schiller-wine

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Durfort-Vivens, Appellation Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

We started the 7th day of our Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours - Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France - with a cellar Tour and tasting at Château Durfort-Vivens, which is in Margaux. It is a 2ième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 ranking. It is one of the estates of the Lurton family, owned by Gonzague Lurton. His nice, Pauline Lurton, Export Manager North America and North Europe, was our host.

In the cellar we met Technical Director Léopold Valentin, while he and his team were installing a series of new amphora in the cellar.

Pictures: Arriving at Château Durfort-Vivens, with Pauline Lurton

Château Durfort-Vivens is another Château owned by a member of the Lurton family. The history of Château Durfort-Vivens stretches back as far as the 14th century, when it was in the hands of the Durfort de Duras family. Throughout the centuries there was a succession of owners. In 1937 Pierre Ginestet (remember: the very first visit of this tour was to Maison Ginestet) bought the Château. He also was the administrator of Château Margaux and for three decades the Durfort-Vivens wines were vinified in Château Margaux and hence they were regarded as being a second wine of Château Margaux.

In 1961 the Ginestet family sold most of the Durfort-Vivens estate to Lucien Lurton. Lucien bought the vineyards and the cellars but not the actual Château building. Today the Château itself is named Château Marojallia and belongs to Philippe Porcheron.

In 1992 Lucien gave Château Durfort-Vivens to his son Gonzague Lurton. Shortly after Gonzague took over he moved the wine making back to Durfort-Vivens. He built a new “chai” and installed new wooden and cement fermentation vats, complete with temperature control. In 1999 be began to convert to biodynamic viticulture and in the 2016 vintage the wine was certified biodynamic for the first time.

Pictures: In the Cellar of Château Durfort-Vivens

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Berry Bros. & Rudd: Château Durfort-Vivens has been owned by the Lurton family since 1961 when Lucien Lurton purchased it from the Gineset family. For many years this 2ème Cru Classé Margaux property was perceived as underachieving - however, the estate has undergone a mini-renaissance since Lucien`s son Gonzague took over at the helm.

Durfort-Vivens's vineyards(Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 15%) lie on gravelly soils interspersed with limestone. Vinification includes approximately 18 months' wood ageing, 30-50% new oak.

The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend (82%) is the highest of any wine in the southern Médoc and gives the wine classic blackcurrant and cassis characteristics as well as notable tannins and structure. Durfort-Vivens may be approached after 5 years or so in bottle but will continue improving for up to 10 years.

Pictures: Technical Director Léopold Valentin and his Team Installing a Series of New Amphora in the Cellar.

Tasting

The visit ended with a tasting in the tasting room. Pauline poured 2 wines.

2014 Château Durfort-Vivens, Appellation Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

Wine-searcher average price in US$:50

Wine Enthusiast (94/100): This is a wine that is obviously made for the long term. At this stage is dry and firm, serious and solid. The aftertaste reveals its enormous potential with the generous black fruits and acidity. The estate, in the heart of the Margaux vineyards, is impressive. Drink from 2025.

2012 Vivens/ Le Relais du Durfort-Vivens

Wine-searcher average price in US$:30

Château Durfort-Vivens: On this vintage, we focused on the fruitiness and finesse. The nose is still a little buttered. It expresses nice aromas of red berries (redcurrant and blueberry, violet and blond tobacco. On the palate, the attack is smooth and evolves towards a fine and fresh texture.The wine is at the same time fleshy, juicy and fruity. It tastes like a candy. The finish is quite long and elegant with notes of fresh fruit and vanilla. It will perfectly match with a rib of beef, risotto with ceps and cheeses.

Pictures: Tasting

The Lurton and the Merlaut Families

Gonzague Lurton and his wife Claire Villars Lurton, who comes from the Merlaut family, own 5 estates. Gonzage brought Château Durfort-Vivensinto the marriage, Claire the other 3 Bordeaux estates. They bought the American winers togather after they go married

Château Durfort-Vivens, 2^nd Classified Growth in Margaux
Château Ferrière, 3^rd Classified Growth in Margaux
Château Haut-Bages Liberal, 5^th Classified Growth in Pauillac
Château La Gurgue, Margaux
ACAIBO, in the Sonoma Valley/ USA

Claire Villars Lurton

Though she was born into a wine growers' family, the Merlaut family, Claire Villars Lurton did not intend to manage a property. She lived in Paris where she had a master's degree in chemistry and physics. She was preparing a thesis in physics when her parents died in an accident in 1992. She decided to get actively involved in the management of the family properties. She gave up her studies and joined her grandfather Jacques Merlaut to continue the work of her mother Bernadette Villars Merlaut.

Jacques Merlaut and the Taillan Group

The Taillan Group (€180 million in sales, 350 employees) was founded in 1961 by Jacques Merlaut. It is headed today by his son Denis Merlaut. The family-run company has grown through the acquisitions of three trading houses : Maison Ginestet (Grands Crus Classés, Chateaux), Joseph Verdier (Loire, IGP, VDF, VDPCEE), Vignobles & Compagnie (Rhône, Languedoc, Provence, IGP OC).

The Taillan Group is the owner of 21 châteaux (representing 492 hectares) in Bordeaux, the Loire Valley and Cahors. Among the most famous are Gruaud Larose (2nd cru classé), Château Citran (cru bourgeois) et Château Broustet (2nd cru classé).

Bye-bye

Before leaving this magic place: A view through the windows of the tasting room of Chateau Margaux and Chateau Palmer.

Pictures: Bye-bye

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

Tour and Tasting at Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Grave - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Dinner with a View: At Restaurant L’Estacade in Bordeaux City - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City - An Update

Schiller’s Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France - An Update

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 2016, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Mondésir Gazin, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, Côtes de Bourg, with Owner/ Winemaker Marc Pasquet - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Terrasse Rouge, Château La Dominique, Appellation Saimt-Emilion, Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and tasting at Château Clos Fourtet, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol, with General Manager/ Winemaker Marielle Cazaux - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol, with GM/ Winemaker Marielle Cazaux - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland, GM Benoit Prévot and Chef Frédéric Bozzo - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting (including from Barrel) at Tertre Rôteboeuf, Saint Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile, France – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2018)

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Climens, Appellation Barsac-Sauternes, Première Grand Cru Classé, with Owner/ Winemaker Bérénice Lurton and Chef Florence Camaly - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Visit and Tasting: Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Tour, Tasting and Wine Lunch at a Petit Château and Organic Producer: Château Beauséjour – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bio in Bordeaux: Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Winepairing Lunch at Chateau Beauséjour and Château Langais, AOC Puisseguin-St.Emilion, with Owner/ Winemaker Gérard Dupuy - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Restaurants in Arcachon and Cap Ferret (Bassin d'Arcachon/ Bordeaux)

Oysters in Bordeaux: Visiting the Oyster Farmer Raphael Doerfler and his Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm in Grand Piquey/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret, Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Blending Exercise at Château La Tour de Bessan, Margaux, Cru Bourgeois, with Owner/ Winemaker Marie-Laure Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Durfort-Vivens, Appellation Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Pauline Lurton

Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017 France

Wine-Pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017 France

Visit and Tasting at Château Ormez de Pez, Appellation Saint-Estèphe

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, 4ème Grand Cru Classé St-Estèphe, with Vineyard Manager Anaïs Maillet - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Anne Cuvelier - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Family-style Dinner at Château Le Reysse and Château Lassus, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, Owner/ Winemaker Stefan Paeffgen and Heike Paeffgen

Tour, Barrel Tasting and Family Dinner with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen, Château Le Reysse and Château Lassus, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Léoville-Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, and Château Langoa-Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 3ème Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Pique-nique Style Lunch at Château Lascombes, Appellation Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

Tour and Gourmet Dinner with Wine-pairing at Château Haut-Bailly, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Daina Paulin

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Pictures: Tasting AR Lenoble Champagne in Washington DC and in Epernay, with Christian Holthausen and his Husband Simon Maurel.

Christian Holthausen of the Champagne House AR Lenoble was in town (the greater Washington DC area) and I had the chance to participate in two of his events.

First, I attended a seated wine tasting at Chain Bridge Cellars, a leading wine store in McLean.

Second, I attended a book reading cum champagne tasting at in Arlington at One More Page Books & More with Ann Mah, local travel writer, and Christian Conley Holthausen of Champagne AR Lenoble. Ann and Christian discussed Ann's new novel The Lost Vintage, as well as the legacy and future of French winemaking, and Champagne AR Lenoble's pioneering efforts in the face of climate change.

We visited AR Lenable and Christian Conley Holthausen on a recent Champagne Tour by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours. See: Cellar Visit and Tasting at the Champagne House AR Lenoble in Epernay, with Christian Holthausen - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Christian Holthausen

A dual citizen of France and the United States, Christian Holthausen has been in charge of export sales and international communications at Champagne AR Lenoble since December 2014. Prior to joining Champagne AR Lenoble, Holthausen spent seven years as the International House Communications Director for Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck & Charles Heidsieck in Reims. He previously spent five years managing the wine portfolio of Rémy Cointreau USA in New York after starting his career at Champagne Veuve Clicquot in 1999.

Picture: Christian Schiller with Christian Holthausen, at the time International Communications Director for Charles Heidsick and Piper-Heidsick, in Brescia. See: Blogging, Wining and Dining at the European Wine Bloggers Conference (#EWBC) October 2011 in Brescia, Italy – A Tour D’ Horizont

Outside of his role at Champagne AR Lenoble, Holthausen contributes articles about food, wine and travel to a variety of publications including Decanter, The Guardian, and The World of Fine Wine in the United Kingdom as well as Meininger’s Wine Business International in Germany. In 2017, he was shortlisted for Emerging Wine Writer of the Year at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards.

Champagne AR Lenoble

We visited AR Lenable and Christian Conley Holthausen on a recent Champagne Tour by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours. See: Cellar Visit and Tasting at the Champagne House AR Lenoble in Epernay, with Christian Holthausen - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

AR Lenoble is one of the rare producers in Champagne that has been consistently family-owned and entirely independent since the very beginning. AR Lenoble was founded in 1920 by Armand Raphaël Graser who arrived in Champagne from his native Alsace in 1915 in the middle of the First World War. Not wanting to have a German-sounding last name at that particular moment in history, he christened his wines “Lenoble” as he believed the wines of Champagne to be the most noble wines in France; his initials “AR” preceded the “Lenoble” and a new bran was created.

Pictures: Arriving at AR Lenoble in Epernay

Today his grandchildren brother and sister Antoine and Anne Malassagne are owners and manger of the estate. They took over in 1993 from their father and in just over twenty years, they have quietly yet confidently transformed AR Lenoble into one of the jewels of the Champagne region.

Pictures: Introduction by Christian Holthausen

Vineyards

AR Lenoble owns a total of 18 hectares, which in Champagne makes for a small-medium sized house. AR Lenoble believes very strongly in privileging the characteristic expression of fruit from its own vineyards located in three prime locations in Champagne:

CHOUILLY, the northernmost Grand Cru village located on the celebrated Côte des Blancs (10 hectares are estate-owned by AR Lenoble) and home of some of the most magnificent Chardonnay in all of Champagne.

BISSEUIL, the Premier Cru village located between Mareuil-sur-Ay and Tours-sur-Marne (6 hectares are estate-owned by AR Lenoble) and home of rich and structured Pinot Noir.

DAMERY, the site of AR Lenoble since 1920, located to the immediate east of Cumières. The village is home to some elegant and expressive Pinot Meunier due to soils that are a combination of clay and limestone. AR Lenoble is fortunate enough to own 2.5 hectares.

Christian Holthausen: Ploughing is routinely practiced in our vineyards to make sure that our plants are able to obtain the maximum of nutrition from the soils. We let the grass grow in our vineyards in order to reduce yields on purpose. Our yields are significantly lower than the average yields in Champagne, year after year. We control the date we begin picking in each of our parcels to consistently obtain ideal ripeness.

AR Lenoble was the second House in Champagne to be awarded the “Haute Valeur Environnementale” certification in recognition of more than 20 years of environmentally-friendly procedures put in place on the estate: zero use of chemical fertilisers, practically zero use of weed killer, drastic limits on the use of phytosanitary inputs to control mildew and powdery mildew in the vineyar, and particular attention to biodiversity and enhancement of the vineyard with hedgerows, orchards, embankments, trees and low walls.

Pictures: In the Cellar of AR Lenoble

In the Cellar

A parcellaire approach which begins in the vineyard is followed by a vinification adapted to the harvest and to the parcel, meaning that our wines are ‘made to measure’ in every sense of the word. A combination of different vinification vessels are employed so that individual parcels are fermented accordingly in small Burgundy barrels of 225 litres, 5000-litre foudres, stainless steel tanks and/or enamel-lined tanks. All reserve wines are conserved in either small Burgundy barrels of 225 litres or 5000-litre foudres. Malolactic fermentation is done or not done according to parcel and year however it is never done for vinified or aged under wood. Evaluation of the different vinified parcels begins in December and lasts for a period of six months.

Once the blends and wines are decided, bottling takes place. Bottles are aged underneath the winery in the historic 18th century cellars. A constant temperature of 11°C and a humidity level of 85% ensure that the wines are aged in only the most pristine conditions. Long periods of ageing is mandated for all wines, never less than three years.

Pictures: In the Private Quarters of AR Lenoble

AR Lenoble was an early advocate of limiting dosage in order to let the terroir express itself purely and precisely. We don’t believe in low dosage as a “marketing trick”. For each wine it is a question of finding the right balance. We have taken a lot of time to determine the right dosage and have decided for most of our wines, dosage is never more than a maximum of 6g/l. AR Lenoble Brut Nature Dosage Zéro was first released more than 15 years ago and is considered to be one of the first world-class examples of this style of wine.

Pictures: Tasting with Christian Holthausen at AR Lenoble in Epernay

Total production is some 320.000 bottles per year, of which 50% is exported, and which are not released before at least three years of ageing in the cellars followed by three additional months of post-disgorgement ageing. For comparison, Roederer‘s output is 5.000.000 bottles.

Champagne AR Lenoble Tasting with Christian Holthausen at Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean,Virginia

Picture: Christian Schiller and Doug House, Owner of Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean,Virginia

Invitation

This tasting of seven different Champagnes from AR Lenoble will leaving you fizzing with excitement and bubbling over with joy. But we guarantee this class will sell out very, very, quickly once we start to promote it. Don’t miss this one, folks – click here to reserve your seats right now.

Who are AR Lenoble? Well, JancisRobinson.com calls AR Lenoble, “probably the most admired boutique family house right now” in all of Champagne. Grandchildren of founder Armand-Raphael Grasner, Antoine and Anne Malssagne bring an intense focus and dedication to making great Champagne from their Grand Cru vineyards in Chouilly. They farm naturally, crop to ultra-low yields (some of the lowest in Champagne), cultivate biodiversity, and use only the “cuvee” – or first pressing – of their grapes with none of the taille (second pressing) used elsewhere.

Pictures: Tasting 7 Different Champagnes from AR Lenoble at Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean, Virginia, with Christian Holthausen and Doug House

And all this work makes for great wines. After tasting the releases we’ll be featuring, Wine Advocate gushed, “There are some gorgeous cuvées to discover this year from the brother-sister team of Antoine and Anne Malssagne at Domaine AR Lenoble in Damery, Marne Valley.”

Export Manager/GM/Make Up Any Title You Like for Him Christian Holthausen will be on hand to lead us through our tasting of seven astonishing AR Lenoble Champagnes.

You’ll love the wines, delight in Christian’s energetic, zesty, presentation, and end up a fan of this exciting, if still “under the radar” Champagne house. As always, we’ll have light snacks to enjoy with the wines and great discounted prices to help you enjoy them at home, too. To reserve your seats, click this link or call us at 703.356.6500 or simply stop by the store.

The Champagnes Christian Poured

Christian poured 7 champagnes from AR Lenoble at Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean, Virginia, with Doug House.

AR Lenoble Brut Intense Mag 14 NV

A wine developed in response to climate change and warmer growing seasons with a unique approach to building freshness and complexity

Sales Price: US$36.98

AR Lenoble Champagne Brut Nature Dosage Zero NV

A fascinating contrast to the Brut Intense; vivid and piercing.

Sales Price: US$37.98

AR Lenoble Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Mag 14 NV

Sales Price: US$44.98

AR Lenoble Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2008

A glorious pair of Chouilly Chardonnays; the 2008 earned 94 points from Wine Advocate!

Sales Price: US$65.98

AR Lenoble Brut Chouilly – Bisseuil Rose

The estate’s Pinot Noir wines, one rich and deep and the other an exciting and serious Wine Advocate 92 point refreshing pink.

Sales Price: US$45.98

AR Lenoble Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs 2012

Sales Price: US$65.98

AR Lenoble Demi-Sec Cuvee Riche NV

A fleshy, bold and decidedly “Riche” Champagne to pair at table with bold flavors.

Sales Price: US$37.98

Book Talk and Champagne Tasting with Ann Mah and Christian Conley Holthausen in Arlington at One More Page Books & More

I attended a book reading cum champagne tasting in Arlington at One More Page Books & More with Ann Mah, local travel writer, and Christian Conley Holthausen of Champagne AR Lenoble.

Inviation

Join us for a book talk and champagne tasting featuring Ann Mah, local food and travel writer, and Christian Holthausen, Export Sales & International Communications Director at Champagne AR Lenoble! Ann and Christian will be discussing Ann's new novel THE LOST VINTAGE, as well as the legacy and future of French winemaking, and AR Lenoble's pioneering efforts in the face of climate change. A tasting of AR Lenoble's Champagne will also be offered, and we can't wait..

Ann Mah

Ann Mah is a food and travel writer based in Paris and Washington, DC. She is the author of the food memoir Mastering the Art of French Eating, and a novel, Kitchen Chinese. She regularly contributes to the New York Times’ Travel section and she has written for Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue.com, BonAppetit.com, Washingtonian magazine, and other media outlets.

Pictures: Book Talk and Champagne Tasting with Ann Mah and Christian Conley Holthausen in Arlington at One More Page Books & More

The Lost Vintage

Sweetbitter meets The Nightingale in this page-turning novel about a woman who returns to her family’s ancestral vineyard in Burgundy and unexpectedly uncovers a lost diary, an unknown relative, and a secret her family has been keeping since World War II.

To become one of only a few hundred certified wine experts in the world, Kate must pass the notoriously difficult Master of Wine Examination. She’s failed twice before; her third attempt will be her last. Suddenly finding herself without a job and with the test a few months away, she travels to Burgundy, to spend the fall at the vineyard estate that has belonged to her family for generations. There she can bolster her shaky knowledge of Burgundian vintages and reconnect with her cousin Nico and his wife Heather, who now oversee the grapes’ day-to-day management. The one person Kate hopes to avoid is Jean-Luc, a neighbor vintner and her first love.

At the vineyard house, Kate is eager to help her cousins clean out the enormous basement that is filled with generations of discarded and forgotten belongings. Deep inside the cellar, behind a large armoire, she discovers a hidden room containing a cot, some Resistance pamphlets, and an enormous cache of valuable wine. Piqued by the secret space, Kate begins to dig into her family’s history—a search that takes her back to the dark days of the Second World War and introduces her to a relative she never knew existed, a great half-aunt who was teenager during the Nazi occupation.

As she learns more about her family, the line between Resistance and Collaboration blurs, driving Kate to find the answers to two crucial questions: Who, exactly, did her family aid during the difficult years of the war? And what happened to six valuable bottles of wine that seem to be missing from the cellar’s collection?

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

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

UPCOMING Tours/ Wine Dinners/ Tastings - Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine, Germany, France, USA (Issued: April 1, 2019)

Cellar Visit and Tasting at the Champagne House AR Lenoble in Epernay, with Christian Holthausen - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Blogging, Wining and Dining at the European Wine Bloggers Conference (#EWBC) October 2011 in Brescia, Italy – A Tour D’ Horizont

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Visit and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin, a Grower Champagne House in Gyé sur Seine – Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

German Wine Basics: Sekt

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France

Picture: Dinner at Hôtellerie Beau Rivage in Condrieu, with Chef Chef Ludovic Mounier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Following the tasting at Domaine Georges Vernay in Condrieu with the most entertaining and charming Paul Ansellem-Vernay, we drove back to Hôtel Beau Rivage, which is just around the corner. There we finished the day with a wine-pairing dinner in the exquisite restaurant of Hôtel Beau Rivage.

Pictures: Tasting at Domaine Georges Vernay in Condrieu, Northern Rhône, with Owner Paul Ansellem-Vernay - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Restaurant Hôtel Beau Rivage

Hôtel Beau Rivage in Condrieu is an old-school 4 star hotel with an exquisite restaurant sitting on the banks of the Rhône river with gorgeous views over the water and towards the Condrieu vineyards to the other side.

Chef Ludovic Mounier is well known beyond the boundaries of the Northern Rhône. This elegant restaurant features an innovative cuisine with classic top regional products.

Pictures: Hôtel Beau Rivage in Condrieu

Michelin: Assiette Michelin

Une table classique et soignée, où les mets tirent partie des produits régionaux : fleur de courgette farcie à la mousseline de brochet et beurre d'estragon, côte de bœuf cuite au foin et sauce à la fourme d'Ambert... Enfin, les baies vitrées et la terrasse permettent de profiter d'une vue exquise sur le fleuve.

Pictures: Dinner at Hôtellerie Beau Rivage in Condrieu, with Chef Chef Ludovic Mounier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Gault Millau: 13/20

Au bord du Rhône, une très belle hostellerie 4 étoiles, au style classique et bourgeois. On y retrouve Ludovic Mounier, qui profite d’une salle élégante, à la vue dégagée sur le fleuve, pour réaliser des compositions d’inspiration lyonnaise. A l’image d’un foie gras de canard mi-cuit du domaine de Limagnes, d’un turbotin entier et grillé, légumes croquants et espuma de bisque à la hollandaise, d’une selle d’agneau rôtie, jeunes pousses de carottes et jus au thym, ou encore d’une généreuse volaille de Bresse, truffes et foie gras en vessie. Parmi les desserts, des propositions plus recherchées : un cylindre Grand Cru, compotée et gel de mangue, mousse litchi, ou bien une sphère de meringue, compotée de fraises et pomme en espuma… Belle cave régionale.

