnhoff) and Didier Cuevlier (Chateau Leoville Poyferre) at Weingut Dr. Robert Weil

Pictures: Dönnhoff Hermann, Oberhausen (Nahe) - An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

Schäfer-Fröhlich

Tim Fröhlich took over the virtually unknown estate of his parents in 1998 and shaped it into one of the top Nahe estates in a very short period of time.Tim is a “master” of indigenous yeast fermentation.  His dry wines are much appreciated in Germany, while in the US and Asia, Weingut Dönnhoff is better known for its fruity-sweet and noble-sweet Rieslings. 20 hectares. 85% Riesling.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Tim Fröhlich in Wiesbaden

Pictures: Schäfer-Fröhlich, Bockenau (Nahe) - At Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

Pfalz

Bürklin Wolf

Bernard Bürklin founded this estate in 1597. Today it is run by his descendant, Bettina Bürklin von Gurdaze, and her husband Christian.

Weingut Bürklin Wolf is one of the largest family-owned wine estate in Germany, with 110 hectares of vineyards in the Pfalz Mittelhardt, including many of the best sites in Wachenheim, Forst, Deidesheim and Ruppertsberg. Even though this estate produces first-class sweet wines, the site is most famous for its dry Rieslings.

Picture: Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze

Knipser

A world class producer of both white and red wines. Werner Knipser has been experimenting with international red grape varieties for some years. Virtually all wines are fermented in a dry style. Werner Knipser’s children Sabine Knipser and Stephan Knipser are in the process of taking over. 40 hectares.

Picture: Stephan Knipser, Weingut Knipser, Sebastion Fürst, Weingut Fürst and Christian Schiller in Mainz. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Ökonomierat Rebholz

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

The visit of Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz was one of the highlights of the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014, 2015, 2017). We will be back.

See:
Wine Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)
Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Picture: The Table of Hannsjörg Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Pfalz, at the Gala Dinner of the Rieslingfeier 2016 in New York City, with Annette Schiller, David Schildknecht and Hannsjörg Rebholz. See: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2016, USA

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

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg Rebholz. See: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Rheingau

Peter Jakob Kühn

One of the leaders of biodynamic winemaking in Germany. Last year's Gault Millau Deutschland Wunemaker of the Year. 20 hectares. 90% Riesling and 10% Pinot Noir. Peter Jakob's son Peter Bernhard Kühn is in the process of taking over.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Peter Jakob Kühn in Kiedrich, Rheingau, see: Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

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

Robert Weil

A top producer of Riesling wines, both dry and fruity sweet and noble sweet wines, well presented in the major wine markets in the world. Now co-owned by the Japanese Suntory company and General Manager Wilhelm Weil, the fourth generation of the founding family. 90 hectares. Only Riesling.

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller with Wilhelm Weil at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich

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

Rheinhessen

Keller

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

Picture: Annette Schiller,Julia and Klaus Peter Keller at the 2015 Rieslingfeier in New York, see: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA

Wittmann

Pictures: Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann, with Annette and Christian Schiller at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

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

Saale-Unstrut

None.

Sachsen

None.

Württemberg

None.

Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 was released on Friday, November 24, 2017. I participated in the presentation of the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 in Mainz, Germany. The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 is at the same time a new and an old German wine guide.

Picture: Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018

2 days after the publication of the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018, on Monday, November 27,  the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 was released. The Gault Millau WeinGuide 2018 was published by Zabert + Sandmann, which had aquired the license for the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland in June 2017 from the Christian Verlag. The latter had published the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland for many years.

The Gault MillauWeinGuide Deutschland 2018 was put togather by a newly established team of tasters, all of them highly regarded, led by Editor-in-Chief Britta Wiegelmann. Previously, she was Editor-in-Chief of the Vinum Wine Journal. She took over the position from Joel B. Payne, who had been the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland Editor-in-Chief (earlier with Armin Diel) since it was first published in 1994.

Joel B. Payne - along with his Deputy Carsten S. Henn - stayed with the Christian Verlag, managed to bring on board the Vinum Journal and decided to continue publishing a wine guide under a new name: The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland was borne.

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 was put togather Joel B. Payne, Editor-in-Chief, and Carsten Henn, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, with the same team that put togather and rated the wines and winemakers of the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017, published 12 months ago. The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 looks very much like the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017 except for the color of the cover, which is red and no longer green. Also, the winemakers do not receive 1 to 5 grapes anymore but 1 to 5 stars.

Joel B. Payne made clear that he sees the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 as an update of the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017 and in a row with the previous 24 issues of the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland, the production of which he led as Editor-in-Chief. Red is now the new Green, said Joel B. Payne at the presentation of the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2018 (which is red), while the cover of the Gault Millau Millau WeinGuide Deutschland has been green during the past 24 years and continues to be green.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2016, USA

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

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

Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Winemaker Dinner with Sebastian Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Franken, at Schaumahl, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, 16 Points Gault Millau, Germany

Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany 

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

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

Tasting at Weingut Schloss Lieser in Lieser with Owner/ Winemaker Thomas Haag– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Hanno and Dorothee Zilliken are Winemaker of the Year (Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017)

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken with Hanno Zilliken - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

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

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

2017 VDP Trade Fair Weinbörse - Vintage 2016 - in Mainz: Schiller’s Report

Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Picture: Jochen Ratzenberger, Weingut Ratzenberger, Mittelrhein

Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland is one of the leading German wine guides. Ulrich Sautter is Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland's Editor-in-chief. The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 was released a few weeks ago. In contrast to other German Wine Guides, including Vinum, Gault Millau, Eichelmann and Feinschmecker, the Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland does not provide ratings of the reviewed winemakers but only of their wines.

Picture:  Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2018

Below is a listing of the 20 highest rated white wines in the Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2018. I will release a similar posting later with the top 20 red wines.

97/ 100 Points

2011 Bacharach Wolfshöhle Riesling Auslese
Weingut Ratzenberger
Mittelrhein, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 97

2016 Bernkastel Badstube Riesling Eiswein
Weingüter Wegeler – Gutshaus Mosel
Mosel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 97

2010 Erden Prälat Riesling Auslese
Weingut Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler
Mosel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 97

2016 Geisenheim Rothenberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Weingüter Wegeler – Gutshaus Rheingau
Rheingau, Hessen, Deutschland
Punkte 97

2015 Retzstadt Langenberg Silvaner Trockenbeerenauslese
Weingut Rudolf May
Franken, Bayern, Deutschland
Punkte 97

Picture: Jochen Ratzenberger, Weingut Ratzenberger, Mittelrhein in the Falsatff Weinguide Deutschland 2018 - Photo: Christian Schiller

Pictures: Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ratzenberger, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

96/ 100 Points

2010 »Goldkapsel« Saarburg Rausch Riesling Auslese
Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken
Mosel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 96

2006 Castell Schlossberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Fürstlich Castell’sches Domänenamt
Franken, Bayern, Deutschland
Punkte 96

2008 Erden Prälat Riesling Auslese
Weingut Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler
Mosel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 96

2016 Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Weingut Robert Weil
Rheingau, Hessen, Deutschland
Punkte 96

2016 Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling GG
Weingut Kühling-Gillot
Rheinhessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 96

2016 Nierstein Pettenthal Riesling GG
Weingut Kühling-Gillot
Rheinhessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 96

2016 Oestrich Lenchen Riesling Beerenauslese
Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn
Rheingau, Hessen, Deutschland
Punkte 96

2015 Pünderich Marienburg Raffes Riesling GG
Weingut Clemens Busch
Mosel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 96

Picture: Christian Schiller and Dorothee Zillike at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany. See: Dorothee Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Presents her Noble Rieslings at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany

Pictures: Visiting Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken with Hanno Zilliken - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

