Pictures: Hauskonzert - Sunday Morning Concert - at Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf with Annette Schiller and Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze and a 150 years old Steinway Concert Piano. See: Impromptu Tasting at Weinbar & Vinothek Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in Deidsheim, with Managing Director Steffen Brahner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Marcus Hofschuster is Editor-in-Chief and Lead Taster of Wein-Plus, a leading European on-line wine guide, based in Germany. Marcus Hofschuster is the man behind the reputation that Wein-Plus has gained over the past 2 decades. All wines are tasted blind. Marcus Hofschuster uses the 100 points scale.

From time to time, Marcus Hofschuster summarizes his tasting results in a "BEST OF" list. This time, he published a list summarizing his tasting results with regard to wines from the Ortswein/ Village Wines category. 

Picture: "Sam" Hofschuster (Wein-Plus).

Although many people think that there is only one wine classification system in Germany – the classification system of the Law of 1971 – this is not correct. True, the classification system of the Law of 1971 is the standard classification system in Germany and many winemakers in Germany use this approach. Increasingly, however, German wine producers are moving away from the standard, in particular the producers of premium wines in Germany. Importantly, the members of the VDP, the association of about 200 elite winemakers in Germany, have all converted to the new classification.

In a nutshell, the VDP is moving to a classification system that resembles very much the classification system in the Bourgogne. The classification of the VDP puts the terroir principle at the center of its classification approach. With the latest modifications of 2012, the absolutely finest vineyards are called Grosse Lage (for the 2011 vintage still called Erste Lage) and dry wines from these super top vineyards are called Grosses Gewächs. Grosses Gewächs wines are the finest dry wines from Germany’s finest vineyards.

The VDP Wine Classification

Wilhelm Weil: “The new VDP Wine Classification System is basically a matrix classification.” On one axis you find the different quality levels of the wines, along the Burgundian terroir approach, with estate wines, village wines, first growth (premier cru) wines and great growth (grand cru) wines.

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

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

Note that for some legal reasons, the VDP has started to use the terms Grosse Lage, Erste Lage, Ortswein and Gutswein with the pre-fix VDP.

On the other axis, you find the sweetness levels: Trocken, Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese as well as Eiswein. Please note that in the new VDP classification system the Prädikats have lost their critical importance that they have in the traditional classification system of 1971 and that they have changed their meaning. In the VDP classification system, they have become an indicator for the sweetness range of the finished wine, while in the traditional classification they are an indicator of the sugar content of the grapes at harvest. Generally, in the new VDP classification system, the Prädikats are to be used exclusively for wines with residual sweetness, “thereby enabling the Prädikats to resume their traditional meaning”, as stated by the VDP.

VDP.Ortswein - Sourced from Superior Soils

A VDP.Ortswein originates from a village's best vineyards that are planted with grape varieties typical of their region, equivalent to a village wine in the Bourgogne. Maximum yield is at 75hl/ha.

A dry VDP.Ortswein is labeled Qualitätswein Trocken.

A VDP.Ortswein with residual sweetness is labeled with one of the traditional Prädikats.

For more on the new VDP Classification, see:

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

BEST Of VDP.Ortswein

Riesling

92WP 2018 Nierstein, Keller *
91WP 2018 Dorsheim “Eierfels”, Diel
91WP 2017 Forst, Reichsrat von Buhl
90WP 2017 Wachenheim, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
90WP 2018 Burg Layen, Diel
90WP 2018 Piesport “Goldstück”, Schloß Lieser
90WP 2018 Maximin Grünhaus “Alte Reben”
89WP 2018 Maximin Grünhaus “Das Kapital”
89WP 2018 Deidesheim, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
89WP 2017 Forst, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
89WP 2017 Deidesheim, Reichsrat von Buhl
89WP 2018 Kiedrich, Weil
89WP 2018 Nackenheim, Kühling-Gillot *
89WP 2018 Nierstein, Kühling-Gillot *
89WP 2018 Nierstein, Schätzel *
89WP 2018 Bingen, Bischel *
89WP 2018 Nackenheim, Gunderloch *
89WP 2018 Mölsheim, Battenfeld-Spanier *
89WP 2018 Hohen-Sülzen, Battenfeld-Spanier *
89WP 2018 Niederhausen “vom Schiefer”, Gut Hermannsberg
89WP 2018 Königsbach, Christmann
89WP 2018 Oestrich “Quarzit”, Peter Jakob Kühn
89WP 2018 Bockenau “Schiefergestein”, Schäfer-Fröhlich
89WP 2018 Piesport, Keller
88WP 2018 Ayl “Faß 3”, Lauer
88WP 2018 Lieser “Heldenstück”, Schloß Lieser
88WP 2018 Hallgarten “Rheinschiefer”, Peter Jakob Kühn
88WP 2018 Monzingen “Halgans”, Emrich-Schönleber
88WP 2018 Monzingen “Frühtau”, Emrich-Schönleber
88WP 2018 Bernkastel “Alte Reben”, Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Thanisch
88WP 2017 Pünderich “vom roten Schiefer”, Clemens Busch
88WP 2018 Gau-Algesheim “Terra Fusca”, Bischel
88WP 2018 Appenheim, Bischel *
88WP 2018 Hochheim “Mainterrassen”, Künstler
88WP 2018 Schlossböckelheim “vom Volkan”, Gut Hermannsberg
88WP 2018 Gimmeldingen, Müller-Catoir
88WP 2018 Forst, Georg Siben Erben
88WP 2018 Piesport, Haart
88WP 2018 Wiltingen, Van Volxem
88WP 2017 Rüdesheim, Ress
88WP 2018 Ranschbach “Rotliegend”, Kranz
88WP 2017 Pünderich “Nonnengarten”, Clemens Busch
88WP 2017 Pünderich “vom blauen Schiefer”, Clemens Busch
88WP 2018 Deidesheim, von Winning
88WP 2018 Deidesheim “Kalkstein”, Mosbacher
88WP 2018 Forst “Basalt”, Mosbacher
88WP 2018 Deidesheim, Bassermann-Jordan
88WP 2017 Ruppertsberg, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
88WP 2018 Nierstein, St. Antony *
88WP 2018 Dorsheim, Diel
88WP 2018 Oppenheim, Kühlig-Gillot *
87WP 2018 Winkel “Vom Aueboden”, August Eser
87WP 2018 Brauneberg “Tradition”, Fritz Haag
87WP 2018 Ayl “Faß 4”, Lauer
87WP 2018 Forst, Bassermann-Jordan
87WP 2018 Ruppertsberg, Bassermann-Jordan
87WP 2017 Oestrich, Ress
87WP 2018 Duttweiler “Kalkmergel”, Bergdolt
87WP 2018 Geisenheim “PUR!”, Wegeler
87WP 2018 Ungstein “Kalkstein”, Pfeffingen
87WP 2017 Heimersheim, Nelles
87WP 2018 Lorch, Flick
87WP 2018 Leinsweiler “Concretus”, Siegrist
87WP 2018 Wiltingen, Reichsgraf v. Kesselstadt
87WP 2017 Burrweiler “Schiefer”, Meßmer
87WP 2018 Würzburg, Bürgerspital
87WP 2017 Pünderich “vom grauen Schiefer”, Busch
87WP 2018 Kallstadt “vom Kalkfels”, Rings
87WP 2018 Rüdesheim, Fendel
87WP 2018 Hattenheim, Ress
87WP 2018 Bingen, Prinz Salm *
87WP 2018 Westhofen, Groebe
87WP 2018 Westhoden “Alte Reben”, Groebe *
87WP 2018 Ungstein “SP”, Pfeffingen (Roter Riesling)

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

Silvaner

89WP 2018 Hohen-Sülzen “Leopold”, Battenfeld-Spanier
89WP 2018 Nierstein, Schätzel *
88WP 2018 Gau-Algesheim “Terrassen”, Bischel
88WP 2018 Würzburg, Bürgerspital
88WP 2018 Rödelsee, Weltner
88WP 2018 Escherndorf “Muschelkalk”, Rainer Sauer
88WP 2018 Nackenheim “x.t.”, Gunderloch *
87WP 2018 Iphofen, Wirsching
87WP 2018 Retzstadt, May
87WP 2018 Untereisenheim, Schäffer
87WP 2018 Volkach, Zur Schwane
87WP 2018 Escherndorf, Rainer Sauer
87WP 2018 Escherndorf, Fröhlich
87WP 2018 Iphofen, Juliusspital

Picture: In the Old Cellar of Weingut Zur Schwane in Franken with General Manager/ Winemaker Christian Kallisch. See: Tour, Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Zur Schwane in Volkach, Franken, with General Manager/ Winemaker Christian Kallisch - Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Chardonnay

90WP 2017 Malterdinger “Alte Reben”, Huber
89WP 2017 Schweigen, Friedrich Becker
88WP 2018 Oppenheim “R”, Kühling-Gillot
88WP 2018 Godramstein “Kalkmergel”, Münzberg
88WP 2017 Ingelheim “R”, J. Neus
87WP 2017 Ingelheim, J. Neus
87WP 2017 Schweigen “Tonmergel -S-”, Bernhart
87WP 2017 Heimersheim, Deutzerhof
87WP 2017 Godramstein “Kalkmergel”, Münzberg

Pictures: Tasting the Wines of Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot at the Spanier Family Home in Hohen-Sülzen and Touring the Winery with Carolin Spanier-Gillot - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Weißburgunder

88WP 2018 Gimmeldingen “Pfarrwingert”, Christmann
88WP 2018 Birkweiler, Dr. Wehrheim
88WP 2018 Godramstein “Kalkgestein”, Münzberg
88WP 2018 Ilbesheim “vom Landschneckenkalk”, Kranz
88WP 2018 Hohen-Sülzen “Louis”, Battenfeld-Spanier
87WP 2018 Haardt, Müller-Catoir
87WP 2018 Ruppertsberg, Bassermann-Jordan
87WP 2016 Oberrotweil “RS”, Salwey
87WP 2018 Schweigen “Kalkmergel”, Bernhart
87WP 2018 Godramstein “Löß-Lehm”, Münzberg
87WP 2018 Kirrweiler “Mineral”, Bergdolt
87WP 2018 Ruppertsberg, Siben Erben
87WP 2018 Hallgarten, Krone

Picture: Tasting at Weingut Münzberg/ Gunter Kessler in Landau-Godramstein, Pfalz, with Owner/ Winemaker Gunter Kessler. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Münzberg/ Gunter Kessler in Landau-Godramstein, Pfalz, with Owner/ Winemaker Gunter Kessler - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Grauburgunder

87WP 2017 Oberrotweil “RS”, Salwey
87WP 2018 Ruppertsberger, Siben Erben

Scheurebe

88WP 2018 Iphofen, Weltner
88WP 2018 Ungstein “SP”, Pfeffingen
87WP 2018 Rödelsee, Weltner
87WP 2018 Volkach, Zur Schwane
87WP 2018 Dettelbach, Glaser-Himmelstoß

Muskateller

87WP 2018 Verrenberg, Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen
87WP 2018 Haardt, Müller-Catoir

Bacchus

87WP 2018 Escherndorf, Schäffer

Müller-Thurgau

87WP 2018 Würzburg, Juliusspital
87WP 2018 Reicholzheim, Schlör

Cuvée Weiß

89WP 2017 Malterdingen, Huber
87WP 2018 Appenheim, Bischel

Spätburgunder / Pinot Noir

90WP 2017 Kallstadt “Vom Kalkfels”, Rings
90WP 2017 Malterdingen “Alte Reben”, Huber
89WP 2014 Rechtenbach, Friedrich Becker
89WP 2014 Schweigen, Friedrich Becker
89WP 2015 Schweigen, Friedrich Becker
89WP 2017 Klingenberg “Alte Reben”, Baltes
89WP 2017 Malterdingen, Huber
89WP 2016 Oberrotweil “RS”, Salwey
88WP 2017 Freinsheim “vom Quarzsand”, Rings
88WP 2017 Oberrotweil “RS”, Salwey
88WP 2016 Nackenheim, Kühling-Gillot
88WP 2016 Ingelheim “Alte Reben”, J. Neus
88WP 2017 Großheubach “Alte Reben”, Baltes
88WP 2015 Bingen, Prinz Salm *
87WP 2018 Retzbach, May
87WP 2017 Kirrweiler “Kalkmergel”, Bergdolt
87WP 2017 Reicholzheim, Schlör
87WP 2017 Gimmeldingen, Christmann
87WP 2016 Bodenheim, Kühling-Gillot
87WP 2017 Neuenahr, Kreuzberg
87WP 2017 Cleebronn “Schilfsandstein”, Dautel
87WP 2016 Ingelheim, J. Neus
87WP 2015 Bingen, Prinz Salm

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

Frühburgunder

88WP 2016 Ingelheim, J. Neus

Lemberger / Blaufränkisch

88WP 2017 Bönnigheim “Gipskeuper”, Dautel
87WP 2018 Fellbach “Alte Reben”, Aldinger
87WP 2016 Verrenberg, Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen
87WP 2017 Nierstein, St. Antony

Trollinger

88WP 2018 Fellbach “Sine”, Aldinger

Cuvée Rot

87WP 2015 Meissen, “Moritz”, Schloss Proschwitz

Picture: In the Vineyards of Weingut Schloss Proschwitz - Prinz zur Lippe, with Meissen. See: Tour and Dinner at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz - Prinz zur Lippe in Zadel, Sachsen, with Georg Prinz zur Lippe - Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Impromptu Tasting at Weinbar & Vinothek Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in Deidsheim, with Managing Director Steffen Brahner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

Tour, Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Zur Schwane in Volkach, Franken, with General Manager/ Winemaker Christian Kallisch - Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting the Wines of Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot at the Spanier Family Home in Hohen-Sülzen and Touring the Winery with Carolin Spanier-Gillot - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

Tour and Dinner at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz - Prinz zur Lippe in Zadel, Sachsen, with Georg Prinz zur Lippe - Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours 

Pictures: At Mosmieri Winebar and Shop in Tbilisi, with Château Mosmieri Owner Joerg Matthies - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

Joerg Matthies: At Mosmieri we see ourselves as a driving part of the fascinating nascent story of Georgia’s vinicultural comeback to the international market. As Georgia’s wine future is certainly not in mass production we position ourselves in the premium segment where class is what matters. We are dedicated to use only local grape varieties historically grown in the Georgian region of Kakheti.

Our winery is an integral part of a wine touristic chateau designed in Georgian traditional style with modern elements. It is situated within vineyards and sits on a gentle slope overlooking the beautiful Alazani Valley and facing the snow-capped mountain range of the Great Caucasus. Apart from the wineries there is a large restaurant with bar for 250 persons, facilities for masterclasses (e.g. breadbaking in tone), a nice courtyard with cloister and fountain, a large lounge terrace, a watching tower, a wine store with winetasting area and a spacious storage rooms in the basement. Next to the existing complex we will soon start building a hotel with 23 comfortable rooms and an outdoor swimmingpool.

Our brand is named Mosmieri. In old-Georgian language this word stands for a person who drinks and appreciates wine. Welcome to our club.

We had contact with Mosmieri at different occasions during the tour.

First, on the last day, the group had lunch at Mosmieri Winebar abd Shop in the middle of old town Tbilisi. Mosmieri Founder, Owner and General Director Joerg Matthies, a citizen of Germany who has been in Georgia since 2009, was our host. Joerg Matthies fell in love with the country and wine. Joerg is the mastermind and driving force behind the Mosmieri project.

Second, in the Kakheti Region, some of us stayed at Mosmieri Hotel and Winery. Annette and I stayed at Schuchme Hotel and Winery, but we drove by Mosmieri Hotel and Winery several times with the bus to pick up or leave there those who stayed there.

Third, those who stayed at Mosmieri Hotel and Winery bought two Mosmieri wines and presented them to the rest of us during the stop at Alaverdi Monastery.

Annette and I spent a week in Georgia, the small country that used to be part of the Soviet Union, located between the Black See and the Caspian See. The area is considered to be the birthplace of wine. Research indicates that wine has been made in Georgia for 8000 years. There are over 500 indigenous grape varieties in Georgia. Traditionally, wine in Georgia has been made (fermented and aged) in amphoras burried in the ground.

This was a group-tour of the Collegium Vini, an association of wine lovers in the Frankfurt/ Germany area, of which we are members. The tour was organized by GEORGIENREISEN. Co-owner Tea Totogashvili was our guide. The focus of the tour was on culture and wine.

See here for an overview posting: Georgia Wine Tour 2019: Discovering the Birthplace of Wine

Wine in Georgia

Georgia is located in an area that is considered to be the birthplace of wine. Research indicates that wine has been made in Georgia for 8000 years. There are over 500 indigenous grape varieties in Georgia. Traditionally, wine in Georgia has been made (fermented and aged) in amphoras burried deep in the ground.

Georgia is a small, Christian country with a difficult history. In particular, it was part of the Russian Zsar's Empire. During that period the influence of French winemaking and French cuisine was important. More recently, Georgia was part of the Soviet Union. During the Soviet Union period Georgia was the chief provider of wine for the whole country.This was essentially low-cost mass wine shipped in tanks to all regions of the Soviet Union and bottled there. There was no commercial qvevri winemaking during the Soviet Union period. The commercial sector was dominated by huge stainless steel tanks to produce sweet-style wines.

After the break-up of the Soviet Union and various conflicts between Russia and Georgia, the Georgian wine sector has been adjusting to the new market conditions. The production of inexpensive, often sweet-style wines for Russia and other neighboring countries remains important.

At the same time, the amber wine revolution has discovered Georgia and Georgia has become an important player in the natural wine scene, including in New York, Berlin, London etc. But quevri wines account only for 3% of Georgia's wine exports. Still, they account for 100% of the buzz.

Tradionally, both red and white wine have been fermented and aged in quevris, burried in the ground for temperature control purposes. Basically each family in Georgia has a quevri where they make there wine in this ancient method. Typically, quevri wines are no-sulfur wines with natural yeast only. Whole-bunch fermentation is the rule. 

While the buzz is about the hard-core qvevri winemaking where the grapes are fermented with their skins, pips and stems and aged for an extensive period in a qvevri, you also find winemakers that combine the traditional Georgian approach with modern approaches like aging in barrels or fermenting in qvevris but without skins, pips and stems. In fact, there is a whole range of quevri winemaking. 

Interestingly, not once went a winemaker with us to the vineyard and we did not have one single-vineyard wine in Georgia. In general it seems that vineyard issues are on the backburner in Georgia.

Lunch At Mosmieri Winebar and Shop in Tbilisi, with Château Mosmieri Owner Joerg Matthies

Mosmieri Winebar and Shop is a brandnew undertaking of Joerg Matthies as part of Mosmieri. Some of us stayed at the Mosmieri Hotel and we all tasted the wines on the bus. The construction of the winery was completed in 2017. There is actually a modern winery using state-of-the-art temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and there is a classic Georgian winery called Marani with 24 big clay vessels set into the ground. At present, the total capacity of winemaking is 160 tons in tanks and qvevri which allows us to produce up to 140,000 bottles of wine annually. For aging we use French oak barrels which we sourced in Burgundy.

Pictures: At Mosmieri Winebar and Shop in Tbilisi, with Château Mosmieri Owner Joerg Matthies - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

Staying at Mosmieri Hotel and Winery

Château Mosmieri: Georgia is the world’s oldest winemaking region where it all began some 8000 years ago. Since ancient times love to the wine has been deeply rooted in the cultural values, beliefs and customs of the Georgian people. From here viniculture started spreading around the globe.

Nowadays Georgian wine has again become a real discovery and a genuine paradise for anyone longing for something above and beyond ordinary taste and quality. Apart from its still chiefessays.net existing unique technique of winemaking in clay vessels – qvevri – Georgia is home to more than 500 autochthonous varieties of grapes such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Mtsvane.

With ancient and modern winemaking equipment these varieties of grapes produce wines with aromas and tastes unknown anywhere else on earth. No wonder that Georgia has become a hot spot for winemaking creativity and palatable discoveries.

At Mosmieri we see ourselves as a driving part of the fascinating nascent story of Georgia’s vinicultural comeback to the international market. As Georgia’s wine future is certainly not in mass production we position ourselves in the premium segment where class is what matters. We are dedicated to use only local grape varieties historically grown in the Georgian region of Kakheti.

Our winery is an integral part of a wine touristic chateau designed in Georgian traditional style with modern elements. It is situated within vineyards and sits on a gentle slope overlooking the beautiful Alazani Valley and facing the snow-capped mountain range of the Great Caucasus. Apart from the wineries there is a large restaurant with bar for 250 persons, facilities for masterclasses (e.g. breadbaking in tone), a nice courtyard with cloister and fountain, a large lounge terrace, a watching tower, a wine store with winetasting area and a spacious storage rooms in the basement. Next to the existing complex we will soon start building a hotel with 23 comfortable rooms and an outdoor swimmingpool.

Our brand is named Mosmieri. In old-Georgian language this word stands for a person who drinks and appreciates wine. Welcome to our club.