Picture: Dinner at Hôtellerie Beau Rivage in Condrieu, with Chef Chef Ludovic Mounier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Brown's Best

Brown's Best: You will know the name of Condrieu. It is given to the local white wine, one of the most highly regarded in France. This elegant beverage is made from the viognier grapes which grow on the hills above the town. These vineyards are so steep that it is necessary for the workers to use ropes to manœuvre themselves between the vines. Condrieu itself is little more than one long street, and its chief appeal for the traveller is the short lane which leads to the Hôtellerie Beau Rivage. The hotel is owned by the Huymann- Donet family, and its 28 rooms are regularly sought out by those journeying to and from the Côte d’Azur....

As you would expect in France, the real heart of the Beau Rivage is its dining room, which, of course, is also blessed by river views through its plate glass windows. This is the domain of Chef Reynald Donet. And a remarkably traditional domain it is, in both its décor (there is much red) and its cuisine. Judging by the buzz of happy diners which greeted my ears as I arrived for dinner, this approach is exactly what the guests of the Beau Rivage want. And pourquoi pas? I settled myself at a table with a view of the river. Upon the yellow tablecloth before me were glasses by Schott and porcelain plates from Limoges. The waiters were dressed smartly, in dark suits....

The Dinner

Greetings from the Chef

Starter

First Main Course

Greetings from the Chef

Second Main Course

Pre-Dessert

Dessert

Tea and Coffee

Good Night

Picture: Good Night

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France (Already Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour December 2017: From Lyon to Avignon - Wine, Food, Culture, History

Understanding the Wines of the Rhône Valley: The Classification - AOC/ Vin de Pay/ Vin de France

The Rhône Wine Region in Southern France and its Wines: History, Classification, Northern and Southern Rhône

Cellar Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Éric Texier in Charney, with Laurence Texier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles in Lyon - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France

Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Drive at E. Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Maison Clusel-Roche in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Georges Vernay in Condrieu, Northern Rhône, with Owner Paul Ansellem-Vernay - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner with Matching Wines at Restaurant Beau Rivage in Condrieu, Northern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols – Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône, with Director Bruno Gonnet

Lunch at Restaurant La Grappe d’Or in Saint-Péray, Northern Rhône

Tasting at Domaine Jean Luc Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône

Cellar Tasting at Domaine Laurent Habrard in Gervans, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ and Winemaker Laurent Habrad

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Combier in Pont de l’Isère, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurent Combier

Lunch at La Grand Table de Michel Chabran, 1 Star Michelin, in Pont d l’Isère

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud

Winemaker Dinner with David Reynaud, Domaine les Bruyeres, Crozes-Hermitage in the Rhone Valley, at Chef Bart Vandaele's BToo in Washington DC, USA/ France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine La Martinelle in Lafare, Ventoux, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinna Kruse Faravel

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mesclun in Séguret, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Marcel Richaud in Cairanne, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Claire Richaud

Tasting at Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Benoit Baudry

Wine Dinner at Restaurant Hôtel Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône

Lunch at Restaurant Le Dolium in Beaumes-de Venise, Southern Rhône

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting of Wine and Olive Oil at Mas Saint Berthe, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône, with Winemaker Christian Nief

Dinner at Restaurant Benvengudo, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pegau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Cellar Master Andreas Lenzenwöger

At Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine de la Mordorée, Tavel, Southern Rhône, with Owner Ambre Delorme

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique in Courthézon, Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner Véronique Bonnet and Owner/ Winemaker Eric Bonnet

Tasting at the Caveau of the Perrin Family in Châteauneuf du Pape

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château la Nerthe, Châteauneuf du Pape

Wine-pairing dinner at Restaurant Château des Fines Roches, with Chef Hugo Loridan-Fombonnet

New Year’s Eve at Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France

Pictures: Dining in Dakar - in a Fine Dining Restaurant (Beluga Cevicheria), at a Local Place (Le Phare Chez Aby), in a Beach Restaurant (Bella Vista Ristorante del Gusto) and at Lac Rose (Hotel Palal Lac Rose)

We spent 2 weeks in Dakar/ Senegal to visit our daughter and her family in January/ February 2019.

I have provided an overview about the visit here: Dining, Rallying, Pouring German Wine and Chilling in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

I used these two weeks to update my earlier posting about my favorite restaurants in Dakar, Senegal: Schiller's Favorite Restaurants in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

I did not update my earlier posting about my favorite wine bars in Dakar, Senegal: Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

During our visit of Dakar, Annette and I organized a tasting of premium German wines at Africa Gourmet in the Ngor District in Dakar. Africa Gourmet specializes in French wine, ranging from an entry-level Guigal Rhône Valley wine for less than Euro 10 to an aged Château Mouton Rothschild Magnum at more than Euro 1000 per bottle. Senegal being an islamic country, the clients of Africa Gourmet are essentially expatriates. We were honored by the presence of the German Ambassador, Stephan Röken.

See: Pouring Premium German Wines at Africa Gourmet in Dakar/ Senegal, with Annette and Christian Schiller, West Africa/ Germany

During my 30 years career at the IMF, I visited Senegal several times. I got first in contact with Dakar in 1983/84, when I was the fiscal economist in the IMF team that handled the adjustment program with Liberia, which is also in West Africa. We used to fly Pan Am New York, Dakar, Robertsfield in Liberia. Following the Liberia assignment, I moved to the Côte d'Ivoire team and visited many times Abidjan, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire. At that time Abidjan was the leading city in West Africa, ahead of Dakar. But things have changed. Abidjan has fallen back although it is recovering under President Ouattara. Dakar can look back to a long period of political stability while Abidjan has suffered severely from the civil war that brought the country down.

Last time I visited my daughter and her family, I released three postings on schiller-wine, following the visit:

Wining, Dining and Chilling in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa
Schiller's Favorite Restaurants in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

This time, I am doing the following postings:

Dining, Rallying, Pouring German Wine and Chilling in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa
Pouring Premium German Wines at Africa Gourmet in Dakar/ Senegal, with Annette and Christian Schiller, West Africa/ Germany
Stop-overs in Lisbon, Portugal, on the Way to and from Dakar, Senegal, West Africa
Update: Schiller's Favorite Restaurants in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

Pictures: Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, 2019

The Cuisine of Senegal, West Africa

The cuisine of Senegal is a West African cuisine influenced by North African, French, and Portuguese cuisine and derives from the nation's many ethnic groups, the largest being the Wolof. Islam, which first penetrated the region in the 11th century, also plays a role in the cuisine. Senegal was a colony of France until 1960. Because Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean, fish is very important in Senegalese cooking. Chicken, lamb, peas, eggs, and beef are also used, but pork is not due to the nation’s largely Muslim population. Peanuts, the primary crop of Senegal, as well as couscous, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and various vegetables, are also incorporated into many recipes. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then poured over rice or couscous, or eaten with bread.

Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

Kate Thomas: With its hot sandy streets, whitewashed mosques and bright flashes of color, Dakar beats to a different drum than other West African capitals. Spread out over a rocky peninsula, the year-round breeze carries the complex sound of mbalax music and the smell of piping hot thieboudjenne, the national dish. As sunset falls, thousands of Dakarois head to the beaches for open-air workout sessions, while in the bustling Medina area, women fry fish and plantains by the roadside. Fishermen haul in their catch in the shadow of sleek shopping malls, while men dressed in silky boubous stop for prayers and hawkers sell peanuts and wood carvings on every corner. Dakar is a city of contrasts, of gentle breezes and loud chatter, of colonial architecture and construction sites.

Schiller's Favorite Restaurants in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

The restaurants are in alphabetical order. The comments are from a variety of sources. The photos are all my own.

Ali Baba
Next to Le Viking, Plateau

A Dakar institution. Dakareats.com: Old school Dakarois have known (and loved) Ali Baba’s Lebanese fast-food in downtown Dakar since 1986.

Picture: Ali Baba

Bayékou
Ngor Beach

This open air restaurant and bar is one of Dakar’s newest hip hangouts. Bayékou is laid out to accommodate those wanting some relaxed drinks by the round bar or lounge seating area, or those who want to sit at a table and eat. From both sections you can enjoy the stunning view over Ngor Beach below, and nearby Ngor Island. Food at Bayékou is mostly Mediterranean influenced.

Picture: Bayékou

Bazoff Pub Restaurant
Sicap Rue 10 Plateau

Recommended by Africa Gourmet for its wines. Traditional French brasserie with a large bar area.

Bella Vista Ristorante del Gusto
Plage de Mamelle

Italian/ Sardinien beach restaurant.

Pictures: Bella Vista Ristorante del Gusto

Beluga Cevicheria
162, Rue Mousse Diop, Dakar

A new in-place in Dakar.

visitezlesenegal.com: Une immersion au Pérou dans un décor de loft new-yorkais, en plein centre-ville de Dakar. Un restaurant qui nous fait découvrir une gastronomie très peu voire méconnue des Sénégalais. Une table variée, mélange de cuisine péruvienne et asiatique, qui propose des woks, des fruits de mer revisités et de plats authentiques tels que le Céviche.

Pictures: Beluga Cevicheria

Café de Rome
30, Bd de la République, Plateau

A 3 star hotel with Brasserie (including a nice bar area) and Casino. Bassirou Sarr: I also like the restaurant Café de Rome in downtown Dakar.

Picture: Café de Rome

Chez Djiby Téranga
Plage des Mamelles

Right next to Bella Vista Ristorante del Gusto. Considerably more basic. Very good.

Pictures: Chez Djiby Téranga

Chez Fatou
Corniche des Almadies - Rte de Ngor

visitezlafrique.com: A Dakar, les bonnes adresses pour se restaurer sont nombreuses. En voici une de plus ! En séjour dans la capitale sénégalaise cet hiver, j’ai eu le plaisir de découvrir « Chez Fatou », le tout nouveau resto super branché. C’est pour le petit-déjeuner que je m’y suis rendue un dimanche matin. Ce restaurant se trouve sur la Corniche et les connaisseurs savent que tout spot qui se trouve sur la Corniche est plutôt bien situé. L’endroit a récemment été rénové après un changement de propriétaire.

Pictures: Chez Fatou

Chez Loutcha
101, Rue Moussé Diop Plateau

Bassirrou Sarr: Just behind the French cultural center is a local restaurant called chez Louatchia it is an institution in terms of local senegalese, cap verdian and ivoirien fare. Bring a big appetite as they tend to have Senegalese portions.

Picture: Chez Louatchia

Chez Siny
Pointe des Almadies

Wonderful, simple beach restaurant next to Restaurant la Marée Chez Adji.

Pictures: Chez Siny

Echo Cotier
In Popenguine

Bassirou Sarr: A good restaurant on the beach is the Echo cocotier good place to be on the beach with good and fresh fish.

We went there on a Sunday and spent a wonderful lunch there.

Pictures: Lunch at Echo Cotier

Eric Kayser
Plateau

Kate Thomas: Whatever you think about France’s colonial legacy, at least one good thing has come from it: the humble baguette. Dakar has a great selection of French-style boulangeries and patisseries, from street stands that sell just one variety, to fancy bakeries that name their olive and rye breads after local celebrities and politicians. Among the best is La Graine d’Or on the Route de Ngor in Les Almadies (about a mile before the roundabout for Le Virage). It also sells wonderful tartes au citron, chocolate cakes, croissants, creme brulee and macaroons. French import Eric Keyser in Plateau has a similar selection, plus great sandwiches and salads.

Picture: Eric Kayser, Dakar, Senegal

Estandera
Route des Almadies

Right next to La Cabane de Surfeur. Italian. More basic.

Pictures: Estandera

Farid
Rue Vincens

Best Middle-east restaurant in town.

senegal-online.com: S'il devait y avoir une ambassade de la cuisine Libanaise à Dakar, Le Farid restaurant serait bien en place.

Picture: Farid

Hotel Palal Lac Rose
Zone Lac Rose

Beach restaurant at Lac Rose.

Pictures: Hotel Palal Lac Rose

Hotel Le Trarza
Zone Lac Rose

Beach restaurant at Lac Rose. The Paris Dakar Rally always ended here.

Lonely Planet: A friendly, garden-filled oasis that backs right onto the lake, Le Trarza has a mix of rooms: the best are spacious bungalows with tall ceilings and private terraces. You can arrange pirogue trips on the lake and other excursions. The restaurant, set on stilts over the lake, is worth a visit even if you don't stay here.

Pictures: Hotel Le Trarza

Hotel Sokhamon
Blvd Roosevelt at Ave Nelson Mandela

foodrepublic.com: Few other restaurants in Dakar rival the view of the one at Hotel Sokhamon. Perched high above the Atlantic Ocean, this open-air restaurant and hotel feel like a sculptor’s fever dream. The hotel’s sandstone sculptures, glazed floors in rich, earthy colors and gently curved surfaces lead to a breezy restaurant with an inviting bar and an infinity pool that looks like it's pouring into the ocean far below. The menu is primarily comprised of grilled fish and ceviches rounded out by traditional Senegalese favorites like yassa and maffe. Service can be slow, but you won’t mind lingering with a cool gin and tonic in hand at this hidden oasis on the edge of the sea. Rooms here are beautifully designed and make for a perfect refuge at the end of the meal.

Pictures: Hotel Sokhamon

Just4U
Avenue Chiekh Anta Diop Point E

foodrepublic.com: No trip to Dakar would be complete without a night of live music. Music is what fuels this city and keeps it ticking, and with extraordinary musicians like Didier Awadi, Bouba Kirikou, Baaba Maal and Youssou N’Dour, it’s easy to see why. Spacious and laid back Just 4 U is the ideal place to experience local talent. But be sure to take a nap before heading out into the electrified Dakar night; most shows don’t get started until well after midnight. The drinks are strong and include standards like gin and tonics, margaritas and the local beer Gazelle.

La Cabane du Pecheur
Plage de Ngor (opposite to Bayékou)

Kate Thomas: The city by the sea certainly knows a thing or two about good seafood. One of our favorite seafood restaurants is the La Cabane du Pecheur (the Fisherman’s Cabin) on Plage de Ngor. Decked out with fishing paraphernalia, including giant Merlin and Barracuda caught off the Dakar coast, this is the perfect spot for a seafood Sunday brunch: try the surf n’ turf or the fresh grilled fish of the day. The friendly waiters will bring over the day’s menu on a chalkboard. Nearby at La Pointe des Almadies, relaxed informal spots serve the day’s catch. Fans are loyal to the baskets of clams, while the fresh thiof fish, served whole, is also excellent.

Pictures: Dinner at La Cabanne de Pecheurs

La Cabane de Surfeur
Route des Almadies

Recently renovated with new owener. A very relaxed place.

Pictures: La Cabane de Surfeur

La Calebasse
Next to La Clinique des Mamelles

Kate Thomas: For upscale pan-African dining, head to La Calebasse in Les Mamelles (on the main approach road, next to La Clinique des Mamelles.) The wooden structure is both an art gallery and a restaurant; browse the rooms devoted to hip woodcarvings before heading upstairs to dinner on the terrace. You can tuck into upmarket twists on West African favorites.

La Fourchette
Rue Parent 4, Dakar, Plateau

theculturetrip.com: La Fourchette prides itself on upholding the rich cultural history of Dakar. Dining in this elegant establishment, you would be forgiven for thinking that you had been transported to a restaurant on Paris’s Left Bank. The menu is sophisticated and European, with a twist of Asian fusion and is a nod to Senegal’s colonial past, whilst the live music and entertainment offer a welcome reminder that you are in the heart of West Africa.

Lagon 1
Route de la Corniche Estate 1, Dakar, Plateau

theculturetrip.com: Lagon 1 is a refined place, offering visitors stunning views of Gorée Island on one side and the eastern headland on the other. The menu is packed with delicious fare, impressive desserts and tasty cocktails. Dining at Lagon 1 is a premium experience and the restaurant has catered for the likes of Jacques Chirac, Bono and Pierre Palmade to name just a few.

Pictures: Lagon 1

La Marée Chez Adji
Pointe des Almadies

Dakareats.com: Nearly every guidebook and travel website for Senegal recommends La Marée, a seafood gem tucked at the far point of Les Almadies. And they all say basically the same thing:

“Popular with locals and tourists alike. Simple, fresh seafood dishes at a good price. Amazing ocean view. Go at sunset and split a platter of coques with friends.”

Those guidebooks and websites are absolutely right. La Marée deserves every bit of its don’t-miss-this reputation. Seafood lovers and adventurous eaters will go bonkers over their menu, which is very reasonably priced, but there are also plenty of old favorites for those who just want the Senegal version of fish (or grilled chicken) and chips.

To find La Marée, go to the Pointe des Almadies and look for the blue crêperie. Just to its left is a paved walkway leading between grills and shops all the way to the ocean. When you get to the end of the walkway, look left. Boom.

Pictures: La Marée Chez Adji

L'Amiraute
On the island of Gorée

The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a reminder of human exploitation and as a sanctuary for reconciliation.

Lonely Planet: L'Amiraute - Escape the crowds filling the beachside eateries at this peaceful spot just past the Maison des Esclaves. You can sit on the outside terrace overlooking the sea and enjoy decent plates of fresh seafood.

Pictures: Lunch at L'Amiraute

La Parrilla
Plateau

Recommended by Canadian friends of Cornelia. An authentic Argentian steak house in a cute little cottage hidden awy behind some office blocks near the Presidential Palace.

Le Bideew
Plateau

Loneley Planet: Le Bideew is a vibrant oasis and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the old town’s crowded, dusty streets. Nestled in the garden of the Institut Français Léopold Sédar Senghor, with views of a big canopy tree in which colourful lizards are always busily doing push-ups, the restaurant offers both Senegalese and French-influenced food. The menu ranges from grilled fish to chicken burgers, or tempura veggies with guacamole. Come after enjoying a movie in the centre’s cinema or on a Friday or Saturday evening, when there is often a concert.

Pictures: At Le Bideew

Le Djembe
56 Rue Saint-Michel

foodrepublic.com: Dakar has a large expat Lebanese community and although breezy and bright Le Djembe is owned by a Lebanese man, he was proudly born in Dakar and his menu is strictly Senegalese. Fresh juices like ruby red bissop (hibiscus) and bouye (baobab) are refreshing elixirs to jumpstart a meal comprised of traditional Senegalese dishes like yasa (chicken and rice) and the national seafood dish known as thieboudienne.

Le Phare Chez Aby
Pointe des Almadies

Wonderful, simple, inexpensive beach restaurant next to Restaurant la Marée Chez Adji. Only one dish every day.

Pointe des Almadies is the westernmost point on the continent of Africa. Pointe des Almadies is located on the north-western end of the Cap Vert peninsula in Senegal. The American Embassy is there.

Pictures: Le Phare Chez Aby

Le Gastronomique
Blvd Martin Luther King Hotel Terrou-Bi

The gourmet restaurant of one Dakar's leading hotels, the Terrou-Bi. On Thursday, Le Gastronomique has interesting theme nights. Closed during Ramadan.

Pictures: Le Gastronomique

Le Kermel
Plateau

A typical French brasserie which is open from 7:00 am to midnight and which has a large bar area. Google: Si un bon plat typiquement français vous manque, RDV dans ce bar/restau où l'on retrouve l'ambiance d'un bon bistrot.

Le Little Buddha
Sea Plaza

In walking distance from Cornelia's villa. Belongs to the Radisson Blue Hotel. From Japanese Sushi to traditional Chinese fair, this Asian-fusion restaurant combines the flavors of the Pacific Rim into a single, delicious menu. Motivated by Asia’s bustling night life, Little Buddha Dakar also features a lounge bar, where a professional DJ plays dance music until dawn.

Pictures: At the Le Little Buddha

L’Epicerie
7 Bis Rue Victor Hugo, Plateau

We went there for the wine, but wine is only one part of L’Epicerie. nouvellesdedakar: Entre épicerie fine, restaurant, bar à vin et salon de thé, cet endroit plein de charme situé au coeur de la ville saura satisfaire les plaisirs de chacun. Le bar à vin du jeudi et vendredi soir propose, sur le rooftop de l’établissement, d’arroser le tout d’un choix de vin (Français et Italien) finement sélectionnés par les patrons qui feront profiter de leurs conseils avisés.

Pictures: At Le Le Bar à Vin Dakar/ L’Epicerie

Le Relais Sportif
Route Corniche Ouest, Dakar

Lonely Planet: On the Cornishe West beachfront − where people run or do calisthenics in the sand, in what is a daily display of Senegal’s sports-loving craze − lies one of Dakar’s great eateries. Popular with the Dakarois, Le Relais Sportif (au-senegal.com) is one of the few non-hotel restaurants in the area. With tables looking over the ocean it’s the perfect spot for a succulent monkfish skewer with a Gazelle (Senegalese beer), and for taking in the bustling beach life unfolding in front of you.

Picture: Le Relais Sportif

Le Viking
21 Ave Pompidou Plateau

Beer-scented pub. An institution. Live bands play downstairs on weekends.

Picture: Le Viking

Loman Art House
Mosquée des Mamelles, n1

Contemporary art gallery and snack bar.

Pictures: Loman Art House

Lulu
Corniche Ouest, Fann Residence, Rue 8 Face Olympique Club)

Vegan-friendly restaurant and store with living room atmosphere. Offers vegan bowls, sandwiches, and salads.

Pictures: Lulu

Phare des Mamelles
Mamelles, Route de l'Aeroport

Lonely Planet: On the hilltop in front of Dakar's iconic lighthouse, this open-air bar draws a dance-loving crowd on Friday nights, when it hosts live music jams. Very limited wine by the glass selection. Breathtaking view and atmosphere. We had a bottle of Cotes due Rhone for CFAF 15.000.

Pictures: At Phare des Mamelles

Soumbedioune (Fish Market)
Rue 15 1, Dakar

foodrepublic.com: This nightly fish market pops up on the beach just as the sun is setting over the Atlantic Ocean. Makeshift plastic tables and chairs are arranged in front of the wood-fired grills of vendors offering the day’s catch at extremely affordable prices. There are usually around 20 different vendors, with typical Dakar seafood including mullet, grouper, hogfish, red snapper, porgysailfish, seabream, sea urchins, lobsters, oysters, shrimp and crab. Beer is not technically allowed, but let your server know if you would like one and he’ll happily oblige by running to the liquor store across the street. Generous portions include a tossed salad and side of sharp, tangy mustard onions. Located in a cove next to Magic Land in the heart of Dakar.

Picture: Tour and Tasting at Château Ormez de Pez, Appellation Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Château Les Ormes de Pez is one of the three top estates owned by the Cazes family. We toured the estate and tasted wine from Château Les Ormes de Pez and Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac.