95/ 100 Points

2016 »Alte Reben« Erden Prälat Riesling GG
Weingut Dr. Loosen
Mosel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 95

2014 »Alte Reben Jaspis« Grauburgunder trocken
Weingut Hanspeter Ziereisen
Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
Punkte 95

2016 »Creutz« Silvaner trocken
Weingut Zehnthof Luckert
Franken, Bayern, Deutschland
Punkte 95

2016 »Goldkapsel« Brauneberg Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese
Weingut Schloss Lieser
Mosel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Punkte 95

2015 Castell Schloßberg Silvaner GG
Fürstlich Castell’sches Domänenamt
Franken, Bayern, Deutschland
Punkte 95

2005 Erbach Marcobrunn Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Weingut Freiherr Langwerth von Simmern
Rheingau, Hessen, Deutschland
Punkte 95

2015 Erbach Schlossberg Riesling Beerenauslese
Weingut Schloss Reinhartshausen
Rheingau, Hessen, Deutschland
Punkte 95

Pictures: Ernst Loosen and Annette and Christian Schiller in Washington DC. See: The Dry and Ultra-premium Dry GG and GG Reserve Rieslings of Weingut Dr. Loosen – Ernie Loosen in Washington DC

Pictures: Ernst Loosen, Annette Schiller and Christian Schiller at Weingut Dr. Loosen. See: Wine Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel– Germany-North by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Picture: The German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy (2013) at Weingut Dr. Loosen. See: German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

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Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ratzenberger, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Visiting Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken with Hanno Zilliken - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

The German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy (2013) at Weingut Dr. Loosen. See: German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

Picture: Owner Henri Lurton and Christian Schiller at Château Brane-Cantenac

Château Brane-Cantenac is a Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe en 1855 in Margaux. In 1922, it was acquired by the Lurton family. In 1992, control passed to the current owner Henri Lurton.

Henri Lurton was our host. He took us on a tour of the vineyards and the winemaking facilities. We finished the visit with a tasting.

Henri Lurton and the Lurton Family

The Lurtons are one of Bordeaux's great wine dynasties. With more than 1,000 hectares in the region, they are collectively Bordeaux's largest holder of wine-producing land. The family members own more than 20 châteaux and manage several well-known properties. They are also active in the New World and the South of France.

The Lurton family is not some centuries-old French aristocratic dynasty. They are new-comers. It all began in the 1920s with Léonce Récapet, who was a prosperous distiller and vineyard owner in the Entre Deux Mers region. His daughter married François Lurton. Their 4 children Andre, Dominique, Lucien and Simone took wine making seriously and between them began to build an empire. Lucien and André, in particular, acquired châteaux that were in a bad shape and brought them back on track. André is still running his business, while Lucien has handed over the 11 estates that he had gradually acquired to his 10 children, including Château Brane-Cantenac to Henri Lurton.

Pictures: Henri Lurton - Welcome

Château Brane-Cantenac

Brane-Cantenac’s vineyard totals 94 hectares. The grape varieties are 62.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 0.5 Carmenère.

Chateau Brane-Cantenac makes 4 wines (36.000 cases in total): The Grand Vin, the second wine Baron de Brane, an additional label named Château Notton using grapes from the Notton vineyard, a plot acquired from Château d'Angludet, and a generic Margaux wine.

A Tour with Henri Lurton

Henri took us on an extensive and fascinating tour of Château Brane-Cantenac. Many of the things he said can be found on the excellent web site of Château Brane-Cantenac, from which I took most of the text below.

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Brane-Cantenac with Henri Lurton, Owner

The Birth of Brane

Founded in the 18th century by the Gorce family, who gave it its original name, this great wine estate was producing one of the most highly regarded wines of the Medoc well before the 1855 classification. The high price of its wines gave the estate its rank at the top of the second classed growths. Sold in 1866 to the Roy family, who were also the owners of Château d’Issan, Brane continued to prosper, before it was bought by the Société des Grands Crus de France (a consortium of merchants and growers) in 1920.

A Star Rises

In 1925, Léonce Récapet and his son-in-law François Lurton took over the whole of Brane-Cantenac and a majority share of Château Margaux. Lucien Lurton (the son of François) inherited Brane-Cantenac in 1956. By now one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed viticulturists, Lucien left ten estates to his ten children. Since 1992, his son Henri has held the reins.

Picture: Annette Schiller and Christian Schiller at Château Brane-Cantenac with Henri Lurton, Owner

A Pioneer at the Helm

Like his father before him, Henri’s greatest passion is creating outstanding wines, year after year,  from the terroir entrusted to him. Affable, knowledgeable and down-to-earth, he is determined to produce a great Margaux with pedigree, character, complexity and balance that reflect Brane’s deep gravel terroir. A pioneer and experimentalist, he worked in South Africa, Australia and Chile before devoting himself entirely to the family estate.

Henri's Philosophy

As a living, constantly evolving product, a great wine requires attention, patience and experience. Since 1992, Henri Lurton has made it his aim to produce the best wine possible while remaining faithful to the outstanding, historic terroir of Brane. Reliance on technology alone has its limitations; ultimately you must understand and respect the terroir in order to achieve optimal grape quality and perfectly healthy and ripe fruit.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Henri Lurton in Washington DC. See: Henri Lurton and his Château Brane-Cantenac Wines

The Heart of the Estate

The 15 hectares behind the chateau grounds make up the historic heart of the estate. The soils are sandy-gravel, with large pebbles. Replanting of vines in recent years has enabled optimal matching of grape variety and rootstock with the specific composition of these soils. Although the wines produced in this plot have a different tannic structure to those produced on the plateau, they are of excellent quality and mostly go into our First Wine.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Henri Lurton at CityZen in Washington DC. See: Tête-à-tête Dinner with Henri Lurton, Owner of Château Brane-Cantenac, a Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe en 1855 in Margaux, at CityZen in Washington DC, USA

The Plateau de Brane

The famous gravel outcrop of Brane stands in front of the chateau. These thirty or so hectares include some of the finest strips of deep gravel soil in the Margaux region. A 12-metre-deep gravel layer, rich in clay, encourages the growth of deep roots and prevents excess water from reaching the vines. Sandy topsoil saturates quickly after heavy rainfall and the topography of the land encourages water to run off, protecting the vineyard from summer rainstorms.

Pictures: In the Vineyard with Henri Lurton

La Verdotte

La Verdotte, a 10-hectare vineyard over 35 years old, has medium depth gravelly-sandy soil and the vine roots are sometimes restricted by ferruginous concretions. Understanding perfectly the composition of the soils enables plot-by-plot management at harvest time. This means that the highest quality zones can be identified and vinified separately. This plot was organically grown in 2010 and a replanting program is currently underway.

Pictures: In the Vineyard with Henri Lurton

Notton

The 13-hectare Notton vineyard is situated on a very high quality gravel plateau. The deep, coarse gravel soil with a low clay content means that the water supplied to the roots is directly linked to the level of the water table. Replanting and deep drainage works in 1994 have brought great benefits to this wonderful terroir. Its Merlot is powerful and concentrated, while the Cabernet Sauvignon has a very fine tannic structure. The best plots are blended into the First Wine.

Vine Growing at Brane - Quality, not Quantity

Our focus is on producing the highest quality of wine possible, not extracting the maximum output from the soil. Every job carried out in the vineyard has this aim in mind, from manual preparation and care of the vines, to hand-rejection of poorer grapes. Recent changes include the conversion of 18 hectares to organic growing in 2011. All of this results in lower yields but drastically superior wine. We also conform to integrated and sustainable viticulture requirements, so that we can continue to produce excellent wines for generations to come.