Pictures: Staying at Mosmieri Hotel and Winery

Tasting Mosmieri Wines Before the Visit of the Alaverdi Monastery

itineray.com: Alaverdi Monastery is a Georgian Eastern Orthodox monastery located 25 km from Akhmeta, in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia. While parts of the monastery date back to 6th century, the present day cathedral was built in the 11th century by Kvirike III of Kakheti, replacing an older church of St. George.

Before touring the monastery, we tasted some Mosmieri wines.

Pictures: Tasting Mosmieri Wines Before the Visit of the Alaverdi Monastery

Pictures: Visit of the Alaverdi Monastery

schiller-wine: Related Postings - Georgia Wine Tour 2019: Discovering the Birthplace of Wine (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

Georgia Wine Tour 2019: Discovering the Birthplace of Wine

Tour and Wine-pairing Lunch at Iago Winery in Mtskheta, with Cult-winemaker Iago Bitarishvili - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

Wine-pairing Lunch at Pheasant's Tears, Arguably Georgia's Most Famous Winery - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

Tour, Tasting, Dinner and Overnight-stay at Schuchmann in Kakheti, with Roland Burdiashvili, Managing Director/ Assistant Winemaker - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

Tour, Extensive Tasting and Light Lunch at Tchotiashveli Estate, with Owner/ Winemaker Kakha Tchotiashvili - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

Tour of the Marani, Qvevri Wine Tasting and Shashlik Dinner at Martali Wine, with Owners/ Winemakers Nikoloz Bitskinashvili, Nikheil Bitskinashvili and Thomas Schubaeus - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

Tour and Extensive Tasting at Château Mukhrani with General Manager/ Winemaker Patrick Honnef - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

At Mosmieri Winebar and Shop in Tbilisi, with Château Mosmieri Owner Joerg Matthies - Georgia Wine Tour 2019

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

The Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland/ Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine is one of Germany's leading wine guides. The Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine 2020 was released in late 2018.

Picture: WeinGuides Deutschland 2020 (Photo: Weingut Corvers-Kauter - Facebook)
The Eichelmann guide uses stars to rate winemakers. The best producers get 5 stars in the Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine.

Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine 2019: 5/ 5 Stars

34 producers received the maximum of 5 out of 5 stars in the Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine 2020. This is five producer more than in 2019. Nobody was demoted. Weingut Christmann, Weingut Rebholz, Weingut Bischel, Sekthaus Raumland and Weingut Schnaitmann were promoted to the 5/5 stars group.

Interestingly, the list of winemakers from Baden is relatively long in the Eichelmann ranking and the list of winemakers from the Pfalz extremely short. The following wine regions do not appear in the list below, i.e. there is no winemaker with 5 stars: Mittelrhein, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Hessische Bergstrasse.

Further, elsewhere regarded as superstars, Weingut Zilliken, Weingut JJ Prüm and Weingut Egon Müller from the Mosel region, known for their ultra-premium sweet-style wines, are not in Eichelmann's 5 stars group of winemakers.

See:
Germany's 29 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2019
Germany's 28 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2018
Germany's 27 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2017
Germany's 28 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2016
Germany's Top 27 Winemakers: 5 out of 5 Grapes - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2015
Germany’s 26 Top Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Germany’s Best Winemakers (5 Stars) - Eichelmann WeinGuide 2013

Picture: Gerhard Eichelmann at the 2012 VDP.Grosses Gewaechs Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, sitting just behind me

AHR

Meyer-Näkel

Pictures: Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr, with Dörte Näkel– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Jean Stodden

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

BADEN

Bercher

Dr. Heger

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)

Berhard Huber

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

Franz Keller (Schwarzer Adler)

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

Picture: Annette Schiller and Fritz Keller at Weingut Franz Keller, October 2019

Michel

Seeger

FRANKEN

Rudolf Fürst

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: 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)

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

Luckert – Zehnthof

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Zehnthof Luckert, in Sulzfeld, Franken, with Philipp Luckert - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Horst Sauer

Pictures: Vinyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Horst Sauer in Eschendorf, Franken, with Horst Sauer - Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Rainer Sauer

MOSEL

Clemens Busch

Pictures: At Weingut Clemens Busch with Rita and Clemens Busch. See:Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Christian Schiller and Clemens Busch at Panda Gourmet, Washington DC. See: Wine-pairing Dinner with Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel, at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller at the Rieslingfeier 2017 in New York City with Clemens Busch. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Clemens Busch and Christian Schiller in Washington DC, USA in 2014. See: German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA

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

Picture: In Seattle, Washington State, in 2013, during the 4th Riesling Rendezvous: Clemens Busch, Christian Schiller and Hermann Wiemer, founder of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State. See: The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

Clüsserath-Weiler

Markus Molitor

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

Schloss Lieser

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

Weingut Fritz Haag

Pictures: At Weingut Fritz Haag, with Oliver Haag. See: Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

Nahe

Dönnhoff

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: 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

Emrich-Schönleber

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

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

Schäfer-Fröhlich

Picture: Christian Schiller and Tim Fröhlich in Wiesbaden

Pictures: At Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau. See: Tasting at Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau, Nahe - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Pfalz

Christmann

Pictures: At Weigut A. Christmann - Harvest Time. See: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann in Gimmeldingen, Pfalz, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Knipser

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

Rebholz

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

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

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

Leitz

Pictures: Christian Schiller, Annette Schiller, Johannes Leitz and his Wife at Kloster Eberbach, GermanyAnnette Schiller and Johannes Leitz, Weingut Josef Leitz, at Kloster Eberbach, Germany

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

Robert Weil

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

Bischel

Pictures. At Weingut Bischel. See: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Klaus Peter Keller

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

Raumland

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Wittmann

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

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

Württemberg

Gerhard Aldinger

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

Picture: 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

Dautel

Picture: Ernst Dautel and Christian Schiller at Weingut Dautel

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Dautel in Württemberg with Christian Dautel - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Schnaitmann

Pictures: At Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann with Rainer Schnaitmann. See: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Rainer Schnaitmann at Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann in Fellbach, Württemberg – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Pictures: Chef's Table Winemaker Dinner at Zur Golden Kron in Frankfurt, Germany, with Michelin-starred Chef Alfred Friedrich, Frankfurt Cult Sommelier Pit Punda and World Class Winemaker Rainer Schnaitmann from Württemberg

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

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

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr, with Dörte Näkel– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Vinyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Horst Sauer in Eschendorf, Franken, with Horst Sauer - Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Zehnthof Luckert, in Sulzfeld, Franken, with Philipp Luckert - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

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

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

Wine-pairing Dinner with Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel, at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC, USA

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

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

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

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

Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

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

Tasting at Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau, Nahe - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann in Gimmeldingen, Pfalz, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

Cellar 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

Tasting at Weingut Dautel in Württemberg with Christian Dautel - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Rainer Schnaitmann at Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann in Fellbach, Württemberg – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Chef's Table Winemaker Dinner at Zur Golden Kron in Frankfurt, Germany, with Michelin-starred Chef Alfred Friedrich, Frankfurt Cult Sommelier Pit Punda and World Class Winemaker Rainer Schnaitmann from Württemberg

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Here we arrived at the far end of the Nahe region where the Nahe river joins the Rhein river. The Nahe wine region is the region in Germany with the most diverse geological formations making it very difficult to claim a distinctive “Nahe” character of the wines.

Stefan Rumpf was our host. We started the visit with a vineyard tour, followed by a quick cellar tour, where we met Georg Rumpf, who is in charge of making the wines at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf. We then sat down for a tasting.

Weingut Kruger-Rumpf is represented in the US by Michael Skurnik/ Terry Theise and widely available in the country.

Pictures: Arriving, with Georg Rumpf

Weingut Kruger-Rumpf

“In our family, viniculture has been tradition since 1708 - a tradition that we have been cultivating in our vineyards as well as in our manor house which was built back in 1830” said Georg Rumpf. Stefan Rumpf, Georg’s father, brought Weingut Kruger-Rumpf up to where it is today: After completing his studies in agricultural sciences, including stints in Californian wineries, and conducting research at the Geisenheim research institute, Stefan Rumpf took over the estate from his parents in 1984. Up until then, the wines were sold almost entirely in bulk. Stefan Rumpf changed this and started to bottle his wines and to market the bottles himself. Less than 10 years later, in 1992, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf was invited to join the VDP, the about 200 German elite winemakers, a clear sign of what Stefan Rumpf had achieved over the course of just 8 years.

Today, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf has 3 (of 5) grapes in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland. The vineyard area totals 22 hectares and the annual production is 14.000 cases. The top sites are: Münsterer Dautenpflänzer (slate with sandy loam); Münsterer Pittersberg (slate); Münsterer Rheinberg (weathered quartzite and sandy loam); Binger Scharlachberg Rheinhessen (Rotliegend and porphyry).

Grape varieties: 65% Riesling, 10% each of Silvaner and Weissburgunder, 5% each of Chardonnay, Grauburgunder and Spätburgunder. In fact, Kruger-Rumpf was the first estate in the Nahe region to plant Chardonnay.

Georg Rumpf has taken over the winemaking aspect of Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, while his father is now more focusing on sales and general management.

Weingut Krueger-Rumpf sells 70% of its production in Germany and exports the remaining 30%. Accordingly, “80% of the wines we produce are dry wines” said Georg “and 20% are fruity-sweet and noble-sweet wines.”

Pictures: Cellar Tour at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf

Vineyards

Here is a good description of Weingut Rumpf's vineyards, from Skurnik/ Terry Theise.

Münsterer Dautenpflänzer – loesss, subsoil is quartz – Daute means “shoot” and pflänzer means “plant”, an homage to the fact that this was once a nursery. South facing, the older section is steep, and the vineyard is an amphitheater shape.

Münsterer im Pitterberg – slate (Devonian weathered grey) – this is a Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) steep south facing site.

Münsterer Rheinberg – weathered quartzite and sandy loam– southeast facing, from very steep on the higher sections to gentle slopes with richer soils in the lower sections.

Pictures: In the Vineyard with Stefan Rumpf

Binger Scharlachberg Rheinhessen – quartz and red sandstone/red slate – The name means scarlet hill, planted in terraced sections rather than straight slopes. Just across the Nahe to the east of Münster, this vineyard is technically in the Rhienhessen in its far northwest boundary.

Bingerbrücker Abtei im Ruppertsberg – phyllite, which is essentially mica slate – south facing very steep hillside. Abtei means abbey and this vineyard belonged to the abbey at Bingen, home to Hildegard vom Bingen. Most northern vineyard in the Nahe.

Dorsheimer Burgberg – volcanic Permian era conglomerate, and quartz – quite steep and very small vineyard in Dorsheim, one village south of Münster.

Münsterer Kapellenberg – quartz, with some red slate – several sections which are very steep, but similar to Rheinberg where the lower sections have richer soils.

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller in the Vineyard with Georg Rumpf during a previous Visit of Weingut Kruger-Rump. See: Wine Dinner with Tour at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Georg Rumpf – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Country Restaurant Kruger-Rumpf

One of the (many) assets of Weingut Kruger-Rumpf is the lovely country restaurant, which is part of the winery. It opened its doors in 1994. They call it a wine tavern, but for me it is a country restaurant. Whatever you call it, it is a lovely place, where you can have a great time with traditional, upscale cuisine and Kruger-Rumpf wines in the cozy atmosphere of a family-run country restaurant.

The rooms are decorated with appropriate accessories depending on the season. Painted stucco ceilings, historic tiled stoves, wooden floors, warm wall paint as well as furniture in country-house style provide for a comfortable living room atmosphere. The bright rooms are located on the ground floor of the manor house.

In addition, there is an idyllic garden. Especially during the summer, the garden restaurant of the winery provides you with the opportunity to enjoy the evening in a cozy al fresco atmosphere with a hearty meal and a good glass of wine. In fact, we did the tasting and had the dinner in the garden restaurant.

I love to wine and dine at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf. Towards the end of the year, after the harvest, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf always organizes two winemaker dinners. These are exceptional events, because of the wines, the food and the ambiance. When we are in Germany during that period, we always try to participate.

Unfortunately on the 2019 ombiasy tour we did not have the chance to eat at the Kruger-Rumpf Restaurant, becaus it was closed on the day of our visit.

Pictures: Stefan Rumpf and Cornelia Rumpf, with Georg Rumpf, his Wife and Daughter. (A second daughter, Magdalena Johanna, was borne in early 2018)

Tasting

We tasted 12 wines, many in the fruity-sweet style, with Stefan Rumpf. Georg Rumpf also joined us at the end.

Pictures: Tasting

The Wines


2017 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Im Pitterberg Riesling Grosse Lage GG


2017 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Im Langenberg Riesling Grosse Lage feinherb


2017 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Münsterer Rheinberg Riesling Erste Lage Kabinett
2018 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Münsterer Rheinberg Riesling Erste Lage Kabinett


2017 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Dautenpflänzer Riesling Grosse Lage Spätlese
2017 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Im Pitterberg Riesling Grosse Lage Kabinett
2017 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Im Pitterberg Riesling Grosse Lage Spätlese


2018 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Im Pitterberg Scheurebe Grosse Lage Spätlese


2017 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Dautenpflänzer Riesling Grosse Lage Auslese


2013 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Scharlachberg Riesling Grosse Lage Spätlese
2004 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Dautenpflänzer Riesling Grosse Lage Spätlese
2013 Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Dautenpflänzer Riesling Grosse Lage Auslese


Bye-bye

Thanks you very much Stefan for a great visit and tasting.

Pictures: Bye-bye

Dinner at the Altes Zollamt Restaurant in Bingen

Following the visit of Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, we drove back to the NH Hotel in Bingen.

The NH-Hotel in Bingen is a 4 star very modern hotel beautifully situated at the confluence of the Nahe and Rhine rivers, with stunning views across the Rhine to the vineyards and castles on the Rheingau side.

Pictures:  NH Hotel in Bingen at the Rhine River

From there we walked along the Rhine River to the Altes Zollamt Restaurant, where we had a casual dinner.

Pictures: Dinner

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling - Published and Forthcoming Postings)

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Joachim Flick in Hochheim, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at the Weingut Schloss Johannisberg Gutsrestaurant - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Wegeler in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Kloster Eberbach: Overnight-Stay, Dinner, Tour and Aperitif in the Steinberg Vineyard - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Lunch, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau, with Owner Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen and Winemaker Arne Willkens - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Kaufmann in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Family-style Wine-pairing Lunch at Weingut Hans Lang - Kaufmann, with Owners/ Winemakers Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Sekt Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting in the Vineyard at Weingut Laquai in Lorch, Rheingau, with Gundolf Laquai - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch in Bacharach, Mittelrhein Region - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Vineyard Drive at Weingut Ratzenberger in Bacharach, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Tasting at Weingut Franzen, Bremm, Terrassen-Mosel, with Angelina Franzen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Jos. Jos. Prüm in Bernkastel-Wehlen, Mosel, with Amei Prüm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Wine Dinner at Weingut Richard Böcking in Traben-Trarbach, Middle Mosel, with Owner Denman Zirkle - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, with Ernie Loosen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Weingut Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Mueller-Burggraef: Visit of the Doctorkeller and Tour and Tasting at the Winery, with Owner Matthias Willkomm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Lunch at Restaurant Juffer Flair of Weingut Christian Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Reinhold Haart in Piesport, Mosel, with Johannes Haart - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Peter Lauer in Ayl, Upper Mosel, Saar Valley, with Katharina Lauer and Peter Lauer - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at WEINrestaurant Ayler Kupp, Weingut Peter Lauer, Saar Valley - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Crusius, Traisen, Nahe, with Dr. Peter Crusius and his Daughter Judith Crusius - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard tour, cellar tour and tasting at winery Kruger-Rumpf, Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf

Tour, Tasting, Dinner and Overnight Stay at Weingut Kruger Rumpf, Nahe, with Stefan, Cornelia and Georg Rumpf– Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard tour and tasting at winery Bischel in Appenheim, Rheinhessen, with Christian Runkel, Owner and Winemaker

Winery visit and lunch at winery Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum

Guntrum is Back (Stuart Pigott/ James Suckling): Wine Pairing Lunch and Tour at Weingut Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Owners Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Mainlust “Desche Otto” – an Ultra Traditional Apple Wine Tavern, with an Innovative Twist, off the Beaten Track in Schwanheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Pictures: Ultra-premium Sekt: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Griesel&Compagnie, Sekthaus Streit, Bensheim, with Winemaker Rachele Crosara - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

TheBuyer: Anne Krebiehl (MW), name three areas that you believe German wine is making greatest strides in and why?– 1. Sekt: As regular readers will know; fizz is close to my heart. Sekt was the last bastion of German wine to be given the quality treatment. In the 1960s and 70s a once thriving industry succumbed wholesale to mass-production of tank-fermented, easy Sekt and gave the once luxus-denoting term its tainted image. This is no longer the case: there is now world-class traditional method Sekt – still small in production but it does exist. This is where Germany has made the largest strides, especially in the past five years. The best thing about it: the very best bottles are still slumbering away in cool cellars, maturing on their lees. Rieslingsekt, in various styles, is a USP – something the world needs to learn about.

Sekt

Germany is one of the largest sparkling wine markets in the world. 500 million of the 2 billion bottles of sparkling wine produced in the world is consumed in Germany. Sparkling wine produced in Germany is called Sekt. Sekt is made in all German wine regions. All of the 5 production methods are used.

There are three groups of Sekt makers: (i) large and (ii) smaller Sekt Houses, which only make Sekt and (iii) winemakers, who make predominantly wine, but complement their wine selection by a few Sekts.

The Sekts produced by large Sekt estates tend to be in the demy-sweet and sweet range and made by using the Charmat Method, while the Sekts of smaller estates and winemakers are mostly in the brut and extra brut range, made according to the Méthode Champenoise.

At the top, premium and ultra-premium Sekts are made according to the Méthode Champenoise. To indicate that it is made like Champagne the label says "Traditionelle Flachengährung"/ Traditional Method. One of the rquirements is that it has aged on the lees in the bottle for at least 9 months on the lees.

"Winzersekt" is what is called "Grower Champagne" in Champagne, i.e. the grapes come from the producer's vineyard.

A Winzersekt is always a Deutscher Sekt/ Qualitätsschaumwein b.A. (bestimmter Anbaugebiete), a quality sparkling wine from a protected designation of origin wine region. Regional grape varieties like Riesling, Silvaner, and Pinot Noir are used.

On the other side of the quality spectrum, you find just "Sekt" on the label, made at least partially from imported wines from Italy, Spain and France. If it says "Deutscher Sekt", the grapes are all from Germany.

There are also lots of semi-sparkling wines (Perlwein), which can range from really cheap to excellent quality wines.

German production of sparkling wines dates back to the early 1800s, when G. C. Kessler & Co. was founded by Georg Christian Kessler, who had previously worked at the Champagne House Veuve Clicquot. Also, many (French) Champagne Houses have German origins, such as Bollinger, Mumm, Taitinger.

See also: Champagne, Sekt, Cava, Pét-Nat ...: Sparkling Wines around the World - A Primer

Deutscher Sekt Award/ Vinum

The Deutscher Sekt Award is organized by the leading wine journal Vinum and the Verband der traditionellen klassischen Flaschenvergärer/ Association of Traditional Classic Bottle Fermenters.

Sekterzeuger des Jahres/ Sekt Producer of the Year

Niko Brandner
Griesel & Compagnie
Bensheim

Vinum: Career changer, no winemaking family background, just six years on the market, a forgotten growing area - the key data of Griesel & Compagnie can not really hope for such fabulous qualities. But the owner Niko Brandner has managed to create from zero the first sparkling wine estate in the Hessische Bergstrass Region.

As in previous years, the Griesel Sekts play a leading role in the 2019 Vinum Deutscher Sekt Awards, with two Sekts on the podium this year and two more in the top group. And even if Griesel Sekt did not manage to win in any of the categories, Griesel Sekt missed the top spot by just 0.3 points - we are sure: something really great is emerging. As soon as Niko Brandner will be able to have older vintages at his disposal, Sekts will emerge here that will play at the very top. Niko Brandner is the Sekt producer of the Year.

Pictures: Traditional Hand Riddling and Modern Gyro-palate Machines at Geisel. See: Ultra-premium Sekt: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Griesel&Compagnie, Sekthaus Streit, Bensheim, with Winemaker Rachele Crosara - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Sekt des Jahres/ Sekt of the Year

Volker Raumland with his daughters Katharina und Marie-Luise
Sekthaus Raumland
Flörsheim-Dalsheim

Vinum: There are wine producers you can not avoid. And there is a sparkling wine producer in Germany, to whome the same applies. For decades, Volker Raumland has almost single-handedly pushed the German ultra-premium Sekts forward. Be it as a producer for other wineries, be it with his own Sekts. The list of his awards and prizes is impressive. And even if he gradually passes the scepter to daughter Marie-Luise, he shows once again this year very impressively that he still can do it like no other. In the finale round Raumland was represented with seven Sekts. In the category "Burgundy varieties more than 36 months on the lees" the "Vintage Blanc de Noirs Brut 2008" was with 18 points the highest rated Sekt in the entire competition. With its fascinating complexity and great harmony, it is a truly great sparkling wine, and without any question the sparkling wine of the year.