Kerstin Bauer, Guide Interprete, was our host.

Barry Bros & Rudd/ Chateau Les Ormes de Pez

Barry Bros & Rudd/ Chateau Les Ormes de Pez: Château Les Ormes de Pez is one of St-Estèphe`s leading Cru Bourgeois properties. It was bought by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1936 and is now owned and run by Jean-Michel Cazes. The latter owns Lynch-Bages. The estate is located just outside the village of Pez in the northern part of the St-Estèphe commune.

There are 32 hectares of vineyards, which lie on soils rich in gravel on a subsoil of sand and clay. They are planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The grapes are hand-harvested and then fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats. The wine is then matured in a combination of one and two-year-old barrels from Lynch-Bages.

In the last decade, the wines have become richer and more fruit-driven - selection at harvest has become more rigorous and the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend has been increased. The wines normally require at least 5 years of bottle ageing to show at their best.

Picture: Arriving at Château Les Ormes de Pez in St. Estephe

History

Although Lynch-Bages is without a doubt the flagship of the Domaines Jean-Michel Cazes, Ormes de Pez belongs to the Medoc landscape since the 18th century. Purchased by Jean-Charles Cazes in the wake of the Second World War, the history of these two estates is closely linked.

At the time of the French Revolution, the current property was called the Domaine de Pez (meaning ''peace'' in the local dialect). As for the elms (''ormes'') that have appeared on the bottle labels since 2003, they grew on the grounds of the domaine until this mythical variety of tree ceased to grow in Europe in the 1950's.

From the 19th century onwards, the château had numerous owners (Southard and Pieck, Berthé, Carrère, Alibert, Meiners and Allemand, Eschenauer, Johnson, Miaihle), before becoming a part of the Cazes family.

In around 1880, Marie Cazes married Jean Guillou, the Ormes de Pez Cellar Master. He was sadly killed at the very beginning of the Great War and so Marie, a woman of great character, subsequently took over the business. Her brother Jean-Charles Cazes purchased Ormes de Pez in 1940.

Jean-Michel Cazes later redeveloped and modernised the traditional XVIII century buildings in the early 80's.

Terroir

In the North of the Saint-Estèphe commune, bordering the Pez hameau, the Ormes de Pez estate owes its name to a magnificent grove of elm trees which no longer exists today.

Château Ormes de Pez lies 60 km from Bordeaux on the Médoc peninsula. It benefits from a mild ocean climate thanks to its proximity to the estuary and the Atlantic ocean.

Its 35 hectares of vineyards consist of two very distinct terroirs: the Cabernets thrive on the gravelly parcels composed of quartz and rolled pebbles whereas Merlot is best-suited to the cooler, sandy-clay parcels. These parcels have good drainage properties and are representative of the Saint-Estèphe appellation.

Vines have an average age of 35 years and are planted at a density of 9,000 vines per hectare in accordance with the traditional Médoc planting ratio. Cabernet Sauvignon counts for 54% of plantings, complemented by 37% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Pictures: Visiting the Cellar

Winemaking

Grapes are harvested by hand. Vinification takes place at the domaine. Grapes are divided into temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration last for around 20 days during which progressive cycles of 'rack and return' and pumping over are carried out. This traditional winemaking method prioritises a gentle extraction of colours and tannins. The wine is then aged for around 15 months in French oak barrels, 45% of which are new oak.

Classification

In the 2003 listing that was later annulled, Château Les Ormes-de-Pez was classified as one of 9 Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnels. It belongs to the group of six former Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel estates (Château Chasse Spleen, Château Les Ormes de Pez, Château de Pez, Château Potensac, Château Poujeaux and Château Siran) that have decided to remain outside the Cru Bourgeois Classification.

Château Haut-Batailley

In 2016, the Cazes family acquired the 40-hectare Château Haut-Batailley, the 1855 Grand Cru Classé estate in Pauillac.

Cazes Family Businesses at a Glance

Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac
Château Haut-Bages Averous (Lynch-Bages second wine)
Blanc de Lynch-Bages. Bordeaux AC. The white wine of Lynch-Bages
Château Cordeillan-Bages Pauillac
Château Haut-Batailley bought in 2016
Château Les Ormes de Pez St. Estephe
Château Villa Bel-Air Graves
Michel Lynch Bordeaux branded wine
Le Chapon Fin Restaurant in centre of Bordeaux
Domaine des Sénéchaux. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley
L’Ostal Cazes Minervois La Livinière, Southern France
Tappanappa (with Brian Croser and Champagne Bollinger, in Australia)
Xistu (with Quinta do Crasto, in Portugal)

Pictures: Tasting at Château Les Ormes de Pez in St. Estephe

Tasting

We tasted 2 wines.

2011 Château Les Ormes de Pez St. Estephe

Wine-searcher average price in US$:35

Owned by the well-known Cazes family of Lynch-Bages, this popular St.-Estephe has turned out a dark ruby/plum-colored 2011 with sweet cassis and black cherry fruit. A slightly short finish is present, but the wine has a good front end-loaded combination of fruit, extract and succulence. It's medium-bodied and tails off in the mouth, but it is well-made. Drink now-2019. Score: 86 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (212), April 2014

2011 Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac

Wine-searcher average price in US$:105

The medium-bodied 2011 Lynch Bages possesses a saturated ruby/purple color as well as beautiful creme de cassis notes, a generous, concentrated, well-made, medium to full-bodied style and supple tannins. A successful effort in 2011, it should be drinkable in 3-4 years and last for 15+. It is a sleeper of the vintage. Drink 2017-2032. Score: 90 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (212), April 2014

Back in Pauillac

After the visit of Château Les Ormes de Pez in St. Estephe, we drove back to Pauillac for dinner at our hotel. Before dinner, we had the chance to enjoy a bit of the autumn sun in Pauillac.

Picture: With Roman Niewodniczanski at Weingut Van Volxem. See. Lunch, Tasting and Vineyard Walk at Weingut Van Volxem with Owner Roman Niewodniczanski – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 was released on Friday, October 26, 2018. The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 reviews on about 1000 pages more than 11.000 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.

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 Winemaker of the Year is Roman Niewodniczanski, Owner, Weingut van Volxem in Wiltingen/ Saar.

Picture: Owner Roman Niewodniczanski und Winemaker Dominik Völk of Weingut Van Volxem (Photo: Vinum)

Weingut Van Volxem is located in the Saar Valley on the site of a Jesuit monastery in the village of Wiltingen. During the past 2 decades, it has been restored to former glories by the investment, initiative and flair of Roman Niewodniczanski.

We visited Weingut Van Volxem the 2015 Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours. Roman was our host. We had a wine tasting and lunch, prepared by his charming wife, with him. After lunch and wine tasting, we went with him on a vineyard tour. Many of the pictures of this posting are from this visit.

Vinum/ Roman Niewodniczanski - Winemaker of the Year

Vinum (CS translation): For almost 20 years, Roman Niewodniczanski has been working on the renaissance of the Saar-Riesling, which were among the best wines worldwide 100 to 130 years ago. In last year's wine guide his Scharzhofberger Pergentsknopp was the highest rated wine of the vintage - and that as a dry Riesling from the Saar! The genetics of the vines are of great importance to Niewodniczanski, so he cultivates 19 of his own selections in his magnificent 80-hectare portfolio. He has been assisted Dominik Völk, director of operations, since 2004 as a congenial partner.

Pictures: Weingut Van Volxem

Roman Niewodniczanski

Roman Niewodniczanski is not your usual winemaker. His family has no tradition in the wine business, but Roman vividly remembers how his father opened bottles of Egon Müller's stratospheric Scharzhofberger Rieslings for special events. Thus, from an early age on Roman Niewodniczanski gained an understanding of what good wine means, and fell in love with wine.

Roman Niewodniczanski’s family owns the Bitburger-Brauerei and the Geroldsteiner Mineralwasserquellen. He is no longer involved there, at least not a day-to-day basis. His home is Weingut Van Volxem. He lives there and works there.

Roman’s ambitions go beyond his own winery. He is working on reviving German Riesling's prestige of 100 years ago, when it sold for higher prices than Latour, Yquem or Montrachets.

Roman Niewodniczanski: 100 years ago, Rheingau, Mosel, Hungary, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne were the leading wine regions in the world. And of course, the German Rieslings were all dry.

Before buying Weingut Van Volxem, Roman Niewodniczanski studied business economics and geography in Trier. He also worked with Ernst & Young and at the Europäischen Tourismus Institut.

Picture: Annette Schiller and Roman Niewodniczanski. See: 2016 VDP Trade Fair Weinbörse - Vintage 2015 - in Mainz: Schiller’s Report

History

Weingut Van Volxem is one of the oldest wineries in the region. As a result of the secularization during the reign of Napoleon, the winery was acquired by the beer brewer Gustav van Volxem from Trier. It remained for 4 generations in the Van Volxem family, before it was purchased by Peter Jordan in 1993 (Weingut Jordan & Jordan). Finally, in 1999, it was bought by Roman Niewodniczanski and revived under the old name Weingut Von Volxem. With Roman taking over, the circle has once again become complete, with the Niewodniczanski family owning the Bitburger brewery.

Following Gernot Kollmann (who now runs Weingut Immich-Batterieberg) Dominik Völk has been in charge of winemaking at Weingut Van Volxem since 2004.

Pictures: Lunch and Tasting at Weingut Van Volxem with Roman Niewodniczansk. See: Lunch, Tasting and Vineyard Walk at Weingut Van Volxem with Owner Roman Niewodniczanski – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Roman Niewodniczanski and his Old Photos, Books and Maps

Sitting down and drinking wine with Roman Niewodniczanski is not only tasting his outstanding wines, but always a journey through German and European wine history. Roman has a vast resource of historical material to draw upon. He likes to use his old photos, books and maps to support his points.

His father was Tomasz Niewodniczanski, a collector of rare maps and manuscripts. This archive would be invaluable when a young Roman decided to pursue the path of a winemaker. He went back to the 19th century and consulted maps drawn up for tax reasons, which showed the best vineyards, many of which had been lost sight of in the 20th century.

Pictures: Roman Niewodniczanski and his Old Photos, Books and Maps. See: Lunch, Tasting and Vineyard Walk at Weingut Van Volxem with Owner Roman Niewodniczanski – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Vineyards

Roman Niewodniczanski bought Weingut Van Volxem with 12 hectares of vineyard land, of which he sold 4 hectares. Now, Weingut Van Volxem’s vineyard area totals 70 hectares. Weingut Van Volxem has become the biggest producer in the Mosel area.

In buying new vineyards, Roman Niewodniczanski’s guiding philosophy is to find the most prized vineyards of the early 20th Century, with the oldest vines possible (sometimes topping 120 years old).

The vineyards, bearing distinguished names such as Braunfels, Klosterberg and Scharzhofberger, are planted with Riesling and a tiny proportion of Pinot Blanc. The average age of the vines is approximately 40-years old, with the Wiltinger Gottesfuss possessing a rare cache of 130-year old ungrafted vines.

Pictures: Vineyard Walk at Weingut Van Volxem with Van Volxem Roman Niewodniczansk

The Geisberg Project

Roman talked a lot about the Geisberg project, his most recent adventure. Jointly with Markus Molitor, Roman Niewodniczanski is recultivating an old and highly valued vineyard along the Saar: The Geisberg. Most of the hill had lost its vines by the 1970s and 1980s, a stunning development given that its wines sold for four times the price as Chateau Margaux on restaurant menus in 1900! The new vines were replanted in the spring of 2015.

Cellar

Roman Niewodniczanski (Roman regularly reports on facebook about developments at Weingut Van Volxem. Here is a post from 2015, which catches very well the spirit and philosophy of winemaking at Weingut Van Volxem): While the perfect autumn weather for the last harvest week has begun at Van Volxem and the golden-yellow, heavenly aromatic grapes from our Grosse Lagen (grand crus) will be picked, it’s time to introduce the fantastic performance of our unflaggingly hard-working team in the cellar, which often works late into the night. When the grapes from our steep slopes (which are, of course, hand-picked with multiple passes through the same vineyard) arrive in the press house in small bins, eight workers double-check the quality on a sorting table. This elaborate second selection enables us to spontaneously ferment the musts without the addition of cultured yeasts or other enological aids, such as finings.

Our time-consuming work centers on a conscious return to a traditional, artisanal approach and a respect for the distinctiveness of our steep slate slopes. It is this Burgundian idea of terroir and cru, designating the top vineyard sites, which formed the basis for the worldwide success of the wines from the Mosel and Saar during the German Empire. We are committed to this legacy. According to “ideas on natural wine” from 1904, “Natural wine is a pure product of the vine without any additives, and only such natural wine is wholesome and has no harmful side effects. Each natural wine stands out because of its low alcohol content, more intense aroma, pleasant fruit flavor, and fresh acidity; plus it is refreshing and stimulating.” We could not express the passion we have for our product better than with these words by the highly respected Wiesbaden wine merchant Wilhelm Ruthe.

To sum up Weingut Van Volxem’s winemaking philosophy: No fining, filtration, or herbicides, using spontaneous fermentation instead of cultured yeast, lower yields, and hand harvesting instead of using machines.

Picture: Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner - the Table of Roman Niewodniczanski, Weingut Van Volxem, with Annette Schiller. See: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2015, USA

New Winery

Roman Niewodniczanski is currently constructing a new winery, which will be able to hold three vintages. The new winery is being built by Italian architects. It will be officially opened in a few months.

Pictures: New Van Volxem Winery (Photos: Van Volxem)

Postings/ Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019

I am releasing 4 postngs with regard to the Vinum WeingGuide Deutschland 2019:

Germany’s Best Winemakers– Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 Awards
Germany's Best Wines: 10 Categories - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019
Germany’s Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019
Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019): Roman Niewodniczanski, Owner, Weingut van Volxem in Wiltingen/ Saar

schiller-wine: Related Postings

UPCOMING Tours/ Wine Dinners/ Tastings - Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine, Germany, France, USA (Issued: April 1, 2019)

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

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

Lunch, Tasting and Vineyard Walk at Weingut Van Volxem with Owner Roman Niewodniczanski – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

2016 VDP Trade Fair Weinbörse - Vintage 2015 - in Mainz: Schiller’s Report

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

Picture: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols – Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Delas-Frères is one of the top producers of the Rhône in a myriad of appellations with holdings in the Côte Rôtie, Saint Joseph, Saint Péray, Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage, Cornas and Condrieu in the Northern Rhône as well as in the Southern Rhône in Châteauneuf du Pape. The company also produces one of the top value wines from the region with their Côte du Rhône.

Delas-Frères can look back on one of the longest history in the region. It was founded in 1834 as a négociant house. In 1977 Delas-Frères was acquired by Champagne Deutz. When Deutz was purchased by Roederer in 1993 Delas-Frères came under the ownership of Champagne Roederer.

Bruno Gonnet, communications director, was our host.The visit was highly educational. Bruno showed us the modern winemaking facilities of Delas-Frères und led a tasting of 7 wines.

Pictures: Arriving at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols – Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Delas Frères

Delas Frères is a winery of tradition and renewal. Founded in 1835 in the heart of the northern Côtes du Rhône, the winery has thrived with the dynamism of its original founders and their heirs and more recently, the renewed energy of the Lallier-Deutz family, owners of Champagne Deutz.

Delas Frères and Champagne Deutz were acquired by Maison Louis Roederer in 1993. André Lallier retired from daily winery duties in 1996, and Fabrice Rosset, a 20-year executive with Roederer, today leads both Delas and Deutz.

Delas wines are crafted by a panel of experts headed by winemaker Jacques Grange. Together, the team makes wines that have been heralded for their intensity of flavor and excellent value.

History

The winery was founded in 1835 when Charles Audibert and Philippe Delas bought Maisons Junique, a 40-year-old winery which they renamed Audibert & Delas. The house's reputation spread quickly worldwide as the winery brought home numerous awards from international competitions — notably a gold medal at Sydney in 1879.

Philippe Delas had two sons, Henri and Florentin. The latter married the daughter of Charles Audibert, further strengthening the bond between the two families. In 1924, the brothers succeeded to the founders and changed the name of the house to Delas Frères.

After World War II, under Florentin's son Jean and thanks to the widespread apreciation of French wines, the house experienced rapid growth. Jean visited new export markets following the brilliant success of Philippe Delas and Charles Audibert. To ensure a regular supply of the highest quality grapes to satisfy the growing demand, he extended the family holdings by purchasing a vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and enlarging the Hermitage vineyards.

When Jean's son Michel took control of Delas Frères in 1960, the winery had become one of the major houses in the northern Rhône, where it owned and controlled prestigious vineyards in Hermitage, Cornas, Côte Rôtie, and Condrieu.

Applying stringent marketing policies, Michel Delas sold only products of unfailing excellence. His qualitative intransigence and commercial dynamism did not come without a price, and the firm found it required an immediate injection of capital. Michel approached another famous name in the wine world, Champagne Deutz. In 1977, André Lallier-Deutz, great-great-grandson of William Deutz, merged the two companies.

Pictures: Cellar Tour at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols – Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Winemaking Style

In 1981, the house moved to its current premises in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, a small village located two kilometers north of Tournon. The winery building, set amidst the vineyards of the St. Joseph appellation, covers more than 3000 square meters.

The winery was upgraded from old wooden casks to 600 new barriques and the building of an extension to the winery. In addition, additional vineyard land in Crozes- Hermitage and Hermitage was aquired. .

Delas’ winemaking philosophies include: 100% destemmed fruit, cold maceration, minimal rackings, reducing sulphur levels, extensive lees aging and bottling the top cuvées without fining or filtration.

Pictures: Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols – Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Portfolio

Currently, Delas offers about 2 dozens of different wines from both the Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône.

Picture: The Delas Frères Portfolio

Single Vineyard Wines

At the top of its portolio are five single-vineyard wines, all from the Northern Rhône:

Les Bessards is a single vineyard wine from Hermitage. Production is limited to around 6 bottles, only released in the best years.

La Landonne is a single vineyard selection in Côte Rôtie, with the production limited to about 2500 bottles per vintage.

Clos Boucher is a single vineyard wine from Condrieu, with the production limited to 6000 bottles.

Sainte-Epine is a single vineyard wine from Saint Joseph, only released in the best years and limited to 6000 bottles

Le Clos is a single vineyard wine from Crozes Hermitage, only released in the best years and limited to 6000 bottles.

Delas Frères grows 30 hectares of vines comprising 10 hectares in the Hermitage AOC, 2 hectares in Saint-Joseph AOC and 18 hectares in Crozes-Hermitage. In addition to the grapes produced by Delas' own wine growing team, Delas' close relationships with like-minded owner-wine growers ensure that the company is able to source grapes grown on individual parcels, which reflect their own unique terroir.

Estate Wines

Below the single-vineyard wines, or perhaps at the same level in terms of quality, are Delas Frères' estate wines. These are wines produced exclusively from plots owned by Delas Frères. There are three estate wines. These are wines produced by blending wines from different blocks.

Domaines des Tourettes, Hermitage, is produced by blending wines from 2 different blocks: Les Grandes Vignes and Les Bessards, the famous block of which Delas Frères also produces a single-vineyard wine. Under the Domaine des Tourettes label you find both white and red Hermitage.

Domaine des Grands Chemins, Crozes Hermitage.

Domaine des Genêts,Vacqueyras. The vineyard area covers the two communes of Vacqueyras and Sarrians, near the Dentelles de Montmirail hills in the Southern Rhône.

Other

The remainder are 15 other wines, all non-estate and non-single vineyard wines.

Tasting

Bruno Gonnet, communications director, poured 7 wines.

2015 Delas Frères, Domaine des Grands Chemins, Crozes Hermitage, Rouge

Wine-searcher average price in US$:35

2016 Delas Frères, François de Tournon 2013, Saint-Joseph, Rouge

Wine-searcher average price in US$:29

2015 Delas Frères, Cornas, Chante Perdrix, Rouge

Wine-searcher average price in US$:41

2016 Delas Frères, Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron, Rouge

Wine-searcher average price in US$:83

2015 Delas Frères, Domaines des Tourettes, Hermitage, Rouge

Wine-searcher average price in US$:71

2015 Delas Frères, Les Lunes, Crozes-Hermitage, Blanc

Wine-searcher average price in US$:21

2017 Delas Frères, Domaines des Tourettes, Hermitage, Blanc

Wine-searcher average price in US$:51

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France (Already Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour December 2017: From Lyon to Avignon - Wine, Food, Culture, History

Understanding the Wines of the Rhône Valley: The Classification - AOC/ Vin de Pay/ Vin de France

The Rhône Wine Region in Southern France and its Wines: History, Classification, Northern and Southern Rhône

Cellar Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Éric Texier in Charney, with Laurence Texier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles in Lyon - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France

Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Drive at E. Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Maison Clusel-Roche in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Georges Vernay in Condrieu, Northern Rhône, with Owner Paul Ansellem-Vernay - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Hôtellerie Beau Rivage in Condrieu, with Chef Chef Ludovic Mounier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols – Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône, with Director Bruno Gonnet

Lunch at Restaurant La Grappe d’Or in Saint-Péray, Northern Rhône

Tasting at Domaine Jean Luc Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône

Cellar Tasting at Domaine Laurent Habrard in Gervans, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ and Winemaker Laurent Habrad

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Combier in Pont de l’Isère, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurent Combier

Lunch at La Grand Table de Michel Chabran, 1 Star Michelin, in Pont d l’Isère

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud

Winemaker Dinner with David Reynaud, Domaine les Bruyeres, Crozes-Hermitage in the Rhone Valley, at Chef Bart Vandaele's BToo in Washington DC, USA/ France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine La Martinelle in Lafare, Ventoux, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinna Kruse Faravel

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mesclun in Séguret, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Marcel Richaud in Cairanne, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Claire Richaud

Tasting at Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Benoit Baudry

Wine Dinner at Restaurant Hôtel Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône

Lunch at Restaurant Le Dolium in Beaumes-de Venise, Southern Rhône

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting of Wine and Olive Oil at Mas Saint Berthe, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône, with Winemaker Christian Nief

Dinner at Restaurant Benvengudo, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pegau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Cellar Master Andreas Lenzenwöger

At Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine de la Mordorée, Tavel, Southern Rhône, with Owner Ambre Delorme

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique in Courthézon, Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner Véronique Bonnet and Owner/ Winemaker Eric Bonnet

Tasting at the Caveau of the Perrin Family in Châteauneuf du Pape

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château la Nerthe, Châteauneuf du Pape

Wine-pairing dinner at Restaurant Château des Fines Roches, with Chef Hugo Loridan-Fombonnet

New Year’s Eve at Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France

Picture: Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2019

The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 contains the 1000 best German wine makers, of which 20 received 5/5 grapes.