Soil Preparation

After tired or sick vines have been pulled up, soils are planted with a cover crop of cereals and left to settle for several years. Studies are carried out before any planting, so as to make the right decisions for soil preparation (drainage systems, deep and superficial plowing, choice of rootstock, and grape variety). Organic manuring is a strict necessity for successful, terroir-friendly vine growing without excessive vigour.

Planting and Pruning

The density of our vines ranges from 7,000 plants per hectare on the ‘Plâteau de Brane’ to over 8,000 plants per hectare behind the chateau and at Notton. Planting vines at these densities forces them to compete for nutrients and develop optimal root systems. The Medocain pruning system takes into account the vigour of each vine. The plants are pruned very low so as to benefit from the distinctive microclimate created by gravel soil. Higher trellising of all the vines makes de-leafing easier whilst preserving good canopy cover that favours photosynthesis.

Vineyard Management

Meticulous canopy management helps ensure moderate yields, optimal ripening, and healthy fruit. Bunches must be correctly ventilated and grapes exposed to the right levels of sunlight. This includes de-budding, removing double buds, and de-suckering. De-leafing takes place at fruit setting and again three weeks before the harvest, as well as crop thinning and elimination of small, unripe bunches. Marking unhealthy vines in the summer and pulling them up in autumn prevents wood diseases, and we fight grape worm pests using sexual confusion techniques.

Environmental-friendly

Every decision concerning spray treatments respects guidelines for environmentally responsible viticulture: constant observation, decision making taking into account weather data and forecasts, use of pest presence thresholds before intervening, limited use of chemical products, and respect for areas outside spraying zones (sides of ditches and streams). We strongly favour using certified organic products and prioritise the reduction of phytosanitary treatment. Brane also has its own weather station linked up to the Demeter network for highly accurate long-range forecasts.

Hand Picking of the Grapes

The grapes are picked solely by hand – varietal-by-varietal, plot-by-plot – only when they reach ideal ripeness levels, in order to obtain the best fruit flavour possible. The date of picking is decided after numerous phenolic and technological ripeness tests, as well as extensive tasting of the grapes by Henri Lurton and his team.

Transfer to the Winery

The fruit is transferred to the winery using the Air Tec Wine system, a new crop transport technology that makes use of pneumatic suspension to keep the bunches perfectly intact as they make their journey, by tractor, from the vineyards to the sorting tables, with slow, gradual emptying by vibration to avoid any of the grapes being crushed or otherwise damaged.

Pictures: In the Harvest Reception Area with Henri Lurton

Harvest Reception

On arrival, the grapes are weighed, thus giving specific data about the yields and the volume going into vat. Bunches first pass through a manual sorting process. Next, after de-stemming, the grapes are sorted by an optical scanning machine. The Brane vat cellar has been designed so that each plot and sub-plot can be vinified separately. The vat materials (oak, concrete and stainless steel) and the number of various-sized vats (from 40 to 200 hl) are tailored to the present layout of the vineyard, but also allow for evolution and change.

Alcoholic Fermentation

The musts are homogenised and undergo a cold soak (a pre-fermentation maceration). This improves the release of anthocyanins and primary flavours. Some musts are concentrated using vacuum evaporation methods in order to increase the ratio of skins to juice if wet conditions have caused moisture to penetrate the skins. The alcoholic fermentation begins after carefully selected natural yeasts have been added. The process spans 7 to 10 days depending on the conditions of the vintage. Temperatures vary between 28 and 30°C.

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Henri Lurton at Château Brane-Cantenac

Punching Down

Punching down was pioneered at Brane-Cantenac as far back as 1987 using the Guérin type vat. The aim was to push down on the ‘cap’ (skins, pulp and seeds that gather at the surface of the vat) so as to break it up and increase contact between solids and liquid. Since 2000, a completely new system has been used: the ‘Socma turbo pigeur’. This is a pump that is sunk into the vat and floods the cap with the fermenting must, causing it to break up within a few minutes. This results in a better extraction of the phenolic compounds in a gentle, selective manner.

Pumping Over and Racking Off

To achieve good colour and tannin extraction, in harmony with the typicity of the wine, long and frequent pump-overs are performed. This involves pumping the liquid from the bottom of the vat over the solid cap. Delestages (racking off the must completely before pumping it back in with the skins) are also carried out regularly to improve colour and flavour extraction.

Pressing

Depending on the vintage and the plot, the maceration lasts 20 to in excess of 28 days, at a temperature of between 25 and 28°C. The decision to run off the new wine is only taken after tasting from the vat. The skins are pressed using two Sutter pneumatic presses. The transfer of the skins to the presses is done in small bins, to keep the skins intact. They are then placed inside the presses to separate, vat by vat, the remainder of the free-run wine (juice extracted prior to pressing) from the press wine.

Pictures: In the Cellar with Henri Lurton

Malolactic Fermentation

A process in which harsh malic acid is converted into more palatable lactic acid, malolactic fermentation takes place after, and to some extent during, primary fermentation. The conversion is begun by an inoculation of lactic acid bacteria, which reduce the production of biogenic amines, nitrous organic compounds that have undesireable characteristics and flavours and can lead to spoilage.

Barrels versus Vats

The wines from the best plots are run off into new barrels for their malolactic fermentation. Since 1993, experiments have been held at Brane, in conjunction with the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture, to analyse the differences between malolactic fermentations carried out in vats and those done in barrels. Findings have shown that malolactic fermentation in barrels offers superior integration of oak flavours, producing wines with a creamier texture.

Quality Barrels

After several years of testing the quality of wine aged in different barrels, six cooperages were selected for the quality of their casks: Seguin-Moreau, Taransaud, Nadalié, Demptos, Radoux and Boutes. The barrels are made of fine-grained French oak from fully mature trees and with a stave width of 22 mm. Recent trials have enabled us to match better the degree of char, grain and oak types to the different wines.

Blending

The tastings for the blending are organised in January with highly reputed oenologists, such as Jacques and Eric Boissenot. These sessions take place over several days. The blending is then done early at the beginning of February, allowing time for the ageing process to have an equalising effect on the wines.

Racking and Sealing

From November to April, the barrels are placed with the bunghole of the barrel positioned at the top (using a glass bung) in a naturally ventilated cellar. Several times a week the barrels are topped up to prevent excess oxidation. This period allows the wine to rid itself of remaining carbon dioxide and at the same time oxygenates the wine. From April, the barrels are closed with an airtight bung and racked regularly. Racking enables the wines to spend time in barrels from all the different cooperages, providing the wine with an even overall blend as it ages.

From Barrel to Bottle

After 12 months ageing in barrels for Baron de Brane and 18 for Brane-Cantenac, the wine is fined with fresh egg white in oak vats, to remove suspended solids. Two months before the bottling, a final blending ensures a perfect homogeneity of each of the estate’s wines. The wines are bottled in July, after the empty bottles are made inert with nitrogen so as to preserve the aromas. Laser marking of the glass enables complete traceability.

Pictures: In the Barrel Cellar with Henri Lurton

Technology and Innovation. Tradition meets Forward Thinking

At Brane-Cantenac, we recognize the need to continually evolve and improve while at the same time preserving elements of our tradition and heritage that make us who we are today. Every aspect of our wine-growing and winemaking method is constantly being re-evaluated as we strive to meet and exceed our own demanding expectations through forward thinking, experimentation, and the adoption of new technology at the winery.

The New Winery

Built in 1999, our new winery facilities conform to strict environmental and energy criteria. Wood and some of its by-products have been used for most of the roof structure, insulation and walls. Natural ventilation of the cellars using Canadian wells enables the inside temperature to be regulated without consuming energy. Shutter-style wood panels, placed on the southwest façade, limit the warming of the walls of the building and contribute some natural air conditioning. Large bay windows allow sunlight to enter. Other improvement plans are in the works.