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Burgundersorten/ Burgundy Varieties
Bis 36 Monate Hefelager/ Up to 36 Months on the Lees

#1: Weingut Franz Keller, Vogtsburg-Oberbergen, Baden
Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs Brut 2016
16 Euro | www.franz-keller.de

#2: Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen, Sommerhausen, Franken
Blanc de Blancs Brut
18,50 Euro | www.sommerhausen.com

#3: Sektkellerei Andres & Mugler, Ruppertsberg, Pfalz
Blanc de Noir Brut 2017
14 Euro | www.andresundmugler.de

Picture: Annette Schiller and Fritz Keller at Weingut Franz Keller, October 2019. See: Best German Red Wine - Meininger Rotweinpreis 2019, Germany

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

Pictures: Tasting with Fritz Keller at Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Baden. See: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Baden– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: Fritz Keller and Friedrich Keller, Weingut Franz Keller, with Annette and Christian Schiller  at Prowein. See: Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany– Schiller’s Impressions

Burgundersorten/ Burgundy Varieties
Über 36 Monate Hefelager/ More than 36 Months on the Lees

#1: Sekthaus Raumland, Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen
Vintage Blanc de Noirs Brut 2008
69 Euro | www.raumland.de

#2: Griesel & Compagnie, Bensheim, Hessische Bergstrasse
Prestige - Pinot Brut Nature 2015
48,50 Euro (Magnum) | www.griesel-sekt.com

#3: Bergdolt Klostergut St. Lamprecht, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Pfalz
Chardonnay Brut Nature 2015
Preis: 16,50 Euro | www.weingut-bergdolt.de

Rieslingsekt
Bis 36 Monate Hefelager/ Up to 36 Months on the Lees

#1: Weingut Emrich-Schönleber, Monzingen, Nahe
Riesling Brut
16 Euro | www.emrich-schoenleber.de

#2: Flik Sektmanufaktur, Mainz, Rheinhessen
Riesling Brut 2017
12,90 Euro | www.flik.de

#3: Weingut Bibo Runge, Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau
Riesling Sekt b.A. brut 2014
17,50 Euro | www.bibo-runge-wein.de

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

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

Rieslingsekt
Über 36 Monate Hefelager/ More than 36 Months on the Lees

#1: Gut Hermannsberg, Niederhausen, Nahe
Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube Riesling Extra Brut Sekt b.A. 2013
69 Euro | www.gut-hermannsberg.de

#2: Florentiner Palais GmbH / Motzenbäcker, Deidesheim, Pfalz
Riesling Brut Methode Rurale 2015
23 Euro | www.motzenbaecker-sekt.de

#3: Weingut Schloss Sommerhausen, Sommerhausen, Franken
Le Extreme Riesling 1994
129 Euro | www.sommerhausen.com

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg in Niederhausen, Nahe– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Rosé Sekt

#1: Privat-Sektkellerei Reinecker, Auggen, Baden
Reinecker Rosé Brut 20155
14 Euro | www.sektkellerei-reinecker.de

#2: Weingut Dr. Wehrheim, Birkweiler, Pfalz
Rosé Sekt Brut 2016
17,90 Euro | www.weingut-wehrheim.de

#3: Weingut Franz Keller, Vogtsburg-Oberbergen, Baden
Pinot Rosé Brut 2016
16 Euro | www.franz-keller.de

Divers

#1: Weingut Kaufmann, Eltville, Rheingau
Pinot Noir Brut
15 Euro | www.kaufmann-weingut.de

#2: Weingut Hans Wirsching, Iphofen, Franken
Silvaner Extra Brut 2016
13,80 Euro | www.wirsching.de

#2: Griesel & Compagnie, Bensheim, Hessische Bergstrasse
Muskateller Brut 2015
15,50 Euro | www.griesel-sekt.de

Pictures: Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Kaufmann in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Sekt mit Restsüsse/ Fruity-sweet Sekt

#1: Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm, Perl, Mosel
Gewürztraminer Demi-Sec 2011
13 Euro | www.petgen-dahm.de

#2: Sekthaus Raumland, Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen
Fleur Doux
16 Euro | www.raumland.de

#3: Genossenschaftskellerei Heilbronn eG, Heilbronn, Württemberg
Heilbronner Staufenberg Muskateller Sekt Dry 2017
9,45 Euro | www.wg-heilbronn.de

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Ultra-premium Sekt: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Griesel&Compagnie, Sekthaus Streit, Bensheim, with Winemaker Rachele Crosara - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Champagne, Sekt, Cava, Pét-Nat ...: Sparkling Wines around the World - A Primer

Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Baden– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Gut Hermannsberg in Niederhausen, Nahe– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Kaufmann in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: Tour and Tasting at Château Gazin, Appellation Pomerol, with Owner Nicolas de Bailliencourts - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winemaking on the Château Gazin property dates back to 1772. In 1917 the current owner family, the de Bailliencouts purchased the estate and today it is the 5th generation of the de Bailliencourts, one of the oldest families in France, managing the Château. Château Gazin is quite unique in the Right Bank: the vineyard is a single block of 66 acres – a very large estate for Pomerol standards - on the highest elevation in Pomerol (40.5 meters) which they share with their world-famous neighbor Château Petrus. The Gazin vineyards are planted with 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet-Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet-Franc. The clay-gravelly subsoil of the Pomerol plateau is the essence of the terroir of Château Gazin.

Nicolas de Bailliencourts was our host. He took us on a tour of the property, followed by a tour of the winemaking facility. We ended the visit in the elegant tasting room of Château Gazin.

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Gazin, Appellation Pomerol, with Owner Nicolas de Bailliencourts - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Château Gazin/ wine-searcher

wine-searcher: Château Gazin is located on the right bank of the river Gironde in Pomerol, Bordeaux. The wines are focused on Merlot, which dominates the single vineyard plot that makes up the estate. The vineyard neighbors Pomerol powerhouse Petrus, as well as Château l'Evangile, which is owned by Domaines Baron de Rothschild.

The 26-hectare (64-acre) vineyard is planted on one of the highest plateaus in the region. The vines, which are on average 35 years old, are planted on Gunizan gravel topsoils with blue and green clay subsoils interspersed with iron oxide. Merlot flourishes here and the soils drain well, allowing for a good supply of water for the roots. While more than 85 percent of the vineyards are planted to Merlot there are a few rows of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grown throughout the vineyard.

The vines at Château Gazin are treated with minimal pesticides and organic fertilizers, and once the grapes are ripe they are harvested by hand. Fermentation occurs in small concrete vats in the winery, which is located next to the vineyards. Each variety is kept separate during fermentation and components are only blended together after the process is complete. The blended wines are then aged for 18 months in 50 percent new French barrels before being released. Interestingly, Gazin does not own its own barrels, and instead leases them on a yearly basis.

Château Gazin was acquired by Louis Soualle, a French wine merchant, in the early 20th century. Soualle's daughter married Edouard de Bailliencourt, who came from a family descended from the Lords of Landas. Today the château is still run by the same Bailliencourt family. It was built on a site that originally housed a hospital that cared for injured pilgrims walking along the Santiago de Compostela route from Spain. The second wine of Gazin, L'Hospitalet de Gazin, is named in homage to this historical hospital, and was created in 1986.

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Gazin, Appellation Pomerol, with Owner Nicolas de Bailliencourts - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

The 5th Generation of Owners

From left to right and from top to bottom: Laure (Madame Michel Dufour), Christophe, Inès and Nicolas de Bailliencourt. The descendants of Louis Soualle represent the 5th generation of vineyard owners both on the paternal and maternal side.

Pictures: Laure (Madame Michel Dufour), Christophe, Inès and Nicolas de Bailliencourt

Tasting

Nicolas de Bailliencourt opened the 2017 Grand Vin for us.

The 2017 Gazin has a very classic Pomerol bouquet with black brambly fruit infused with black truffle and subtle raspberry confit notes. Then, as it opens, there are loamy aromas that lend more complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin and a fine bead of acidity. There is a slightly powdery texture, feeling quite saline. White pepper and fennel notes become more conspicuous towards the finish. Just a classic Gazin from proprietor Nicolas de Bailliencourt and his team. Drink 2022 - 2045.
Score: 91/93 Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2018

The 2017 Gazin is medium to deep garnet-purple colored and scented of warm red plums and black forest cake with touches of forest floor and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, soft, rounded and mouth-filling, it gives good expression and depth.
Score: 89/91+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (236), April 2018

A dense and flavorful red already with dark-berry, seaweed and wet-earth undertones. Full body and round and chewy tannins. Green olives on the finish. Serious for the vintage.
Score: 94/95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2018

Pictures: Tasting

Bye-bye

Many thanks for a great visit.

Pictures: Bye-bye

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

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

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

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 Pape-Clément, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Graves, with Daley Brennan, Business Development Manager, Eastern USA - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, Appellation Saint-Émilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B, with Proprietor Count Stephan von Neipperg - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Belles-Graves, Appellation Lalande de Pomerol, with Sylvain Garoste, Maître de Chai (Cellar Master) - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Table de Catusseau, Bib Gourmand in the Guide Michelin, in Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol, with Technical Director Marielle Cazaux - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Château Troplong-Mondot, Appellation Saint-Émilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Appellation Pomerol, with Dany Rolland and General Manager Benoit Prévot - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Gazin, Appellation Pomerol, with Owner Nicolas de Bailliencourts - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Climens, Appellation Barsac-Sauternes, Première Grand Cru Classé, with Owner and Winemaker Bérénice Lurton

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton

Lunch at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye

Tour and Tasting at Château Bel-Air La Royère, Appellation Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinne Loriaud

An Afternoon with Owner/Winemaker Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud at Chateau Bel Air La Royere in Blaye, Bordeaux, France

Tour and Tasting at Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm, with Oyster Farmer Ralph Doerfler

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

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

Tour and Blending Workshop at Château La Tour de Bessan, Appellation Margaux, Cru Bourgeois

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What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

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Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with General Manager Philippe Blanc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Desmirail, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Denis Lurton

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

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

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Picture: Annette Schiller, Christian Schiller and Clemens Busch at Panda Gourmet, Washington DC. See: Wine-pairing Dinner with Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel, at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC, USA

The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland is one of the 5 leadng wine guides in Germany.

The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 contains around 4000 wine recommendations from more than 500 producers, rated according to the 100-point system.

The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 was released in November 2019.

In the tasting team led by Falstaff Germany editor and editor-in-chief Ulrich Sautter, you find luminaries such as Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl from London and the top sommeliers Stéphane Gass ("Schwarzwaldstube", Baiersbronn), Gerhard Retter ("Fischerklause" Lütjensee, and "Cordo ", Berlin) and Oliver Donnecker (" Heimat ", Frankfurt).

Picture: Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 (Photo: Falstaff)

Falstaff Collection of the Year: Weingut Clemens Busch

The Collection of the Year Award was given to Weingut Clemens Busch in Pünderich, Mosel.

Falstaff: The biodynamic family winery business scored 98 points for its 2018 Marienburg Riesling Goldkapsel Auslese, 97 points for its 2017 Marienburg Felsterrasse GG and three times 96 points for its 2017 Marienburg Raffes GG, 2017 Marienburg Fahrlay-Terrassen GG and 2017 Marienburg Rothenpfad GG.

"Busch's ability to produce seven plot-specific GGs from a single vineyard is unparalleled in German viticulture," says Ulrich Sautter. "And every single one of these wines is a special wine in its own right, and is brought to its optimum expression with great attention to detail, with viticultural precision and a sense of style".

Series of Posting

This is part of a series of postings with regard to the Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020:

Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 - The Best (96 - 100 Points) German Wines
Collection of the Year: Weingut Clemens Busch - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020, Germany
Germany's 31 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020
Best German Winemakers: Falstaff Wine Trophies 2020 - The Nominees
Best German Winemakers: Falstaff Wine Trophies 2020

Weingut Clemens Busch

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

Pictures: Annette Schiller and Clemens Busch at Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel. See: With Wine Maker Clemens Busch in Puenderich at his Winery in the Mosel Valley, Germany (2013)

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

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

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller with Clemens Busch at Weingut Clemens Busch in Pünderich. See: See: Tasting with Rita Busch at Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, Germany (2014) 

Vineyard area: 10 hectares

Annual production: 55,000 bottles

The winery is since 2007 member of the VDP (Association of German VDP), the 200 or so German elite winemakers.

Clemens Busch produces mainly dry wines but also fruity-sweet wines as well as noble-sweet wines.

Pündericher Marienburg

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

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

Pictures: Crossing the Mosel at the Pündericher Marienburg. See: With Wine Maker Clemens Busch in Puenderich at his Winery in the Mosel Valley, Germany (2013)

Fahrlay and Fahrlay-Terrassen, directly across the river from the Busch’s house, consist mainly of blue slate, producing a Riesling with a particularly intensive mineral flavor and slightly salty notes in the finish.

Falkenlay, including the old-vine section called Raffes, is made up of grey slate, producing particularly creamy, fruit-driven Rieslings.

Picture: In the Pündericher Marienburg Vineyard with Rita Busch. See: Tasting with Rita Busch at Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, Germany (2014)

Wine Cellar

In the cellar, it is obvious that Clemens Busch does without high technology. After crushing, the grapes undergo skin contact and ferment spontaneously in both stainless steel and in oak Fuder (wooden casks of 1000 liters).  The fermentation continues for a very long period of time (8-9 months, sometimes even 12). In addition to lees contact, Clemens Busch likes to do lees stirring to increase the wines’ fruitiness and richness. There are no additions to the wine (sugar for chaptalisation, acidity, etc) except for a very small amount of sulfur before bottling. As an exception, special yeast is used for noble-sweet wines where the sugar levels are sometimes so high that wild yeasts would not even begin to work.

Weingut Clemens Busch Wines in the USA

The Weingut Clemens Busch wines are widely available in the US. Louis/Dressner is the main American importer. In California, Dee Vine Wines (Fine German Wines) is the exclusive importer of Weingut Clemens Busch wines. I also found the Weingut Clemens Busch wines on the website of David Bowler Wine in New York.

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Christian Schiller and Clemens Busch at Panda Gourmet, Washington DC. See: Wine-pairing Dinner with Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel, at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller at the Rieslingfeier 2017 in New York City with Clemens Busch. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Clemens Busch and Christian Schiller in Washington DC, USA in 2014. See: German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA

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

Picture: In Seattle, Washington State, in 2013, during the 4th Riesling Rendezvous: Clemens Busch, Christian Schiller and Hermann Wiemer, founder of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State. See: The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

Clemens Busch/ Bowler Wine

Bowler Wine: We are especially excited to be working with Clemens and Rita Busch, biodynamic practitioners in the Marienburg vineyards of Pünderich. Clemens is the fifth generation winemaker at this estate (all the previous ones were also named Clemens; ever the iconoclast, he named his son Florian) and he began using organic practices in 1984, more recently transitioning to biodynamics, for which he has become a role model and beacon of change among German winemakers.

Location is crucial to mention here. Pünderich lies essentially at the dividing line between the Middle and Lower Mosel, the wilder and more remote northern section of the Mosel river system. The geology here is unique, based on a volcanic formation hundreds of millions of years old, manifested in a long, undulating cliff face that is nothing short of epic. The three main colors of slate (blue, red and grey) are all found here, dominating different parcels along the slopes across the river from the village. In spite of multiple slate profiles and expositions varying throughout the area, the German government in 1971, in a bureaucratic decision of breathtaking short-sightedness, lumped all these parcels together under one vineyard name, the Marienburg. Furthermore, they expanded what was a 23-hectare geographically coherent site into a 90-hectare politically drawn one, which even includes a series of flat sites on the opposite side of the river! Clemens has devoted his career to rectifying this mistake, identifying the different terroirs of the original hillside on his labels by their historical names: Fahrlay, Falkenlay, Rothenpfad, Felsterrasse, and Raffes. He further delineates his wines by their soil type, using an ingenious method: the color of the capsule on the bottles indicates the type of slate (blue, gray or red) that dominates the source from which each wine comes.

Most of the wines at the Busch estate are vinified dry, and they are rich, complex and often powerful. They age very beautifully, gaining in complexity and texture. However, the sweet and noble sweet wines from the estate are also impressive, ranking among the finest wines made anywhere on the Mosel.

It is important to note there are not a lot of committed "natural" winemakers in Germany in the sense that we know it from France and elsewhere; Busch is considered by many to be THE master interpreter of that philosophy in Germany. In numerous ways, these are some of the most iconoclastic wines we have ever tasted.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Wine-pairing Dinner with Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel, at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC, USA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures: Two American Icons: With Randall Grahm, Founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, and Joel Peterson, Founder of Ravenswood Vineyards, at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA

At the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, we were honored by the presence of Randall Grahm and Joel Peterson, two iconic American winemakers.

Randall Grahm, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, received the American Wine Society Award of Merit. Ever since I bumped into Randall in San Francisco at the Opera House, I have been in touch with him through various channels, also because he loves German wine and his wine cellar is stocked with old Rieslings. Of course, he spent quite some time at our German Wine Booth at the Showcase of Wine Tasting.

Pictures: Christian Schiller and Randall Grahm in San Francisco. See: Bumping into Randall Grahm in San Francisco, Owner of famed Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz in California, USA

Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood Vineyards, regularly comes to the American Wine Society National Convention and we have developped some rappport over time.

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy PR and WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings - "Renaissance of Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots" and "Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same?" - at the 2019 Annual Meetings of the American Wine Society. In addition, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening.

The tastings were sponsored by ombiasy WineTours and the wine producers whose wines were presented or their US importers.

The 2019 American Wine Society Annual Meetings took place at St. Pete Beach in Florida, on  Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2019.

More than 600 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.

I have already provided an overview of the event her: The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Pictures: At the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, with Randall Grahm, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Joel Peterson, Founder Ravenswood Vineyards, Janie Brooks Heuck, President,International Riesling Foundation and Brooks Winery, Joe Broski, AWS President, David Falchek, AWS Executive Director and Diane Meyer, Conference Chairperson

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the fourth in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2019 in St. Pete Beach, Florida:

The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller

Renaissance of the Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same? - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Dry Riesling From Around the World - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Janie Brooks Heuck, President, International Riesling Foundation

Two American Icons: With Graham Randall, Founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, and Joel Peterson, Founder of Ravenswood Vineyards,at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA

Ombiasy WineTours Booth

One of the about 15 booths at the conference was Annette Schiller's ombiasyPR & WineTours booth, where Annette and I presented her 6 tours to Germany (East, South, North) and France (Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhone).

Pictures: Ombiasy WineTours Booth with AWS President Joseph Broski

Randall Grahm Earns Top Consumer Honor

American Wine Society Press Release: St. Pete Beach, Fla. –Randall Grahm, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, received the American Wine Society Award of Merit at the organization’s national conference in St. Pete Beach, Fla., earlier this month.

In an acceptance speech, Mr. Grahm humbly and humorously discussed several particularly vivid career failures over the past 35 years, as well as plans for the future at his estate vineyard in San Juan Bautista, CA. But the audience of 600 applauded him for his decades of innovation and successes.

Pictures: With Randall Grahm, Founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA

The AWS’s Award of Merit is the highest consumer honor conferred on individuals in the wine industry, recognizing contributions that have enhanced wine appreciation and enjoyment. Since 1974, the AWS has presented this award annually to leaders in winemaking, viticulture, marketing, journalism, or merchandizing.

“Mr. Grahm has influenced wine styles, packaging, and marketing in enduring ways,” said AWS Executive Director David Falchek, citing Mr. Grahm’s pioneering experiments with Rhone grape varieties, his early embrace of Stelvin closures, and his innovative marketing, as with his flagship Rhone-style blend, Le Cigare Volant.

“Randall Grahm has been at the forefront of introducing new grape varieties, hastening the adoption of alternate closures, and marketing wine in fun, innovative ways,” Falchek said. “He is known as one of the industry’s great characters, but he has also been a force in shaping the wine industry for the better.”

When asked for a comment on this, his most recent accolade, Mr. Grahm said, “I am greatly honored by this acknowledgment from the AWS, but respectfully suggest that the real hard work is still yet to be doon. I look forward to many more productive years in this industry.”

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Pictures: VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller and Randall Grahm

Born in Los Angeles, Randall’s serious introduction to wine was at the Wine Merchant in Beverly Hills where, when he was not sweeping the floors, he was trying fine wines with the staff. He switched schools, dropping out of a liberal arts program, and attended UC Davis, studying plant science. He went about planting grapes, founding Bonny Doon Vineyards near Santa Cruz and setting out to make great pinot noir. But Burgundy magic proved elusive. Fortunately, Bonny Doon’s experimental vineyards and their resulting wine trials of Rhone varieties showed great promise. Mr. Grahm’s pioneering work led to a series of creative wines based on Rhone varieties, best known among them Le Cigare Volant. He embraced Stelvin (screw cap) closure early on, holding all-black “Death of the Cork" funerals in New York City and San Francisco in 2002, with a eulogy given by Jancis Robinson. Today, like a vinous Sisyphus, Mr. Grahm continues to challenge the conservative wine world, with an ambitious grape breeding program and new Popelouchum Vineyards, where he seeks to create a New World Grahm Cru.

The American Wine Society is the oldest and largest organization of wine consumers in the United States.