This is up by 2 producers compared to last year. 1 producer lost the position in the 5/5 grapes group and 3 producers were promoted.

The 3 promotions (all well deserved) were:

Weingut Georg Breuer (Rheingau),
Weingut Salwey (Baden) and
Weingut Ziereisen (Baden).

No longer in the 5/5 group is:

Weingut Fritz Haag (Mosel)

In total, I am releasing 4 postings with regard to the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2019

Germany’s Best Winemakers– Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 Awards
Germany’s Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Grapes) - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2019
Winemaker of the Year - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2019: Fritz and Friedrich Keller, Weingut Franz Keller, Baden
Germany's Best Wines - Seven 100 Points Wines in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2019

Ahr

None.

Baden

Dr. Heger

Weingut Dr. Heger shines with its Pinots (Noir, Gris, Blance) which account for 75% of the production. Joachim and Slivia Heger have been at the helm of this world class producers for about 30 years. 28 hectares. Joachim Heger also produces good wine under the Weinhaus Heger label, with grapes bought from other producers.

See:
Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)
Visit: Weingut Dr. Heger in Baden – Germany-South Wine Tours by ombiasy (2014)

Pictures: Tasting and Weingut Dr. Heger and Christian Schiller and Joachim Heger. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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. 28 hectares.

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

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

Pictures: Dinner with Sebastian Fürst and Julian Huber. See: Winemaker Dinner with Chef/ King of Spices Ingo Holland and Sebastian Fürst (Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken), Julian Huber (Weingut Bernhard Huber, Baden) and Jérôme Legras (Champagne Legras & Haas)

Weingut Salwey

Konrad Salwey, 43 years old, put the family-owned estate with the best Kaiserstuhl vineyards in the last few years on a radical, sharply focused course: the name Salwey stands exclusively for dry burgundy wines. Salwey's Weiß-, Grau- und Spätburgunder from Vulkangesteinslagen today are the spearhead of a "new" German burgundy style. 41 hesctares.

See:
Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, with Benno Salwey – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, with Benno Salwey – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Weingut Ziereisen

"The man is a superstar, whose Pinots are up there with the very best."
Tim Atkin, Master of Wine and award-winning wine journalist, broadcaster and commentator

"Ziereisen is a little bit like Bayern Munich. Another dimension of complexity and expression." Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate German Reviewer 11/6/15 (Facebook)

16 hestares.

See:
2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Pictures: Massive Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen, with Hanspeter and Edeltraud Ziereisen. See: 2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

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.

See:
Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and from Bottle) at Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken, with Sebastian Fürst - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken
Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and from Bottle) at Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken, with Sebastian Fürst - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Hessische Bergstrasse

None.

Mittelrhein

None.

Mosel (Mosel - Saar -Ruwer)

Schloss Lieser (Thomas Haag)

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. Thomas Haag is the older brother of Oliver Haag, who has taken over the family's winery, Weingut Fritz Haag. 12 hectares.

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

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

Markus Molitor

Within the last 30 years, Markus Molitor has turned Weingut Markus Molitor from one of hundreds of unknown family-owned wineries in the Mosel Region into a cult producer, when Robert Parker gave three of his Riesling Ausleses from the Ürziger Würzgarten, Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Zeltinger Sonnenuhr vineyard sites 100 points in 2015. Riesling represents more than 90 percent of Molitor's 65 hectares of vineyard, but he also makes a little Pinot Noir.

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

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

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

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

Joh. Jos. Prüm – Mosel

Weingut JJ Prüm 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. 20 hectares. Only Riesling. Led by Dr. Manfred Prüm and his daughter Dr. Katharina Prüm.

Weingut JJ Prüm was demoted to 4 grapes in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017 (by Joel B. Payne and his team).

See:
Tasting at the Legendary Weingut J.J. Prüm with Amei Prüm– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Picture: Annette Schiller and Manfred Prüm

Picture: Christian Schiller with Katharina Pruem at Wegmans in Virginia. See also: JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

Pictures: Tasting at the Legendary Weingut J.J. Prüm with Amei Prüm– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

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)

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

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 estate, 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.

See:
Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Dönnhoff with Christina Dönnhoff– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)
Dönnhoff Hermann, Oberhausen (Nahe) - An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

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.

See:
At Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

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

Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan

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

The estate produces a broad range of dry wines, with 85% stemming from Riesling grapes. The 2016 Forster Kirchenstück Riesling GG was rated at 100/ 100 points in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2018.

See:
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)

Pictures: 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)

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

See:

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours
Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)
Wine Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

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)

Picture: In the Cellar of Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Rheingau

Georg Breuer

Georg Breuer was one of the leaders of the German "Trockenwelle". After his untimely death hos daughter Teresa Breuer has taken over. 34 hectares

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

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.

See:
Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn in Östrich, Winkel– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)
A Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn, Rheingau, with Angela and Peter Jakob Kühn, Germany (2013)

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

Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

Pictures: 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.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, Tasting at Weingut Weil. See: Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

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

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

Saale-Unstrut

None.

Sachsen

None.

Württemberg

Weingut Aldinger

The roots of this Fellbach (near Stuttgart) estate stretch back to the 15th century. Gert Aldinger assumed the helm in 1992, with all the responsibility that comes with 500 years of winegrowing tradition. 15 years later, the estate was already counted among Württemberg's finest, with sons Hansjörg and Matthias beginning their chapter at the forefront.

30 hectares. 33% Riesling, 15% Lemberger, 15% Spätburgunder, 10% Sauvignon blanc, 8% Trollinger, 6% Merlot, 5% Weissburgunder, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Chardonnay.

See:
Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Aldinger in Fellbach (Stuttgart), with Matthias Aldinger - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Pictures: Gert Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger, Karl Eugen Erbgraf zu Neipperg, Weingut Des Grafen Neipperg and Annette Schiller See: 2017 VDP Trade Fair Weinbörse - Vintage 2016 - in Mainz: Schiller’s Report

Pictures: Hansjörg and Matthias Aldinger with Christian Schiller. See: See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Aldinger in Fellbach (Stuttgart), with Matthias Aldinger - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Previous Years

As for previous years, see:

Germany's 18 Top Winemakers - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2018
Germany's 13 Top Winemakers (with 5 out of 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017
Germany's Top 10 Winemakers (with 5 out of 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2016
Germany's Top 11 Winemakers (with 5 out of 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015
Germany's Top 11 Winemakers (with 5 out of 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Germany’s Top 10 Winemakers (with 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2013
Germany’s Top 10 Winemakers (with 5 Grapes) - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2012
Germany’s Top 9 Winemakers - the 2010 Gault Millau Wine Guide

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

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

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

Winemaker Dinner with Chef/ King of Spices Ingo Holland and Sebastian Fürst (Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken), Julian Huber (Weingut Bernhard Huber, Baden) and Jérôme Legras (Champagne Legras & Haas)

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, with Benno Salwey – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and from Bottle) at Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken, with Sebastian Fürst - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting at the Legendary Weingut J.J. Prüm with Amei Prüm– 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

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

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

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

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)

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

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

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

Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn in Östrich, Winkel– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

A Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn, Rheingau, with Angela and Peter Jakob Kühn, Germany (2013)

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

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

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

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Aldinger in Fellbach (Stuttgart), with Matthias Aldinger - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Picture: Cellar tour and Tasting at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Following breakfast at Hotel/ Restaurant Le Chevreuil, were we had dinner and stayed for the night - See: Dinner at Restaurant Le Chevreuil in Meursault, with the Wines of Domaine Matrot - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris, we walked over to Cave Ropiteau Frères for a tour of the historic cellars and a tasting of the outstanding wines. Both Hotel/ Restaurant Le Chevreuil and Cave Ropiteau Frères are in the center of Meursault.

Cave Ropiteau Frères

In 1848, France was undergoing a revolution. The provinces, less affected than Paris, became a melting pot where people came together to build a modern world in peace and fraternity. In the same year, the arrival of the railway in Burgundy incited Jean Ropiteau to found his Wine Merchant House with his brothers-in-law. At only 24 years old this young man, whose Burgundian roots date back to the XVIth century, very quickly foresaw this means of transportation as a way of promoting the wines of Burgundy.

At the beginning of the 20th century the House kept on expanding but remained faithful to its values. In 1940, his great-grandson, Auguste Ropiteau, purchased the current cellars, which we toured, from the Hospices de Beaune.

Situated in the center of Meursault, the cellars from the XVth and XVIIth century are among the most prestigious in Burgundy. With about 900 barrels in its cellars, Ropiteau Frères is today one of the biggest producers of oak matured white wine in Burgundy.

Pictures: At Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune

The Boisset Collection

Cave Ropiteau Frères belongs to the Boisset Collection. Boisset is a family-owned collection of historic and unique wineries bound together by a common cause: authentic, terroir-driven wines in harmony with their history, their future and the land and people essential to their existence.

With more than twenty historical and prestigious wineries in the world’s preeminent terroirs, including the Côte d’Or, Beaujolais, Rhône Valley, California’s Russian River Valley and the Napa Valley, each house retains its unique history, identity, and style, and all are united in the pursuit of fine wines expressive of their terroir.

Jean-Claude and Claudine Boisset founded their family winery, Jean-Claude Boisset, Burgundy, in 1961. In 1964, the winery acquired its first vineyard, Les Evocelles, in the Gevrey-Chambertin commune.

Pictures: Cellar tour at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune

Jean-Charles Boisset was born in Vougeot in 1969. He studied business and finance at the University of London, followed by graduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. He earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco.

Jean-Claude Boisset bought Bouchard Aine & Fils in 1992 and J. Moreau & Fils, Chablis, in 1997.

Jean-Charles founded Domaine de la Vougeraie in 1999. In 2003, Jean-Charles Boisset purchased DeLoach Vineyards in California's Russian River Valley AVA, followed by Raymond Vineyards, located in Napa Valley, California, in 2009 and Buena Vista Winery, located in Sonoma, California, in 2011. In 2009, he bought Bouchard Aine & Fils, Beaune, France.

Jean-Charles Boisset married Gina Gallo in 2009. The couple has twin girls, born in 2011. In 2011, Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo purchased the former home of Robert Mondavi in Napa Valley.

Pictures: Cellar tour at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune

Boisset Collection's Wineries in North America and France

Raymond Vineyards, Napa Valley
DeLoach Vineyards, Russian River Valley
Buena Vista Winery
Lockwood Vineyard, Monterey
Lyeth Estate, Sonoma
JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset
La Face Cachee de la Pomme, Quebec
Domaine de la Vougeraie, Premeaux-Prissey, France
Jean-Claude Boisset, Nuits-St.-Georges, France
Bouchard Aine & Fils, Beaune, France
J. Moreau & Fils, Chablis, France
Mommessin, Beaujolais, France
Louis Bouillot, Nuits-St.-Georges, France
Ropiteau, Meursault, France
Fortant, Sete, France
Antonin Rodet, Mercurey, France

The Cave Ropiteau Frères Portfolio

Cave Ropiteau Frères produces a wide range of wines, from the basic La Cuvée Ropitau to half a dozen grand cru wines.

Pictures: The Cave Ropiteau Frères Portfolio

Tasting

Following the tour of the historic cellars we sat down for a tasting of the outstanding wines of Cave Ropiteau Frères.

Pictures: Tasting at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune

2016 Ropiteau Frères Puligny Montrachet Trezin Blanc

Wine-searcher average price in US$: 69

2015 Ropiteau Frères Chassagne Montrachet Blanc

Wine-searcher average price in US$: 60

2011 Ropiteau Frères Meursault 1er Cru Les Cras Blanc

Wine-searcher average price in US$: 66

2015 Ropiteau Frères Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Les Vazolières Blanc

Wine-searcher average price in US$:73

2016 Hospices de Nuits Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Maladières - Les Brulées Cuvée

Wine-searcher average price in US$:98

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History (Forthcoming an already relased Postings)

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France

Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France

Introduction to the Burgundy Wine Region at Antic Wine in Lyon with Flying Sommelier Georges Dos Santos - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at La Table de Chaintré (1 Star Michelin) in Chaintré, with Chef Sébastien Grospellier - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

In the Most Prestigious AOC in the Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Fussiacus in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with Owner/ Winemaker Yannik Pacquet - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Desvignes in Givry, Côte Chalonnaise, with Owner/ Winemaker Gautier Desvignes - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mercurey in Mercurey - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

At Domaine Theulot-Juillot in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Nathalie Theulot - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château de Rully and Tasting of Domaine du Château de Rully Wines, with Count Raoul de Ternay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Chevreuil in Meursault, with the Wines of Domaine Matrot - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Cellar tour and tasting at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey Duresses, Côte de Beaune - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Where Robert Parker likes to Eat: Lunch at La Crémaillère in Auxey-Duresses - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard walk and tasting in the vineyards of Meursault, with Karoline Knoth and the Wines of Domaine Pierre Morey

Vineyard Walk in Meursault with Karoline Knoth - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Lunch, with Patrick Leflaive

Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and Cellar Tour, with Olivier and Patrick Leflaive - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Lunch and Wine Tasting at La Table de Olivier in Puligny Montrachet with Olivier Leflaive – Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Visit and tasting at Château de Chassagne-Montrachet in Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune

Tour of the ancient cellars and tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, Côte de Beaune

Visit and Tasting: Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune– Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Visit: Hospices de Beaune– Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Lunch at restaurant Le Carmin (1 Michelin Star) in Beaune

Vineyard tour, cellar tour and tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune.

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits, with Matilde Nicolas, Communications Director

Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits St. Georges - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided tour of the Abbey de Cîteaux

Visit of Château du Clos de Vougeot - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard tour, cellar tour and tasting at Domaine Armelle et Bernhard Rion in Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Armelle Rion

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Armelle et Bernhard Rion in Vosne Romanée, Côte de Nuits - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Guillon & Fils in Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits, with Jean-Michel Guillon - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

An Institution: Lunch at Restaurant Chez Guy in Gevrey-Chambertin - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine Pierre Gelin in Fixin, Côte de Nuits. with Owner/ Winemaker Pierre Gelin.

Wine Pairing Lunch, Cellar Visit, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jean Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis– Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France

Visit and tasting at Château Long-Depaquit in Chablis, with General Manager Cécilia Trimaille.

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Visit and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin, a Grower Champagne House in Gyé sur Seine – Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour of the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay

Dinner at 1-Michelin star restaurant Les Berceaux in Épernay

Cellar visit and tasting at the Champagne House Mercier in Épernay

Lunch at La Coupole, Montparnasse, Paris

Dining and Wining on Boulevard Montparnasse in Paris: La Rotonde, Le Dôme and La Coupole, France – Pre-Bordeaux Wine Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Picture: Winemaker Dinner with Adrien Schoenheitz, Owner/ Winemaker, Domaine Schoenheitz in Alsace and Chef Chef Jacques Haeringer at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls/ Northern Virginia/ USA

Adrien Schoenheitz, Owner/ Winemaker, Domaine Schoenheitz in Alsace, was in town (greater Washington DC area) and I the chance to participate in a wonderful winemaker dinner at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls/ Northern Virginia, with Chef Jacques Haeringer.

Pictures: L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls/ Northern Virginia/ USA

L'Auberge Chez Francois - Invitation

Schoenheitz…a name whose Alsatian meaning is related to “beauty” and “a taste for good things”. When history and nature join forces the only path to follow is that of EXCELLENCE.

Please join us Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 at 7:00 PM as we welcome Adrien Schoenheitz of Schoenheitz Winery, who will be presenting his family’s wines from the Munster Valley (famous for its cheese) in Alsace. Adrien studied viticulture and oenology in Alsace and has worked in other parts of France including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia.

The Shoenheitz family arrived in Alsace from Austria after the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, starting a wine business in the village of Wihr-au-Val in 1812. Most of the vineyards around the village were destroyed during the First World War, and the village itself was levelled during the Second World War. Adrian’s grandfather started replanting vines in the 1960s, and with Adrian’s parents, established the winery in 1980.

The wines of Schoenheitz have only become available in Virginia in the last year, and we are pleased to be able to showcase them, with a delectable menu Chef Jacques designed to complement their qualities.

Pictures: Welcomne

Wine Dinner Menu

Seasonal Canapes
Schoenheitz Cremant de Alsace

Sautéed Virginia Trout with Crispy Leeks and Garden Spinach, Beurre Blanc
2016 Schoenheitz Riesling

Roasted Arctic Char, Maine Lobster, Seasonal Vegetables, Schoenheitz Pinot Noir Sauce
2018 Schoenheitz Pinot Noir

Ballotine de Poulet Strasbourgeoise
Organic Chicken Breast Stuffed with Foie Gras Mousse, Seasonal Vegetables, Truffled Chicken Jus
2016 Schoenheitz Gewurztraminer
2014 Schoenheitz Pinot Gris – Herrenreben

Alsatian Maribelle Éclair
Cream Puff, Filled with Maribelle Custard

Gilette’s Locally-Roasted Coffee, Selection of Harney & Sons Fine Teas

Pictures: Winemaker Dinner with Adrien Schoenheitz, Owner/ Winemaker, Domaine Schoenheitz in Alsace and Chef Chef Jacques Haeringer at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls/ Northern Virginia/ USA

Alsace

Alsace is one of the several world class French wine regions, which produces many excellent still and sparkling, red and white wines, but above all it is highly appreciated for its unoaked, dry and crisp white wines. They tend to be different from those in other parts of France: Higher in acidity, sometimes really sour, but always a pleasant experience to have them in the glass. And they go very well with the Alsatian food, which is also unique in France. The famous choucroute you find only there in France. But of course, you find it also in neighboring Germany, for example in Frankfurt am Main. Compared with Germany, which also is famous for its world class dry wines, Alsace wines tend to be more full-bodied and higher in alcohol. Finally, sweeter white wines and red wines play only a minor role in Alsace, but they have a very good sparkling wine, the Cremant d’Alsace.

Alsace sits in the northeast corner of France, sheltered by the Vosges mountains to the west and hard against the German border to the east. The vineyards reach from around Wissembourg in the north to Mulhouse, 70 miles south. Some 12 million cases are produced annually from 32,000 acres of vineyards.

Alsace is a fascinating amalgam of the German and French. The end of the 30 Years’ War in 1648 gave Alsace to France. In 1871, at the end of the Franco-Prussian War, Alsace was taken by Germany. After World War I, it was once more part of France — until 1940, when Germany reclaimed it. With the defeat of the Nazis in 1945, Alsace became French yet again — and so it has remained. Wine production in Alsace traces its beginnings to the early centuries of the Roman Empire, when the Romans conquered Alsace and introduced wine.

One of the most intriguing characteristics of Alsace wines is that they are bottled under their varietal names, unlike virtually all other French wines. Four grape varieties are considered to be the best:(i) Riesling – like in Germany, the most celebrated grape; (ii) Muscat – often used to produce sweet wines in France, the Alsace version is bone-dry; (iii) Pinot Gris and (iv) Gewurztraminer – Alsace's signature grape. Three other white grape varieties are also grown: (i) Sylvaner – A high-yielding grape, producing a refreshing wine, often used for blends, (ii) Pinot Blanc and (iii) Chardonnay – used only for sparkling wine. In addition, Alsace does have a little red wine made from the Burgundy grape, Pinot Noir. The Alsatian red wines tend to be quite light, but can be delicious. The share of red wines in total output is on the rise.

Alsace produces wines under three different appellations: (i) Appellation d'Origine Contrôlées (AOCs) for ¾ of the white, rosé and red wines, (ii) Alsace Grand Cru AOC for white wines from certain classified vineyards and (iii) Crémant d'Alsace AOC for sparkling wines. Alsace makes noble-sweet wines, but does not have the same reputation as Germany or Austria for its noble-sweet wines. I like the Edelzwicker from Alsace, which is blend and an easy to drink day-to-day wine, although it has become hard to find.

Since the creation of the Grand Cru AOC in Alsace, a number of winemakers have however shunned the system. Maison Leon Beyer is one of the most notable names to do so. The issue Maison Leon Beyer has with the Grand Cru AOC is that in their view the Grand Cru vineyards in a number of cases have too extensive boundaries.

Alsace also produces a sparkling wine similar to champagne, the Crémant d’Alsace. Crémant d’Alsace is made using the traditional method (bottle fermentation), mostly from Pinot Blanc grapes. Rosé Crémant d'Alsace is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes. Crémant d'Alsace is a significant part of the wine production in Alsace, with 18% of the region's vineyards used for this purpose.

We regularly visit Alsace on the Germany-South/ Alsace Tour by ombiasy WineTours, which covers Baden, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Alsace. The next tour is scheduled for 2020.

See:

UPCOMING Tours/ Wine Dinners/ Tastings - Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine, Germany, France, USA (Issued: April 1, 2019)

Below are pictures from the 2017 and 2018 tours. See:

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

The Sun-Kissed South: Germany’s Pinot Noir, the Other Whites, the Culinary Regions - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Pictures: Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen and:The Sun-Kissed South: Germany’s Pinot Noir, the Other Whites, the Culinary Regions - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Schoenheitz

History

During the Middle Ages the vineyards of Wihr-au-Val belonged to the famous Habsbourg and Ribeaupierre families and already had a reputation for producing quality wines. Nestled in the heart of the Munster valley, the location fulfilled all the conditions for a brilliant future in the Alsatian soil. Unfortunately, the vicissitudes of history destroyed that future, leaving nothing but devastation at the end of World War II.

During the 1970's, Henri Schoenheitz senior, passionate about history and in love with the area where he was born, undertook the rebirth of this lovely vineyard which had been nearly wiped out. Slowly, as at the time the area was under mixed agricultural usage, he retraced the original contours of the vineyards at Wihr-au-Val whose legitimacy had been all but forgotten. Preparing the soil and replanting the steep hillsides was a difficult undertaking and is still pursued by Henri junior, assisted by his wife Dominique.

In 1980 Dominique and the younger Henri Schoenheitz, both fresh graduates in oenology and viticulture, launched themselves into their first harvests. The wines of Schoenheitz were yet to be created. For them it was like the pleasure of a blank page, waiting to be written on. These young vintners, the only independent wine makers in the village, quickly began defining their style: sustainable agriculture as a method to create epicurean wines.