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Henri Lurton at Château Brane-Cantenac

Ecologocally Minded

In 2012, an integrated environmental management system was set up so as to reduce the impact of our activity on the environment. The whole of our wine production process conforms to a policy of preservation of natural resources and sustainability. This includes the development of organic vine growing, significant investment in new machinery that consumes less fuel, and improved treatment and recycling of waste products.

Optical Sorting

In 2010, Henri Lurton decided to move to a Delta Vistalys optical sorting system at Brane. The grapes are filmed by camera and an ultra-fast computer analyses the picture obtained. Air jets then systematically eliminate all the impurities, meaning that sorting can be done not only according to the colour but also to the shape of the grapes. This revolutionary process enables a sorting of extremely high quality, which is reliable, fast, consistent and upgradable.

Pictures: Château Brane-Cantenac's Optical Sorting Machine

QR Mobile Web Application

Since 2010, every bottle of Brane-Cantenac and Baron de Brane has been equipped with a QR code. We have teamed up with Bordeaux creative agency, Taylor Yandell, to link the codes to a web application that provides customers and professionals with crucial information about the bottle they are about to open (and which there is not space to include on the label): recommended serving temperatures, ageing potential, exclusive recipe pairings, tasting notes, vintage summaries and more.

Experimentation

Since the 1960s, Brane-Cantenac has always been a field for numerous experiments. The replanting of a small plot of Camenere vines in 2007 is demonstrative of our pioneering spirit. We have now successfully integrated it into our first wine (0.5%). Unsuccessful in the 1990s, the varietal had previously been pulled up, but recent climate change and global warming now suit this grape variety perfectly. Given the necessary care, the Carmenere grape can offer excellent color, exotic fruit aromas, and corduroy-like tannins.

Pictures: In the Barrel Cellar with Henri Lurton During an Earlier Visit. See: An Afternoon with Owner Henri Lurton at Château Brane-Cantenac, a Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe en 1855, in Margaux, France

The Brane-Cantenac Team

HENRI LURTON
Owner

CHRISTOPHE CAPDEVILLE
Estate Manager

HUGUES DE LESTRANGE
Financial Director

MARIE-HÉLÈNE DUSSECH
Commercial Director

MARIA DE LOURDES MARTINEZ OJEDA
Quality Control Manager

FLORENT CILLERO
Cellarmaster

PIERRE AUCHÉ
Vineyard Manager

VÉRONIQUE GARCIA
Executive and Sales Assistant

CLÉMENCE MOREAU
Sales Administrator

DELPHINE DE SAINT-LEGER
Accounting Department

CONTACT
Château Brane-Cantenac
33 460 Margaux – France
Tel. : 00 33 (0) 5 57 888 333
Email: contact@brane-cantenac.com

Tasting

2014 Château Brane Cantenac - 2ème Grand Cru Classé Margaux

Wine Searcher Price in Euro: 47

Since Henri Lurton took over in 1992, he has made it his mission to produce the best possible wine, reinforcing Brane’s position as a second classified growth in 1855. The result is a fine wine that perfectly expresses its remarkable terroir.

The 2014 Brane-Cantenac has a very classy bouquet, very well defined with blackberry, cedar and tobacco scents, that trademark graphite scent emerging with a few swirls of the glass. It is exactly what you expect from this Margaux estate. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, well-judged acidity, graphite and cedar towards the linear finish that will clearly need several years to unfold. Classic Margaux really, but wise owls will cellar it away for several years. Drink 2022-2045Score: 92, Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (Interim En), April 2017

Pictures: Tasting at Château Brane-Cantenac with Henri Luston, Owner

2014 Baron de Brane - Margaux

Wine Searcher Price in Euro: 23

The name of our second wine honours Baron Hector de Brane, who owned the estate in the 19th century. Blended from vats carefully selected for their suppleness, it is aged just like the First Wine, but for a 12-month period.

Bye-bye

Thanks Henri for the very informative, wonderful visit of Château Brane-Cantenac with you.

Pictures: Bye-bye

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The Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 - one of the 5 main wine guides in Germany (along with GaultMillau, Vinum, Feinschmecker and Falstaff) - was released in November 2017.

In the Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2018, Gerhard Eichelmann presents 940 winemakers and reviews 10950 wines. For the rating of the winemakers, he employs a system that awards a winery up to five stars, where 5 stars indicate “world class, top international producers”. There are about 2 dozens of German winemakers in this group and I already posted about the new list, here: Germany's 28 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 201. The wines are assessed using a 50-100 point scale rating system.

Picture: Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine 2018

Pictures: Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine 2018, Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2018, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2018, Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung with Stuart Pigotts Favorites (Photo: Philipp Wittmann)

Additionally, in each issue of the Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland a (1) Rising Star of the Year as well as the producers of the best collections of (2) red wines, (3) white wines and (4) noble-sweet wines are named. Further, Gerhard Eichelmann presents a “Classic of the Year” Wine and an Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Picture: Gerhard Eichelmann at the VDP.Grosses Gewaechs Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden

Best White Wine Collection: Weingut Kühling-Gillot

Rheinhessen
18 hectares
75% Riesling, 20% Spätburgunder

„Schon in der ersten Ausgabe des dieses Jahr zum 18. Mal erscheinenden Weinführers wurde das Weingut empfohlen, neun Jahre später wurde das Weingut als Aufsteiger des Jahres ausgezeichnet. Weitere neun Jahre später nun sind die Weine so spannend wie nie, haben weiter an Komplexität und Nachhaltigkeit gewonnen“. – Gerhard Eichelmann

"The winery was already recommended in the first edition of the wine guide, which will be published for the 18th time this year. Nine years later, the winery was awarded the title of "Rising Star of the Year". Another nine years later, the wines are more exciting than ever and have gained more complexity and sustainability."

Picture: Carolin Spanier Gillot and Christian Schiller in Bodenheim at Weingut Kühling-Gillot

Picture: Philipp Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann, and H.O. Spanier, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot, with Annette Schiller in Mainz. See: VDP.Rheinhessen Invited to a Gala Dinner: The World Class Wines of the VDP.Rheinhessen Winemakers and the World Class Food of Philipp Stein (1 Star Michelin, Favorite), with Klaus Peter Keller, Philipp Wittmann, H.O.Spanier, Caroline Gillot-Spanier and Other Rheinhessen Stars

Pictures: At Weingut Kuehling-Gillot. See: The Wine Maker Couple H.O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot, with Roland Gillot, Lead Wine Tasting of Kuehling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines at Weingut Kuehling-Gillot, Germany

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with H.O. Spanier, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling Gillot at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

Best Red Wine Collection: Benedikt Baltes – Weingut Klingenberg

Franken
9,5 hectares
80% Spätburgunder

„2010 hat er das Weingut der Stadt Klingenberg übernommen und in nicht einmal einem Jahrzehnt zu einer der führenden Rotweinadressen in Deutschland gemacht. Er konzentriert sich ganz auf Spätburgunder, erzeugt faszinierend reintönige Weine, die mit Frische und Eleganz punkten.“ – Gerhard Eichelmann

"In 2010, he took over the Weingut der Stadt Klingenberg and in less than a decade became one of the leading red wine addresses in Germany. He concentrates entirely on Pinot Noir, producing fascinating pure wines that score with freshness and elegance."