Pictures: Randall Grahm Tasting a German Syrah from Weingut Ziereisen at the Grand Dinner. See: Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same? - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Randall Grahm

Randall Grahm might be the USA’s most influential wine voice since Robert Mondavi. Like the late Robert Mondavi, his wine journey was not a straight one.

A Los Angeles native and philosophy major at UC Santa Cruz, Randall Grahm became interested in wine while working in a wine shop, while he was studying philosophy. He moved on to studying winemaking at UC Davis and worked at the Smothers Brothers winery after graduation. In 1983, he started his own winery – Bonny Doon Vineyard – near Bonny Doon in Santa Cruz County, which became one of the USA’s largest wine producers. At its peak, in 2006, Bonny Doon sold some 450,000 cases of wine.

These days are over. Randall Grahm has abandoned making mass-market wine and is now en route to make a vin de terroir in small quantities - high-end, boutique wines.

The U-turn has also allowed him to spend more time with his partner, Chinshu Huang, and their young daughter Amelie, following a health crisis, a bout with osteomyelitis ( a rare bone infection). The surgery kept him from attending the opening of his own 2004 rock opera - Born to Rhone.

Pictures: Randall Grahm Tasting a 1975 Weingut von Hövel Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese at the Grand Dinner, which Annette and Christian Schiller brought for the Dinner

Pacific Rim –  German Style Riesling

Pacific Rim is in Washington State now and produces 190,000 cases of wine, almost all of which is Riesling made from Washington grapes. Only Chateau Ste. Michelle and Hogue Cellars make more Riesling in Washington State. It is owned by the Banfi family.

Randall Grahm founded Pacific Rim in 1992. His Pacific Rim Dry Riesling quickly gained a loyal following among Riesling lovers, for its fresh and bright characteristics. When Randall Grahm decided in 2006 to downsize and reorganize Bonny Doon Vinyard, including Pacific Rim, he started to spin off his Pacific Rim wines as a standalone winery in Washington State, where the US Riesling grapes came from. He worked with the Den Hoed family, longtime grape growers in the Yakima Valley, to create a winemaking facility in the shadow of Red Mountain. In 2011, Pacific Rim was purchased by the Banfi family, which owns an important wine import company in New York and a famous winery and vineyard in Italy.

One of the Rieslings Randall Grahm used to produce was an Organic Riesling. According to Randall Grahm,” it was sustainably produced from vine to bottle --- 99.2% of all components for our Riesling are organic. We even use native — not commercial — yeast to best present the natural character of our vineyard. We use no pesticides and every element within our sustainably-farmed vineyard is native to the vineyard. Our winery is centrally located within fifty miles of all our vineyards, reducing freight and therefore reducing our carbon footprint. Skylights offset demand for electrical lighting. And energy-efficient alternatives are employed throughout our wine making process. Additionally, the package is 100% recyclable. For all our wines, we exclusively use stainless steel tanks to preserve the complex character of the Riesling grape. No oak barrels or malolactic fermentation are used in our wine making.”

Another Riesling was sold as a non-vintage. This wine was a very unusual wine. It was an intercontinental blend, made from grapes from Washington State and grapes from the Mosel area in Germany. 80 percent of the grapes come from the Columbia Valley in Washington State and 20 percent from the Mosel Valley, selected by the German wine maker Johannes Selbach. Because it was an intercontinental blend, the wine had to be labeled as a NV. Randall Grahm stopped using German grapes in 2008.

For more, see:
German American Wines: (1) Pacific Rim Dry Riesling, (2) Eroica, (3) Woelffer and his Schiller Wine
Visiting Winemaker Steven Sealock at Pacific Rim Winemakers in Washington State, USA
Pacific Rim Riesling #1 of Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buy List 2011 - Meeting Founder Randall Grahm and Winemakers Nicolas Quille and Steven Sealock

Bonny Doon Vineyard – A Phenomenal Negociant

Bonny Doon began with Pinot Noir, became a leading voice in promoting Rhone grapes, and then touted Italian grapes. Randall Grahm promoted screwcaps and truth in labeling. Bonny Doon is known for its untraditional labels, including illustrations by Ralph Steadman, Grady McFerrin, and Gary Taxali.

After the vines in its own vineyard were destroyed by Pierce's disease in 1994, Randall Grahm switched to a negociant approach and supported its wine production by purchasing grapes from other California vineyards, as well as in Oregon and Europe. Wine production expanded significantly in this period.

At its peak, in 2006, Bonny Doon sold some 450,000 cases of wine, when Grahm Randall decided to change course. He sold the Big House wines and Cardinal Zin labels in 2006.

Production has dropped to 35,000 cases today. The lineup of 35 different wines has been reduced to around 10.

Pictures: Randall Grahm's Acceptance Speach

Vin de Terroir – Back to the Roots

Over the past several years, Randall Grahm has acquired a number of  properties, where he is going to make a vin de terroir in small quantities.

He brought in 1,000 goats to eat away the dense underbrush. The vineyard will be dry-farmed and head-pruned (no wires, just a single stake per vine) - a style of farming more in tune with the 19th century. At least half the vines will be planted on their own roots. If he is lucky, the vineyard will provide a modest 8,000 cases of wine to sell.

“I don’t want to rely on winemaking tricks anymore,” he said in an interview, enumerating aroma-enhancing yeasts, enzymes and spinning cones among the modern techniques he’s used to change the composition of a wine. Instead, he dreams of growing vines from seeds, unheard of in this post-phylloxera era of rootstocks and cuttings and grafts. He is intrigued by wines made in amphorae.

Joel Peterson - The Godfather of Zin

Always a vino-revolutionary, Joel Peterson took his first big steps toward personal independence in 1976. Educated as a clinical laboratory scientist with a degree in microbiology, the Oregon State University grad was working full-time in cancer immunology research at a San Francisco hospital and dabbling with wine on the side. The two single-vineyard Zins the longhaired winemaker made from the 1976 vintage would be the first he unveiled to the world.

Pictures: Joel Peterson at the Rhone Rangers Reception

The son of two chemists, Joel grew up on Point Richmond on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Mom was a nuclear chemist who worked on the Manhattan Project; she used her scientific training to become an excellent cook who tested recipes and helped edit Alice Waters’ first cookbook. Dad was a physical chemist specializing in high-temperature lubricants used in industrial machinery.

Picture: Joel Peterson, Founder of Ravenswood, and Christian Schiller at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA

Walter Peterson also was a wine lover and serious student of the grape who organized twice-weekly gatherings of the San Francisco Wine Sampling Club (today’s San Francisco Vintners Club) at the family home. Joel’s oeno-education began at the age of ten when he sat in on his first tasting session, with stern instructions to “Shut up and spit.” (Afterward, his father carefully measured the wine in the boy's glass and in his spittoon to make sure everything was expectorated.)

Pictures: Renaissance of the Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Back then, California had a dearth of fine wines; most of the bottles the club tasted were from France, Italy and Spain. By the time he was a teenager, Joel had a working knowledge of European vineyards and vintages. He not only learned how to judge wine, he learned how to talk about it (to the delight and consternation of everyone’s who’s met him since).

Pictures: Joel Peterson at the Showcase of Wines. See: VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller

During his early career as a medical researcher, Joel made extra money through wine writing and consulting. Eventually it dawned on him that he had the background (not to mention strong opinions and the confidence to stick by them) to be an actual winemaker. He apprenticed with Joseph Swan — one of California's outstanding craftsmen of fine Zinfandel — to learn the art of traditional winemaking as practiced in Bordeaux and Burgundy. “From Joe, I learned to pick grapes by taste and to farm for less fruit, not more. That using wild yeasts may be tricky, but makes for more interesting wines. To ferment long and warm, and age in French oak.” Ravenswood still uses these same basic techniques to make its wines today.

Pictures: Joel Peterson with Annette and Christian Schiller before the Grand Dinner

In 1976 Joel founded Ravenswood in partnership with fellow wine lover Reed Foster, a Harvard MBA who handled the green stuff while Joel oversaw the red stuff. In the ensuing years, Joel had dual careers, working nights and weekends in the lab as he built the winery during the daylight hours. In 1977, he’d left his job in San Francisco and moved to Sonoma to work in the clinical lab at Sonoma Valley Hospital. He didn’t quit that job until 1992, a few years after the winery turned its first profit and Robert Parker pronounced Ravenswood wines “first class – bold, dramatic and complex.”

Today, Joel works with 100+ northern California growers who provide grapes for Ravenswood, consulting on irrigation methods, cultivation practices, cropping levels and a slew of other vineyard management issues. This attention in the field, coupled with the fact that Ravenswood is one of the few wineries that has had the philosophical and winemaking skill of one winemaker for over 30 years, contributes to a consistency of quality and style rarely found in California.

Joel is a current member and former president of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance (S.V.V.G.A.) and is on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Vintners. He is a founding Board member and former two-time President of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (Z.A.P.). Joel is also a Senior Vice President with Constellation Wines US.

Pictures: Joel Peterson with Annette and Christian Schiller at the Grand Dinner

A rakish raconteur (and provocateur) whose erudition and down-to-earth enthusiasm make him an articulate spokesman for the winery (and sometime-heckler of the wine industry), Joel is a stylistic trendsetter who helped make Zinfandel the runaway phenomenon it is today.

Along the way, the raven maven (dubbed “the Godfather of Zin” by one media wag) has built a legacy of enjoying wine with grins and gusto

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Bumping into Randall Grahm in San Francisco, Owner of famed Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz in California, USA

Visiting Winemaker Steven Sealock at Pacific Rim Winemakers in Washington State, USA

August Kesseler’s Pinot Noir and Richard Wagner’s Ring der Nibelungen in San Francisco, USA

Pacific Rim Riesling #1 of Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buy List 2011 - Meeting Founder Randall Grahm and Winemakers Nicolas Quille and Steven Sealock

Picture: Christian Schiller and Caroline Diel. See: Caroline and Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel (Nahe Valley), Presented their New Wines (Vintage 2012), Germany

A few weeks ago, on December 1, German wine journalist Stephan Reinhardt published in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung his favorite German wines and favorite German winemakers of the year – in German (Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, 1. Dezember 2019).

Below please find his list of favorites with his comments, which I translated into English; I also added pictures of some of Stephan's favorites.

Pictures: Stephan Reinhard and Stuart Pigott at the 2019 Weinbörse in Mainz. See: Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

For many years, this annual list used to be compiled by Stuart Pigott. Since early 2019, the by-weekly column "Reiner Wein" in the Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung as well as the annual favorites in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung are handled by Stephan Reinhardt, who is well known for working for the "Robert Parker Wine Advocate", being in charge of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Austria and the Loire Valley. Only a few weeks ago it was announced that "Michelin" had fully taken over the "Robert Parker Wine Advocate".

For last years' lists, see:

Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (December 2018)
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (December 2017)
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (December 2016)
Germany’s Best Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (December 2015)
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (December 2014)
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (December 2013)
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (2012)
Best German Wine and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (2011)

Stephan Reinhardt's Favorites

Winzerin des Jahres/ Winemaker of the Year
Caroline Diel of Schlossgut Diel, Nahe

Stephan Reinhardt: I have already expressed my delight about her last two collections - mostly based on the years 2017 and 2018 - in my column. Alreay then, Caroline Diel would have been a favorite for me for the winemaker of the year title, and she was able to maintain her position even after hundreds of wines and dozens of collections that I tested afterwards. It is not only the outstanding quality of her always gastronomically thought and therefore always profound and structured, never superficial wines that entitles her to another certificate from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung to receive (she was already creator of the best sparkling wine in 2016). The variety of the different wines she knows how to handle is simply breathtaking. Diel can do it all, and she does it pretty well: Sekt, Riesling from dry to noble sweet, Pinots from white to gray to late. You could design a multi-course meal with her wines and no pairing would be a compromise. After eleven years of hard work and also thanks to the possibly inherited talent, she has truly earned the title.


Picture: Christian Schiller with Armin and Caroline Diel at Schlossgut Diel. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

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

Pictures: In the Vineyards with Caroline Diel and Anouk. See: Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

Weißwein(macher) des Jahres/ White Wine (Maker) of the Year
2017 Rheingau Riesling Landgeflecht Unikat, Peter Jakob Kühn, Oestrich

Stephan Rheinhardt: Although Peter Bernhard Kühn thinks that his best Sankt Nikolaus Riesling Grosses Gewächs is the 2017 that I already praised in this paper in the end of August. But that doesn't mean that he couldn't put one on top of it. The 2017 Rheingau Riesling Landgeflecht Unikat, selected from an old parcel in the quartzite-containing Doosberg, will not come onto the market until late summer 2020. But since I have already been able to taste the wine and the 2016 is almost sold out, we recommend that you reserve the wine now - consider that for a table at the “Noma” you have to wait longer. From the more than 16 to 20 months in 600-liter wooden barrels on the whole yeast fermented and aged Landgeflecht, there is always only around 1200 bottles available, and the 2017, bottled in April, firmly structured and beguilingly salty, combines the enormous complexity and concentration of biodynamically produced grapes with the purity, power and vibrant mineral sustainability of the best plot in the Doosberg. It is one of the greated dry Rieslings in the world, which I have enjoyed drinking for years. You can't get more love!

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)

Rotwein(macher) des Jahres/ Red Wine (Maker) of the Year
2016 Jaspis Spätburgunder Alte Reben, Weingut Ziereisen, Efringen- Kirchen

Stephan Rheinhardt: The family business in Markgräflerland is still a mixed farm (without cattle), and anyone who travels there, which is definitely recommended, will find himself/ herself on a farm that exudes charm and warmth. The daily hustle and bustle finds its beneficial counterpoint in the wines, which are among the best in Baden: Gutedel, of course, but also all types of Burgundy varieties. My favorite of the year - the 2016 Pinot Noir 10\4 produced for the first time - will only be available in a year or two. It's a good thing that the trained carpenter (who became a winemaker) Hanspeter Ziereisen makes a lot of Pinots. I love them all because of their clear, fleshy fruit, their liveliness and elegance, which is paired with substance and inner calm. Not its most expensive, but for me the most beautiful Pinot Noir on the market is the 2016 Jaspis, which has matured on the lees in Burgundy barrels for 21 months and was bottled unfiltered. The wine seduces like Don Giovanni seduces poor Zerlina: with great sophistication, elegance and the same warm-toned timbre that lets a farmer's wife move to the castle. The selection of 70-year-old vines, the powerful 2015 Pinot Noir Jaspis Alte Reben, will come on the market in spring. A splendid wine and it will be a world premiere at the Gala Dinner.

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

Sekterzeuger des Jahres/ Sekt Producer of the Year
Gerlinde and Frank John, Königsbach, Pfalz

Stephan Rheinhardt: Since 2003 Gerlinde and Frank John have been producing great old-school wines in the beautifully renovated, 400-year-old Renaissance building of the Hirschhorner Hof in Königsbach. Biodynamic in the cultivation and traditional in the processing of the grapes as well as in the fermentation of the Rieslings and Pinot Noirs with long maturation in wooden barrels, the name John stands for clear, mineral-based top sparkling wines that combine intensity and complexity with strength and mineral play. In the cross-vaulted cellar, traditionally produced sparkling wines are also made, which are even served in Parisian star restaurants. All of them are still very reasonably priced vintage Rieslings, which differ mainly in terms of the time they matured on the lees: 32, 41 or 50 months. The Prestige cuvée Brut 100 will be launched in a few months and will have matured on the lees for more than eight years, for example the 2015 Riesling Brut Nature. John's sparkling wines do not need sweetness to balance the fine pearly acid; due to the slow fermentation and maturation they are balanced enough and are sparkling food wines par excellence! For the Gala at Schloss Bensberg, Frank John did not miss the opportunity to disgorge 20 Magnums of the 2015 Riesling Brut 41 this week, exclusively for our guests - as Brut Nature, i.e. without dosage and without sulfur. Champagne cannot be purer.

Picture: Frank and Gerlinde John, Weingut John, Pfalz. See: Véritable - a very Special Wine Trade Fair - 2019 in St. Martin, Pfalz, Germany

Kabinett des Jahres/ Kabinett of the Year
2018 Mittelrhein Riesling Bacharacher Wolfshöhle Kabinett trocken, Weingut Dr. Kauer in Bacharach

Stephan Rheinhardt: Both the Kabinett wine category and the Mittelrhein wine region, with its slate slopes between Bingen, Bacharach and Bonn, are cultural assets worth protecting. In many places, however, the winemakers abolish the dry or the classic "feinherb" Kabinett without need. Predicates are only supposed to classify sweet wines, while Qualitätsweine ohne Prädikat are classified according to origin today. Randolf Kauer's subtle, clear, delicate and stimulatingly salty Kabinett from the Wolfshöhle in Bacharach represents both its steep, stony origin and the type of Kabinett, which stands for light, refined and animating wines, especially in the dry category. They may be unpretentious, quiet and unspectacular, but: No spot on earth can produce such light and deep Rieslings as the steep slopes on the Rhine and Moselle. Kauer's ecologically produced Kabinett from the Wolfshöhle has remained balanced, fine and cool even in a hot year like 2018. It would be fatal to give up this wine category, which is already threatened by climate change, prematurely and voluntarily!

„Schatzi“ des Jahres/ „Schatzi“ of the Year
2007 Mosel Riesling Trarbacher Hühnerberg Auslese, Weingut Martin Müllen, Traben-Trarbach

Stephan Rheinhardt: Great Rieslings need time: dry a few years, the sweet predicates may taste good when young - but they only become fascinatingly complex after many years or even decades of aging. Martin Müllen ferments and ages his wines grown between Kröv and Trarbach on steep slopes as his grandfather did: with the mechanical basket press, which presses the grapes for 20 hours and keeps all the ingredients of the berry skins in the must and thus also the wine. He sells his wine young, but in accordance with the view that great Rieslings need time, he puts those that he doesn't sell in the first year in one of his caves and only brings them back on sale when he thinks the wine is ready for consumption. This year among those wines: the 2007 Riesling Auslese from the Hühnerberg, a top vineyard rising steeply over seven terraces in a side valley of the Mosel, which was classified as early as the 19th century and which produces world-class Rieslings like this Auslese - precise, highly elegant and juicy, with stimulating vitality and salinity as well as red and dark berries in the aftertaste. A fine sweet wine, which was made from very ripe, but perfectly healthy grapes and fermented and aged in the Fuder and which today goes very well with desserts and cheeses, but can also set-off a meditation.

Aufsteiger/ Komet des Jahres/ Rising Star of the Year
Christoph Wolber & Alexander Götze, Weingut Wasenhaus, Staufen, Baden

Stephan Reinhardt: They are both career changers and have learned from the elite of the Côte d’Or in Burgundy, such as Leflaive, Comte des Armand, Bernhard van Berg and Pierre Morey. Christoph Wolber from Staufen and Alexander Götze from Brandenburg, who still heads the Domaine de Montille in Volnay as chef de culture, got to know each other in a shared apartment in Meursault, got along well with each other and decided to apply what they had learned at home in Germany. Brandenburg was eliminated as Burgundy of the East, but around Staufen in the beautiful Markgräflerland, with its limestone soil, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay dominate here. And of course Gutedel. The estate was founded in 2015 and called "Wasenhaus". The labels of the wines produced since 2016 are stylish and clear, like the wines themselves: made simple, like great Burgundies, with a lot of artisanal technology, but no oenological tricks: hand picking, fermentation with natural yeasts, maturation over two winters in the wood, the last few months for precision in stainless steel; filling without pumping, fining and filtration and with only a moderate amount of sulfur. The result: The natural wines (classified as Badischer Landwein) are pure, fresh and exciting, yet subtle and complex - and always sold out, especially abroad and in star restaurants. Tip: Immediately look for the not yet sold wines of vintage 2017!

Pictures: Winemaker Dinner with Christoph Wolber of New-wave Producer Weingut Wasenhaus, Baden, at Schaumahl, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, 16 Points Gault Millau, Germany

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

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

Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany

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

Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

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

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

Véritable - a very Special Wine Trade Fair - 2019 in St. Martin, Pfalz, Germany

Winemaker Dinner with Christoph Wolber of New-wave Producer Weingut Wasenhaus, Baden, at Schaumahl, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, 16 Points Gault Millau, Germany 

Pictures: Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Bischel in Appenheim, Rheinhessen, with Christian Runkel, Owner and Winemaker - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

The first stop on our last day of the

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

was Weingut Bischel in Appenheim. This is  an up-and-coming producer in Germany. It is the newest member of the VDP, the association of about 200 elite winemakers in Germany.

Weingut Bischel is owned and run by the “Bischel brothers” Christian and Matthias Runkel. Christian Runkel was our host. He first took us on an extensive vineyard tour. After a quick look at the winemaking facilities, we sat down with him for a tasting of his bone-dry Rieslings.

Pictures: Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Bischel in Appenheim, Rheinhessen, with Christian Runkel, Owner and Winemaker - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2010
Best White Wine Collection: Weingut Bischel, Appenheim (Rheinhessen)

Rheinhessen
19 hectares
20% Riesling, 20% Spätburgunder, 15% Weissburgunder, 15% Grauburgunder

Eichelmann: Weingut Bischel from Appenheim in Rheinhessen receives the Best White Wine Collection Award. Christian and Matthias Runkel have accelerated considerably in the last few years; frour years ago they were the Rising Star of the Year. And since then, they have improved further, with a great white wine collection this year, says Gerhard Eichelmann, explaining the choice of editors.