In 1995 they received a satisfying reward: the prize “vingt sur vins” recognizing 15 years of passion and determination. Both professional experts and private connoisseurs are choosing Alsace wines more and more, and their loyalty to Schoenheitz wines is a salute to their quality.

The Schoenheitz vineyards (14 hectares) are entirely concentrated on the steep slopes of the magnificent Munster Valley.

Vineyard and Cellar

Appellations: AOC Alsace et AOC Cremant of Alsace

Terroir :

• Very steep slopes
• Exposure to the sun: South and South-East
• Granite with two micas

The planted grape varieties:

Riesling = 31 %
Gewurztraminer = 21 %
Pinot Gris = 14 %
Pinot Noir = 15 %
Pinot Blanc = 14 % (of which 45% is dedicated to our cremant)
Muscat = 4 %
Sylvaner and mixed parcels = 1%

Method of Cultivation:

• Traditional training of the vines (density 4,000-6,000 stocks per hectare).
• Guyot single cane pruning for most varieties to limit the yield.
• Natural grass between the rows alternating with plantings of rye in the winter to counter erosion and improve soil structure.
• Fertilization = no chemical fertilizers are used, both to limit the yield and to incite the vines to seek nourishment deeper in the soil which favours the expression of the “terroir” in the wine.
• All treatments are limited to those strictly necessary and are applied within a sustainable agriculture concept.

Harvesting Method:

• Manual, with a strict selection on the vine.
• Harvesting at optimal maturity during 5 to 8 weeks.
• Clusters preserved intact (no settlement or damage).

The Wine Portfolio

Schoenheitz distinguishes its wines into 4 groups.

Cremant

Alsatian sparkling wine made in the same way as Champagne.

Classics

These wines come from a rigorous selection process and are vinified in a way that privileges the expression of the varietal. Their specific aromas and balance will compliment your casual meals.

Exclusifs

They are all products of our “lieux-dits” or “named places”. These “lieux-dits” vineyards are worked the same way as some grands crus and are the “pearls” of our vineyards. The “Exclusifs” reflect the land and are a love story between a varietal, a soil, and a specific micro-climat.
Wines of character, complexity and elegance, these are great gastronomic wines.

Mythiques

Occasionally exceptional “Cuvées d'Exception”, “Vendanges Tardives” and “Sélection de Grains Nobles” are born in our “lieux-dits” vineyards. Fruits of patience and a great know-how, they are the supreme reward for a calculated risk : that of waiting longer to harvest at the risk of losing everything to a caprice of the weather. These wines are rare and uncommonly rich.

The Winemaker Dinner with Adrien Schoenheitz and Chef Chef Jacques Haeringer

Seasonal Canapes
Schoenheitz Cremant de Alsace

Sautéed Virginia Trout with Crispy Leeks and Garden Spinach, Beurre Blanc
2016 Schoenheitz Riesling

Roasted Arctic Char, Maine Lobster, Seasonal Vegetables, Schoenheitz Pinot Noir Sauce
2018 Schoenheitz Pinot Noir

Ballotine de Poulet Strasbourgeoise
Organic Chicken Breast Stuffed with Foie Gras Mousse, Seasonal Vegetables, Truffled Chicken Jus
2016 Schoenheitz Gewurztraminer
2014 Schoenheitz Pinot Gris – Herrenreben

Alsatian Maribelle Éclair
Cream Puff, Filled with Maribelle Custard

Bye-bye

Thanks Adrien and see you soon in Alsace.

Picture: Winemaker Dinner with Adrien Schoenheitz, Owner/ Winemaker, Domaine Schoenheitz in Alsace and Chef Chef Jacques Haeringer at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls/ Northern Virginia/ USA

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

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

UPCOMING Tours/ Wine Dinners/ Tastings - Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine, Germany, France, USA (Issued: April 1, 2019)

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

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

The Sun-Kissed South: Germany’s Pinot Noir, the Other Whites, the Culinary Regions - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rieflé-Landmann in Pfaffenheim, Alsace, with Paul Rieflé - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Massive Tasting at Domaine Rolly-Gassmann in Rorschwihr, Alsace, with Pierre Gassmann - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Pfister in Dahlenheim, Alsace, with Melanie Pfister - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Promenade au Fleckenstein: Dinner at L'Auberge du Cheval Blanc (2 Stars Michelin) in Lembach, Alsace, with Chef Pascal Bastian - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Picture: Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, 4ème Grand Cru Classé St-Estèphe, with Owner Basile Tesseron - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2018, France

Château Lafon-Rochet features some of the finest vineyards in the world. It is situated in the small appellation Saint-Estèphe and is sandwiched between two prominent neighbors: Cos-d’Estournel on the other side of the street and Lafite-Rothschild, separated only by a small dirt track, and visible across the vineyard that belongs to Lafon-Rochet. Since the 16th century this Château makes excellent wines and had been in the hands of the Lafon family for almost 300 years.

Pictures: Arriving at Château Lafon-Rochet

In 1895 the phylloxera disaster forced the family to sell Château Lafon-Rochet. A period of a rapid succession of several disinterested owners followed until Guy Tesseron (who also bought Château Pontet-Canet) acquired the Château in the 1960s. He and then his son Michel brought Lafon-Rochet back to its former glory. The new generation is now at the helm and Basile Tesseron is energetically pursuing quality control.

Château Lafon-Rochet and OmbiasyPR & WineTours

Château Lafon-Rochet belongs to the 2 or 3 dozens of châteaux to which we have a closer relationship than to others.

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with Basile Tesseron, Owner, in New York. See: Bordeaux Vintage 2014 in Bottle: Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGC) on 2017 North America Tour in New York - Schiller’s Favorites

One of the first winemaker dinners that Annette organized in Washington DC was with Anaïs Maillet and the wines of Château Lafon-Rochet at BToo on 14th Street NW.

Picture: Annette Schiller and Château LAFON-ROCHET’s winemaker Anaïs Maillet at B Too in Washington DC (Picture: Charlie Adler). See: Winemaker Dinner with Château LAFON-ROCHET Wines and Winemaker Anaïs Maillet at Chef Bart Vandaele’s Hipp B Too Restaurant in Washington DC, US/France (2014)

I still have good memories of a winemaker dinner at the French Embassy in Washington DC a number of years ago, hosted by Château Lafon-Rochet owner Basile Tesseron.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Basile Tesseron. See: Tasting the Wines of Chateau Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 4ème Cru Classé en 1855, with Owner Basile Tesseron at the French Embassy in Washington DC, USA/France (2012)

A couple of years ago, Michel Tesseron treated the ombiasy tour group to a very special dinner in the private quarters of Château Lafon-Rochet.

Pictures: Dinner with Michel Tesseron. See: At the Invitation of Owner Michel Tesseron: Private Dinner at Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 4ième Grand Cru Classé– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

In 2017, Annette organized a winemaker for Château Lafon-Rochet at Restaurant 2941 in Northern Virginia.

Pictures: Winemaker Dinner with Château Lafon Rochet at Restaurant 2941 in Northern Virginia, with Sofia Poniatowski and Chef Bertrand Chemel, USA/ Bordeaux

Last year, charming Vineyard Manager Anaïs Maillet, who has since left the estate, received us.

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, 4ème Grand Cru Classé St-Estèphe, with Vineyard Manager Anaïs Maillet - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Château Lafon-Rochet

Château Lafon-Rochet is a 4th Grand Cru en 1855 in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Medoc. It is one of the 5 classified properties in the appellation of Saint Estèphe. Its grounds are separated from those of Château Lafite to the north by the width of the road and from Cos d'Estournel by a dirt path.

Basile Tesseron and Directeur Technique Lucas Leclercq are currently at the helm of Château Lafon-Rochet.

History

Lafon-Rochet’s history dates back to the 17th century. The property was then known as the Domaine Rochet and belonged to Antoinette Guillemotes who renamed the estate Château Lafon-Rochet after her marriage with Etienne de Lafon..

Over the 150 years that followed, Etienne de Lafon’s heirs not only maintained the estate and coped with the various diseases and economic difficulties from which the vineyard suffered but also enabled Lafon-Rochet to enter the 1855 classification of the Grands crus du Médoc (the Great Growths of the Medoc).

Pictures: In the Tank Cellar (Concrete and Stainless Steel Tanks)

At the dawn of the 20th century financial difficulties resurfaced and so new owners took over the Château. Thus began a long period of instability until the Tesseron family took over the estate in 1960.

When in 1960 Guy Tesseron, a master of old Cognac, took over the property, he had to start from scratch and rebuild the whole property. Thus began Chateau Lafon Rochet’s rebirth.

Pictures: Inspecting the Optical Sorter

First he concentrated on the renovation of the fermenting room and the wine storehouse before tackling the mansion itself. He decided to demolish the whole building and create a new family home for Lafon-Rochet. The plans were for an elegant Chartreuse, which was quite unusual at the time.

It took almost ten years to restore the Château, the vineyard and infrastructures. This fresh start finally paid off in 1966. As the young Michel Tesseron recalls it was the first time that Lafon-Rochet was able to present a wine worthy of Quatrième Grand cru – fourth growth. The following year, 1967, was a great vintage paving the way for 1970, one of Lafon-Rochet’s most memorable vintages. In 1975 Guy Tesseron also took over the Château Pontet-Canet, then a few years later the Château Malescasse.

Pictures: High-tech Presentation

Until 1999 the family jointly managed Château Pontet-Canet and Lafon-Rochet but lost the Château Malescasse, so dear to Michel Tesseron. As part of the re organization, Alfred and his brother Gerard Tesseron took over Pontet-Canet, while Michel and his sister Caroline Poniatowski took over Lafon-Rochet. Michel spontaneously turned towards the Château “jaune”, so-called since he repainted it sunshine yellow in 2000.

Michel and Basile Tesseron

Before joining the family business in 1987, Michel Tesseron worked in in Cognac, then in Bordeaux for Barton & Guestier, and for the négociants Chantecaille.

Michel Tesseron first decided to renovate and modernize all the technical equipment necessary for production, like the magnificent circular, wooden wine cellar. In so doing he preserved the family’s core values of sharing, respecting the vines and vineyard and thus fulfilled his father’s dream.

Pictures: In the Barrel Cellar

In 2007, Basile Tesseron joined his father in order to continue the work started by his grandfather, who had already initiated the young Basile into the subtleties of the aromas and flavours of cognac.

With passion, humour and ambition, Basile pursued the work of his predecessors enabling Lafon-Rochet to live on through the centuries.

He began by redesigning the vat room of the property, reviving the quest for excellence and quality in keeping with the exceptional terroir and the human and family values that have punctuated 5 centuries of adventure.

Basile Tesseron took over with the 2007 vintage and he now has full control.

Pictures: Tasting from Barrel

Vineyards and Winemaking

Lafon-Rochet's vineyards covers 45 hectares and are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon 54%, Merlot 40%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 2%.

As far as winemaking is concerned, the wine cellar has been completely renovated. Importantly, Basile and Michel Tesseron decided to go the route of stainless steel tanks and concrete vats. To match the 40 different vineyard parcels, the estate now has 18 stainless steel tanks and 18 concrete vats in different sizes and shapes for fermentation. The wine is aged for 9 months in new oak and for another 9 month in used oak.

The grand vin is Château Lafon-Rochet (11000 cases). The second wine is Pélerins de Lafon-Rochet (also 11000 cases).

Tasting

We tasted 4 wines from bottle, all grand vin.

Pictures: Tasting from Bottle

The Wines

Lafon-Rochet 2016

wine-searcher average price in US$:54

The 2016 Lafon-Rochet has quite a floral bouquet, pressed iris infiltrating the black fruit, and touches of tar coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite elegant in style, refined and much more approachable that I expected, yet still with satisfying substance and a light pepperiness on the aftertaste. This is a beautiful Lafon-Rochet from Basile Tesseron and his team. Drink 2021-2040. Score: 93 Neal Martin, vinous.com (Jan 2019), January 2019

Lafon-Rochet 2014

wine-searcher average price in US$:47

The 2014 Lafon-Rochet does not quite possess the complexity of the 2014 Phélan-Ségur on the nose, broody and introspective but with aeration reveals very pure blackberry and bilberry scents, hints of brine/seawater, cedar and spice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, plenty of tobacco tinged black fruit, saline and sappy in the mouth so that those taste-buds are flowing by the finish. The more I acquaint myself with this wine, the more I fall for its charms. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2020 - 2040. Score: 92 Neal Martin, vinous.com, March 2018

Lafon-Rochet 2011

wine-searcher average price in US$:45

A well-made sleeper of the vintage, Lafon Rochet's 2011 exhibits a dense ruby/plum color in addition to sweet cassis, earth and spice notes, medium body, excellent depth and light to moderate tannin. It should drink nicely for a decade or more.
Score: 87 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (212), April 2014

Lafon-Rochet 2009

wine-searcher average price in US$:68

This is a chateau that is getting better and better. This 2009 is packed with sweet fruit, impressive tannins and a complex dark structure. It is fruity, yet powerful, for good aging. Wine Enthusiast

Bye-bye

Thank you so much Basile and bye-bye.

Picture: Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Weil, Moritz Haidle, Weingut Karl Haidle, Falstaff Publisher Wolfgang Rosam (Photo: Falstaff)

For the nineth time, the Falstaff Trophies Deutschland were awarded. The wine/food/travel journal Falstaff has been around for a number of years, issued in Vienna, Austria, and reporting about wine, food and travel from an Austrian perspective, for Austria-based readers. Seven years ago, Falstaff expanded into the German wine and food scene and started to issue a German version of Falstaff in addition to the well established Austrian version. As part of its expansion, Falstaff has created the annual Falstaff Deutschland Wine Trophies, to be awarded to German wine personalities.

See: Best German Winemakers: Falstaff Wine Trophies 2019

Picture: Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2019

Falstaff Newcomer of the Year: Moritz Haidle, Weingut Karl Haidle

Moritz Haidle, Weingut Karl Haidle, Württemberg, is Falstaff Newcomer of the Year.

Moritz Haidle, Weingut Karl Haidle, "is a dedicated organic farmer, and a passionate devotee of hip-hop culture. A talented graffiti artist, Moritz is no doubt a radical figure in the Swabian wine scene, uprooting the traditional image of the staid German winzer. His vibrant character and commitment to terroir translates in the pure, focused wines that are emerging from this deep, natural cellar."

Falstaff/ CS Translation: From early on in his life Moritz Haidle had to work in the vineyard at home, he says, but at that time preferred to spray graffiti and dream of working as a designer. It was not until he completed an internship with Paul Fürst that he understood the "fascination of wine". After studying in Australia, California, Burgundy and Baden, she studied in Geisenheim. And today? Haidle is surprising people with his uncompromising wines.

We have met and tasted his wines at various occasions. The last time, we met at the 2018 Christmas Party of the Weinfeder, the association of German wine journalists: Christmas Party 2018 of the Weinfeder - the Association of German-speaking Wine Journalists - in the Remstal in Württemberg, with the Wine Estates Jürgen Ellwanger, Bernhard Ellwanger, Doreas and Karl Haidle, Germany

A few months before that, we visited Maritz Haidle at his estate as part of the Germany East Tour 2018: Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Karl Haidle in Kernen-Stetten, Württemberg, with Moritz Haidle - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Pictures: Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Karl Haidle in Kernen-Stetten, Württemberg, with Moritz Haidle - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Schatzi-Wines/ Moritz Haidle, Weingut Karl Haidle

Moritz Haidle, Weingut Kalr Haidle, is represented in the USA by Schatzi-Wines:

Schatzi-Wines: Founded in 1949 by retired, world-class Gymnast Karl Haidle and now onto its third generation, Weingut Haidle has long been a pioneer and leader in fine-wine production in Württemburg.

Today, the young and energetic Moritz Haidle is in charge of the estate. He is a dedicated organic farmer, and a passionate devotee of hip-hop culture. A talented graffiti artist, Moritz is no doubt a radical figure in the Swabian wine scene, uprooting the traditional image of the staid German winzer. His vibrant character and commitment to terroir translates in the pure, focused wines that are emerging from this deep, natural cellar. Specializing in Riesling, Lemberger, and Spätburgunder, Moritz gives the unique slopes of Stetten a chance to speak with nuance and clarity.

Though one of Germany’s thirteen anbaugebiete, Württemberg still remains one of the country’s slightly obscure viticultural areas; Moritz refers to it as the “outsider” region. Before WWII, wine grapes in the Rems Valley were almost always sold off to the local co-op and the majority of wine production was consumed by locals. It was only over the course of the last twenty years that wines from the region became distributed around Germany and ultimately exported to the rest of the world.

Beginning in 1949, Karl Haidle founded his eponymous winery with a single hectare of vines and a vision to bottle his own wine. Sadly, Karl passed away at a young age leaving Mortiz’s father, Hans, to take the reins of the family business at only 23 years of age. It was under Hans’ patient, watchful eye that the winery we see today began to take shape. Hans expanded the holdings to a full 23 ha and dedicated himself to making wine of pinnacle quality, with a focus on Riesling—what is unique in a region more recognized for simple, juicy reds. He became a VdP member in the 90s.

The viticultural focus at the estate is summed up quite simply by Mortiz, “we want to work with nature to get long lasting vines with deep roots and naturally low yields.” The fruit is picked by hand and vinified in old, neutral vats some of which are 70+ years old. “I swear by the old barrels of my Grandfather,” Moritz says. The winery is arranged to move the wines via gravity, the whites undergo extended lees contact, nothing is ever fined and they are bottled with just a touch of sulfur.

Pictures: Christmas Party 2018 of the Weinfeder - the Association of German-speaking Wine Journalists - in the Remstal in Württemberg, with the Wine Estates Jürgen Ellwanger, Bernhard Ellwanger, Doreas and Karl Haidle, Germany

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours and Weinbörse 2019 in Mainz

We will see Moritz again at the 2019 Weinbörse in a few days.

The 2019 Weinbörse, the annual spring trade fair of the VDP, the association of about 200 elite wine producers in Germany, takes place on Sunday and Monday, April 28 and 29, 2019, in the Rheingoldhalle of Mainz. Worldwide, the Weinbörse is the only trade fair that focuses exclusively on fine German wines. The Weinbörse offers an unique opportunity (trade only) to taste the new releases of Germany's elite winemakers.

The Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours will start on April 29 with a full-day visit of the Weinbörse. See: Invitation: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling

Picture: Annette Schiller and Moritz Haidle, Weingut Karl Haidle. See: 2017 VDP Trade Fair Weinbörse - Vintage 2016 - in Mainz: Schiller’s Report

schiller-wine: Related Postings

UPCOMING Tours/ Wine Dinners/ Tastings - Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine, Germany, France, USA (Issued: April 1, 2019)

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

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

Best German Winemakers: Falstaff Wine Trophies 2019

Christmas Party 2018 of the Weinfeder - the Association of German-speaking Wine Journalists - in the Remstal in Württemberg, with the Wine Estates Jürgen Ellwanger, Bernhard Ellwanger, Doreas and Karl Haidle, Germany

Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Karl Haidle in Kernen-Stetten, Württemberg, with Moritz Haidle - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Invitation: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling

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

Pictures: Lunch at Restaurant La Grappe d’Or in Saint-Péray, with Chef Pierre Yves Jacques Sébastien - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Following a fascinating cellar tour and tasting at at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols, Saint Joseph,

See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols, Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

we drove to 07130 Saint-Peray, and had lunch at La Grappe d’Or. This is a small, unique restaurant that serves a delicious, excellently prepared lunch menu. The wine menu is attractive with a great selection of local wines.

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols, Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Grappe d'Or in Saint-Peray

We had the menu du jour, with a white wine from the region.

La Grappe d'Or: La grappe d'or ré-ouvre ses portes, avec une carte plus large, imaginée dans le souhait de retrouver le goût des saisons. Aux commandes de la cuisine se trouve notre chef Pierre Yves Jacques Sébastien, il vous propose une cuisine traditionnelle de produits frais. La carte des vins a été soigneusement élaborée par le maitre de maison, les équilibres sont justes avec les plats proposés. Les amateurs de Champagne pourront découvrir la maison Cattier en 1er cru Brut Antique et Rosé. Notre carte se renouvelle tous les 2 mois, en fonction du marché et du calendrier. Tous nos plats sont élaborés dans notre cuisine, n'hésitez pas lors de vos réservations à nous faire part de vos besoins d'aménagements de plats pour raisons diverses et variées. Les végétariens et végétaliens trouveront une entrée, un plat et un dessert à leur convenance.

Picture: Restaurant La Grappe d'Or in Saint-Peray

Tripadvisor: We were in the Rhone River area visiting friends-they had heard of this restaurant in the neighboring village so we stopped in(check the hours they serve). We were greeted by a gentleman who proceeded to explain the menu, took our drink orders and returned to serve them. He then took our meal orders and "disappeared." There were 2 other tables with customers and he would appear at times to check on them. A little later he returned with our orders and we discovered he was the chef as well!! It Kind of seemed like we had walked into his home for dinner :-). The atmosphere is very personal in this small restaurant, very unique with not many tables but very fresh, light and open. The Wine menu is small but diverse and the menu is limited to a few dishes that are prepared fresh with local produce. A very wonderful, comfortable experience. The food was excellently prepared and very appealingly presented. Abundant and very filling. We all decided on the same dish and I have attached photos...It tasted as great as it looks! Our friends who live in the area have been here another time and enjoyed the peaceful environment and meal. Kudos to the Chef! If by some chance you are in this region give this very lovely restaurant a try.

Pictures: Formule du Midi

Bye-bye

Thanks Chef Pierre Yves Jacques Sébastien for a fantastic lunch. Bye-bye.