Pictures: Benedikt Baltes and Julia Bertram, Weingut Benedikt Baltes in Klingenberg. See also: The 31-Days-of-German-Riesling Concert Cruise Around New York Harbor with the German Wine Queen Julia Bertram and the 3 Wine Amazones Tina Huff, Eva Vollmer and Mirjam Schneider from Mainz, Germany

Best Fruity-sweet and Noble-sweet Collection: Oliver Haag – Weingut Fritz Haag

Mosel
19,8 hectares
100% Riesling

„Die Rieslinge von Oliver Haag bestechen durch ihre Eleganz und Reintönigkeit, sie sind frisch und lebendig, filigran und komplex, faszinierend klar und lang: Eine Meisterleistung im für edelsüße Weine schwierigen Jahrgang 2016“ – Gerhard Eichelmann

"The Rieslings of Oliver Haag captivate with their elegance and cleanliness, they are fresh and lively, filigree and complex, fascinatingly clear and long: a masterpiece in vintage 2016, which is difficult for noble sweet wines".

Pictures: At Weingut Fritz Haag, with Oliver Haag. See: Tasting and Vineyard Walk with Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag– Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Rising Star of the Year: Matthias Gaul – Weingut Gaul

Pfalz
27 hectares
20% Grauburgunder, 20% Riesling, 15% Spätburgunder, 10% Merlot, 10% Sauvignon Blanc

„Seit Jahren verfolgen wir mit großer Aufmerksamkeit die Entwicklungen bei Matthias Gaul, wie er an Details feilt und Jahr für Jahr immer eigenständigere, immer feinere Weine erzeugt. Nicht nur mit Rieslingen und Spätburgunder sorgt er für Furore, auch mit Sorten wie Tempranillo oder Cabernet Franc“ – Gerhard Eichelmann

"For years, we have been paying close attention to the developments at Matthias Gaul, as he refines details and, year after year, produces ever more independent, ever finer wines. Not only with Riesling and Pinot Noir he caused a sensation, even with varieties such as Tempranillo or Cabernet Franc".

Klassiker des Jahres/ Classic of the Year: Forster Ungeheuer GG Weingut Mosbacher

„Einen schöneren Lagennamen findet man schwerlich – und in dieser Lage wachsen Rieslinge von großer Klasse und faszinierender Langlebigkeit“, lobt Gerhard Eichelmann.

"You can hardly find a more beautiful name for a site - and in this location grow Rieslings of great class and fascinating longevity".

Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement: Hermann Dörflinger – Weingut Dörflinger

Baden
20 hectares

Der Ehrenpreis für das Lebenswerk, wird in diesem Jahr an Hermann Dörflinger aus Müllheim im Markgräflerland vergeben. 1973 hat Hermann Dörflinger den elterlichen Betrieb übernommen. Er hat von Anfang an auf durchgegorene Weine gesetzt, zu einer Zeit als badischer und deutscher Wein noch durch und durch süß war. „Die durchgegorenen Weine von Hermann Dörflinger gehören Jahr für Jahr zu den besten in Baden. Dem Gutedel gilt seine besondere Aufmerksamkeit, schon der einfachste Wein bereitet immer viel Freude, ist glasklar und präzise wie alle Weine im Sortiment“; so die Begründung der Redaktion des Eichelmann 2018.

The honorary prize for the life's work will be awarded this year to Hermann Dörflinger from Müllheim in Markgräflerland. Hermann Dörflinger took over his parents' business in 1973. From the very beginning, he has relied on fully fermented (bone-dry) wines, at a time when Baden and German wine were still thoroughly sweet. "The bone-dry wines of Hermann Dörflinger belong year after year to the best in Baden. The Gutedel is close to his heart. Even the most basic wine always generates a lot of joy, is crystal clear and precise as all wines in Dörflinger portfolio.

Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland

For previous years, see:

Germany's 27 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2017
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2017 Awards, Germany 

Germany's 28 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2016
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2016 Awards, Germany

Germany's Top 27 Winemakers: 5 out of 5 Grapes - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2015
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Eichelmann Wine Guide Deutschland 2015 Awards, Germany

Germany’s 26 Top Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Best German Winemakers – Eichelmann Wine Guide Deutschland 2014 Awards, Germany

Best German Wines and Winemakers – Eichelmann Wine Guide Deutschland 2013 Awards, Germany

Best German Wines - Eichelmann Wine Guide 2012 Awards, Germany

Wine ratings: German wine --- Eichelmann 2010 (Awards)

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Ombiasy Wine Tours 2018: 3 x France and 3 x Germany - Ombiasy Newsletter December 2017

VDP.Rheinhessen Invited to a Gala Dinner: The World Class Wines of the VDP.Rheinhessen Winemakers and the World Class Food of Philipp Stein (1 Star Michelin, Favorite), with Klaus Peter Keller, Philipp Wittmann, H.O.Spanier, Caroline Gillot-Spanier and Other Rheinhessen Stars

Tasting and Vineyard Walk with Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag– Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

The Wine Maker Couple H.O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot, with Roland Gillot, Lead Wine Tasting of Kuehling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines at Weingut Kuehling-Gillot, Germany

The 31-Days-of-German-Riesling Concert Cruise Around New York Harbor with the German Wine Queen Julia Bertram and the 3 Wine Amazones Tina Huff, Eva Vollmer and Mirjam Schneider from Mainz, Germany

Picture: Dinner at the 1 Michelin Star Restaurant L’Achémille in Kaysersberg, with Owner/ Chef Jérome Jaegle

We spent 2 nights in the village of Kysersberg and had dinner at the 1 star Michelin restaurant L'Alchémille of Chef/ Owner Jérome Jaegle. He is a native of Kaysersberg. He left his home town to train with top chefs elsewhere. Just a year ago he returned home with his wife and they opened the restaurant L'Alchémille in Kaysersberg. His new restaurant immediately caught the attention of the food critics and in the new Michelin guide his efforts were rewarded with one Michelin star. We had his 7-course tasting menu. It was a sensational experience. Each course was a surprise of flavors and ingredients from nature.

Pictures: Arriving at L’Achémille in Kaysersberg

Michelin: L'Alchémille

Chef Jérôme Jaegle, from Alsace, has an impressive CV - having worked with Olivier Nasti and Christian Têtedoie, to name but two. He has opened his own restaurant on home turf. His aim is to oversee a meeting between culinary technique and natural ingredients, based on fare from local producers. A taste sensation!

Pictures: L’Achémille in Kaysersberg

Suestyle.com: L’Alchémille

Situated on the main street on the outer edge of Kaysersberg, the restaurant combines beautifully with a visit to Domaine Weinbach, and/or the brand-new, cutting-edge Martin Schaetzel by Kirrenbourg. The chef, Jérome Jaeglé (who’s done time in all the same kitchens as Tagliani, above, as well as competing in the Bocuse d’Or competitions) has made a name for himself – and gained a star in 2017 – with his light, fresh cooking that leans heavily on seasonal vegetables – not vegetarian, just delicious, creative food for people who love their greens (and reds, and yellows, and oranges), and much else besides. Here’s another place with the kind of prices at lunch (€24 and €32 for 2 or 3 courses, weekdays) that would make your bank manageress smile. It’s on the main road heading up towards the Vosges, right next to a luridly-coloured pizzeria, and has a vaguely Scandinavian feel (long, low building with white weatherboard cladding outside and light, bright interior with scrubbed wooden tables).

Picture: Dinner Options

Gault Millau: L'Alchémille

14.5/ 20

Jérôme Jaegle est un jeune chef plein d'idées, qui semble ne pouvoir tenir en place tellement le bouillonnement l'incite à créer, à cultiver son jardin, à trouver la bonne herbe ou la bonne épice qui lui parait indispensable à la réalisation d'un plat. Cette exigence lui permettra sans doute de progresser, lui qui, en deux ans à peine, est parvenu rapidement à un très bon niveau, dans cette maison qu'il a imaginée et voulue à la sortie du village. sa carte est naturellement faite de l'inspiration du moment, embellie et valorisée par la virtuosité du chef. Ambiance simple et naturelle d'une maison où le matériau brut et naturel domine, cave de connaisseur en toutes régions.