Besides stunning Riesling they produce a gorgeous Pinot-Blanc with an enchanting bouquet of flowers and vanilla, and wonderful, elegant, Pinot-Noirs. Their efforts were awarded with being asked to join the VDP. As of January 1, 2019 they are the newest member of the VDP.

Pictures: Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2010 - Best White Wine Collection: Weingut Bischel, Appenheim (Rheinhessen) (Photos: Eichelmann)

Weingut Bischel

This is a relatively young winery by German standards and one of the rising stars of Rheinhessen. Current owners are the “Bischel brothers” Christian and Matthias Runkel. They belong to the group of young, very ambitious winemakers who want to bring German wines, and of course particularly wines from Rheinhessen back into the first league of wines world-wide. Their grandfather founded the winery in 1960.

Pictures: Arriving at Weingut Bischel

Today the winery has 47 acres of vineyard in top sites in Bingen (Scharlachberg), in Appenheim (the famous Hundertgulden), and in Gau-Algesheim (Johannisberg, Sankt Laurentiuskapelle), all in northern Rheinhessen. Year after year the brothers took steps to radically improve the quality. Besides sustainable vineyard management they reduced yields and only use hand selected, perfectly ripened grapes that are spontaneously fermented with the natural yeast from the vineyards. The wines are aged in steel tanks and oak casks and the best Pinots are matured in French barrique and tonneau barrels.

Owner: Runkel Family

Winemakers: Christian und Matthias Runkel

Wine Area: 23,00 acres

Bottle Production: 160 000

Grape Varieties: 35% Riesling, 45% Burgundersorten, 5% Silvaner, 15% weitere Rebsorten

Geology:Kalkstein, Tonmergel, Lösslehm, Quarzit, Porphyr

Single Vineyards:

Gau-Algesheim, Gau-Algesheim | VDP.ERSTE LAGE®
HUNDERTGULDEN, Appenheim | VDP.GROSSE LAGE®
HEERKRETZ, Neu-Bamberg, Siefersheim | VDP.GROSSE LAGE®
SCHARLACHBERG, Bingen am Rhein | VDP.GROSSE LAGE®

Interview with Christian and Matthias Runkel (VDP)

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Matthias Runkel: We are a family winery with a young history. In northern Rheinhessen we have the opportunity to produce wines in extremely UNIQUE terroirs. Our best Rieslings grow in three VDP.GROSSE LAGE® vineyards on tertiary limestone banks, ancient quartzite rocks and volcanic porphyry. These are unique conditions and it is a great inspiration for us to make these differences apparent in the taste of our wines.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Matthias Runkel: Sustainable cultivation and high-quality work in the vineyard are the foundation for our grapes. The harvest of the best grapes and a certain restraint in the cellar allow our wines to evolve.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Matthias Runkel: We do not follow a pattern or a specific wine type. We want to produce exciting, unique wines that reflect their origins. Riesling and Pinot have the most finesse and longevity.

VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who does not yet know your winery – as an introduction, so to speak?

Christian Runkel: Our Riesling VDP.GUTSWEIN. It conveys our idea of wine, possesses character and provides abundant drinking pleasure.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Christian Runkel: Of the wines from the VDP.GROSSE LAGE® vineyards SCHARLACHBERG, HUNDERTGULDEN and HEERKRETZ.

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

Matthias Runkel: Out of love for working in nature, working independently and of course wine.

Christian Runkel: Quite late, I’ve always helped out at the winery, but after graduating from high school I first began studying law.

Pictures: Vineyard and Cellar Tour with Christian Runkel

VDP: Do you have role models, mentors?

Matthias Runkel: Many winegrowers have shaped our path. We are very grateful for this collegial exchange in the world of wine.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Christian Runkel: As a new member of the VDP, we would naturally like to confirm our aspirations for quality and establish ourselves among the top German wine producers.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Christian Runkel: Both are constant companions from the vineyard to the glass. Our method of winemaking follows traditional methods. But implemented with contemporary innovations.

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Christian Runkel: Appenheim is definitely worth a wine trip. Here you can hike in and at the foot of the HUNDERTGULDEN. From above you have an outstanding view over the valley – from our winery, by the way. The Restaurant Hundertguldenmühle has excellent cuisine and invites you to stop for a bite to eat.

VDP: If your wine were music, what would it be?

Matthias Runkel: It’s hard for me to commit, but it would definitely be unplugged.

Tasting

Following the vineyard and cellar tour, we sat down for a tasting of 12 wines.

Pictures: Tasting

The Wines

Except for the last wine, all wines were dry wines, in fact, Weingut Bischel wines tend to be bone-dry wines. Weingut Bischel does not produce fruity-sweet wines, i.e. wines that are made sweet by stopping the fermentation.


VDP.Gutswein

2018 Weingut Bischel Riesling


VDP.Grosse Lage

2017 Weingut Bischel HUNDERTGULDEN Riesling
2016 Weingut Bischel HUNDERTGULDEN Riesling
2015 Weingut Bischel HUNDERTGULDEN Riesling


2017 Weingut Bischel SCHARLACHBERG Riesling
2016 Weingut Bischel SCHARLACHBERG Riesling
2015 Weingut Bischel SCHARLACHBERG Riesling


2017 Weingut Bischel HEERKRETZ Riesling
2016 Weingut Bischel HERRKRETZ Riesling


Red Wines

2017 Weingut Bischel JOHANNISBERG Spätburgunder
2013 Weingut Bischel JOHANNISBERG Spätburgunder
2016 Weingut Bischel Pino Noir Réserve


Sweet Wines

2018 Weingut Bischel SCHARLACHBERG Riesling Auslese VDP.Grosse Lage


Bye-bye

Thanks Christian for a wonderful tour and tasting.

Pictures: Bye-bye

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling - Published and Forthcoming Postings)

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Joachim Flick in Hochheim, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at the Weingut Schloss Johannisberg Gutsrestaurant - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Wegeler in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Kloster Eberbach: Overnight-Stay, Dinner, Tour and Aperitif in the Steinberg Vineyard - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Lunch, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau, with Owner Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen and Winemaker Arne Willkens - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Kaufmann in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Family-style Wine-pairing Lunch at Weingut Hans Lang - Kaufmann, with Owners/ Winemakers Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Sekt Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting in the Vineyard at Weingut Laquai in Lorch, Rheingau, with Gundolf Laquai - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch in Bacharach, Mittelrhein Region - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Vineyard Drive at Weingut Ratzenberger in Bacharach, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Tasting at Weingut Franzen, Bremm, Terrassen-Mosel, with Angelina Franzen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Jos. Jos. Prüm in Bernkastel-Wehlen, Mosel, with Amei Prüm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Wine Dinner at Weingut Richard Böcking in Traben-Trarbach, Middle Mosel, with Owner Denman Zirkle - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, with Ernie Loosen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Weingut Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Mueller-Burggraef: Visit of the Doctorkeller and Tour and Tasting at the Winery, with Owner Matthias Willkomm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Lunch at Restaurant Juffer Flair of Weingut Christian Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Reinhold Haart in Piesport, Mosel, with Johannes Haart - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Peter Lauer in Ayl, Upper Mosel, Saar Valley, with Katharina Lauer and Peter Lauer - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at WEINrestaurant Ayler Kupp, Weingut Peter Lauer, Saar Valley - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Crusius, Traisen, Nahe, with Dr. Peter Crusius and his Daughter Judith Crusius - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Bischel in Appenheim, Rheinhessen, with Christian Runkel, Owner and Winemaker - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Winery visit and lunch at winery Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum

Guntrum is Back (Stuart Pigott/ James Suckling): Wine Pairing Lunch and Tour at Weingut Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Owners Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Mainlust “Desche Otto” – an Ultra Traditional Apple Wine Tavern, with an Innovative Twist, off the Beaten Track in Schwanheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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

The new Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland – for 2020 – was published on November 5, 2019. It reviews on about 1000 pages more than 11.500 wines of 1078 wineries. Its rating symbol is a grape and Germany’s best winemakers are awarded one to five grapes.

Picture: WeinGuides Deutschland 2020 (Photo: Weingut Corvers-Kauter - Facebook)

27 producers are in the highest (5/5 grapes) category. This is up by 7 producers compared with last year. There are 7 promotions and no demotions in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2020. Here they are in alphabetical order. Promotions are in bold.

Aldinger, Württemberg
Bassermann-Jordan, Pfalz
Battenfeld-Spanier, Rheinhessen
Georg Breuer, Rheingau
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf, Pfalz
Clemens Busch, Mosel
Hermann Dönnhoff, Nahe
Emrich-Schönleber, Nahe
Rudolf Fürst, Franken
Fritz Haag, Mosel
Dr. Heger, Baden
Bernhard Huber, Baden
Keller, Rheinhessen
Knipser, Pfalz
Peter Jakob Kühn, Rheingau
Leitz, Rheingau
Schloss Lieser, Mosel
Markus Molitor, Mosel
Egon Müller Scharzhof, Mosel
Joh. Jos. Prüm, Mosel
Rebholz, Pfalz
Salwey, Baden
Schäfer-Fröhlich, Nahe
Robert Weil, Rheingau
Wittmann, Rheinhessen
Ziereisen, Baden
Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken, Mosel

In total, I plan to release the following postings on schiller-wine:

Germany’s Best Winemakers – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 Awards
Germany’s Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Grapes) - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2020
Germany’s Best Wines– Three 100 Points Wines in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2020

Germany's 27 Top (5/5) Winemakers - The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2020

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:
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)
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 hectares.

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

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)

Fritz Haag (Oliver Haag)

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

See:
At Weingut Fritz Haag, with Oliver Haag. See: Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

Pictures: At Weingut Fritz Haag, with Oliver Haag. See: Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

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 Weingut Jos. Jos. Prüm in Bernkastel-Wehlen, Mosel, with Amei Prüm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling
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:
Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling
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

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: 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

Emrich-Schönleber

Jancis Robinson, MW Financial Times: “The Modest Giant of Monzingen……Virtually unknown in the early 1990s, Schönleber's wines have come to be recognised as some of the finest, if not the finest, in his home region, the Nahe, south west of Frankfurt.” 11000 cases. 85% Riesling.

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

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

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

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

Bürklin-Wolf

The Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Estate in Wachenheim at Weinstrasse is one of the largest and most important family-owned wineries in Germany, with tradition dating back to 1597. The total vineyard area amasses to 85 hectares – a treasure trove of top-rated vineyard sites in the unique landscape of the Mittelhaardt district.

‘In this discipline [dry Riesling], this estate has essentially no rival in all of Germany. In fact, given their sheer vineyard potential–they’re capable of producing seven grand crus and an equal number of premier crus in any given vintage–this may well be the best and most consistent producer of great dry Riesling in the world.’ -  Joel B. Payne, Vinous, January 2013.

See:
Impromptu Tasting at Weinbar & Vinothek Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in Deidsheim, with Managing Director Steffen Brahner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Pictures: At Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf with Owner Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze. See also:  Impromptu Tasting at Weinbar & Vinothek Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in Deidsheim, with Managing Director Steffen Brahner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan

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

Johannes Leitz

Since taking over his family estate in 1985, Johannes has grown his holdings from 2.6 hectares to over 40, most of which are Grand Cru sites on the slopes of the Rüdesheimer Berg. Once the home of some of the world’s most sought after and expensive wines, the region fell to mediocrity in the years following the Second World War. Josi has made it his life’s work to reclaim the intrinsic quality of his native terroir and introduce the world to the true potential of the Rheingau.

750000 bottles. 99% Riesling.

See:
Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, with Cellar Master Manfred Zuffer – Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours
Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, with Johannes Leitz – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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

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.

See:
Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling 
Kiedrich: Visit of the Basilica of Saint Valentine and of Weingut Robert Weil - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)
Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

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

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)

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Rheinhessen

Battenfeld-Spanier

Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier is in Hohen-Sülzen (Wonnegau area) close to the city of Worms in Southern Rheinhessen. The Spanier family has been making wine for generations. The vineyard area totals 18 hectares, with holdings in: Kirchenstück, Rosengarten und Sonnenberg (Hohen-Sülzen), as well as Frauenberg (Flörsheim). More than 50% of the area is planted with Riesling, as well as with Pinot Noir (20%), Pinot Blanc (8%), Silvaner, Chardonnay and other varieties. Annual production is around 70.000 bottles.

The wine of Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier are available in the US through Fass Selections: Battenfeld Spanier is the most popular German winery that I sell and for a good reason. HO Spanier has the magic touch and everything he makes is simply stunningly well made and delicious from the least expensive wine to the top of the list. He is easily one of the top 5 makers of dry white wine in Germany and located in the top region for dry white wine, the Rheinhessen.

See:
Tasting the Wines of Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot at the Spanier Family Home in Hohen-Sülzen and Touring the Winery with Carolin Spanier-Gillot - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours 
The Wine Maker Couple H.O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot, with Roland Gillot, Lead Wine Tasting of Kuehling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines at Weingut Kuehling-Gillot, Germany

Pictures: Tasting with Carolin Spanier-Gillot, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot, in Hohen-Sülzen. See:  Tasting the Wines of Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot at the Spanier Family Home in Hohen-Sülzen and Touring the Winery with Carolin Spanier-Gillot - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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


schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Pictures: Tour and Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Climens, Appellation Barsac-Sauternes, Première Grand Cru Classé, with Owner and Winemaker Bérénice Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Following a visit of Château Gazin in Pomerol in the morning, we drove to Château Climens in Barsac-Sauternes for a vineyard tour, cellar tour and wine-pairing lunch with Owner/ Winemaker Bérénice Lurton.

Château Climens is an Appellation Barsac-Sauternes Première Grand Cru Classé Estate, owned and run by the charming Bérénice Lurton, who was our host. First, she took us to her vineyards. Bérénice works in the vineyard according to biodynamic principles and in 2011 Château Climens received the biodyvin certification. Then she showed us the facilities that are being used to prepare the products she needs for the treatment of the vineyars as well as the winemaking facilities including the barrel cellars.

By then it was time for lunch. We sat down with Bérénice in the dining quarters of Château Climens for an apperetif before moving to the table for a very nice wine-pairing lunch with Bérénice Lurton.

Pictures: Arriving at Château Climens

Château Climens was first mentioned in 1547. Since then only five families called Climens their home, with the Lurton family being the last owner when Lucien Lurton bought the estate in 1971 (The Lurtons are one of Bordeaux's great wine dynasties. With more than 2,500 acres in the region, they are collectively Bordeaux's largest holder of wine-producing land. The family members own more than 20 châteaux and manage several well-known properties.). In 1992 Bérénice Lurton, Lucien Lurton’s youngest daughter took over the reins at Château Climens. The estate sits on the highest point in the Barsac appellation – a bit north of Sauternes - and is surrounded by 75 acres of vineyard. The vineyard is entirely planted with Sémillion -unusual for a Sauternes- that gives the Climens wines its racy complexity and freshness. Bérénice works in the vineyard according to biodynamic principles and in 2011 Château Climens received the biodyvin certification.

Château Climens

The estate was founded in 1547 by Guirault Roborel. In 1855, in the year Château Climens was classified a Premier Cru, Henri Gounouilhou, owner of an influential Bordeaux daily newspaper, bought the property. He used his influence in the media to boost the public’s recognition of Château Climens. Additionallly, Henri Gounouilhou improved the quality of the Climens wines to such a degree that Château Climens for some years challenged Château d'Yquem as the top estate in Sauternes. The vintages 1929, 1947 and 1949 were described by Alexis Lichine to surpass Château d'Yquem as "lighter, with less vinosity and body, yet miraculously subtle."

In 1971, Lucien Lurton bought the estate, along with Château Doisy-Dubroca. It has been run by his daughter, Bérénice Lurton, since 1992. The Lurton family has done a wonderful job, continuing to improve on the already excellent quality reached under Gouonouilhou’s ownership. One specific step taken by the Lurton family was to remove all Muscadelle vines. Thus, today the 30 hectare estate is composed of 100% Semillon, unlike most Sauternes estates that incorporate a small portion of Sauvignon Blanc. There is one only vineyard and it is unchanged since growing of grapes started in the 16th century.

Château Climens also produces a second wine named Cypres de Climens. Château Climens is located in the south of the Barsac appellation, just outside the small village of La Pinesse.

Pictures: In the Vineyard of Château Climens with Bérénice Lurton

Winemaking

The poor limestone soil and damp morning weather is exactly how the estate got its name. When Climens is translated from the local dialect, it means unfertile, poor land.

The average age of the vines is 35 years. Yields are low, averaging 12 hectoliters per hectare. In some years the yield can drop as low as 8 hectoliters per hectare. This makes for an intensely aromatic and concentrated wine.

Pictures: In the Barrel Cellar of Château Climens with Bérénice Lurton

During the entire harvest period each day’s harvest is sent to the winery where it will be vinified separately. The fermentation is controlled at 27 degrees Celsius and will last between 15 and 21 days. Once the ideal level of alcohol is reached (13.5%), the wine receives a thermal shock, quickly dropping the temperature down to 3 degrees Celsius, which halts the fermentation. The wine is then sent to barrel where it will be aged in 30% new oak. After 22 months of aging, the tasting team will taste all the individual wines and decide on two separate blends. The first and superior blend will be destined for the first label, Château Climens. The second tier blend, although still high in quality, will be bottled as the second label, Cyprès de Climens. About 30,000 bottles of the first label are produced and between 10,000 and 15,000 bottles of the second label.

Noble Rot

At Château Climens the mornings are humid with fog and the afternoons are sunny. This provides the perfect conditions for the development of the botrytis cinerea. In order for all of the botrytised grapes to be harvested, the estate will conduct between 5 and 6 runs through the vineyard, each lasting 3 to 8 days, to ensure that only the botrytis infected grapes are picked.

Pictures: Noble Rot

Biodynamic

Château Climens is the first classified noble-sweet wine estate in Bordeaux to go biodynamic, with the assistance of Jean-Michel and Corinne Comme, who also consult for Château Pontet-Canet. Château Climens is aiming to be certified iodynamic in 2014.

Bérénice Lurton: “I believe passionately that biodynamics is the right way for us to go. We want to go back to our roots at Climens and help our wines find their own balance. Biodynamics brings life and vibrancy to the wines.”

Biodynamics can be difficult in the Bordeaux region. It is not the warmest area and there is a large amount of humidity from the Atlantic Ocean as well as the large rivers. So various vineyard problems have to be treated such as mildew and millederange.

Pictures: Drying Horsetail, Bracken, Bay Leaves and other Plants for Biodynamic Treatment

Wine-pairing Lunch with Bérénice Lurton

Aperitif

We sat down with Bérénice in the dining quarters of Château Climens for an aperitif. All the wines served during lunch including the aperitif were noble-sweet Château Climens wines.

Aperitif wine: 2016 Cyprès de Climens
Wine-searcher average price in US$:25

Bouchées Apéritives

Pictures: Aperitif

Lunch

Following the aperitif we moved to the dining room for lunch.

Pictures: Wine-pairing Lunch

The Menu

We had 3 courses and 3 wines, all Château Climens.


Saint-Jacques au Noir de Bigorre, copeaux de vieux parmesan
Oeuf cocotte revisité, au foie gras et aux champignons bruns

Château Climens 2012
Wine-searcher average price in US$: 81


Comme un wok: levure de porc à l'ail et au soja, sauté de courgettes et cocos de paimpol

Château Climens 2008
Wine-searcher average price in US$: 73


Gratin de fruits d'eté, rochers coco minute

Château Climens 2005
Wine-searcher average price in US$: 126


Café


Chef à Domicile Florence Camaly

Thanks Chef Florence Camaly for a wonderful lunch.

Pitures: Chef Florence Camaly and Bérénice Lurton

Bye-bye

Bye-bye Bérénice


Pictures: Bye-bye

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

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

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

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Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

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Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Château Troplong-Mondot, Appellation Saint-Émilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Appellation Pomerol, with Dany Rolland and General Manager Benoit Prévot - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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Tour and Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Climens, Appellation Barsac-Sauternes, Première Grand Cru Classé, with Owner and Winemaker Bérénice Lurton and Chef à Domicile Florence Camaly - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton

Lunch at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye

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An Afternoon with Owner/Winemaker Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud at Chateau Bel Air La Royere in Blaye, Bordeaux, France

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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

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Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

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Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Philippe Blanc, Managing Director

Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with General Manager Philippe Blanc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

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Picture: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland. See: See: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Sekthaus Raumland: Right before Christmas we have an amazing reason to already let our corks pop. We are overwhelmed and raise our glasses: we are proudly announcing that as of today, Sekthaus Raumland can call itself member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) that unites the 197 best wineries in Germany. Over the past 30 years, we followed a philosophy of highest standards, quality and passion for German Sekt to bring German Sekt back to the qualitative spearhead in national as well as international sparkling winemaking. By accepting Sekthaus Raumland as the first ever ‚sparkling-only’ winery, VDP is setting a clear statement!