Picture: Chef Pierre Yves Jacques Sébastien of Restaurant La Grappe d’Or in Saint-Péray, with Christian Schiller - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France (Already Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour December 2017: From Lyon to Avignon - Wine, Food, Culture, History

Understanding the Wines of the Rhône Valley: The Classification - AOC/ Vin de Pay/ Vin de France

The Rhône Wine Region in Southern France and its Wines: History, Classification, Northern and Southern Rhône

Cellar Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Éric Texier in Charney, with Laurence Texier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles in Lyon - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France

Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Drive at E. Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Maison Clusel-Roche in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Georges Vernay in Condrieu, Northern Rhône, with Owner Paul Ansellem-Vernay - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Hôtellerie Beau Rivage in Condrieu, with Chef Chef Ludovic Mounier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols, Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Grappe d’Or in Saint-Péray, Northern Rhône

Tasting at Domaine Jean Luc Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône

Cellar Tasting at Domaine Laurent Habrard in Gervans, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ and Winemaker Laurent Habrad

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Combier in Pont de l’Isère, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurent Combier

Lunch at La Grand Table de Michel Chabran, 1 Star Michelin, in Pont d l’Isère

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud

Winemaker Dinner with David Reynaud, Domaine les Bruyeres, Crozes-Hermitage in the Rhone Valley, at Chef Bart Vandaele's BToo in Washington DC, USA/ France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine La Martinelle in Lafare, Ventoux, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinna Kruse Faravel

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mesclun in Séguret, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Marcel Richaud in Cairanne, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Claire Richaud

Tasting at Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Benoit Baudry

Wine Dinner at Restaurant Hôtel Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône

Lunch at Restaurant Le Dolium in Beaumes-de Venise, Southern Rhône

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting of Wine and Olive Oil at Mas Saint Berthe, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône, with Winemaker Christian Nief

Dinner at Restaurant Benvengudo, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pegau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Cellar Master Andreas Lenzenwöger

At Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine de la Mordorée, Tavel, Southern Rhône, with Owner Ambre Delorme

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique in Courthézon, Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner Véronique Bonnet and Owner/ Winemaker Eric Bonnet

Tasting at the Caveau of the Perrin Family in Châteauneuf du Pape

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château la Nerthe, Châteauneuf du Pape

Wine-pairing dinner at Restaurant Château des Fines Roches, with Chef Hugo Loridan-Fombonnet

New Year’s Eve at Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France

Picture: Vineyard Tour and Tasting in the Vineyard in Meursault with Karoline Knoth and the Wines of Domaine Pierre Morey - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

During the Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France

we spent a day and a night in Meursault.

Pictures: In Meursault

We had dinner and stayed over-night at Hotel/ Restaurant Le Chevreuil, owned by the Matrot family (Domaine Matrot).

See: Dinner at Restaurant Le Chevreuil in Meursault, with the Wines of Domaine Matrot - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Pictures: Dinner at Restaurant Le Chevreuil in Meursault, with the Wines of Domaine Matrot - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

The following day, after breakfast, we walked over to Cave Ropiteau Frères for a cellar tour and tasting.

See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris
white wine in Burgundy.

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris
white wine in Burgundy.

The bus took us then to La Crémaillère in Auxey-Duresses for lunch, one of Robert Parker's favorite places in the region.

See: Where Robert Parker likes to Eat: Lunch at La Crémaillère in Auxey-Duresses - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Lunch at La Crémaillère in Auxey-Duresses. See: Where Robert Parker likes to Eat: Lunch at La Crémaillère in Auxey-Duresses - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Our stop in Meursault ended with a most entertaining and informative vineyard walk with wine tasting through the wonderful vineyards of Meursault with Karoline Knoth. We tasted the wines right at the vineyards where they came from. All wines were from Domaine Pierre Morey.

Karoline Knoth was our host.

Karoline has a Diploma in European Ethnology and History from the University of Würzburg and lives in Meursault with her husband who is from Meursault. She knows the town and landscape like the back of her hands. She did intensive research on the history of winemaking in Meursault and published a book (Allons en vendage) on wine making in Meursault during the 1930s. She was a perfect guide to give us intimate insights into a Burgundian wine village.

See: Allons en vendage– Karoline Knoth, Maurice Collin and Meursault, Bourgogne

Pictures: Karoline Knoth with her Book "Allons en vendage" and Annette Schiller in Geisenheim, Rheingau

After the lovely vineyard tour cum tasting, the bus took us to near-by Beaune, where we spent the evening and night.

Meursault

The vineyard area totals 394 hectares. There are no Grand Cru vineyards within Meursault, but several highly regarded Premier Cru vineyards. With almost 100 percent, the production of white Meursault dominates. The style of white Meursault typically has a clear oak influence, which have led to descriptions such as "buttery" to be applied to powerful examples of Meursault wines.

There are several climats in Meursault classified as Premier Cru vineyards (97 hectares). They consist of two groups, one to the north of the village Meursault, bordering on Volnay, and a larger group to the south of the village, in the direction of Puligny-Montrachet and Blagny.

Berry Bros and Rudd: There are more top producers here than in any other commune of the Côte d’Or, and its wines are typically rich and savoury with nutty, honeyed hints and buttery, vanilla spice from the oak. Even though considerably larger than its southerly neighbours Chassagne and Puligny, Meursault contains no Grands Crus. However its three best Premiers Crus produce some of the region’s greatest whites.

Total Wine: The opulent white wines of Meursault are favorites of Chardonnay fans. Meursault, which lies towards the southern end of Burgundy’s larger Cote de Beaune region, has 19 designated Premier Cru vineyards that reliably produce some of the world’s best white wines. They are made in an elegant style with flavors and body from oak aging perfectly integrated, balancing rich texture with bright acidity. Meursault’s classic flavors of apple, nuts and butter are intensified by careful aging.

Pictures: Vineyard Tour and Tasting in the Vineyard in Meursault with Karoline Knoth and the Wines of Domaine Pierre Morey - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Domaine Pierre Morey

The Morey family origins can be traced back to at least the sixteenth century in Burgundy and since 1793 in Meursault. Each generation has worked the vineyards and made wine from the local grapes. The Domaine Pierre Morey -as we know it today- was established by Pierre Morey in 1971. The 26 acres of vineyards are in prestigious sites in Meursault, Pommard and Puligny-Montrachet, as well as in a few Grand Cru plots. From 1988 until 2008 Pierre Morey was the acclaimed winemaker at Domaine Leflaive and ran his own estate on the side. The Morey vineyards have been farmed organically since 1993 and biodynamically since 1998. The white grapes are crushed before pressing, with very little clarification of the juice, while Pierre likes regular lees stirring until Christmas – rarely thereafter except in years with higher acidity and late malolactic fermentation. Typically the wines are raised in one third each new wood, one year old and two year old, before racking into older barrels before the next vintage, and bottling the following spring.

The Wines we Tasted During the Vineyard Walk

We tasted 4 wines.

2014 Domaine Pierre Morey, Bourgogne Aligoté

Wine-searcher average price in US$:17

All the vineyards from Domaine Pierre MOREY producing Bourgogne are located in the Meursault area in relatively deep, clay and chalk soils. Aligoté is a Burgundian variety (Kir is a traditional Burgundian aperitif made with Bourgogne Aligoté plus blackcurrent liqueur). Bourgogne Aligoté is a dry wine, with a good acidity and a medium strength. Maturing is mostly done in tanks during 12 months, to promote freshness and ses notes fruitées. Usually, Bourgogne Aligoté is an early wine but coming from Domaine Pierre MOREY, it can be kept for many years !

2015 Domaine Pierre Morey, Meursault, Les Terres Blanches

Wine-searcher average price in US$:86

This lieu-dit is located just under premier cru Gouttes d'Or. Its name ("white soils") probably signifies that soil is particulerly shallow and chalky here. First vintage : 2006, it's the last parcell we bought.

Burgundy Report – Bill Nanson 2016-11: A faint high-toned smoke, goal also has spiced bread component. Hmm, layers, Indeed waves flavor. Beautiful Meursault flavor. Wide and comforting – just generous, gorgeous flavour – whatever the soil color !

2014 Domaine Pierre Morey, Meursault, Les Tessons

Wine-searcher average price in US$:98

Just above the village of Meursault, in the medium slope, soil is very stony so it's a mineral wine. Les Tessons are at the same altitude than premiers crus. Fine and elegant, complex and "very Meursault style", Les Tessons can age for a long time because of its minerality.

BETTANE ET DESSEAUVE Guide 2017: 15.5/20 – Cette parcelle pentue livre une très jolie représentation de ce terroir froid, à la maturité tardive et aux sols infiniment calcaires. C’est un infiniment minéral, tendu, iodé, cristallin, aux notes de coquilles d’huitre, de craie froide, de pulpe de citron vert, tout en élégance, à la verticalité aérienne, saline et vertigineuse.

2015 Domaine Pierre Morey, Meursault, Les Durots

Wine-searcher average price in US$:41

Grape variety : Pinot Noir. Located in the North Meursault area, next to the Volnay Santenots premier cru appellation, Les Durots have soils that are deep, poor and stony (more clay than chalk). The wines have a beautiful colour intensity, they are powerful, robust and tannic so the stiffness in their youth needs (a long) time to soften. This is a wine that needs time to fully develop its potential. Optimal cellaring time should be from 10 or 15 years.

At Hôtel Henry II in Beaune

After the lovely vineyard tour and tasting, the bus took us to Beaune, where we spent the evening and night.

Hotel Henry II in Beaune is a 4 star hotel at the northern city gate of Beaune located within a 5 minute walk from the town center. Parts of the hotel buildings are in a historic monument with a second modern part added later.

Pictures:Hotel Henry II in Beaune

We had time to discover Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital. Located between the prestigious Côtes de Nuits and Beaune, in the 18th century, the town became the centre of the wine trade. Even before the Revolution, professionals from the textile trade and cooperage specialized in buying, producing and shipping wines to foreign markets: Burgundy’s trade was born. In 1720, Maison Champy, in 1731, Maison Bouchard Père & Fils and in 1780 Maison Patriarche would become the pioneers of a “wine aristocracy”, rooted in its soils and tireless promotors of Burgundy wines. Under the cobbled streets runs one of the largest networks of cellars in the world, an underground town that’s home to thousands of wines casks (the Burgundy barrel) and millions of bottles from across the wine region.The town of Beaune is forever linked to an architectural treasure, the Hôtel Dieu de Beaune, otherwise known as the Hospices de Beaune. This former "Palace for the Poor" is the very image of medieval Burgundy, its courtyard and roofs of multi-coloured tiles a dramatic expression of the Golden Age of the Duchy of Burgundy.

Pictures: In Beaune

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History (Forthcoming an already relased Postings)

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France

Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France

Introduction to the Burgundy Wine Region at Antic Wine in Lyon with Flying Sommelier Georges Dos Santos - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at La Table de Chaintré (1 Star Michelin) in Chaintré, with Chef Sébastien Grospellier - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

In the Most Prestigious AOC in the Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Fussiacus in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with Owner/ Winemaker Yannik Pacquet - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Desvignes in Givry, Côte Chalonnaise, with Owner/ Winemaker Gautier Desvignes - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mercurey in Mercurey - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

At Domaine Theulot-Juillot in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Nathalie Theulot - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château de Rully and Tasting of Domaine du Château de Rully Wines, with Count Raoul de Ternay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Chevreuil in Meursault, with the Wines of Domaine Matrot - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Cave Ropiteau Frères in Meursault, Côte de Beaune - Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey Duresses, Côte de Beaune - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Where Robert Parker likes to Eat: Lunch at La Crémaillère in Auxey-Duresses - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard walk and tasting in the vineyards of Meursault, with Karoline Knoth and the Wines of Domaine Pierre Morey

Vineyard Walk in Meursault with Karoline Knoth - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Lunch, with Patrick Leflaive

Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and Cellar Tour, with Olivier and Patrick Leflaive - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Lunch and Wine Tasting at La Table de Olivier in Puligny Montrachet with Olivier Leflaive – Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Visit and tasting at Château de Chassagne-Montrachet in Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune

Tour of the ancient cellars and tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, Côte de Beaune

Visit and Tasting: Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune– Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Visit: Hospices de Beaune– Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Lunch at restaurant Le Carmin (1 Michelin Star) in Beaune

Vineyard tour, cellar tour and tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune.

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits, with Matilde Nicolas, Communications Director

Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits St. Georges - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided tour of the Abbey de Cîteaux

Visit of Château du Clos de Vougeot - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard tour, cellar tour and tasting at Domaine Armelle et Bernhard Rion in Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Armelle Rion

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Armelle et Bernhard Rion in Vosne Romanée, Côte de Nuits - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Guillon & Fils in Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits, with Jean-Michel Guillon - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

An Institution: Lunch at Restaurant Chez Guy in Gevrey-Chambertin - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine Pierre Gelin in Fixin, Côte de Nuits. with Owner/ Winemaker Pierre Gelin.

Wine Pairing Lunch, Cellar Visit, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jean Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis– Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France

Visit and tasting at Château Long-Depaquit in Chablis, with General Manager Cécilia Trimaille.

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Visit and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin, a Grower Champagne House in Gyé sur Seine – Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour of the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay

Dinner at 1-Michelin star restaurant Les Berceaux in Épernay

Cellar visit and tasting at the Champagne House Mercier in Épernay

Lunch at La Coupole, Montparnasse, Paris

Dining and Wining on Boulevard Montparnasse in Paris: La Rotonde, Le Dôme and La Coupole, France – Pre-Bordeaux Wine Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Pictures: Winemaker Dinner with Managing Director Frédéric Mairesse and his Champagnes Barons de Rothschild at The George Town Club in Washington DC, USA

Champagne Barons de Rothschild is a very young Champagne House, founded in 2005 only. It is a joint venture of three branches of the Rothschild family. Its Managing Director, Frédéric Mairesse, was in town (Washington DC) and I had the please of attending a winemaker dinner with him that Calvert and Woodley, a leading wine store in Washington DC, organized at the prestigious The George Town Club.

Picture: Winemaker Dinner with Managing Director Frédéric Mairesse and his Champagnes Barons de Rothschild at The George Town Club in Washington DC, USA

Invitation

Please join us in welcoming Frédéric Mairesse, managing director of Champagne Barons de Rothschild, to Washington, DC! There is no more hallowed name in the world of wine than that of Barons de Rothschild, the family owners of Château Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, and numerous great estates around the world. This extraordinary Champagne house is a joint venture of all three branches of the Rothschild family. When planning the production of its Champagne, the Rothschild family approached the very best winemakers and established a team of experts with an impressive track record. Foremost among them was an expert connoisseur of Champagne houses and wine in general.

Pictures: The George Town Club

This 4-course dinner will feature the entire line of Barons de Rothschild Champagne and will be held at the illustrious George Town Club, established in 1966 and patterned after the finest clubs in London and Paris. Please join us for what is sure to be a spectacular evening!

Champage and ombiasy WineTours

Annette Schiller and I visit regulary the Champagne region, as part of the Bourgogne/ Champagne tours by ombiasy WineTours. These tours start in Lyon and end in Paris and cover the Beaujolais, Bourgogne, Chablis and Champagne areas. Chamapagne producers that we have visited recently include the following.

Champagne– An Introduction, France
French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Pictures: Cellar Visit and Tasting at the Champagner House Taittinger in Reims, Champagne - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Cellar Visit and Tasting at the Champagne House AR Lenoble in Epernay, with Christian Holthausen - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Visit and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin, a Grower Champagne House in Gyé sur Seine – Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Champagne Barons de Rothschild

The Rothschild family has long been involved in numerous wine projects around the world, including their namesake Bordeaux.

In 2005 the three branches of the Rothschild family have come together and given rise to a single ambition: combine the best terroirs with their know-how to create champagne Barons de Rothschild.

The three Rothschild cousins – Baron Benjamin, a Geneva banker who also owns Chateau Clarke, Baron Eric, owner of Chateau Lafite and several other estates and Baroness Philippine along with her son Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, owners of Chateau Mouton – wanted the champagnes to enter their heavy portfolio of wines and spotted the ideal place for the production in the Cave Vertus in Reims.

Thus, they created three champagnes cuvées: Barons de Rothschild Brut, Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs andBarons de Rothschild Rosé.

The Barons de Rothschild started the champagne production with the ambition to do the best quality champagne they can.

One of their important first steps was to locate adequate supply of quality grapes, especially Chardonnay, which is what they wanted for the primary base of their champagnes.

This was a bold choice for a new House, as Chardonnay is the most scarce and most expensive grape in Champagne.

They wanted to purchase their own vineyards, but they needed to find a sufficiently large vineyard – at least 10-15 acres – while they found some very small plots and they did not like the idea to have a collection of tiny plots scattered about.

Eventually, they discovered what they sought in the Côtes des Blanc region, and settled long term contracts with selected vignerons in the finest Grands and Premiers Crus areas.

They began selling their champagnes in 2009, selecting Japan as their initial market, as all three branches of the family had connections in this country.

After Japan, the Rothschilds began selling their champagnes in Switzerland and Belgium, both which proved very good markets.

They are continuing to expand their distribution and sell about 250,000 bottles annually. They are now trying to expand into the U.S..

As part of their plans, they have chosen to serve their champagne at all of their formal events and functions, worldwide, to stand behind their product.

Managing Director of the House is Frédéric Mairesse who has been previously Operations Director at LVMH, at Mumm et Perrier Joüet and at Pommery & Lanson.

The first Chef de Cave has been Jean-Philippe Moulin (former Chef de Cave of Ruinart) until 2015 when Guillaume Lete, Deputy Chef de Cave for several years, took over.

Picture: Winemaker Dinner with Managing Director Frédéric Mairesse and his Champagnes Barons de Rothschild at The George Town Club in Washington DC, USA

The champagnes of Barons de Rothschild are quality wines, which can stand head next to comparable champagnes of the major Champagne Houses.

All the Barons de Rothschild cuvées include some of the best Chardonnays of Champagne, contributing to their elegant, light and refined style. They are matured all for at least four years in the cellars, for a richer expression.

The first champagnes produced were Barons de Rothschild Brut, Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs, and Barons de Rothschild Rosé.

Their blends include about 40% of reserve wine and receive a low dosage of about 6-8 grams per liter to be more palatable but without hiding the expression of their terroirs.

Barons de Rothschild Extra Brut was later added to the range. This champagne, with its very low dosage only 3 g/l is kept for further 9 to 12 months after disgorging, offering a balanced structure on the palate.

Finally, a Barons de Rothschild Vintage (2008, a great year in Champagne) was released, incarnating the elegance of an exceptional year for Chardonnay.

Picture: Winemaker Dinner with Managing Director Frédéric Mairesse and his Champagnes Barons de Rothschild at The George Town Club in Washington DC, USA

Interview With Frédéric Mairesse

Best Champagne: What is the story behind the Rothschild’s family involvement in the world of champagne, a dynasty usually very present in banking?

Frédéric Mairesse: The Rothschild’s family has been passionate about champagne for a long time. After the war when the Ruinart House was experiencing difficulties, Bertrand Mure the owner of the house met with Philippe de Rothschild to ask him to help support their development. Philippe de Rothschild liked the project very much and invested in the house. Ruinart even made a Baron Philippe de Rothschild cuvée.

Then the Ruinart House started to do business with the Moët & Chandon House and Philippe de Rothschild got close to the Henriot House who made the Baron Philippe de Rothschild champagne for 15 years.

When M. Rothschild passed away, the project was cancelled.In 2000 and the following years, Eric de Rothschild wanted to buy Krug. The 3rd cousin Benjamin could have also bought another Champagne House. Eventually they decided to create their own champagne, as they have a strong name, a rather developed distribution network and the means to do things properly.

Since they were not experts in producing champagne, they contacted people living in the Champagne area and found out that it was easier to produce champagnes with more Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier as these varieties were the easiest to get.

On further consideration, they took the consultants’ opposite view and decided to produce cuvées that were made with a lot of Chardonnay, more complicated and more expensive. When you are Rothschild, you can’t do like everyone else does. But this way you can’t produce millions of bottles. This was fine with them as they prefer producing less but with a focus on a very high quality.

The Barons De Rothschild Champagne House was created in 2005. The first grapes supplies were not easy to get as there was a strong demand on purchase. But we received help from the family’s friends such as Paul Roger, Billecart Salmon and Bollinger.

This way we were able to get in contact with winegrowers and the fact that the Rothschild family is a “terroir” family, a family of Bordeaux winegrowers and that for over a 100 years they have always respected their contract on all the financial elements reassured them.

The first vinifications started in 2005, and the first bottles of Barons de Rothschild brut champagne were sold late 2009: a Blanc De Blancs, a Rosé and a Brut. The Brut is made of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The Blanc De Blancs comes from Great Vintages such as Mesnil, Avise, Cramant and Oger. The blending of the Rosé is based on 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir.

The House strategy is based on white grapes (Chardonnay); on small volumes; and on a perfect qualitye, because it is very important for the Rothschild family to make quality wine especially for themselves as they consume quite a fair bit of champagne. The family consumes 150 bottles a day.

Pictures: Executive Cef Paul Stearman

Pictures: At Marcel's in Washington DC with Sommelier Moez Ben Achour, Christian Schiller, Jean-François Bordet and Chef Paul Stearman. See: Pure Chablis – A tête-à-tête Dinner in Washington DC at Marcel’s with Chablis Wine Board President and Winemaker Jean-François Bordet, Domaine Séguinot-Bordet, USA/France

Barons, friends, bank customers consume 25,000 to 30,000 bottles a year in 60 countries worldwide. Since 2009 they only drink the family’s champagne whereas before they were more inclined towards Krug, Pol Roger and Roederer.

BC: The Barons De Rothschild House doesn’t use Pinot Meunier at all?

FM: No we don’t.

BC: What does a customer find in a bottle of Barons De Rothschild champagne?

FM: He will find the assurance and the guarantee to have a great quality champagne. The Rothschild family has a passion for quality and a clear view: to have a successful House in the Champagne area with small volumes.

Shareholders tell me: “Let’s do what we can to make really good champagnes, and don’t compromise on quality. It doesn’t matter if it’s more expensive to make.”

Champagne Barons de Rothschild is a small team, everything is handmade.

Our Cellar Master is Jean Philippe Moulin who previously worked in the same position at Ruinart. He is a highly skilled expert, and had done almost 40 vinifications before he joined Champagne Barons de Rothschild.

A young oenologist is working with Jean Philippe Moulin so we make sure there will be continuity when he retires.

BC: When can we expect the first Barons De Rothschild vintage cuvée?

FM: The first vintage will be the 2006 and should be available for sale in 2014 or 2015. We strive to do a great vintage in the style of Krug Clos du Mesnil or Salon.

BC: What is your positioning in terms of price?

FM: In Europe the Barons De Rothschild Brut Cuvée retails on average for 42-43€ GST included. The Blanc de Blancs and the Rosé are at 60€ which places us with Ruinart or Bollinger.

BC: What are your volumes, your markets, your ambitions?

FM: The first year (2009) we sold our wines in only 3 countries: Australia, Germany and Japan. This is a very premium distribution, on the Rothschild network.

In a few months, we sold 15,000 bottles in Japan, 4,000 bottles in Australia and 8,000 bottles in Germany.

In 2010 we made our beginnings in 10 countries; in 2011 in 25 countries, in 2012 in 50 countries and in 2013, in 55 countries.