Pictures: Dinner

Chef Jérôme Jaegle: L'Alchémille

My restaurant is the culmination of my passion for cooking and my love of nature. My cooking is an ongoing alchemy encompassing nature and culinary techniques, and reflects my unwavering connection with the land. My grand-parents and parents were butchers and charcutiers (preparation of delicatessen products) in Kaysersberg, meaning I have been totally immersed in the world of cooking as from my early childhood.

Pictures: The Wines

Since I started working in gastronomy, I have had the opportunity to mix with the “stars” and have worked with many of the big names of the culinary world such as Jean-Yves Schillinger, Olivier Nasti and Christian Têtedoie. My competitive spirit and an urge to push myself to my very limits as a chef lifted me to the heights of national and international culinary competitions: Prix National Taittinger 2006 and 2008, 2nd in the Prix International Taittinger 2006, Bocuse d’Or France 2010, Bocuse de Bronze Europe 2010 and 4th with the Jury’s Special Meat Award at the Bocuse d’Or Monde 2011.

Nature, taste and local produce are the values I hold close to heart and uphold in my cooking at L’Alchémille.

My first Jérôme Jaegle restaurant is located in my home town and naturally bears the name of the plant used by the alchemists. Old books on medicinal plants claim that alchemilla makes women more fertile and restores their virginity. It is also said that the droplets found on alchemilla in the early hours of the morning are elf tears and are drunk by fairy-like creatures living in the forest.

Pictures: With Owner/ Chef Jérome Jaegle

In this restaurant, my overarching aim is to mirror my personality. I am loyal to my origins and a staunch believer in friendship, which explains the design of the wooden furniture to the choice of bread I share with my friends. This is also why I attach so much importance to the local producers who provide me with quality ingredients with the unique flavors or our area.

Cooking is a way for me to foster human relations based on exchange – authenticity and sharing are two values which are of paramount importance to me.

Picture: Walking Back after the Dinner

schiller-wine: All Postings (Published and Forthcoming): Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour (and Lunch) with Robert Schätzle, Owner/ Winemaker, Weingut Schloss Neuweier in Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

La Cucina della Passione and Weingut Schloss Neuweier Wines: Wine Pairing Lunch at Röttele’s Restaurant (1 Star Michelin) at Schloss Neuweier, with Owner and Winemaker Robert Schätzle, Weingut Schloss Neuweier - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

The Evolving Structure of the Wine Industry in Germany– The Case of the Lake Constance Region

Schloss Salem at Lake Constance in Germany: A Museum, a School and a Wine Estate

Visit of Schloss Salem, Kirche Birnau and Weingut Markgraf von Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

The Wines of the Markgräflerland (Baden): Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Löffler - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Stigler, Baden, with Andreas, Regina and Max Stigler - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Schwarzer Adler, 1 Star Michelin, Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and Wine Taverns in Freiburg, Baden, Germany

The World Class Wines of Alsace

In the world class white wine region Alsace

Tasting at Domaine Marcel Deiss in Bergheim, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch in Alsace: Wistube du Sommelier in Bergheim and L’Epicurien in Colmar - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Dirler-Cadé with Jean Pierre Dirler and Ludevine Dirler-Cadé - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Domaines Schlumberger in Guebwiller, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Hugel in Riquewhir, Alsace, with Jean Frédéric Hugel - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at the 1 Michelin Star Restaurant L’Achémille in Kaysersberg, with Owner/ Chef Jérome Jaegle

Wine Lunch at Weingut Jülg with Johannes Jülg– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Schiller's Favorite (Wine-) Restaurants in Deidesheim in the Pfalz, Germany

Tasting at Maison Jülg in Seebach, Alsace, with Peter Jülg

Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Valentin Rebholz and Stephanie Wagner

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Münzberg – Lothar Kesseler & Söhne in Landau-Godramstein, Pfalz, with Friedrich and Gunter Kesseler

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andi Rings

Tasting at Weingut Krebs in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Jürgen Krebs

Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

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

Cellar Tourvisit and Tasting at Weingut Gröbe in Westhofen, Rheinhessen, with Fritz Gröbe

Cellar Tour and Wine Pairing Lunch at Weingut Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum

Picture: Jochen Dreissigacker, Weingut Dreissigacker, Andreas Hütwohl, Weingut von Winning, Andreas Spreitzer, Weingut Spreitzer and Johannes Leitz, Weingut Leitz, at the Rieslingfeier 2018 in New York City

Rieslingfeier is an annual event in New York City that celebrates Riesling, in particular German Riesling. The cornerstone event is the Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner. Inspired by Daniel Johnnes’ famous Burgundy fête “La Paulée” it is very likely the greatest German wine BYOB dinner in the world, with both winemakers and guests bringing special bottles from their cellars to share.

Rieslingfeier is orchestrated by Stephen Bitterolf of the vom Boden wine importing company.





Pictures: New York Impressions

This year, the Rieslingfeier took place on Saturday January 27, 2018. The 2018 Rieslingfeier consisted of 2 events: The Gränd Tasting at Craft Restaurant in New York City Downtown during the day and the Gala Dinner at Reynard/ Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg in the evening.

13 top German wine producers and (for the first time) 1 top Alsacian producer were in attendance.

For previous Rieslingfeier events, see:

2017
The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

2016
A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2016, USA
Rieslingfeier 2016 in New York – Gränd Tasting: The Winemakers of the Rieslingfeier 2016, USA
Rieslingfeier 2016 in New York– Gala Dinner, USA

2015
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

Participating Winemakers

13 top German wine producers and (for the first time) 1 top Alsacian producer were in attendance. Annette Schiller, who organizes wines tours (ombiasyPR and WineTours), and Christian Schiller, who blogs on schiller-wine, joined the 2018 celebration of German Riesling. We were happy to meet the participating German elite winemakers. Many of them we know personally. Some of them we call our friends. Most of them we have visited on a recent ombiasy wine tour.

Trimbach

Alsace
100 hectares
Jean Trimbach

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Pictures: Christian Schiller with Jean Trimbach at Maison Trimbach in Ribeauville in Alsace. See: Visiting Jean Trimbach at Maison Trimbach in Ribeauville in Alsace (2011)


Pictures: With Hubert Trimbach at Maison Trimbach in 2014. See: At Maison Trimbach in Alsace with Hubert Trimbach – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)


Pictures: Christian Schiller and Annette Schiller with Jean Trimbach at Open Kitchen, Virginia, USA. See: Back in the Washington DC Area: Jean Trimbach Presented Maison Trimbach Wines at a Winemaker Dinner at Open Kitchen, USA (2013)

Koehler-Ruprecht

Pfalz
13 hectares
54% Riesling, 20% Spätburgunder
Louis - Dressner
General Manager Dominik Sona





Pictures:Tour and Tasting at Weingut Koehler Ruprecht in Kallstadt, Pfalz, with Franzi Schmitt – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

von Winning

Pfalz
49 hectares
80% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Deputy Managing Director Andreas Hütwohl

Picture: At Weingut von Winning in Deidesheim, Pfalz. See: Tour and Tasting at Weingut von Winning in Deidesheim, Pfalz– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Dreissigacker

Rheinhessen
28 hectares
60% Riesling
Schatzi Wines
Jochen Dreissigacker




Pictures: Tasting the Wines President Obama was Served: At Weingut Dreissigacker in Bechtheim, Rheinhessen, with Ute Dreissigacker – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Leitz