A big THANK YOU to all VDP and its members for the warm welcome as well as to our loyal employees, our partners and friends who have accompanied us during this “sparkling road” until today.

Picture: The Raumland Family (Photo: VDP)

Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

We visited Sekthaus Raumland during the Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours.

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

With the visit of Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, we honored the Germans' affinity with the bubbly stuff. Did you know that the Germans are world champions in sparkling wine consumption? And that “Rotkäppchen” in Freyburg, in the Saale-Unstrut region is the world’s second largest sparkling wine producer after Freixenet? And that there are many top rated Sekt producers in Germany?

Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland were our hosts.

Pictures: At Sekthaus Raumland

Sekthaus Raumland

Sekthaus Raumland was founded in 1984 by Volker and Heide-Rose Raumland, after Volker Raumland had finished his oenologie studies at the University of Geisenheim. Initially, Sekthaus Raumland was mostly making Sekt for other German wineries, but right from the beginning only in the méthode traditionnelle.

Picture: Welcome

The top product of the Raumland portfolio is called Triumvirat. It is a cuvée from the single vineyard Dalsheimer Bürgel, which extends just west of the center of Dalsheim. It is made up of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

Heide-Rose Raumland is from Weingut Wöhrwag in Stuttgart. Her brother Hans-Peter studied togather Volker Raumland in Geisenheim. They have 2 daughters, Marie-Luise and Katharina.

Picture: Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland with their 2 Daughters Marie-Luise and Katharina

Vineyards

Today Sekthaus Raumlan has 10 hectares of vineyards in the Flörsheim-Dalsheim area and produces Sekt in the méthode traditionnelle on par with the quality of the best Champagnes. His philosophy: no mass production, top quality, “small but beautiful”, first class base wines, at least 36 months on the lease. Since 2002 his wine and Sekt estate is certified “AB” for biological agriculture.

Raumland grows his fruit in three different vineyards:

(1) Dalsheim, Rheinhessen with 4.1 ha which is also home base for the estate. These vineyards are planted to Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay;

(2) Hohen-Sülzen, Rheinhessen with 1.5 ha planted 100% to Pinot Noir and

(3) Bockenheim, Pfalz with 4.0 ha located 5km to the south of Dalsheim which is also Volker’s hometown. Riesling from these vineyards is used for Sekt whereas miscellaneous red wine varieties are vinified as still wine.

How Volker Raumland Makes his Sekts

(1) Very careful and painstaking hand selection. The grapes are placed in small 15 kg boxes to assure that none of the fruit is scarred or damaged. Grapes are picked at 75 to 80 Oechlse, the optimum must weight for sparkling wine.

(2) Whole cluster pressing to preserve fruit aromas, no maceration, no mashing and no pumping of the juice.

(3) The “Champagne press program” with a duration of four hours, involves careful segmentation of the juice. The separation involves the first run (5%), the middle run or “heart” (50%) and the last run or taille (10%). To control phenolics the press is stopped after the last run. These figures coincide with champagne where 67% of the juice is used. First run and last run juices are used for the basic Sekts such as Cuvée Marie - Luise and Cuvée Katharina (named after the Raumland’s daughters) as are lower quality portions of the middle run. The better part of the middle run is used for the Prestige varietal Cuvées and the very best for the Grand Cuvee Triumvirat.

(4) The exception to the above is using the Saignée process by bleeding off prefermentation juice to make the Rose Prestige Cuvee (10% Pinot Noir) gathering juice for the Rose Prestige Cuvee (100% Pinot Noir).

(5) The time laps between harvest and the start of fermentation is a maximum of three days. Because of the earlier harvest for champagne grapes, fermentation starts already in September and often goes past November. The Pinot varietals and Chardonnay also go through a malolactic fermentation which lasts anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the PH of the wine ( high PH- fast malolactic, low PH- slow malolactic).

(6) After completion of the fermentation the wine is left on the fine yeast for maximum benefit. The wines are filtered and cold stabilized before Tirage. Tirage involves adding .24 gm/l of sugar and cultured Champagne yeast (sourced from Epernay in Champagne) and capping the bottles with a crown cork. This then starts yet another fermentation capturing CO2 which develops a pressure of six bars in the bottle. They are stored horizontally for maximum yeast contact for a minimum of 12 months to 12 years, depending on the quality of the Sekt.

(7) Four weeks before the Sekt is finished the bottles are hand riddled. After disgorgement a 1.0% dosage of a high quality wine is added to the prestige cuvees and 1/2% dosage to the Tête de Cuvee Triumvirat. The best quality dosage goes to the highest quality Sekt.

(8) The Sekts are stored in a four stories deep cellar to achieve optimum ripeness and “pin point” mousse. The Sekts are continuously monitored and tasted to assure optimum quality. All Sekts, including older vintages are freshly disgorged before they leave the estate.

Pictures: Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

Sekt in Germany

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

There is a dozen or so large Sekt houses. Most of these large Sekt houses were established in the 1800s. At that time, there was only one method known to produce Sekt, the méthode traditionnelle. But in contrast to the champagne houses, the large Sekt houses have all moved to the charmat method as main method of the second fermentation after World War II. Like the champagne houses, Sekt houses do not own vineyards, but purchase the base wine from winemakers.

The smaller Sekt houses, like the large Sekt houses, do not own vineyards, but also buy the base wine from winemakers. They also tend to have a long history and often links to the champagne region, beautiful facilities and old cellars for the second fermentation and storage. The big difference is that they typically have not gone the route of tank fermentation but continue to ferment in the méthode traditionnelle.

Increasingly, there is a number of top quality winemakers, who, in addition, to their still wines, have started to include Sekts in their portfolio. These Sekts are typically vintage Sekts, from a specified vineyard, made of specific grapes, often Riesling, in the méthode champenoise and with little or not dosage (brut or extra but). While the first fermentation typically takes place at the winery, the second fermentation is often not in the cellar of the winemaker but in the cellar of a Sekt house that bottle-ferments for other wineries.

Raumland belongs to the third group but is kind of unique in Germany. Raumland makes a bit of still wine but is clearly focusing on his world class Sekts. The Raumland Sekts are like Champagnes, without copying them, feels the Eichelmann 2010.

Pictures: Heide-Rose Raumland

Raumland in the US: Rudi Wiest Selections

In the US, Raumland is available through Rudi Wiest Selections.

Rudi Wiest: Simply the finest sparkling wine producer in Germany. Founded in 1990 by Volker Raumland whose heart and soul is invested in making great Sekt. Every year, year in year out Volker produces 3 to 5 of the top 10 sparkling wines in Germany according to the Gault-Millau/German Wine Guide. His basic cuvees carry the names of his daughters – Cuvee Marie-Louise (100% Pinot Noir) – benchmark of refinement and purity, Cuvee Katherina Blanc de Noir (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) more power, more structure, dense and creamy with a touch of oak. The above Sekts rival and easily surpass NV Champagnes and offer better pricing. His top selections are sensational sparkling wines that keep pace with the best Tête de Cuvees in Champagne. The estate uses organic vineyard practices. Production is 7,000 cases annually.

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

Jamie Goode and Treve Ring Explore Sekt, Germany's Sparkling Wine - Raumland

Jamie Goode and Treve Ring: Raumland focuses solely on traditional method sparkling wine. It seems that the best Sekt producers are the ones who just do fizz, because it requires a particular way of thinking.

Whereas some Sekt producers are looking to make fruity sparkling wines that express that side of Riesling, Raumland is looking to make something more complex, and more akin to vintage Champagne. He has planted mainly Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, though also works with Riesling and Pinot Blanc. ‘I hate primary fruit in sparkling,’ says Raumland, ‘and I love the toast and bread notes from long ageing on the lees.’ His wines have a minimum 3 years on the lees for first tier. Prestige is minimum 6 years on the lees, while his vintage level is 10 years on the lees or more. He adds, ‘We are a young company but we are still very traditional.’ Raumland is critically considered to be one of the top quality Sekt producers in Germany.

What we Tasted


Tradition

NV Raumland Riesling Brut
NV Raumland Cuvée Marie-Louise Brut

Wine Curmudgeon (Posted 14 Sep 2015): German sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne style? How much wine geekier does it get? Not much, but the Raumland Marie-Luise is well worth the trouble to find and the price you will pay.

The amazing thing about the Raumland Marie-Luise ($40, sample, 12%) is not that it’s well made, but that it’s such a value, even at $40. I’ve tasted Champagne (before the boycott) at that price and even $20 more that wasn’t as pleasurable to drink — mass market plonk at high-end prices. The Raumland is made with pinot noir, astonishing in itself given the rarity and inconsistency of German pinot, but even more so given the wine’s subtlety and style. This is not an oaky, yeasty sparkling bomb, but a wine with fine, tight bubbles, hints of berry fruit, an almost spice-like aroma, and bone dry.

Highly recommended, though it may be difficult to find. If you can, serve it on its own (chilled, of course) or with seafood and chicken. We had it with a shrimp boil during the infamous wine samples dinner, and the Raumland was gone in minutes. This is also a fine gift for any open-minded sparkling wine drinker.

NV Raumland Cuvée Katharina Brut

Jamie Goode: Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with some oak in the base wine fermentation. Very pure, direct nose. Lovely pear and apple fruit character here with a touch of toastiness. Some warm herbal notes. Ripe and fruity with a bit of toasty development. Nice fruit expression.

Treve Ring: Salty, with fine earth, savoury biscuit and cherry notes hallmarking this Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier blend. Cherry and pear dominate, and a fine line of acid holds the whole taught to the toasty finish. Lovely balance. Disgorged march 2016. 89/100

Prestige

2012 Raumland Rosé Prestige Brut
2010 Raumland Pinot Prestige Brut
2008 Raumland Riesling Prestige Brut

Jamie Goode: The malolactic stopped half-way, so we have 10.2 g of acid and 6 g of residual sugar here. Single vineyard in Pfalz. Limestone soils. Linear, pure and tight with astonishing acidity. Subtle waxy hints indicate the age of the wine, with a hint of cheese and toast, but the driving force is piercing lemony fruit. Tangy and bright with some ripe apple notes, too. So distinctive. 91/100

2009 Raumland Blanc de Blanc Prestige Brut
2011 Raumland Chardonnay Prestige Brut


2009 Raumland IX Triumvirat - Grande Cuvée Brut

Jamie Goode: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, first made in 2001. Less than 3 g/l sugar and acidity around 7. 6 years on lees, 6 months on cork. Some of the wine is fermented in barrels, mostly barriques, but also some 350 litre barrels. Lively, powerful, pithy and a bit waxy with very bold citrus and pear notes, as well as honey and almond notes. Very linear with good acidity. Has real precision and depth with some red cherry and pear on the finish. 91/100

Treve Ring: The Triumvirat Grand Cuvee is a brut blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, and a premium bottling from Raumland. Light smoke, light biscuit and fennel is broken by crunchy acidity and large flake sea salt. The palate leads with lox and toasty spice before introducing light cherry and red pear, finishing with a raspy, almost assertive acidity. Fermented in barriques and barrels before more than 7 years on the lees, this could pass for a decent supermarket-bottled Champagne in a blind tasting. 91/100

Bye-bye

Thank you very much Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland for a most enjoyable tasting of your world class sparklers.

Pictures: Annette Schiller with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Pictures: Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Château Troplong-Mondot, Appellation Saint-Émilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Château Troplong-Mondot is one of the most beautiful properties of the appellation. The handsome castle was built in 1745 and it was once part of a sizeable estate that included what today are the Château Pavie vineyards. Since the late 1920s Château Troplong-Mondot was in the hands of the Valette family. In the 1980s it was Christine Valette who managed the estate and brought the quality up to the Premier-Grand-Cru Classé level.

Christine Valette passed away in 2014 and in 2017 the property was sold to the French Insurance Company SOCR. They hired Aymeric de Gironde – then managing director at Cos d’Estournet – to become managing director and he started a complete change in the vineyards, in harvesting ideology, and in vinification techniques. The château with 92 acres under vine is one of the largest estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation and sits on the highest point -300 feet- of the plateau east of the village of Saint-Émilion. The soil consists of a deep limestone deposit under layers of thick clay soil.

Château Troplong-Mondot is undergoing a major renovation. Thus, we could not visit the winemaking facilities but instead enjoyed a wonderful vineyard walk and tasting.

Pictures: Vineyard Tour

Château Troplong Mondot/ Wine-Searcher

Wine-Searcher: Château Troplong Mondot is a producer located on the hills of Saint-Émilion, on the right bank of the Gironde in Bordeaux. Typically for the region, Merlot is the dominant grape variety. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are also used in smaller proportions.

Troplong Mondot is classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion classification. This was most recently updated in 2012.

Under the previous owners, and their consultant winemaker Michel Rolland, the wine was known for its deep color, concentration and full bodied style. However in 2017 the estate was sold.

The new owners, the French Insurance group SOCR, brought in Aymeric de Gironde – formerly of Pichon Baron and Cos d'Estournel – to manage the estate, with new winemaking consultants. Many changes have been implemented.

Two neighboring vineyard parcels have been added. Six hectares (15 acres) were acquired from Clos Labarde and 4ha (10 acres) from Bellisle Mondot. Initially these will contribute to the second wine, Mondot. The pre existing vineyards cover 33 hectares (81.5 acres).

Soils are well draining limestone and clay, interspersed with chalk and flint. Troplong Mondot has a cooler climate, at a higher elevation, than most of Saint-Émillon. Under the previous owners it was one of the last to harvest grapes each year.

The fruit will now be picked earlier, and previous extraction techniques replaced by more traditional processes. The grand vin is matured in 60 percent new oak which is untoasted, to deliver a less overtly oaky style than before. Positive reports of the 2018 suggest the wine will become fresher with more mineral characters, while retaining a silky texture.

Château Troplong Mondot was established in the late 1800s when Raymond-Theodore Troplong bought and expanded the Mondot estate.

Pictures: Tasting

Aymeric de Gironde, Chief Executive Officer:

A few years ago, I came to Troplong Mondot, as a simple visitor.

I felt a unique atmosphere. I perceived this “Sense of Place” feeling, so well formulated by our Anglo-Saxon friends. A vague feeling, a soothing impression, as if this place wasn’t really quite like any other and that it was just THE right place.

Already, at the time, I felt as if I belonged here. Time has gone by. And I have come back.

Today, more than ever, Troplong Mondot reveals itself to me as a chance, a world apart, and its evocation relentlessly brings back a flood of thoughts and emotions.

This emotional dimension is specific to Troplong Mondot. It is both an inward retreat, made up of souvenirs and reflections, and an openness towards others based on sharing and empathy. It is what I would like to find here.

In the crazy era of the ephemeral and the immediate that is ours today, I invite you to take some time.

The time to invoke this “Sense of Place”, unique to Troplong Mondot. To reflect and exchange, like one would over a glass of wine. To stand tall, like Troplong Mondot on its hilltop, overlooking the view and stretching out across the horizon.

To question oneself and one’s surroundings. To challenge one’s ideas against those of others so as to find the truth.

To take a step back so as to alter our point of view and open ourselves to new perspectives.

Over a short break, whilst reading, eyes will cross to give a particular light to Troplong Mondot’s world. Each and every theme and encounter will reflect its spirit and will reveal its unique character, through the thousand facets that make up its personality. Whether deep or ephemeral, it will be a matter of encounters, discussions, interpretations and either intimate or universal reflections.

All in a way that I hope will allow emotions to emerge and that will open the doors of our world to you.

The world of Troplong Mondot.

Pictures: Massive Château Cos d’Estournel Vertical with Aymeric de Gironde, Managing Director of Cos d’Estournel, and Panos Kakaviatos at Restaurant Ripple in Washington DC

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Managing Director Aymeric de Gironde - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Château Troplong Mondot

Twenty-five sub-terroirs, three grape varieties and altimeters that vary over several tens of metres

The highest point of the region, culminating at 110 metres

43 hectares altogether, one of the appellation’s largest vineyards

Merlot 85% – Cabernet Sauvignon 13% – Cabernet Franc 2%

A global environment designed over time

A dozen horses that roam up and down the vineyards between March and November

Sustainable soil valuation analyses by Lydia and Claude Bourguignon, since 2007

Preservation of the biodiversity for more than 20 years thanks to the hedges, the forests and the walls that shelter the fauna

A vineyard created in 1700, a château built in 1745

A surname: that of Raymond-Théodore Troplong who shaped the identity and the configuration of the estate and that of his nephew, Edouard, who added his surname onto the existing one, thus creating Troplong Mondot.

Charismatic figures, such as Christine Valette, embodied the freedom of spirit, the determination and the elegant generosity for which the property is still renowned.

An enduring commitment towards our environment, a respectful vision that has been thoroughly conveyed season after season, to prepare the future.

The Wines

2015 Château Troplong-Mondot Mondot US$35
2011 Château Troplong-Mondot Grand Vin US$97
2006 Château Troplong-Mondot Grand Vin US$83

"The brilliant 2011 Troplong Mondot is one of the superstars of the vintage. The final blend was 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, and the wine tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Its opaque blue/purple, nearly black color is followed by aromas of blueberry liqueur interwoven with black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, camphor and forest floor. Among the most complete wines of the vintage, with no hollowness, astringency or herbaceousness, this is a tour de force in a challenging vintage. Some tannins are noticeable, but this 2011 is already approachable and should provide delicious, complex drinking over the next two decades. Bravo!" 95 points Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2006 Troplong-Mondot is deep in color with minimal ageing on the rim. The bouquet is rich and generous with mulberry, Hoi Sin, orange blossom and melted tar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, generous black pepper and graphite notes cutting through the dense black fruit, leading to an engaging, tensile, graphite and tobacco-driven finish that exerts both body and length. It still has that slight stockiness, but that is something I like. I have always found much to admire in this vintage of Troplong-Mondot and it continues to give so much pleasure. 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (NM) (2/2017)

Pictures: The Wines

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

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

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

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 Pape-Clément, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Graves, with Daley Brennan, Business Development Manager, Eastern USA - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, Appellation Saint-Émilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B, with Proprietor Count Stephan von Neipperg - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Belles-Graves, Appellation Lalande de Pomerol, with Sylvain Garoste, Maître de Chai (Cellar Master) - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Table de Catusseau, Bib Gourmand in the Guide Michelin, in Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol, with Technical Director Marielle Cazaux - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Château Troplong-Mondot, Appellation Saint-Émilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Appellation Pomerol, with Dany Rolland and General Manager Benoit Prévot

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

Touring Saint-Emilion

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Gazin, Appellation Pomerol, with Owner Nicolas de Bailliencourts

Tour and Lunch at Château Climens, Appellation Barsac-Sauternes, Première Grand Cru Classé, with Owner and Winemaker Bérénice Lurton

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton

Lunch at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye

Tour and Tasting at Château Bel-Air La Royère, Appellation Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinne Loriaud

An Afternoon with Owner/Winemaker Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud at Chateau Bel Air La Royere in Blaye, Bordeaux, France

Tour and Tasting at Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm, with Oyster Farmer Ralph Doerfler

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

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

Tour and Blending Workshop at Château La Tour de Bessan, Appellation Margaux, Cru Bourgeois

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  

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafite-Rothschild, Appellation Pauillac, 1ière Grand Cru Classé

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

Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and Bottle) at Château Lafon-Rochet, 4ème Grand Cru Classé St-Estèphe, with Owner Basile Tesseron - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2018, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Phélan-Ségur, with General Manager Véronique Dausse and Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey

Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Appellation Pauillac, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Technical Director Jean-René Matignon

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

Tour at Cooperage Berger & Fils with Simon Grelier, Managing Director

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Sociando Mallet, Appellation Haut-Médoc

Tour and Tasting at Château Sociando Mallet, Appellation Haut-Médoc– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan 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 Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Philippe Blanc, Managing Director

Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with General Manager Philippe Blanc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Desmirail, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Denis Lurton

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

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

Winery Tour and Dinner at Château Bouscaut, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Graves, with Owner Sophie Cogombles-Lurton and her Husband Laurent Cogombles

Picture: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland. See: See: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Sekthaus Raumland: Right before Christmas we have an amazing reason to already let our corks pop. We are overwhelmed and raise our glasses: we are proudly announcing that as of today, Sekthaus Raumland can call itself member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) that unites the 197 best wineries in Germany. Over the past 30 years, we followed a philosophy of highest standards, quality and passion for German Sekt to bring German Sekt back to the qualitative spearhead in national as well as international sparkling winemaking. By accepting Sekthaus Raumland as the first ever ‚sparkling-only’ winery, VDP is setting a clear statement!

A big THANK YOU to all VDP and its members for the warm welcome as well as to our loyal employees, our partners and friends who have accompanied us during this “sparkling road” until today.

Picture: The Raumland Family (Photo: VDP)

Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

We visited Sekthaus Raumland during the Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours.

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

With the visit of Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, we honored the Germans' affinity with the bubbly stuff. Did you know that the Germans are world champions in sparkling wine consumption? And that “Rotkäppchen” in Freyburg, in the Saale-Unstrut region is the world’s second largest sparkling wine producer after Freixenet? And that there are many top rated Sekt producers in Germany?

Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland were our hosts.