Today Japan is our biggest market with 20% of our sales made over there and a 4 to 5% growth annually.

We started on the US market two years ago and sold 20,000 bottles.

The high potential markets are as usual the Asian continent with Japan, China and especially Hong Kong.

In Europe there are important markets such as England, Germany, Scandinavia; we also have emerging markets such as Brazil in South America.

We produced 500,000 bottles since 2006. We progress slowly but surely to ensure we have the positioning we want in terms of product but also pricing, but we also want to have a quality distribution.

We aim to sell 500,000 bottles in 150 countries in 4 years.

BC: According to several players of the champagne world, brand legitimacy must first be created in France, the main champagne market. What does the French market represent for Champagne Barons De Rothschild?

FM: We started in France a bit later in 2011, to free ourselves from the fact that we had a good exposure abroad with good feedback from customers.

After we sold 100,000 bottles abroad to the best restaurants in Asia and to the best wine shops and restaurants in Europe outside France, quite a lot of French people said they were interested in our champagnes. They saw our wines in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Malaysia, Seoul, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark.

Today France represents 15% of our volumes and in the future we want to achieve 100,000 bottles and 20% of the sales.

BC: Mr Mairesse you come from the wine world. Is it different compared to champagne?

FM: Yes, codes are different. Wine has a more important technicality when dealing with consumers. I spent 9 years working in wines in the Vallée du Rhône where I was often asked if Grenaches had 15 or 12 metre long roots, if it was a clay soil or a sandy clay soil, if we were to harvest at 5,000 or 4,900 feet/hectare. With champagne, consumers don’t have that many questions on the technicality of the wines.

BC: Do you think that today, consumers are more aware and want to know more about what is in the bottle?

FM: Yes indeed, I think consumers are more interested in learning technical notions about champagne that before. Wine consumers are still more advanced though, but champagne customers are looking for other things, the festive spirit, the show, the shining and sparkling aspect of champagne. These codes are closer to the world of spirits rather than wines. But it doesn’t affect the inherent quality of the product.

BC: How do you think the Global Financial Crisis will affect the world of champagne?

FM: Even if there is a crisis, champagne production (349 millions bottles in 2013) is very small compared to the world’s demand. Today China consumes 2 million bottles of champagne versus 1.5 million a year ago and 1 million 2 years ago. We can imagine that in 10 years China will consume 15 million bottles which corresponds to the current consumption in the USA. I think that growth will spread worldwide and will allow champagne to maintain a reasonable price to share the margin between winegrowers, producers and traders.

BC: Mr Mairesse what would be life without champagne?

FM: Life without champagne would be sad because there is always an emotion in all the family events, parties etc. that are celebrated with champagne and if we didn’t have it, a lot of people would be unhappy.

Menu

Reception

Smoked Salmon Napoleon, Crème Fraiche, Osetra Caviar
Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Brut NV

Aperitif

Tuna, Hamachi and Salmon Tartare, Soy, Sesame, Ginger, Tobioko, Popped Sourgum
Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Blanc de Blancs NV

Entrée

Duo of Roasted Virginia Lamb Loin and Bacon-crusted Scallop, Morel Mushrooms, Fava Beans, Brandy Lamb Jus, Beurre blanc
Barons de Rothschild Champagne, “Millesime” 2010
Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Blanc de Blancs “Cuvée Spéciale” 2008

Dessert

Virginia Strawberries, Cream Cheese Mousse, Strawberry coulis, micro mint, Phyllo Crisp
Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Brut Rosé NV

The Champagnes Frédéric Mairesse Poured

Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Brut NV (US$69.99)

The Barons de Rothschild Brut is aerial Champagne that is rich and complex. The blend uses three to four-year old Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs from the best land in Champagne.
This subtle blend produces a wine with fabulously fine bubbles, elegant golden colour and fine, delicate nuances of white fruit. Low dosage and at least six months’ time after disgorging gives this Champagne beautifully balanced structure on the palate that is highly appreciated when served as the aperitif or throughout the meal.

Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Blanc de Blancs NV (US$89.99)

The celebrated finesse in the Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs comes from the blend of the greatest Chardonnay grapes in Champagne after at least four years of cellars ageing. Inimitable brilliance, delicate bubbles, luminous golden glints, the Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs reveals notes of fresh fruit and ripe citrus. The very low dosage and long ageing after disgorging (6 to 9 months) enhance its innate quality. The Chardonnay develops its inherent authenticity and purity, for full appreciation for every occasion and at any time throughout the day.

Barons de Rothschild Champagne, “Millesime” 2010 US$145

A perfect balance that exhales hints of white peach and apricot. The peppery and warm finish will strengthen the beautiful balance of this 2010 vintage between generosity and elegance. Our vintage cuvée from the great year 2010, aged on the lees for 7 years, is the result of a selection of Chardonnay 50% and Pinot Noir 50% grapes in the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims.

Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Blanc de Blancs “Cuvée Spéciale” 2008 US$239

In the respect of the house style, this millésime symbolizes the elegance of an exceptional year for Chardonnay. A perfect combination that gives this vintage all of its subtlety, thanks to over eight years of ageing in the cellars.

Barons de Rothschild Champagne, Brut Rosé NV US$89.99

Barons de Rothschild Champagne Rosé asserts gorgeous finesse. The Champagne Rosé is blended from the greatest Chardonnay grapes from Champagne and the very best Pinots Noirs made into red wines, after a minimum of three years cellar-ageing. The high proportion of Chardonnay contributes all the finesse and vivaciousness of very great Rosé. The Pinot Noir offers delicate, harmonious complexity that charms all five senses. The Champagne, brilliant with tints of pale pink, aromas of citrus and red berry notes, delights the most demanding palates. The very low dosage and careful ageing after disgorging (3 months) endow this Champagne Rosé with maturity where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can develop all their authenticity and purity, for full appreciation at every occasion and any time of the day.

Pictures: Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Léoville-Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé and Château Langoa Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 3ième Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

The 9th and last full day of the

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

started with a cellar tour and tasting at Château Léoville-Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé and Château Langoa Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 3ième Grand Cru Classé. Interestingly, while the wines of Léoville-Barton and Langoa Barton come from different vineyards, they are made in the same production facility, side by side. In fact, the wines of both châteaux are made at Château Langoa Barton.

Pictures: Arriving

The Barton Family

The Barton family is able to trace its Bordeaux roots all the way back to 1722. That was the year that Thomas Barton left Ireland for Bordeaux. Like many successful owners, Barton started out as a Bordeaux negociant.

The first foray into ownership for the Barton family was in St. Estephe, with Chateau Le Boscq in 1745, which was awarded Cru Bourgeois status in 1932. In 1995, the Barton family sold it to Dourthe.

Also in 1745, the Barton family partnered with another powerful Bordeaux family to form a Bordeaux wine negociant company, Barton and Guestier. It was controlled by the Barton family until the Seagram Group got control in 1986. Today, Barton and Guestier is part of the international wine and spirit company Diageo.

The next major purchase for the Barton family took place in 1821. That was the year they bought Chateau Langoa Barton. Following the purchase of Langoa Barton, they bought a second St. Julien estate: Culled from the vineyards of Château Leoville Las Cases, that estate became Chateau Leoville Barton, a deuxième cru en 1855. Interestingly, because no wine making facilities came with the purchase, they were forced to make the wines at Château Langoa Barton. Until today, production of both wines takes place at Langoa Barton.

When Ronald Barton, who had inherited the family’s property from his father, who was tragically killed in a hunting accident in the 1920's, died without an heir in 1986, his nephew Anthony took control of the family properties. Anthony had already moved from Ireland - where the family maintains a home - to Bordeaux in 1951.

Pictures: Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Léoville-Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 2ième Grand Cru Classé and Château Langoa Barton, Appellation Saint-Julien, 3ième Grand Cru Classé

The 3 Léoville Chateaux

The 3 Léoville chateaux are the result of vast property broken up a long time ago. But up until the French Revolution, Léoville was the largest Médoc wine-growing property.

The story of the 3 Léoville estates go back to 1638. At the time, the estate was called Mont-Moytié, named after its founder, Jean de Moytié. Domaine Mont-Moytié remained in the family for almost 100 years. It is through the marriage of one of the Moytié women that the estate passed into the hands of Blaise Antoine Alexandre de Gascq, who was the seigneur of Léoville and a president of the Bordeaux parliament.

The groundwork for the split was laid in 1769, when Blaise Antoine Alexandre de Gascq died without an obvious heir. As a consequence the Léoville estate was inherited by four family members. One of them was the Marquis de Las-Cases-Beauvoir. One quarter was sold off by the four heirs. A number of years later, in 1826, this part of Léoville estate was purchased by Hugh Barton and became Château Léoville Barton.

The other three quarters remained in the family. This was the state of affairs when the Marquis was succeeded in 1815 by his son, Pierre-Jean and his daughter, Jeanne. Pierre-Jean inherited what is now Château Léoville Las Cases, whilst the portion that came to Jeanne was passed onto her daughter, who married Baron Jean-Marie de Poyferré; this is the part that is today Château Léoville-Poyferré.

Although the estate bears the name of the Poyferré family to this day, it was not in their ownership for a long time. But it was under the ownership of the Poyferré family when the estate was classified as a deuxième cru in 1855 (as were the Barton and Las-Cases estates).

In 1865 Château Léoville-Poyferré was purchased by Baron d'Erlanger and Armand Lalande, bankers and local courtiers. The Lalande family, and later through marriage also the Lawton family, were in charge of Château Léoville-Poyferré until after World War I had passed. The Cuvelier family bought Château Léoville-Poyferré in 1920.

While the vineyards were separated, the buildings remained connected, just as they are today.

Anthony Barton and Lilian, Mélanie and Damien Barton-Sartorius

Anthony Barton was born and grew up in Ireland. After he got his educated in England, he headed to Uncle Ronald in Bordeaux in 1951. There, he started off in his family’s merchant firm of Barton and Guestier and met his future wife Eva, with whom he has 2 children. Athony and Eva Barton live at Chateau Langoa-Barton.

Picture: The Barton Family

Anthony Barton has already transferred ownership to his daughter Lillian, who is married to Michel Sartorius.

Pictures: Anthony Barton and Annette and Christian Schiller at the Fete de Bordeaux 2012. See: Fête du Bordeaux of Calvert and Woodley in Washington DC, 2012, USA

Lilian Barton-Sartorius and Michel Sartorius have two children who are in the process of taking over from their parents. Daughter Melanie has completed studies in agriculture and enology in Burgundy and Bordeaux. Their son Damien also put in two years in agriculture school, followed by studying at a business school.

Pictures: With Lilian Barton Sartorius and Mélanie Barton Sartorius in Washington DC

Pictures: With Damien Barton-Sartorius at the 2017 Fete du Bordeaux Dinner in downtown Washington DC

Château Léoville-Barton

Château Léoville-Barton is a Deuxième Cru en 1855 in the Saint-Julien appellation.

There are now 47 hectares of vineyards at Château Léoville-Barton, planted with 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Vinification is performed in the cellar at Langoa-Barton, as there is in fact no château at Léoville-Barton.

The grand vin is Château Léoville-Barton, the second wine is La Reserve de Léoville-Barton. Total production is 20.000 cases.

Château Langoa-Barton

Château Langoa-Barton is a Troisième Cru en 1855 in the Saint-Julien appellation.

Located along the banks of the Gironde river, Langoa-Barton has 15 hectares under vine: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.

About 7,000 cases of Château Langoa-Barton are produced.

Château Mauvesin-Barton

In September 2011, the Barton family purchased an additional Bordeaux estate, Château Mauvesin, in Moulis. It is an estate with 48 hectares of vines in a single block surrounding the château. 40 of those hectares, which are planted with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in roughly equal measure, are in the Moulis appellation, the rest being Haut-Médoc. The property has been owned by the Baritault du Carpia family and their predecessors since the late 15th century. The imposing, classically proportioned château was built in 1853.

When the Bartons took control of the property, the extensive cellars underwent a quick temporary renovation. The Bartons installed 22 new, squat stainless-steel vats in various sizes, allowing increased precision during vinification and blending. For the harvest, the Bartons brought in a new tractor that offloads the grapes by vibration, a vibrating sorting table, and an optical sorter—a rare sight in Moulis.

Tasting

We tasted 3 wines in the tasting room next to the wine cellar.

Pictures: Tasting

The Wines

2014 Château Mauvesin

Wine-searcher aveage price in US$:20

A ripe full-bodied wine that has great structure and fine tannins. The bold red fruits are right to the front. It is a wine with great potential, generous tannins and the acidity of the vintage beautifully balanced. This wine will develop well. Drink from 2024. Wine Enthusiast.

2012 Château Langoa-Barton

Wine-searcher aveage price in US$:73

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Plenty of juicy blackcurrant fruit and background oak are present in this plump, medium to full-bodied, ripe, well-made wine. Not nearly as tannic as I feared, this wine shows a forward plumpness, excellent purity, texture and length. Drink it over the next 15-20 years. (RP) (4/2015)

2017 Château Léoville-Barton

Wine-searcher aveage price in US$:74

93-96 points Vinous

One of the few truly exceptional Left Bank wines of the vintage, the 2017 Léoville-Barton is simply fabulous. The 2017 also has the distinction of having a very high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky crème de cassis, white flowers, lavender, crushed rocks, menthol and spice give the 2017 a distinctly layered, resonant feel. The 2017 offers fabulous density and structure, although the tannins need time. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The September rains were especially challenging for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result, Cabernet is pushed up in the blend, while there is no Franc at all. Tasted two times. (AG) (5/2018)

Pictures: Tasting at Vins Jean-Luc Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vins Jean-Luc Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône, is a relatively young winery by French standards, established in 1987. Today Jean-Luc Colombo is one of the most progressive and influential winemaker of his generation and is nicknamed “The Winemaking Wizard of the Rhone.”

Jean-Luc, a native of Marseille, moved with his wife Anne to Cornas in 1982 to set up a pharmacy and oenology lab. Both are oenologists and they created the “Centre of Oenology of Côtes du Rhône” in Cornas in 1984. Jean-Luc has ever since been a consulting winemaker for some 100 of the best “Domaines” in the Rhône Valley, Provence and Bordeaux.

In 1993 Anne and Jean-Luc sold the pharmacy to focus only on wine. They purchased more vineyards and started to work as négociants in the region. The Domaine now has 30 acres of vineyard holdings in Cornas. The bulk of the entire production is through the négociant business, with around 30 wines, the biggest line being the Côte de Rhône.

I had met Jean-Luc Colombo in Washington DC, a few months before our visit and had established contact with Jean Luc. Jean Luc was not there when we visited the estate and the visit was a tasting only event.

Pictures: Christian Schiller and Jean-Luc Colombo at the French Embassy in Washington DC. See: Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas, Rhône Valley, Presented his Portfolio at the French Embassy in Washington DC, USA

Palm Bay International/ Jean-Luc Colombo

The wines of Jean-Luc Colombo are imported into the USA by Palm Bay International.

Palm Bay International: What happens when you combine a creative, adventurous spirit with an unbridled passion for wines of quality and character? For lovers of fine wines from France's Rhône Valley, the answer is simple: Jean-Luc Colombo.

"Jean-Luc Colombo has become one of the stars of Cornas. Well-known as an oenologist for dozens of Rhone Valley clients, Colombo has had a positive influence in the Rhone, undoubtedly improving the quality of many estate's wines. As for his own wines, there are usually three cuvees of Cornas. In ascending order of quality they are: Les Terres Brulees, Les Ruchets (from a specific vineyard), and La Louvee (formerly known as cuvee JLC) ." (Wine Advocate)

"One of the most influential figure in Rhone wine making in the last 20 years has been the Bordeaux-trained enologue Jean Luc Colombo, who advises many a grower on his wine making and has built up his own Estate at Cornas. Colombo's wines demonstrated what he preaches: they are impeccably vinified, richly fruity and heavily oaked wines without rough edges." (James Turnbull)

"Top 100 Wineries of the Year 2008" (Wine & Spirits Magazine)

"A Cornas wine comparable to the best grand crus" (Le Monde)

"Jean-Luc Colombo shakes up the Rhone Valley. A Cornas wine which is among the best wines." (Le Figaro)

"With his eloquence, his appetite for life, and his incredible ability to realize countless ideas, Jean-Luc Colombo is one of the most endearing characters of the French wineries" (Bettane et Dessauve)

Pictures: Tasting at Vins Jean-Luc Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine Spectator/ Winemaker Talk: Jean-Luc Colombo
Posted: April 26, 2007

Wine Spectator: Winemaker Jean-Luc Colombo, 50, jokes that he's a bit of a Rhône outcast since he relies on modern techniques in one of France's most traditional wine regions. At the same time, it's hard to imagine where the Rhône would be without him, since Colombo was among the first to travel outside the area and not only aggressively market his own wines, but also tell the story of the entire region. Colombo grew up in a family of cooks, so he knew about food and wine early on, but at first he chose to be a pharmacist instead. It was a short-lived career move; he purchased his parcels of vines in the 247-acre Cornas region in 1986. From that humble start, he now makes his small-production, sought-after Cornas cuvées (Terres Brûlées, Les Ruchets and La Louvée), as well as a range of other wines, mostly from purchased grapes, reaching all the way down the valley to a $9 Côtes du Rhône.

Colombo has even begun to make wines from the Côte Bleue, near Marseilles, from old and neglected vines he found in a national park. The project is near to his heart since it brings him back closer to where he grew up. In addition, Colombo remains in high demand as a consultant, in and out of the Rhône Valley. But wherever he works, his focus remains squarely on making wines that work well with food. He took a quick break between tastings and consulting appointments to talk about his inspirations and his own influence on Rhône winemaking.

Wine Spectator: How did you first get interested in winemaking?

Jean-Luc Colombo: I was first interested in the taste of wine. My mother was a chef--I grew up in a kitchen environment, with a grandmother and a mother who were great promoters of the culinary tradition of Marseille. Not all winemakers have a passion for food, but because everyone in the family was a chef, all we talked about was food. Then, I really discovered enology during my pharmaceutical studies. I got a pharmacy license, and decided to open a lab. The lab was [similar] to winemaking.

WS: What makes Cornas so different from the rest of the Rhône Valley?

JLC: Cornas is part of the Northern Rhône hillsides, which is where Syrah comes from, and where Syrah gives its greatest expression. At the same time, the hills of Cornas benefit from Mediterranean influences, which bring a lot of character to the wine.

WS: And your wines from Côte Bleue?

JLC: That's very different from Cornas. Cornas is the best landscape and soils for Syrah--it's very porous. So we can have a good Syrah with a lot of aromas of flowers like lilac and iris. With the fruit it's black currant or licorice. But the Côte Bleue is more for Mourvèdre and Syrah because the land is chalk. It's also a peninsula--almost like an island. You have the huge Lake of Berre, maybe a 30-mile circle, and then south is the sea. It's almost like Long Island. When you're there it's always cool. Not cold, not hot. So the Côte Bleue is a very good terroir to grow Syrah and Mourvèdre. The taste of the grape is never too mature--it's always 13.5 percent alcohol. We never get 15 percent. There is no residual sugar, and we don't use irrigation, because we have the humidity on the leaves.

WS: You've joked sometimes that you're the most hated and loved winemaker in the Rhône. Why?

JLC: Well, when I arrived in the Northern Rhône, techniques were very old-fashioned, and I shook some habits (I use new oak, destemming, green harvest). Obviously, this did not please a few narrow-minded winemakers. Conversely, I did get credit because I contributed to improving today's wine quality and also because I myself invested a great deal to promote the wines of the area.

WS: Who have been some of your greatest influences?

JLC: When I discovered enology I read Le Gout du Vin, by the great Bordeaux enologist Emile Peynaud. In the early years of my career, I also got to meet Michel Rolland, who showed me the importance of the role of the consultant, when most enologists were only interested in analysis.

WS: What would you say is the main difference between someone like you and Rolland?

JLC: We share common ideas, but we have always worked in different wine regions, either different by size or notoriety. I'm very close to the thinking of Michel Rolland--I work like him, he works like me--and we are very close. He's a good friend.

But maybe the difference is I think more about the food [that goes with the wine]. The food 40 years ago and 20 years ago and five years ago is different. But the wine [has always been] the same. I love the fruit of the grape. When you eat the grape in September, the taste is of blueberry, blackberry and strawberry, and I like to find the taste of the grape in the wine, in the glass. I try to have the fruit in the bottle, in that glass of wine.

WS: How do you get that?

JLC: We need to be very clean. Clean cellar, clean barrel. You need to wash your hands, wash the baskets. Simple, but in fact, it's very difficult to be clean.

WS: What are some of your favorite things to cook and eat with your wines?

JLC: Very simple things. Like a truffle with a T-bone and marrow. Maybe not in summer … but very good in winter or autumn. Cornas is also much better with venison. And of course, Lièvre à la Royale, which is stuffed and braised rabbit. There is a very famous recipe--it's cooked for a long, long, long time, maybe 18 hours. The stuffing is truffle, foie gras, a lot of spice and good fleur de sel. Usually the hare is like a big sausage. You cut the hare in slices. It's the best! In the U.S. it's very difficult to find, but one chef who cooks it very well is Didier Virot at Aix. It's wonderful. It's a food to dream, because it takes so long to make.

WS: What is your favorite non-European wine?

JLC: Ridge, by winemaker Paul Draper. Usually you have to like the wine and drink it and you get pleasure, and that's it. The winemaking is good when you get pleasure in the glass. But when you know the guy--and we enjoy sharing food and wine with him--or the philosophy of the person, it is much better. I like him very much because he's very knowledgeable and he knows food and wine.

The Wines we Tasted

We tasted 7 wines, including 4 of Jean Luc Colombo's high-end wines.

2016 Jean-Luc Colombo, Côtes du Rhône Blanc, Les Abeilles

80% Clairette, 20% Roussanne, winer-searcher average price in US$: 13

2017 Jean-Luc Colombo, Saint Péray, La Belle de Mai

60% Roussanne, 40% Marsanne, winer-searcher average price in US$: 20

2016 Jean-Luc Colombo, Côtes du Rhône Rouge, Les Abeilles

60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mouvedre, winer-searcher average price in US$: 14

2016 Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas, Terres Brûlées

100% Syrah, winer-searcher average price in US$: 40

2013 Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas, Les Ruchets
2010 Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas, Les Ruchets
2006 Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas, Les Ruchets

100% Syrah, Jean-Luc Colombo's signature wine, winer-searcher average price in US$: 79

2012 Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas, La Louvée

100% Syrah, aged 22 months in new and used oak,winer-searcher average price in US$: 87

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France (Already Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Rhône Valley Tour December 2017: From Lyon to Avignon - Wine, Food, Culture, History

Understanding the Wines of the Rhône Valley: The Classification - AOC/ Vin de Pay/ Vin de France

The Rhône Wine Region in Southern France and its Wines: History, Classification, Northern and Southern Rhône

Cellar Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Éric Texier in Charney, with Laurence Texier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles in Lyon - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France

Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Drive at E. Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Maison Clusel-Roche in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Georges Vernay in Condrieu, Northern Rhône, with Owner Paul Ansellem-Vernay - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner at Hôtellerie Beau Rivage in Condrieu, with Chef Chef Ludovic Mounier - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Maison Delas-Frères in Saint Jean de Muzols, Saint Joseph, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Grappe d’Or in Saint-Péray, with Chef Pierre Yves Jacques Sébastien - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Jean Luc Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône

Cellar Tasting at Domaine Laurent Habrard in Gervans, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ and Winemaker Laurent Habrad

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Combier in Pont de l’Isère, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurent Combier

Lunch at La Grand Table de Michel Chabran, 1 Star Michelin, in Pont d l’Isère

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud

Winemaker Dinner with David Reynaud, Domaine les Bruyeres, Crozes-Hermitage in the Rhone Valley, at Chef Bart Vandaele's BToo in Washington DC, USA/ France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine La Martinelle in Lafare, Ventoux, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinna Kruse Faravel

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mesclun in Séguret, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting, including from Barrel, at Domaine Marcel Richaud in Cairanne, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Claire Richaud

Tasting at Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Benoit Baudry

Wine Dinner at Restaurant Hôtel Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret, Southern Rhône

Lunch at Restaurant Le Dolium in Beaumes-de Venise, Southern Rhône

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting of Wine and Olive Oil at Mas Saint Berthe, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône, with Winemaker Christian Nief

Dinner at Restaurant Benvengudo, Les Baux de Provence, Southern Rhône

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pegau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Cellar Master Andreas Lenzenwöger

At Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine de la Mordorée, Tavel, Southern Rhône, with Owner Ambre Delorme

Cellar tour and tasting at Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique in Courthézon, Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner Véronique Bonnet and Owner/ Winemaker Eric Bonnet

Tasting at the Caveau of the Perrin Family in Châteauneuf du Pape

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château la Nerthe, Châteauneuf du Pape

Wine-pairing dinner at Restaurant Château des Fines Roches, with Chef Hugo Loridan-Fombonnet

New Year’s Eve at Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France

Picture: The Winners of the Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018: Britta and Martin Korell, Weingut Korell-Johanneshof, Nahe

The results of the Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018 - Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings - were published in the February 2019 issue of Der Feinschmecker, Germany's leading gourmet journal.

Der Feinschmecker: The Riesling Cup 2018 goes to Britta and Martin Korell, Weingut Korell-Johanneshof, Nahe for theit 2017 Von den Grossen Lagen Riesling trocken, Korell-Johanneshof, Nahe. Congratulations!

Picture: Feinschmecker Riesling Cup

Dry Riesling in Germany

There are approximately 47,000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany—with 22,500 hectares—accounts for about half of the total. From a global perspective, Riesling is a niche grape variety, accounting for less than 1% of world wine production. From a global perspective, it is the fruity-sweet style (with the fermentation stopped so that the wine remains sweet and the level of alcohol low) and the rare noble-sweet style (lusciously sweet wines due to noble rot or frost in the vineyard) that are receiving the attention of the connoisseurs of premium wines.

Dry Riesling has played a minor role in the world of wine, but this is changing. The Rieslings from Alsace and Austria, both considerably smaller producers of Riesling than Germany (Alsace produces approximately 15% and Austria approximately 7% of what Germany produces), have always been in the dry category (although the Rieslings from Alsace have shown a trend toward an increasing level of remaining sweetness in the wine over the past decades), and, importantly, Germany, the dominating Riesling force in the world, has undergone a major trans-formation in the past 40 years: The fruity-sweet Rieslings have been crowded out from the wine lists in Germany, while the “dry wave”—“Trockenwelle”—has swept the country. When you go to a wine bar, wine store, or restaurant in say Frankfurt, Berlin, or Munich, it is very difficult to find a fruity-sweet Riesling. The wine lists are dominated by dry Riesling.

Der Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018 - Top 15 Dry Rieslings

2017 Von den Grossen Lagen Riesling trocken, Korell-Johanneshof, Nahe
2017 Königsbacher Riesling trocken Erste Lage, A. Christmann, Pfalz
2017 Auf der Mauer Riesling trocken, Bassermann-Jordan, Pfalz

Picture: Der Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018 #1 #2 #3

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

2017 Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese trocken, Ernst Clüsserath, Mosel
2017 Lorchhausen Seligmacher Riesling trocken, August Kesseler, Rheingau
2017 Niersteiner Pettenthal Riesling trocken, Manz, Rheinhessen

Picture: Der Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018 #3 #5 #5

Picture: August Kesseler and Annette Schiller. See also: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut August Kesseler in Assmanshausen, with Winemaker Simon Batarseh – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

2017 Eierfels Riesling trocken, Diel, Nahe
2017 Herrenberg Riesling trocken Grosses Gewächs, Maximin Grünhaus, Mosel/ Ruwer
2017 Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling trocken Grosses Gewächs, Grans-Fassian, Mosel

Picture: Der Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018 #5 #8 #8

Pictures: In the Vineyards with Caroline Diel and Anouk. See:Tasting with Sylvain Taurisson Diel at Schlossgut Diel, Nahe– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

2017 Brauneberg Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling trocken Grosses Gewächs, Fritz Haag, Mosel
2017 Johannisberger Mittelhölle Riesling trocken Erstes Gewächs, Trenz, Rheingau
2017 Laumersheimer Kirschgarten Riesling trocken Grosses Gewächs, Philipp Kuhn, Pfalz

Picture: Der Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018 #10 #10 #12

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

2017 Devon S Riesling trocken, Toni Jost, Mittelrhein
2017 Hipping Riesling trocken Grooses Gewächs, Gunderloch, Rheinhessen
2017 Muschelkalk Riesling trocken, Friedrich Becker, Pfalz

Picture: Der Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2018 #12 #14 #15

Picture: Annette Schiller, Max von Kunow, Johannes Hasselbach of Weingut Gunderloch, Alwin Jurtschitsch and Christian G.E. Schiller at BToo in Washington DC. See: Weingut Gunderloch – The New Generation: Owner Johannes Hasselbach in Washington DC, US

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim with the Parents of Johannes Hasslebach, Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger and the late Fritz Hasselbach. See: Wine Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, with Owners and Winemaker Fritz Hasselbach and Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Previous Feinschmecker Riesling Cup Winners

For previous years, see on schiller-wine:

Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings – Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2017
Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings – Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2016
Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings - Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2015: Dönnhoff Rules! The Nahe Rules!
Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings – Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2014
Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings – Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2013
Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings – Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2012
Germany’s Best Dry Rieslings - Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2011
The 11 Top German Dry Rieslings – Feinschmecker German Riesling Cup 2010 (Vintage 2009)
The 13 Top German Dry Rieslings – Feinschmecker German Riesling Cup 2009 (Vintage 2008)
Riesling Cup 2009 - Germany's Top Dry 2007 Rieslings

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

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

UPCOMING Tours/ Wine Dinners/ Tastings - Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine, Germany, France, USA (Issued: April 1, 2019)

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut August Kesseler in Assmanshausen, with Winemaker Simon Batarseh – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

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

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

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller in the Upper Douro Valley. See: A Douro Valley Tour from Porto Upstream to the Douro Superior Region, Portugal

Below is a list of the wine tours, wine dinners and wine tastings planned by Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine for the coming months.

For questions concerning the ombiasy wine tours please consult the ombiasy website.

For all other events please send me (cschiller@schiller-wine.com) or Annette (aschiller@ombiasypr.com) an e-mail.

See also:
Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

May 2019

Germany, Rheingau, Mittelrhein, Ahr, Mosel, Nahe, April 29 - May 7: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours (sold out).

See:
Invitation: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling
Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

June 2019

Alsace, France, June 18 - 22: Alsace Tour 2019 (Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim) (sold out). See: The Sun-Kissed South: Germany’s Pinot Noir, the Other Whites, the Culinary Regions - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

July 2019

Frankfurt, Germany: Tasting the Best of Virginia Wines in Frankfurt - Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2018. See: Tasting the Best of Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany, with Stuart Pigott: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2016

August 2019

September 2019

Bordeaux, France, September 3 - 12, 2019: 2019 Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (3 rooms available)

See:
Invitation: Total Immersion in Bordeaux. World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France
Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Frankfurt, Germany: Tasting Bérénice Lurton and other Lurton Wines with Bérénice Lurton of Château Climens, 1er Cru, Barsac, Appellation Sauternes. See: Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

October 2019

Washington DC: Tasting the Wines of Château Kirwan, Appellation Margaux, and Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, with Sophie Schÿler

Sophie Schÿler, Owner, Château Kirwan, Appellation Margaux, Philippe Blanc, General Manager, Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien and Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy PR and WineTours, for a Winemaker Dinner at the French Embassy, Le Café Descartes, in Washington DC, USA

Floriday USA - 52nd Annual American Wine Society National Conference, Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2019 at St. Pete Beach: Annette Schiller will lead 3 seminars. See: The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

November 2019

December 2019

Frankfurt, Germany: Tasting Aged American Red Wines (Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot)

January 2020

February 2020

March 2020

April 2020

Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen - Riesling (Alsace/ Germany) 2020 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: April 27 – May 05. See: Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

May 2020

Rhône Valley - Rhône 2020 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: May 11 – 20. See: Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

June 2020

Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken - Germany East 2020 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: June 03 – 13. See: Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

August 2020

September 2020

Bordeaux - Bordeaux 2020 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: September 01 – 10. See: Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

October 2020

Burgundy - Burgundy 2020 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: October 08 – 18. See: Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France

November 2020

December 2020

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

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

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

Invitation: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling

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

Tasting the Best of Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany, with Stuart Pigott: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2016

Announcement: ombiasy WineTours in 2019 - Germany-North and Bordeaux

Invitation: Total Immersion in Bordeaux. World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Sophie Schÿler, Owner, Château Kirwan, Appellation Margaux, Philippe Blanc, General Manager, Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien and Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy PR and WineTours, for a Winemaker Dinner at the French Embassy, Le Café Descartes, in Washington DC, USA

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

The Sun-Kissed South: Germany’s Pinot Noir, the Other Whites, the Culinary Regions - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France

A Douro Valley Tour from Porto Upstream to the Douro Superior Region, Portugal

Pictures: Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Paul Jaboulet Aîné is the smallest of the big négociants businesses of the Rhône region. Jaboulet is a great old name and one of the historic estates in the Rhône. The iconic vineyard site “La Chapelle” visible from afar because of the chapel in the middle of the vineyard high on the Hermitage hill belongs to Jaboulet.

In 2006 the Frey family, owners of Château La Lagune in the Médoc, acquired Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Since then the Freys have started a forceful expansion. Winemaker Caroline Frey also started converting the domaine vineyards to biodynamic principles and encouraged the growers they buy grapes from to convert to organic or sustainable vineyard management. Jaboulet wines belong once again to the best of the Rhône Valley wines.

We met at the Paul Jaboulet Aîné Restaurant in Tain-Hermitage and went from there to the foot of the Hermitage Hill to take a look at the world-famous Hermiatge hill. After the vineyard walk, we enjoyed a guided tasting at the Paul Jaboulet Aîné Restaurant/ Tasting Room. After checking in at the Hôtel Le Pavillion de l’Hermitage in the middle of Tain-l’Hermitage, some of us went on a tour of Tain-Hermitage. Annette and I ended the evening with a bottle of Yann Chave Rouge.

Pictures: Arriving in Tain-Hermitage at the Paul Jaboulet Aîné Restaurant/ Shop

Paul Jaboulet Aîné/ FICOFI

The firm of Jaboulet was founded in 1834, and today it owns 114.20 hectares of vines in the best appellations of the Rhône Valley, principally in the northern Rhône in Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph and Condrieu, and since 2006 in Côte-Rôtie.

Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné was created through the magical conjunction of a fertile land on a hillside by the Rhone and a family with a passion for winemaking. In 1834, when Antoine Jaboulet set up his business in Tain l’Hermitage with the aim of producing great wines, he saw his future profession as limited to cultivating the vineyards and maintaining the quality of the land. It was with this mindset that he quickly acquired his first vineyards on the Hermitage slopes and the Crozes-Hermitage plains. The six generations who followed him, including his sons Paul and Henry and, later, the celebrated Gérard, adopted an identical approach. Over the years, Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné thereby took ownership of the finest appellations of the northern Rhone Valley. These included Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage, of course, but also Saint-Joseph, Cornas and Saint-Péray.

In 2006, the Freys, a family of long standing in the Champagne region and owners of Château La Lagune in Bordeaux, took over Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Caroline, the eldest daughter of the family, who has a degree in oenology from Bordeaux, works with her team in a single-minded quest for perfection. Their cutting-edge winemaking, combined with the scrupulous care given to vines grown in exceptional terroirs, encourages one to believe that the greatest vintages are yet to come. The vineyards acquired in the appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are following in the historic Jaboulet tradition.

Under Caroline’s leadership, in 2006, the vineyards earned Sustainable Farming status while Jaboulet's winegrowing is slowly but surely progressing towards biodynamic certification. Horses, winches, cultivators and pickaxes are now used to dig over each plot, however steep. This enables the roots to delve as deeply as possible into the rock. The grapes are rigorously inspected and every last detail is subject to scrupulous examination. Quality is the sole criterion for Caroline and her team of winegrowers.

In this quest for perfection, a new gravity-operated cellar has been set up for the 2010 vintage. Here the grapes are handled with the utmost care. Hand-picked and placed in little crates, two lifts are used to raise the grape bunches. The Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc white grapes are poured manually into the presses, which then allow the juice to flow naturally through gravity into small stainless steel vats. The fermenting must is then sent to the air-conditioned, humidified white wine store for storage in casks or in enormous 16hl concrete eggs. Meanwhile, the Syrah and Grenache grapes, which are less vulnerable to oxidation, are painstakingly selected on multiple sorting tables (sorting of bunches and then individual grapes) before slipping as gently as possible down to the vats, via lightly sloping stainless steel shafts. When alcoholic and malolactic fermentation is complete, the wines are improved in the spectacular red wine store. Syrah wines gain in complexity in French oak barrels (20% new wood) whereas Grenache is better suited to aging in truncated cone-shaped 80hl vats.

The jewel in the Jaboulet collection has always been the legendary ‘La Chapelle’ Hermitage, a great red wine made purely from Syrah, which owes its name to the famous little Saint Christophe chapel, which overlooks the Hermitage vineyards. ‘La Chapelle’, which has been solely owned by Paul Jaboulet Aîné since 1919, is made by blending grapes from the best terroirs in the appellation (Méal, les Bessards, les Rocoules etc.). ‘La Chapelle’ Hermitage 1961 has been ranked among the twelve greatest wines of the 20th century and it racked up the third highest price ever recorded worldwide for a 12-bottle lot sold by Christie’s.

Hermitage/ Wine-searcher

Hermitage is a small appellation with 140 hectares (345 acres) of vineyards, responsible for France's most enduringly prestigious wines. These are on a par with those from the Côte Rôtie (30 miles/45km to the north), and Châteauneuf-du-Pape (70 miles/110km to the south). Both red and white Hermitage wines are long-lived and full-bodied.

The red wines, which may be aged for 30 years or more, are often produced exclusively from Syrah, tough regulations permit up to 15 percent of the white grape varieties Marsanne and Roussanne. They are known for their robustness and rich aromas of leather, coffee and red berries.

The whites are less famous than the reds, but do account for about one third of AOC Hermitage's annual production. They can usually be cellared for about 15 years, have aromas of honeysuckle, tropical fruit and earthy minerals. They are made predominantly from Marsanne, with limited use of Roussanne.

Pictures: Vineyard Walk

The whole of the granite hillside where the Hermitage vineyards are planted faces south, overlooking a short section where the river Rhône flows west to east, not north to south. This orientation means that the grapes benefit from the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. The town of Tain l'Hermitage sits between the vineyard slopes and the water.

The Hermitage zone is bordered to the north by the vineyards of AOC Crozes-Hermitage. These vines are sited in flatter areas, with varying exposures, and the north-facing side of the hill of Hermitage.

The topsoil on the slopes is relatively thin compared to that of the valley floor. There are a wide variety of soil types – ranging from sandy gravel in the west, to rockier areas higher up and limestone in the center. As intense Rhône sunshine warms the hillside during the day, the granite bedrock stores this heat, encouraging the grapes to ripen more fully than those in less-exposed sites. The effect of the local terroir is most pronounced on the western side of the hill; it is steeper than the east and enjoys prolonged exposure to afternoon sunshine.

The appellation is divided into a number of vineyards. Les Bessards is at the western end, while Bessards, Le Méal, Les Greffieux and Murets lie to the east. L'Hermite and La Chapelle take up the top of the slope. The latter is named after a chapel built in honor of Saint Christopher which is owned by the negociant firm Paul Jaboulet Aîné, whose top cuvée is La Chapelle. The appellation takes its name from the legend of the crusading knight Gaspard de Stérimberg, who returned home, wounded, from the Albigensian Crusade in 1224. He was allowed by the Queen of France to build a small refuge on the hillside, where he lived as a hermit.

Jaboulet is one of four producers who rather dominate the appellation in terms of vineyard ownership. Two are also negociant firms; Delas Frères (now owned by Louis Roederer) and M. Chapoutier. The other is Domaine Jean-Louis Chave.

The prestige of Hermitage (sometimes Ermitage) wine can be clearly traced back to the 17th Century, when it was an official wine in the French courts of King Louis XIII and his successor Louis XIV, the "Sun King". Not just the monarchs' preferred wine, it was also used as a gift for visiting dignitaries and foreign royalty. It was no less respected across the English Channel, as confirmed by Thomas Shadwell's comedy of 1680, 'The Woman-Captain'. In the play's opening scene, the wealthy Sir Humphrey and his friend Bellamy cite 'Champaign and Burgundy...and Hermitage' wines as superior to those of 'Langoon and Burdeaux' which they deem suitable only for 'porters and carriers'. Sir Humphrey later boasts 'I do confess I am an epicurean'. The wine's high status remained untouched for a full two centuries after this. It peaked in the mid-19th Century, just as the famous wines of Bordeaux's Médoc were beginning their rise to stardom.

Before the name "Hermitage" was granted international legal protection, it was used by wineries in various regions around the world, valued for its connotations of high quality. A high-profile example is Australia's famous 'Penfolds Bin 95 Grange', which was labeled as 'Grange Hermitage' right up until 1989.

Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné

After the vineyard walk, we enjoyed a guided tasting at the Paul Jaboulet Aîné Restaurant/ Tasting Room.

Pictures: Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage. Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

The Wines we Tasted

We tasted 3 wines.

2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage, Le Chevalier de Sterimberg
2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage, La Petite Chapelle
2006 Paul Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage, La Chapelle

Pictures: Tasting 3 Wines

2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage, Le Chevalier de Sterimberg

Wine-searcher average price in US$:60

Named after the knight Gaspard de Sterimberg, who settled in Hermitage and built the iconic stone chapel that sits atop the hill.

Biodynamically farmed – 70% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne

From 4 sections on the Hermitage hill:

Rocoule (small limestone galets roulés – adds minerality to the wine)
Maison Blanche (mostly clay with some of the limestone galets roulés – adds structure)
La Croix (fine sand)
Les Murets (classic clay/limestone)

60+ year old vines

Aged in 55% French oak (5% new), 25% older demi-muids, and 20% small concrete eggs

Powerful and fragrant nose of peaches, white flowers and lemongrass. The taste of minerals in inescapable, allowing this broad-shouldered Hermitage Blanc to linger gently on the palate. Bright, energetic, and lip-smackingly delicious.

Another terrific white that will give a top white Burgundy a run for its money is the 2014 Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimberg. Made in a fresh, laser-focused, tight style, its terrific perfume of buttered citrus, honeysuckle, tangerine and flower oil is followed by a medium to full-bodied, crisp, elegant Hermitage that will evolve for 15-20 years. 93 points. Parker

2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage, La Petite Chapelle

Wine-searcher average price in US$:55

Starting with the vintage 2015, this blend is now marketed under the La Maison Bleue label.

2006 Paul Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage, La Chapelle

Wine-searcher average price in US$:128

Skurnik wines: DRC’s Romanée-Conti, Rousseau’s Chambertin, Vega Sicilia’s Unico, Egon Muller’s Scharzhofberger, Paul Jaboulet’s Hermitage La Chapelle – these are the true legends of wine. In 1224, a knight named Gaspard de Sterimberg, returned from the Crusades seeking calm and serenity from the horrors of war. Awed by the beauty and dramatic vistas of Hermitage, he settled at the top of the hill where he built a stone chapel to be used as a place for prayer and refuge. The chapel was purchased by the Jaboulet family in 1919 and has been the name of their iconic Hermitage red ever since.

The first vintage where the new team was firmly in place, the 2006 Hermitage la Chapelle offers that classic, smoky, meaty La Chapelle bouquet to go with loads of fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, impressive mid-palate density and sweet tannin. This was easily the best showing I’ve had from this bottle, which often shows a much more rustic, evolved character. Wine Advocate; Issue Date: 1st Mar 2017 (RP-90) Drink Date: 2010 - 2026

Hôtel Le Pavillion de l’Hermitage in Tain-l’Hermitage

Following the visit of Paul Jaboulet Aîné, we checked in at Hôtel Le Pavillionn Tain-l’Hermitage.

Hôtel Le Pavillion in Tain-Hermitage is a 3 star hotel belonging to Maison Chaputier situated in the center of town at the foot of the famous Hermitage vineyards and in walking distance to the Rhône river. It is being renovated and should soon be upgraded to a 4-star hotel.

Picture: Hôtel Le Pavillion in Tain-Hermitage

Evening and dinner was on our own. Some of us strolled along the banks of the Rhône river and crossed the bridge to walk to Tournon-sur-Rhône on the other side of the Rhône. From there you had a fantastic view of the hills with the Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage vineyards.

Annette and I finished the evening in a wine bar.

Pictures: Chilling in Tain-Hermitage

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