Rheingau
43 hectares
98% Riesling
Schatzi Wines
Johannes Leitz

Picture: Annette Schiller and Johannes Leitz, Weingut Josef Leitz, at Kloster Eberbach, Germany



Pictures: With Johannes Leitz at Weingut Leitz. See: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, with Johannes Leitz – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Spreitzer

Rheingau
21 hectares
95% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Andreas Spreitzer






Picture: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Spreitzer in Oestrich, Rheingau, with Bernd Spreitzer – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Diel

Nahe
25 hectares
60% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Caroline Diel
Sylvain Diel

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Pictures: Christian Schiller with Armin, Caroline and Anouk Diel at Schlossgut Diel in Germany. See: Tasting with Sylvain Taurisson Diel at Schlossgut Diel, Nahe– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)


Pictures: Annette Schiller with Caroline Diel and Armin Diel at the 2017 Schlossgut Diel Christmas Market

Dönnhoff

Nahe
28 hectares
80% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Cornelius Dönnhoff

Picture: Christian Schiller with Helmut Dönnhoff, Weingut Hermann Dönnhoff

Picture: Annette Schiller, Helmut Dönnhoff and Daughter Christina Dönnhoff (Weingut Dönnhoff) and Didier Cuevelier (Chateau Leoville Poyferre) at Weingut Dr. Robert Weil



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

Immich-Batterieberg

Mosel
9 hectares
100% Riesling
Louis - Dressner
General Manager/ Winemaker Gernot Kollmann





Pictures: Tasting and Vineyard Visit at Weingut Immich-Batterieberg in Enkirch, Mosel, with Gernot Kollmann - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Picture: Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, Dominik Sona and Franzi Schmitt, Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht and Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, at Bart Vandaele's BToo in Washington DC. See: Post-Rieslingfeier and Pre-Big Glou Dinner with 3 Top Winemakers from Germany at BToo in Washington DC: Clemens Busch, Immich-Batterieberg and Koehler-Ruprecht, USA

Willi Schaefer

Mosel
4 hectares
100% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Christoph Schaefer

Selbach-Oster

Mosel
22 hectares
97% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Johannes Selbach

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

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

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

Egon Müller

Mosel
8 hectares
98% Riesling
Egon Müller


Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with Egon Müller, Weingut Egon Müller, at the Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA, see: The 11 Winemakers: Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

Picture: Annette Schiller and Egon Müller. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Hofgut Falkenstein

Mosel
8 hectares
80% Riesling
Owner Johannes Weber
Owner Franz Weber
Lars Carlberg


Pictures: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines– Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Lauer

Mosel
9 hectars
100% Riesling
Vom Boden
Florian Lauer



Pictures: Florian Lauer, Weingut Peter Lauer, and Christian Schiller. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2016 Awards: The Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Rieslingfeier: Gränd Tasting

Saturday, January 27th, 2018 | 10:30am-3:00pm
Craft Restaurant
43 East 19th Street, New York, NY

The first of the 2 Rieslingfeier events was a walk-around tasting with the 14 participating winemakers. All producers were in attendance pouring 3 to 4 of their wines.





Pictures: Gränd Tasting

Gränd Tasting: Trimbach

Alsace
100 hectares
Jean Trimbach

2014 Reserve Magnum
2015 Sélection Vieilles Vignes
2008 Cuvée Frédéric Emile


Pictures: Jean Trimbach, Egon Müller, Annette Schiller

Gränd Tasting: Koehler-Ruprecht

Pfalz
13 hectares
54% Riesling, 20% Spätburgunder
Louis - Dressner
General Manager Dominik Sona

2016 Saumagen Kabinett Trocken
2015 Saumagen Spätlese trocken
2016 Steinacker Kabinett
2015 Saumagen Auslese



Gränd Tasting: von Winning

Pfalz
49 hectares
80% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Deputy Managing Director Andreas Hütwohl

2016 Paradiesgarten 1e Lage Trocken
2016 Kalkofen GG
2016 Sauvignon Blanc "I"



Gränd Tasting: Dreissigacker

Rheinhessen
28 hectares
60% Riesling
Schatzi Wines
Jochen Dreissigacker

2016 "Organic" Trocken
2016 Bechtheimer Trocken
2015 Bechtheimer Trocken
2013 Geyersberg Trocken



Gränd Tasting: Spreitzer

Rheingau
21 hectares
95% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Andreas Spreitzer

2016 "Muschelkalk" Trocken
2016 Wisselbrunnen GG
2016 Jesuitengarten "Alte Reben" Feinherb


Pictures: Annette Schiller, Andreas Spreitzer, David Schildknecht

Gränd Tasting: Diel

Nahe
25 hectares
60% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Caroline Diel
Sylvain Diel

2016 "Von der Nahe" Feinherb
2016 Eierfels Trocken
2016 Goldloch GG



Gränd Tasting: Lauer

Mosel
9 hectars
100% Riesling
Vom Boden
Florian Lauer

2016 "Barrel X"
2016 "Senior" Fass 6
2016 Stirn Fass 15



Gränd Tasting: Dönnhoff

Nahe
28 hectares
80% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Cornelius Dönnhoff

2016 Kahlenberg Dry
2016 Krötenpfuhl Kabinett
2016 Kirschheck Spätlese


Pictures: Cornelius Dönnhoff, David Schildknecht, Annette Schiller

Gränd Tasting: Immich-Batterieberg

Mosel
9 hectares
100% Riesling
Louis - Dressner
General Manager/ Winemaker Gernot Kollmann

2015 "CAI"
2016 Escheburg
2014 Ellergrube



Gränd Tasting: Egon Müller

Mosel
8 hectares
98% Riesling
Egon Müller

2014 Kanta (Australia)
2015 Château Belá (Slovak Republic)
2016 "Scharzhofberg" QbA
2016 Scharzhofberg Kabinett "Alte Reben"
2016 Scharzhofberg Spätlese



Gränd Tasting: Leitz

Rheingau
43 hectares
98% Riesling
Schatzi Wines
Johannes Leitz

2016 Berg Kaisersteinfels "Terrassen" GG
2016 Berg Roseneck "Katerloch" GG
2016 Berg Rotland "Hinterhaus" GG


Pictures: Johannes Leitz, Kevin Pike of Schatzi-Wines

Gränd Tasting: Selbach-Oster

Mosel
22 hectares
97% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Johannes Selbach

2016 Schlossberg "Böhmer" Trocken
2016 Sonnenuhr Spätlese Feinherb "Uralte Reben"
2016 Sonnenuhr Spätlese



Gränd Tasting: Hofgut Falkenstein

Mosel
8 hectares
80% Riesling
Owner Johannes Weber
Owner Franz Weber
Lars Carlberg

2016 Herrenberg Kabinett Trocken #1
2016 Sonnenberg Spätlese Trocken
2016 Herrenberg Kabinett Feinherb #4
2016 Herrenberg Spätlese #11



Gränd Tasting: Willi Schaefer

Mosel
4 hectares
100% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Christoph Schaefer

2016 Himmelreich Kabinett
2016 Himmelreich Spätlese
2016 Domprobst Spätlese #10



Rieslingfeier: Gala Dinner

Saturday, February 18th, 2017 | 7pm
Reynard | Wythe Hotel
80 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Picture: Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn

There were 14 tables with 1 winemaker and 10 guests at each table.

The five course meal was customized by Reynard’sExecutive Chef Christina Lecki to pair with dry and off-dry Riesling.

The wine service was presided over by Rieslingfeier Chef Sommelier Raj Vaidya along with a group of the country's top sommeliers.

At each table, about 20 wines were served, provided by the host winemaker and his/ her guests. At the table of Egon Müller, for example, you would be served about 10 Egon Müller wines and 10 wines the guests brought from their cellars.