Pictures: At Sekthaus Raumland

Sekthaus Raumland

Sekthaus Raumland was founded in 1984 by Volker and Heide-Rose Raumland, after Volker Raumland had finished his oenologie studies at the University of Geisenheim. Initially, Sekthaus Raumland was mostly making Sekt for other German wineries, but right from the beginning only in the méthode traditionnelle.

Picture: Welcome

The top product of the Raumland portfolio is called Triumvirat. It is a cuvée from the single vineyard Dalsheimer Bürgel, which extends just west of the center of Dalsheim. It is made up of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

Heide-Rose Raumland is from Weingut Wöhrwag in Stuttgart. Her brother Hans-Peter studied togather Volker Raumland in Geisenheim. They have 2 daughters, Marie-Luise and Katharina.

Picture: Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland with their 2 Daughters Marie-Luise and Katharina

Vineyards

Today Sekthaus Raumlan has 10 hectares of vineyards in the Flörsheim-Dalsheim area and produces Sekt in the méthode traditionnelle on par with the quality of the best Champagnes. His philosophy: no mass production, top quality, “small but beautiful”, first class base wines, at least 36 months on the lease. Since 2002 his wine and Sekt estate is certified “AB” for biological agriculture.

Raumland grows his fruit in three different vineyards:

(1) Dalsheim, Rheinhessen with 4.1 ha which is also home base for the estate. These vineyards are planted to Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay;

(2) Hohen-Sülzen, Rheinhessen with 1.5 ha planted 100% to Pinot Noir and

(3) Bockenheim, Pfalz with 4.0 ha located 5km to the south of Dalsheim which is also Volker’s hometown. Riesling from these vineyards is used for Sekt whereas miscellaneous red wine varieties are vinified as still wine.

How Volker Raumland Makes his Sekts

(1) Very careful and painstaking hand selection. The grapes are placed in small 15 kg boxes to assure that none of the fruit is scarred or damaged. Grapes are picked at 75 to 80 Oechlse, the optimum must weight for sparkling wine.

(2) Whole cluster pressing to preserve fruit aromas, no maceration, no mashing and no pumping of the juice.

(3) The “Champagne press program” with a duration of four hours, involves careful segmentation of the juice. The separation involves the first run (5%), the middle run or “heart” (50%) and the last run or taille (10%). To control phenolics the press is stopped after the last run. These figures coincide with champagne where 67% of the juice is used. First run and last run juices are used for the basic Sekts such as Cuvée Marie - Luise and Cuvée Katharina (named after the Raumland’s daughters) as are lower quality portions of the middle run. The better part of the middle run is used for the Prestige varietal Cuvées and the very best for the Grand Cuvee Triumvirat.

(4) The exception to the above is using the Saignée process by bleeding off prefermentation juice to make the Rose Prestige Cuvee (10% Pinot Noir) gathering juice for the Rose Prestige Cuvee (100% Pinot Noir).

(5) The time laps between harvest and the start of fermentation is a maximum of three days. Because of the earlier harvest for champagne grapes, fermentation starts already in September and often goes past November. The Pinot varietals and Chardonnay also go through a malolactic fermentation which lasts anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the PH of the wine ( high PH- fast malolactic, low PH- slow malolactic).

(6) After completion of the fermentation the wine is left on the fine yeast for maximum benefit. The wines are filtered and cold stabilized before Tirage. Tirage involves adding .24 gm/l of sugar and cultured Champagne yeast (sourced from Epernay in Champagne) and capping the bottles with a crown cork. This then starts yet another fermentation capturing CO2 which develops a pressure of six bars in the bottle. They are stored horizontally for maximum yeast contact for a minimum of 12 months to 12 years, depending on the quality of the Sekt.

(7) Four weeks before the Sekt is finished the bottles are hand riddled. After disgorgement a 1.0% dosage of a high quality wine is added to the prestige cuvees and 1/2% dosage to the Tête de Cuvee Triumvirat. The best quality dosage goes to the highest quality Sekt.

(8) The Sekts are stored in a four stories deep cellar to achieve optimum ripeness and “pin point” mousse. The Sekts are continuously monitored and tasted to assure optimum quality. All Sekts, including older vintages are freshly disgorged before they leave the estate.

Pictures: Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

Sekt in Germany

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

There is a dozen or so large Sekt houses. Most of these large Sekt houses were established in the 1800s. At that time, there was only one method known to produce Sekt, the méthode traditionnelle. But in contrast to the champagne houses, the large Sekt houses have all moved to the charmat method as main method of the second fermentation after World War II. Like the champagne houses, Sekt houses do not own vineyards, but purchase the base wine from winemakers.

The smaller Sekt houses, like the large Sekt houses, do not own vineyards, but also buy the base wine from winemakers. They also tend to have a long history and often links to the champagne region, beautiful facilities and old cellars for the second fermentation and storage. The big difference is that they typically have not gone the route of tank fermentation but continue to ferment in the méthode traditionnelle.

Increasingly, there is a number of top quality winemakers, who, in addition, to their still wines, have started to include Sekts in their portfolio. These Sekts are typically vintage Sekts, from a specified vineyard, made of specific grapes, often Riesling, in the méthode champenoise and with little or not dosage (brut or extra but). While the first fermentation typically takes place at the winery, the second fermentation is often not in the cellar of the winemaker but in the cellar of a Sekt house that bottle-ferments for other wineries.

Raumland belongs to the third group but is kind of unique in Germany. Raumland makes a bit of still wine but is clearly focusing on his world class Sekts. The Raumland Sekts are like Champagnes, without copying them, feels the Eichelmann 2010.

Pictures: Heide-Rose Raumland

Raumland in the US: Rudi Wiest Selections

In the US, Raumland is available through Rudi Wiest Selections.

Rudi Wiest: Simply the finest sparkling wine producer in Germany. Founded in 1990 by Volker Raumland whose heart and soul is invested in making great Sekt. Every year, year in year out Volker produces 3 to 5 of the top 10 sparkling wines in Germany according to the Gault-Millau/German Wine Guide. His basic cuvees carry the names of his daughters – Cuvee Marie-Louise (100% Pinot Noir) – benchmark of refinement and purity, Cuvee Katherina Blanc de Noir (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) more power, more structure, dense and creamy with a touch of oak. The above Sekts rival and easily surpass NV Champagnes and offer better pricing. His top selections are sensational sparkling wines that keep pace with the best Tête de Cuvees in Champagne. The estate uses organic vineyard practices. Production is 7,000 cases annually.

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

Jamie Goode and Treve Ring Explore Sekt, Germany's Sparkling Wine - Raumland

Jamie Goode and Treve Ring: Raumland focuses solely on traditional method sparkling wine. It seems that the best Sekt producers are the ones who just do fizz, because it requires a particular way of thinking.

Whereas some Sekt producers are looking to make fruity sparkling wines that express that side of Riesling, Raumland is looking to make something more complex, and more akin to vintage Champagne. He has planted mainly Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, though also works with Riesling and Pinot Blanc. ‘I hate primary fruit in sparkling,’ says Raumland, ‘and I love the toast and bread notes from long ageing on the lees.’ His wines have a minimum 3 years on the lees for first tier. Prestige is minimum 6 years on the lees, while his vintage level is 10 years on the lees or more. He adds, ‘We are a young company but we are still very traditional.’ Raumland is critically considered to be one of the top quality Sekt producers in Germany.

What we Tasted


Tradition

NV Raumland Riesling Brut
NV Raumland Cuvée Marie-Louise Brut

Wine Curmudgeon (Posted 14 Sep 2015): German sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne style? How much wine geekier does it get? Not much, but the Raumland Marie-Luise is well worth the trouble to find and the price you will pay.

The amazing thing about the Raumland Marie-Luise ($40, sample, 12%) is not that it’s well made, but that it’s such a value, even at $40. I’ve tasted Champagne (before the boycott) at that price and even $20 more that wasn’t as pleasurable to drink — mass market plonk at high-end prices. The Raumland is made with pinot noir, astonishing in itself given the rarity and inconsistency of German pinot, but even more so given the wine’s subtlety and style. This is not an oaky, yeasty sparkling bomb, but a wine with fine, tight bubbles, hints of berry fruit, an almost spice-like aroma, and bone dry.

Highly recommended, though it may be difficult to find. If you can, serve it on its own (chilled, of course) or with seafood and chicken. We had it with a shrimp boil during the infamous wine samples dinner, and the Raumland was gone in minutes. This is also a fine gift for any open-minded sparkling wine drinker.

NV Raumland Cuvée Katharina Brut

Jamie Goode: Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with some oak in the base wine fermentation. Very pure, direct nose. Lovely pear and apple fruit character here with a touch of toastiness. Some warm herbal notes. Ripe and fruity with a bit of toasty development. Nice fruit expression.

Treve Ring: Salty, with fine earth, savoury biscuit and cherry notes hallmarking this Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier blend. Cherry and pear dominate, and a fine line of acid holds the whole taught to the toasty finish. Lovely balance. Disgorged march 2016. 89/100

Prestige

2012 Raumland Rosé Prestige Brut
2010 Raumland Pinot Prestige Brut
2008 Raumland Riesling Prestige Brut

Jamie Goode: The malolactic stopped half-way, so we have 10.2 g of acid and 6 g of residual sugar here. Single vineyard in Pfalz. Limestone soils. Linear, pure and tight with astonishing acidity. Subtle waxy hints indicate the age of the wine, with a hint of cheese and toast, but the driving force is piercing lemony fruit. Tangy and bright with some ripe apple notes, too. So distinctive. 91/100

2009 Raumland Blanc de Blanc Prestige Brut
2011 Raumland Chardonnay Prestige Brut


2009 Raumland IX Triumvirat - Grande Cuvée Brut

Jamie Goode: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, first made in 2001. Less than 3 g/l sugar and acidity around 7. 6 years on lees, 6 months on cork. Some of the wine is fermented in barrels, mostly barriques, but also some 350 litre barrels. Lively, powerful, pithy and a bit waxy with very bold citrus and pear notes, as well as honey and almond notes. Very linear with good acidity. Has real precision and depth with some red cherry and pear on the finish. 91/100

Treve Ring: The Triumvirat Grand Cuvee is a brut blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, and a premium bottling from Raumland. Light smoke, light biscuit and fennel is broken by crunchy acidity and large flake sea salt. The palate leads with lox and toasty spice before introducing light cherry and red pear, finishing with a raspy, almost assertive acidity. Fermented in barriques and barrels before more than 7 years on the lees, this could pass for a decent supermarket-bottled Champagne in a blind tasting. 91/100

Bye-bye

Thank you very much Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland for a most enjoyable tasting of your world class sparklers.

Pictures: Annette Schiller with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Pictures: Dry Riesling from Around the World - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Janie Brooks Heuck, President, International Riesling Foundation

The 2019 American Wine Society Annual Meetings took place at St. Pete Beach in Florida, on  Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2019. More than 600 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.

Janie Brooks Heuck, President, International Riesling Foundation and Brooks Winery, Oregon, presented a most interesting seminar with dry Rieslings from around the world. This posting focuses on this seminar. I am also reposting a recent article by Dave McIntyre, which he wrote for the Washington Post about Riesling.

I have already provided an overview of the event her: The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Pictures: At the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, with Randall Grahm, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Joel Peterson, Founder Ravenswood Vineyards, Janie Brooks Heuck, President,International Riesling Foundation and Brooks Winery, Joe Broski, AWS President, David Falchek, AWS Executive Director and Diane Meyer, Conference Chairperson

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the last in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2019 in St. Pete Beach, Florida:

The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller

Renaissance of the Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same? - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Dry Riesling from around the World - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Janie Brooks Heuck, President, International Riesling Foundation

Two American Icons: With Randall Grahm, Founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, and Joel Peterson, Founder of Ravenswood Vineyards, at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA

Ombiasy WineTours Booth

One of the about 15 booths at the conference was Annette Schiller's ombiasyPR & WineTours booth, where Annette and I presented her 6 tours to Germany (East, South, North) and France (Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhone).

Pictures: Ombiasy WineTours Booth with AWS President Joseph Broski

Not all Riesling is Sweet, and Other Things to Know About the Versatile White Wine

By Dave McIntyre
The Washington Post
Posted11/18/2019

Riesling is arguably the most misunderstood wine. Sommeliers, wine writers, people who spend too much of their disposable income on wine, tend to love it. And yet, "I don't like riesling -- it's too sweet," is a common refrain from casual wine drinkers, whenever I rave about it.

That's understandable. Generations of Americans favored sweet wine, and riesling fit the bill. Whether inexpensive plonk from Germany or generic white wine from California, we drank lots of it. But somewhere along the way, we learned that "dry" wine is supposed to be better. Chardonnay and sauvignon blanc eclipsed riesling in U.S. vineyards and American imaginations.

Today there's a bit of a riesling renaissance in the United States. Riesling shines in certain regions, such as New York's Finger Lakes, Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula and Washington state's Columbia Valley. Some dedicated winemakers are crafting exceptional riesling in Oregon's Willamette Valley, and there are a few notable holdouts in California.

Here are several things to know about riesling and to encourage you to explore this exciting wine.

• They are not all sweet!

Riesling is a versatile wine, because it can be racy and bone dry, unctuous and sweet, and everything in between. That's why consumers can be confused -- we don't know what we're buying unless the label tells us. And it doesn't, usually. But there are clues.

Rieslings from Austria, Australia and New Zealand are almost always dry, and the rare dessert wines are usually marked as such. Dry German rieslings may be labeled as "trocken," and the top bottlings called Erste Lage or Grosses Gewachs are always dry. U.S. wineries may make a range of styles. These may be labeled as Dry or Semi-Dry, to indicate moderate sweetness, which I prefer to call fruitiness. Ripe fruit, after all, tastes sweet.

Or the back label may sport a scale indicating Dry, Medium Dry, Medium Sweet or Sweet. This scale was developed by a group or wineries called the International Riesling Foundation, and it's a little more complex than it sounds. A wine's perceptible sweetness is not just a question of how much sugar is left in the wine after fermentation. The IRF scale factors in sugar, acidity and the wine's pH level to give us an indication of how sweet or dry the wine will taste.

• Riesling is a great food wine.

A food-wine pairing maxim pitches sweeter wine with spicy Asian foods, because the sugar in the wine moderates the food's heat. Riesling fits that, especially a semi-dry version. But the wine's key is really its fruitiness and acidity, a combination that equals versatility.

"Riesling can be made in many different styles, from low to high alcohol, from dry, to off-dry and then the many dessert styles," says Stu Smith, winemaker at Smith-Madrone Vineyards on Napa Valley's Spring Mountain. Smith-Madrone planted its riesling vineyard in 1972 and is now celebrated as one of the few riesling holdouts in the land of cabernet sauvignon. "It goes with just about any food, meat, soup or cuisine -- or all by itself."

Riesling is great with smoked fish, salads, curries, even braised beef -- one of my most memorable meals was beef braised in Riesling, with spaetzle. It may have helped that I was in Germany, of course. And if you buy a bottle that turns out to be too sweet for your taste, save it for a salty cheese or dessert.

• Riesling is a megaphone for terroir.

A conversation with a German winemaker can turn into a dizzying discourse on how a riesling from a vineyard on blue slate soils tastes different from one grown on red slate. But you don't have to be a geologist to appreciate riesling's ability to express its origins.

In cool climates, such as New York's Finger Lakes and Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula, riesling takes on a lean, racy profile. Warmer climes such as the Columbia Valley in Washington state or Napa Valley give riesling a richer body, with riper fruit flavors.

But there are differences, and U.S. riesling is especially exciting now, as winemakers explore its different expressions. Rieslings from Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes tend to have a delicate texture with an accent of lime zest, while ones from nearby Keuka Lake are richer. Brooks winery makes more than 20 rieslings, including several single-vineyard bottlings, that vividly demonstrate the terroirs and microclimates of Oregon's Willamette Valley.

• Riesling ages well.

Wine lovers who are still collectors should keep a stash of riesling in their cellars. We tend to consider white wines at their peak just a year or two after the vintage, but riesling's acidity gives it a potential for long life.

"Why do I keep making riesling?" Smith asks. "Because I love drinking it while it's young, and savor it when it's aged."

Friday, November 1
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B
Session B-1: Dry Riesling From Around the World

Presenter: Janie Brooks Heuck, President,International Riesling Foundation

Abstract: Riesling is the most versatile white grape in the world and expresses where it is grown better than any other white variety. It is the favorite grape of most wine professionals, but is so often misunderstood. Explore the terroir, climate an d soils of six Rieslings, all dry in style, from around the world with Janie Brooks Heuck, President of the Int. Riesling Foundation.

Pictures: Dry Riesling from around the World - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Janie Brooks Heuck, President, International Riesling Foundation

The Dry Rieslings Janie Poured

2017 Anthony Road Vineyard, Riesling Dry, Finger Lakes, USA
2017 Chateau St. Michelle Columbia Valley, Dry Riesling, USA
2017 Brooks Estate, Ara, Riesling, Willamette Valley, USA
2017 Weingut Stadt Krems, Kremstal, Riesling trocken, Austria
2017 Dr. Loosen, Blue Slate, Riesling Dry, Mosel, Germany
2013 Hugel, Riesling, Grossi Laue, Alsace, France

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 was released on Thursday, October 31, 2019. The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 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.

Picture: WeinGuides Deutschland 2020 (Photo: Weingut Corvers-Kauter - Facebook)

12 winemakers received the top rating of 5/ 5 stars in the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020.

See:
Germany's 12 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 honored the following three outstanding personalities of the German wine world with Winemaker of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Discovery of the Year awards:

Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg)

Rising Star of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Carl Ehrhard, Weingut Ehrhard (Rheingau)

Discovery of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Carsten Saalwächter, Weingut Saalwächter (Rheinhessen)

Postings/ Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020

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

Germany's Best Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 Awards
Germany's Best Wines: 12 Categories - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020
Germany's 12 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020
Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg), Germany

Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg)

Vinum: Württemberg's best Riesling? Best Lemberger? Top Sekt? World-class Sauvignon Blanc? All this is available at the Aldingers. Even with many wine icons - 13 wines from the current collection exceeded the 90-point mark! - one should by no means overlook a wine such as the Götzberg Riesling Kabinett, which, with a structure reminiscent of a Saar wine, redefines the previous understanding of this predicate level in Württemberg in an almost impudent manner. Out of this world are the red Grosse Gewächse (GGs). The Marienglas Pinot Noir is reminiscent of a Nuits-Saint-Georges of the fine kind; great complexity and delicate balance excite in the Lämmler.

See also:
Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg), Germany

Visit: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Aldinger with Matthias Aldinger

We visited Weingut Aldinger as part of the Germany-East Tour 2018.

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

Weingut Aldinger is right in the middle of Fellbach, a wine village near Stuttgart in Württemberg. The family's long winegrowing tradition can be traced back to the year 1492, when "Bentz the Aldinger" cultivated vines here. Today the winery is owned by Gert Aldinger in the 15th generation and managed by his sons Hansjörg Aldinger and Matthias Aldinger in the 16th generation.

The vineyard area totals 30 hectares, including the following single vineyards: Berg (Hanweil), Goldberg and Lämmler (Fellbach), Schlossberg (Rotenberg), Mönchberg and Pulvermächer (Stetten), Götzenberg (Uhlbach), and in monopoly ownership Gips (Untertürkheim).

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

The white wines are slowly fermented at between 12 and 14 ° C to preserve the primary grape flavors before being stored in steel tanks. The red wines ferment for up to 20 days on the mash before they undergo malolactic fermentation and age depending on the quality or desired type of wine in steel tanks, large oak barrels or barrique.

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

Winemaker of the Year: Runners-up

Weingut A. Christmann, Steffen Christmann, Pfalz

Vinum: The winery of the VDP president Steffen Christmann has always scored with their Rieslings. But never before have the reds been as good as they are now!

Even the simple Riesling Gutswein has a clear, juicy statement - with the ease of 11.5% alcohol. turns. After that, there is only one direction - upwards - although Christmann's wines have always been on the light side. The Ortswein Königsbach is taut, the Ersten Lagen form the Kapellenberg and Ölberg offer a quiet way, the Ölberg particularly fine and delicate. With the Rieslings from the Grossen Lagen Great Lakes there is no limit. In addition, four Pinot Noirs were introduced to us - they were the best Pinot Noirs ever produced by Christmann.

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

Pictures: At Weigut A. Christmann - Harvest Time. See: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Weingut Jean Stodden, Alexander Stodden, Ahr

Vinum: Also from the year 2017, exceptional winemaker Alexander Stodden's Pinot Noir collection is the best in the Ahr Valley. Alexander Stodden's wines are always elegant and the Grosse Lage vineyards vineyards clearly differentiable in terms of taste. His Frühburgunder is also the best in the region and in a particularly difficult vintage for the grape variety. At the heart of the collection are the wines from the Recher Herrenberg, the family's home mountain. Here, Alexander Stoddens owns large plots and he can pick out the best plots and barrels for the different wines. So the Ortswein is already in a class of its own, not to mention of course the Grossen Gewächse.

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

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

Rising Star of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Weingut Carl Ehrhard, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Rheingau

Vinum : What was created here with the vintage 2018 grapes is more than astonishing: a multitude of fruity sweet and noble sweet top wines that that are reminiscent of the best days in the Rheingau.

In his wine cellar, Carl Ehrhard mainly relies on casks that have been purchased in considerable numbers in recent years. One of his concerns is to keept the the old plot and single vineyard names alive that disappeared with the 1971 Wine Law. Therefore the animated, classy Drachenstein Alte Reben carries the suffix Urstück Engergraben. Ehrhard is also particularly fond of the Auslese predicate. That is why he took advantage of the special conditions of 2018 and harvested a wonderful range of Auslese wines from October onwards.

Rising Star of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Runners-up

Weingut Knewitz, Tobias and Björn Knewitz, Rheinhessen

Vinum: Riesling is the great passion of the Knewitz brothers, but they have also developed real expertise for Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.

The peculiarities of the 2018 vintage did not lead to problems in this estate, but to new heights. The single vineyard Rieslings are all at the highest level and demonstrate the great potential that lies in the former coral reef of the Mainz Basin, which appears on the surface in Appenheim and the surrounding area. Tobias and Björn Knewitz also have a knack for sweet wines. The grapes don't even have to come from Rheinhessen. In the Nahe is the Norheimer Kirschheck, from there comes a great Riesling Auslese.

See also:
Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Weingut A. J. Adam, Mosel

Vinum: There have always been great fruity sweet and noble sweet wines in this 5!/2 hectare estate. Now, dry Rieslings are also shining.

Very special: the dry Riesling from the Dhroner Häuschen, which develops playfully, even prancing and yet powerful in the nose. We also developped a special attachment to an exotic wine from theis estate during the tasting: the Pinot Noir Rosé with its wild sponti-nose - we named the wine “Riesling Rosé” because of its great drinking animation and crisp nature. The classics of the estate are of excellent quality in 2018, with Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Spätlese being the top wine of the collection.

Discovery of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019): Weingut Paul Christian Saalwächter, Carsten Saalwächter

Vinum: Carsten Saalwächter is one of the young wilds who want to move away from conventional production to more natural wines.

The Ingelheim winemaker produces his wine without fining, filtration and sulfur additions, but he does not want to count himself part of the natural wine movement. Rather, it is about grand white and red Burgundy wines. As for Pinot Noir, his ideals can be found in Burgundy. There he has already looked over the shoulders of well-known producers, including at the Domaine des Lambrays. In Germany he studied the methods of Ziereisen in particular, but also Schnaitmann, Stodden and Fritz Becker on site, but he goes his own way.

Discovery of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019): Runners-up

Weingut Ehrhart, Benjamin Erharrt, Pfalz

Vinum: Already since 2012 has this remarkable estate on the outskirts of Eschbach been certified according to the EU standard for organic viticulture.

Benjamin Ehrhart runs this winery together with the family and is constantly tweaking the quality screw. Drought stress in 2018 - not here. The vines get accompanying green early on after planting. Benjamin Ehrhart is convinced that this has a positive effect on root growth and water retention. The vines thank it and the wine quality obviously shows it too: the Rieslings are dense, tight with fresh acidity, the Chardonnay complex and incredibly dense, the red wines are complex and elegant.

Weingut Hermann Ludes, Julian and Hermann Ludes, Mosel

Vinum: Hermann Ludes makes uncompromising and strong character wines, without saturating fruit - great!

The ten hectare Weingut Hermann Ludes and the vineyards Thörnicher Ritsch and Klüsserather Bruderschaft: This combination results in wines that are rarely found on the Moselle today. But you shouldn't be afraid of acid! The wines are given time and they also need time. In the cellar everything is consistently dispensed with: no industrial yeast, no enzymes or powders. With his nephew Julian, 70-year-old Hermann Ludes now has found a successor that his colleagues can envy him for.

Earlier Years

Germany’s Best Winemakers– Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 Awards
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017 Awards
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2016 Awards: The Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany
Best German Wines and Winemakers: Gault Millau Awards – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Best German Wines and Wine Makers – the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2013 Awards
2012: Best German Wines (Awards) – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2012
2011: Gault Millau WeinGuide Germany 2011– Ratings
Gault Millau Wine Germany 2010

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Announcement: Upcoming ombiasy Wine Tours 2020 - (1) Alsace and Germany South, (2) Rhône Valley, (3) Bordeaux

Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)

Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg), 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

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 Jean Stodden, Ahr, with Alexander Stodden - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen 

Pictures: Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Our final stop on the

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

was in Nierstein, south of Mainz, 30 minutes away from Frankfurt Airport by car, at Louis Guntrum.

L. Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum were our hosts.

Pictures: Welcome

"Guntrum is back" writes Stuart Pigott in a recent review of the Rheinhessen region. The Guntrum family has been making wine since 1648. Today, L. Konstantin Guntrum produces about 70.000 cases of wine annually with own fruit from its vinyards totalling 11 hectares (8.000 cases) and with purchased fruit ( 62.000 cases). In its haydays of its almost 400 years of history, the Guntrum family used to own 280 hectares of vineyard land.

Pictures: Recent Stuart Pigott and Robert Parker Ratings of Weingut Louis Guntrum

In addition to its world class wines, Weingut Louis Guntrum was also known for making more affordable wine and selling it all over the world. The current generation, Louis Konstantin and his wife, is clearly refocussing on quality and does this very successfully as Stuart Pigott is testifying in a recent Rheinhessen report on JamesSuckling.com.

We started the visit with a glass of sparkling wine in the courtyard of Weingut Louis Guntrum, overlooking the part of the Rhine River where during World War II U.S.General Patton crossed the river.

Following a most interesting tour of the large and old cellar including a tasting down there sat down with Konstantin Guntrum for a light wine-pairing lunch.

At the end of the lunch, Konstantin opened 2 very special wines from the library of Weingut Louis Guntrum (1971 and 1977).

Pictures: Starting with a Sekt

History

The Guntrum family started to make wine in 1648 and has been involved in wine production ever since. The Guntrums were French Huguenots who fled France to escape Catholic oppression.

The 8th generation, Louis Jean George Guntrum, built today's estate building in 1923. It impresses with its stunning location right on the banks of the Rhine river between Nierstein and Oppenheim.

Today, Weingut Louis Guntrum is owned and managed by the 11th generation, Louis Konstantin Guntrum and his wife Stephanie Guntrum.

During the French Revolution, the Guntrum family fled across the Rhine river and temporarily relocated in Bensheim. In 1909, Louis Guntrum returned to Nierstein and established the Louis Guntrum estate as it is known today.

In February 1945, during World War II, U.S.General Patton occupied the winery and the family mansion, having crossed the Rhein river directly at the Louis Guntrum estate.

Pictures: Cellar Tour with Tasting

Louis Guntrum

Overall production is about 70.000 cases of wine, of which 62.000 cases are produced by purchasing fruit and 8.000 cases from own grapes.

The vineyard area totals 11 hectares in the following sites: Niersteiner Bergkirche, Heiligenbaum, Hipping, Ölberg, Orbel, Paterberg and Pettental; as well as in the Oppenheimer Herrenberg, Kreuz, Sackträger and Schützenhütte.

Riesling is the most important grape variety accounting for 40%. Other grape varieties include Silvaner, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Silvaner, Gewürztraminer.

Wine-pairing Lunch

After the tour of the winery we enjoyed a family-style wine pairing lunch.

Pictures: Wine-pairing Lunch

The Wines

Aperitif

2018 Louis Guntrum PERLfein Lous Guntrum Secco


Tasting in the Cellar

2018 Louis Guntrum Scheurebe trocken
2018 Louis Guntrum Grauburgunder trocken
2017 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Silvaner trocken


Lunch Wines

2014 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling trocken
2016 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Orbel Riesling Louis Guntrum Grosses Gewächs


2015 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Pinot Noir Réserve


2015 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Orbel Riesling Spätlese

After-Lunch Library Wines

1977 Louis Guntrum Dienheimer Kalkenberg Riesling Ausese
1971 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Findling Scheurebe Beerenauslese


schiller-wine: Related Postings (Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling - Published and Forthcoming Postings)

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Joachim Flick in Hochheim, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at the Weingut Schloss Johannisberg Gutsrestaurant - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Wegeler in Oestrich-Winkel, Rheingau - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Kloster Eberbach: Overnight-Stay, Dinner, Tour and Aperitif in the Steinberg Vineyard - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Lunch, Cellar Visit and Tasting at Weingut Baron Knyphausen in Erbach, Rheingau, with Owner Gerko Freiherr zu Knyphausen and Winemaker Arne Willkens - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Kaufmann in Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Family-style Wine-pairing Lunch at Weingut Hans Lang - Kaufmann, with Owners/ Winemakers Urban Kaufmann and Eva Raps - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Sekt Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting in the Vineyard at Weingut Laquai in Lorch, Rheingau, with Gundolf Laquai - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch in Bacharach, Mittelrhein Region - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting and Vineyard Drive at Weingut Ratzenberger in Bacharach, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Tasting at Weingut Franzen, Bremm, Terrassen-Mosel, with Angelina Franzen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Jos. Jos. Prüm in Bernkastel-Wehlen, Mosel, with Amei Prüm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Wine Dinner at Weingut Richard Böcking in Traben-Trarbach, Middle Mosel, with Owner Denman Zirkle - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, with Ernie Loosen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Weingut Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Mueller-Burggraef: Visit of the Doctorkeller and Tour and Tasting at the Winery, with Owner Matthias Willkomm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Lunch at Restaurant Juffer Flair of Weingut Christian Steinmetz in Brauneberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Reinhold Haart in Piesport, Mosel, with Johannes Haart - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Peter Lauer in Ayl, Upper Mosel, Saar Valley, with Katharina Lauer and Peter Lauer - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Lunch at WEINrestaurant Ayler Kupp, Weingut Peter Lauer, Saar Valley - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Crusius, Traisen, Nahe, with Dr. Peter Crusius and his Daughter Judith Crusius - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Münster-Sarmsheim, Nahe, with Stefan and Georg Rumpf - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Bischel in Appenheim, Rheinhessen, with Christian Runkel, Owner and Winemaker - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Guntrum is Back (Stuart Pigott/ James Suckling): Wine Pairing Lunch and Tour at Weingut Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Owners Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Mainlust “Desche Otto” – an Ultra Traditional Apple Wine Tavern, with an Innovative Twist, off the Beaten Track in Schwanheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

The average wine searcher price for Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, is US$ 13. Château Reynier is one of the hundreds and hundreds of so-called petits châteaux in Bordeaux that produce excellent wines for little money. These petits châteaux can struggle to make their voices heard on the market.

In the case of Château Reynier, it is a bit different, because the estate is owned and run by Marc and Agnès Lurton. The Lurtons are Bordeaux’s first family, at the helm of scores of châteaux across the region and, increasingly, the world.

Marc Lurton was our host. Agnès joined us for the tasting.

We started the visit with a vineyard walk that ended at the undergroun wine cellar where the wines are aged. We went back to the chai, where Marc gave us a university-style presentation with a white board on how his wines are produced. The visit ended with a tasting, where Agnès joined us.

Pictures: Arriving at Château Reynier

Château Reynier

Château Reynier together with Château Bouchet and Château Tour de Boisset has 99 acres of vineyards on clay-limestone slopes and is owned and managed by Marc and Agnès Lurton, descendants of a great Bordeaux wine making and wine merchant family. Marc’s grandfather bought the estates in 1901. When Marc – an œnologist trained at Bordeaux University- inherited the estate in 1997 he undertook major improvements : modernization of the wine making facilities, investment in bottling line and labelling equipment, installation of a system to protect the vine from frost in the spring, installation of natural waste water treatment plant, restoration of the underground stone quarries for ageing the wine in oak barrels, replanting the vines to bring them up to date with modern norms, a work that continues until today. In 2012 Marc started working towards organic certification for a part of the vineyard.

Marc Lurton also has extensive experiences as consultant in the wine regions of California. I quote Marc Lurton: „I have drawn on my long experience and savoir-faire to make a range of wines that are attractive and delicious and can be enjoyed on any occasion.”

Pictures: Marc and Agnès Lurton

Unravelling the Dynasty
Stephen Brook August 21, 2008

The Lurtons are Bordeaux’s first family, at the helm of scores of châteaux across the region and, increasingly, the world.

Whenever a member of the Lurton family is joined in matrimony, you can be certain that there will be a swift issue of children – sometimes as many as ten of them. That, and the family’s ardent Catholicism, explains the ubiquity of this family across the face of Bordeaux, especially since most Lurtons have pursued careers in the wine business. They are everywhere: in Margaux and Moulis, in Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes, in the Entre-Deux-Mers. Between them, they own some 800ha (hectares), and have created their own distribution systems for the wines. In the beginning there was Léonce Récapet, who wasn’t a Lurton at all and was a distiller by trade. His daughter Denise married François Lurton. She died young, in 1934, and her father outlived her, dying at a ripe old age in 1943. Before her death she had given birth to four children: André (born in 1924), Lucien (1925), Simone, (1929), and Dominique (1932). Simone and her children played nopart in the wine business, but her three brothers emphatically did.

Pictures: Vineyard Tour

Bordeaux Pioneers

André Lurton was born at the grand family base of Château Bonnet at Grézillac in the northern reaches of the Entre-Deux-Mers, and it remains his home.

When I stayed there almost 20 years ago, its interior appeared scarcely altered since the 19th century, and André seemed to like it that way. Over the years he developed Bonnet into a very large estate specifically geared to produce substantial quantities of wine at a fair price. The white in particular is a dependable staple on Bordeaux wine lists. The octogenarian has never fought shy of innovation, and introduced screwcaps for Bonnet’s white wines when most other producers were gasping with horror at the suggestion. But his real achievement lies elsewhere, in the northern Graves. Here he acquired a number of properties, notably La Louvière, Rochemorin and Couhins-Lurton, which he renovated. In 1965, when he bought La Louvière, the Graves was something of a backwater with just a few properties (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, Haut-Bailly, Domaine de Chevalier, and Carbonnieux) widely known. André was well aware of the exceptional terroir of this area; the finest wines had always come from the north, and he campaigned long and hard to unite its properties under a new appellation. With fierce determination, he fought many legal objections and tribunals until 1987, when the new Pessac-Léognan AC came into being. All the classified growths of the Graves lie within its boundaries. He also waged war against an urban development that would have led to the destruction of hundreds of hectares of vineyards. The Pessac-Léognan appellation has thrived, and the vineyards have expanded from a mere 500ha to their present 1,500ha. André was also hired to manage Dauzac in Margaux and he and his daughter Christine Lurton-De Caix have transformed this once obscure property into a source of excellent, and – for a classified growth – inexpensive wines. André Lurton is feisty and combative. He may not be universally loved in Bordeaux, but he is universally respected, and the other proprietors of Pessac- Léognan are well aware of how much they owe to his vision and tenacity. Back in the 1920s, François Lurton had bought Brane-Cantenac in Margaux and a sizeable share in Château Margaux, which he later exchanged for Clos Fourtet in St-Emilion. After his death in 1971, his four children inherited his properties, and the Margaux estates went to Lucien Lurton, who lived at Brane- Cantenac. He was soon acquiring other properties: Durfort-Vivens and Desmirail in Margaux, Bouscaut in the Graves, Climens and Doisy-Dubroca in Barsac, and more besides. Lucien was an efficient steward of his portfolio, but the estates were run on commercial lines, with many of the vineyards machine-harvested and cropped at yields higher than would be considered acceptable today. Nonetheless at some properties, such as Climens, the highest standards were maintained.

Pictures: Cellar Tour

Weighty Inheritance

In 1992, when in his late sixties, Lucien chose not only to retire but hand over the running of his estates to his 10 children. Edwige Lurton is co-owner of Brane-Cantenac, a Margaux classed growth run by her brother Henri, who isa trained oenologist. Since the late 1990s the quality of its wines has soared. Third growth Desmirail was turned over to Denis Lurton, who has also overseen considerable improvements in quality, even though the wines are little known. Marie-Laure Lurton, also an oenologist, looks after Villegorge (Haut- Médoc), as well as two other properties, Duplessis in Moulis and La Tour de Bessan in Margaux. Quality remains sound rather then exceptional at this trio, but she has the least interesting terroirs. Gonzague Lurton inherited Margaux second-growth Durfort-Vivens. The property was in poor shape and it has been a lengthy task to restore its cellars and its reputation. The wine is controversial, as Gonzague insists on making it in a restrained, elegant style. He is the most reserved, even shy, of the siblings, but holds strong views on such issues as the probity of tasting samples during en primeur week, and isn’t afraid to express them.

While president of the Margaux Syndicat, he spearheaded the campaign against a new super-highway that would have vandalised the vineyards of Margaux. Plans for the new road have now been shelved. As for his wine, in some years Durfort-Vivens can be undernourished and it has yet to seem entirely worthy of its exalted secondgrowth status. (Gonzague married into another Bordeaux dynasty, the Merlauts, and his wife Claire Villars runs her own portfolio of fine properties: the two classified growths of La Ferrière in Margaux and Haut-Bages-Libéral in Pauillac, as well as La Gurgue in Margaux.) Lucien’s daughter Brigitte Lurton moved into Bouscaut in what became Pessac-Léognan, and also ran Climens. Family disputes in the 1990s led to her departure and she subsequently moved to Spain to pursue new interests in the Rueda region. Her sister Sophie Lurton- Congombles took over Bouscaut and she and husband Laurent Congombles have been steadily improving the quality of what used to be rather lean, pinched whites and red. Meanwhile the youngest of the siblings, Bérénice Lurton, took over at Climens. Despite her youth, she has proved fanatical in her devotion to the property, crafting the wine barrel by barrel and successfully increasing prices so as to allow her to pursue a perfectionist course in the vineyard as well as winery. Until very recently, she was also the owner of the medieval Château de Camarsac in the Entre-Deux-Mers, where she produced agreeable and inexpensive red wines. Today the property is being run by her brother Thierry, who has relinquished his share in Brane-Cantenac. Finally, there are two properties run by the most eccentric of the Lurton siblings, Louis. He used to make the wines at Bouscaut and is now responsible for the tiny Barsac second growth of Doisy-Dubroca and for Haut-Nouchet in Pessac-Léognan, both farmed organically. I find the wines inconsistent, indeed highly irregular both in quality and style. But Louis Lurton pursues his own path, unfazed by adverse criticism.

Pictures: Lecture in the Chai

Branching Out

The youngest of François Lurton’s children, Dominique, has handed over his properties in the Entre-Deux-Mers to two of his four children. Marc Lurton runs Château Reynier, not far from Château Bonnet; its wines are sound and reliable. Marc’s brother Pierre lives at Château Marjosse, which produces decent, unspectacular and fairly priced wines. Pierre used to run Clos Fourtet in St-Emilion in the 1980s, but is now better known as the genial, astute director of two first growths: Cheval Blanc and Yquem. When he gets up in the morning, he jokes, he must decide whether to turn left or right when leaving his driveway, all depending on whether his presence is needed more at Cheval Blanc or Yquem. By the time business mogul Bernard Arnault of LVMH, acquired Yquem in 1999, Pierre Lurton was already working for him as the experienced director of Cheval Blanc, so it seemed obvious to Arnault that he should run the newly acquired first growth as well. The development of the Mendoza joint venture, Cheval des Andes, has been another of his responsibilities. Pierre, following Lurton tradition, has six children waiting in the wings. His professional life is as hectic as his family life, requiring constant travel and promotion of these great wines. His uncle André has set an even more fecund example, with a total of seven children, mostly daughters who are not involved in the wine business. His sons Jacques and François probably felt there were already too many Lurtons in Bordeaux, especially their formidable father, so in the 1980s they carved a career for themselves as flying winemakers, with Jacques taking care of production and François looking after sales. Soon they began buying vineyards and building wineries and, by the early 2000s, were operating on a large scale in many parts of the world. In Mendoza, they were one of the first wineries to open in the outstanding Uco Valley, where their flagship wines are Gran Lurton Cabernet and Piedra Negra Malbec; in Toro, north of Madrid, their bodega has released a series of rich fleshy red wines; in Chile their Araucano estate produces superband costly Carmenère. But in 2007 Jacques left the company, which was renamed Domaines François Lurton. Jacques now runs his own properties in Australia and Entre-Deux-Mers and is acting as an exclusively white-wine consultant to a few estates that interest him. Family is the link between the Lurtons, yet they seem surprisingly different. François Lurton may be a chip off the old block, but if you saw Henri, Gonzague, and Sophie in the same room, you would not immediately suppose they were siblings. What they have in common is not just DNA but an immersion in wine from an early age. The Lurtons, of whatever generation, are not dabblers or dilettantes. Wine matters to them – and we are all their beneficiaries.

Pictures: Tasting

Bye-bye

Thanks Marc and Agnès for a wonderful tour, tasting and lecture in the chai.

Pictures: Bye-bye and Driving by Château Bonnet at Grézillac in the northern reaches of the Entre-Deux-Mers

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

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

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

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Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

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Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye

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Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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Tour and Tasting at Château Sociando Mallet, Appellation Haut-Médoc

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Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with General Manager Philippe Blanc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Desmirail, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Denis Lurton

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

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