All the wines were outstanding, but some of them were out of this world. You could walk to other tables and taste the wines poured there. Guests and winemakers also walked around and shared the wines with other people.

The evening began at 7pm with a Weingut Dreissigacker Sekt reception. Dinner started at 8:00pm and ended at around midnight.

Reception with Dreissigacker Sekt

The evening began at 7pm with a Weingut Dreissigacker Sekt reception.


Pictures: Jochen Dreissigacker and his Riesling Sekt Brut


Picture: Andreas Spreitzer, Weingut Spreitzer, Johannes Leitz, Weingut Leitz, Andreas Hütwohl, Weingut von Winning, Cornelius Dönnhoff, Weingut Dönnhoff

Picture: Jochen Dreissigacker, Weingut Dreissigacker, Johannes Leitz, Weingut Leitz, Caroline Diel, Schlossgut Diel, Andreas Spreitzer, Weingut Spreitzer

Picture: Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Jean Trimbach, David Schildknecht

Picture: Egon Müller and Caroline Diel

The Gala Dinner

Following the Sekt Reception, Stephen Bitterolf welcomed and introduced the visiting winemakers. The 28 sommeliers (2 at each table) started to pour the wines and the first course was served. During the next 4 hours or so we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner with amazing wines, from the table where you were seated but also from the other tables. People - winemakers, consumers and reps/ importers - tend to walk around at the Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner, either with their own wine or with a glass exploring what is being poured at other tables.

Picture: Stephen Bitterolf Introducing the Winemakers








14 Tables at the Gala Dinner

There were 14 tables with 1 winemaker and 10 guests sitting at each table.

Gala Dinner: Lauer Table

Mosel
9 hectars
100% Riesling
Vom Boden
Florian Lauer



Pictures. Florian Lauer and Aldo Sohm

Gala Dinner: Willi Schaefer Table

Mosel
4 hectares
100% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Christoph Schaefer


Pictures: Christian Schiller, Christoph Schaefer and Annette Schiller



Gala Dinner: Dreissigacker Table

Rheinhessen
28 hectares
60% Riesling
Schatzi Wines
Jochen Dreissigacker



Picture: Jochen Dreissigacker and Sylvain Diel

Gala Dinner. Leitz Table

Rheingau
43 hectares
98% Riesling
Schatzi Wines
Johannes Leitz



Gala Dinner: Spreitzer Table

Rheingau
21 hectares
95% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Andreas Spreitzer





Gala Dinner: Dönnhoff Table

Nahe
28 hectares
80% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Cornelius Dönnhoff



Gala Dinner: von Winning Table

Pfalz
49 hectares
80% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Deputy Managing Director Andreas Hütwohl



Gala Dinner: Selbach-Oster Table

Mosel
22 hectares
97% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Johannes Selbach



Gala Dinner: Koehler-Ruprecht Table

Pfalz
13 hectares
54% Riesling, 20% Spätburgunder
Louis - Dressner
General Manager Dominik Sona




Gala Dinner: Immich-Batterieberg Table

Mosel
9 hectares
100% Riesling
Louis - Dressner
General Manager/ Winemaker Gernot Kollmann



Gala Dinner: Trimbach Table

Alsace
100 hectares
Jean Trimbach





Gala Dinner: Hofgut Falkenstein Table

Mosel
8 hectares
80% Riesling
Owner Johannes Weber
Owner Franz Weber
Lars Carlberg


Pictures: David Schildtknecht and Johannes Weber

Gala Dinner: Egon Müller Table

Mosel
8 hectares
98% Riesling
Egon Müller




Picture: Annette Schiller Pouring a Scharzhofberger Kabinett

Gala Dinner: Schlossgut Diel Table

Nahe
25 hectares
60% Riesling
Skurnik/ Theise
Caroline Diel
Sylvain Diel

This year, my wife Annette Schiller and I were sitting with Caroline Diel and Sylvain Diel, Schlossgut Diel. Ryan Plas/ Coquette/ New Orleans and Andrew Algren/ Cherry Circle Room/ Chicago were pouring the wines.









The Menu

The food was excellent, but, of course, a bit on the backburner with all these outstanding wines being poured into your glass, at your table as well as on all the other tables.







Our Wines: 2 GGs

We brought, as Stuart Pigott commented on facebook, a "cool couple" of wines: a Riesling from the up-and-coming producer Weingut Schätzel in Rheinhessen and a Pinot Blanc from an off-the-beaten-track wine region, Saale-Unstrut in the eastern part of Germany. Both producers are not (yet) available in the US market.

2016 Weingut Schätzel, Hipping, Riesling GG - Rheinhessen
2016 Weingut Lützkendorf, Hohe Gräte, Weisburgunder GG - Saale/ Unstrut

Picture: Annette Schiller and Ryan Plas/ Coquette/ New Orleans

Picture: Andrew Algren/ Cherry Circle Room/ Chicago

Picture: Annette Schiller and Valerie Masten of Skurnik/ Theise

The End

The 2018 Rieslingfeier ended around midnight. Again, it was an unforgettable event with amazing wines, including a 1939 Riesling from Weingut Spreitzer and a 2009 G-Max from Klaus Peter Keller (with trades at the seconday market for US1500 currently), to single out 2 wines among the many outstanding wines that I was able to taste.




Picture: Jochen Dreissigacker and Andreas Spreitzer

Picture: Jochen Dreissigacker, Weingut Dreissigacker, Andreas Hütwohl, Weingut von Winning, Andreas Spreitzer, Weingut Spreitzer and Johannes Leitz, Weingut Leitz



Going Back to the Hotel

Picture: Crossing the East River into New York Downton

Stephen Bitterolf

Rieslingfeier was founded in 2012 by Stephen Bitterolf, a passionate advocate for Germany's culture of winemaking. He was the Wine Director at Crush Wine & Spirits in New York where he helped develop one of the largest German wine programs in the country before founding his own import company, vom Boden.



Pictures: Stephen Bitterolf at the 2018 Gränd Tasting and the Gala Dinner, Opening and Closing

Opera

Annette and I travelled to New York on Friday, January 26. We had bought tickets for the Metropolitan Opera. We also went to 2 wine bars.

Pocket Bar NYC: A tiny neighborhood wine bar.

Ardesia (510 W 52nd St): Le Bernardin veteran Mandy Oser’s iron-and-marble gem offers superior wines in a relaxed setting.



Pictures: Pocket Bar NYC


Pictures: Ardesia

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Ombiasy Wine Tours 2018: 3 x France and 3 x Germany - Ombiasy Newsletter December 2017

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, with Johannes Leitz – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut von Winning in Deidesheim, Pfalz– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Koehler Ruprecht in Kallstadt, Pfalz, with Franzi Schmitt – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

Visiting Jean Trimbach at Maison Trimbach in Ribeauville in Alsace (2011)

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

Back in the Washington DC Area: Jean Trimbach Presented Maison Trimbach Wines at a Winemaker Dinner at Open Kitchen, USA (2013)

Tasting the Wines President Obama was Served: At Weingut Dreissigacker in Bechtheim, Rheinhessen, with Ute Dreissigacker – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Spreitzer in Oestrich, Rheingau, with Bernd Spreitzer – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

 Tasting and Vineyard Visit at Weingut Immich-Batterieberg in Enkirch, Mosel, with Gernot Kollmann - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Post-Rieslingfeier and Pre-Big Glou Dinner with 3 Top Winemakers from Germany at BToo in Washington DC: Clemens Busch, Immich-Batterieberg and Koehler-Ruprecht, USA

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

Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines– Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2016 Awards: The Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany