Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller at the Pre-release Presentation of the 2019/ 20 Grosses Gewächs (GG) Wines at Schloss Vollrads, here with Desire Eser-Knyphausen and Dodo Knyphausen, Weingut August Eser

Germany’s Grosses Gewächs (GG) wines are released on September 1. These are the ultra-premium dry wines from the very best vineyard sites made by some of the best producers in Germany.

As a rule, the white wines are released in the year following the harvest, the red wines are released after an additional 12 months of aging. Increasingly, wine producers are giving their white wines more time and are releasing not only the red wines but also the white wines after 24 months. Thus, this year`s tasting included both vintage 2019 and vintage 2020 white wines.

Many events throughout Germany take place in the weeks and months following the release of the new GGs. In addition, there is a highly exclusive tasting for a selected group of about 150 importers, journalists, bloggers, sommeliers and other multipliers on the Monday and Tuesday before September 1 in Wiesbaden. You meet there the who-is-who of German wine. I regularly participated in this tasting during the past years and reported about it on my blog schiller-wine.

Pre-release Presentation of the 2019/ 20 GGs from the Rheingau

German producers take advantage of the high-caliber group gathering in Wiesbaden for the Pre-release Tasting and organize side events. 

For 8 years in a row, interrupted only through the Covid-crisis, the VDP producers of the Rheingau have organized a special event on the Saturday before the Wiesbaden tastings and presented their new GG releases to their guests. All winemakers introduce their wines personally. The more formal part is then supplemented by a party-style get-together with the winemakers and more tasting. 

8 years ago, this was a speed-boat event on the Rhine River including tasting. 7 years ago, the VDP.Rheingau flew their guests with helicopters over the Rheingau, from Hochheim to Assmannshausen, followed by a party at Weingut Robert Weil (Wilhelm Weil is the President of the VDP.Rheingau). 6 years ago, we went into the terroir; this was a most interesting conference-type tasting were we learned a lot about the different terroirs of the Rheingau from its producers. Again, the tasting was followed by an after-party at Weingut Robert Weil. 5 years ago, we took a boat trip from Hochheim to Assmannshausen and tasted the wines as we passed the vineyards. 3 years ago, went back to the roots and focussed on the history of dry wines in the Rheingau. The event took place at Weingut Robert Weil. Last year, the tasting had to be cancelled due to covid.

See:

VDP.Rheingau Invited to a Pre-Release Presentation of the 2017 Grosses Gewächs (GG) Wines
VDP.Rheingau Rhine River Boat Trip with Pre-release Presentation of the 2015 Grosses Gewächs (GG) Wines
The Rheingau and its Terroirs: Tasting with Rheingau’s Elite Winemakers, Germany
Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

Grosses Gewächs (GG)

What is a VDP.Grosses Gewächs? There is still a bit of confusion out there, as (1) Grosses Gewaechs (GG) is a term that was created by the VDP only a few years ago and (2) the VDP has established a new classification for German wines that differs radically from the German standard classification (and is still in the process of refining and implementing it).

GGs and the New German Wine Classification

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

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 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.

A step below are the Erste Lage wines. There is now talk about calling the dry wines from Erste Lage vineyards Erstes Gewächs.

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

The Rheingau

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

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

Picture: The Rheingau

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

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

The 2021 VDP.Rheingau GG Event

The event had 4 parts.

First, we started with a boat trip that took us down the Rhine from Wiesbaden Biebrich to Oestrich Winkel. The focus of the boat trip was on ultra-premium Sekt.

Second, in Oestrich Winkel we visited "Anleger Allendorf", a new restaurant on the Rhine run by Weingut Allendorf, and the historic "Brentanohaus", also run by Weingut Allendorf.

Third, a bus took us from there to Schloss Vollrads, where we spent the rest of the day. At the center was an extensive tasting of 29 new GGs from the Rheingau, introduced by the respective producer.

Fourth, following the tasting, some of us took a little tour of Schloss Vollrads. We all ended the day with dinner, music and more wine.

Pictures: Leaving Wiesbaden Biebrich on Board of the Rhein Dream

Part 1: The new VDP Classification of Sekt: VDP.Sekt and VDP.Sekt.Prestige

We started the event with a 90 minutes boat trip down the Rhine from Wiesbaden Biebrich to Oestrich Winkel. The focus of the boat trip was on ultra-premium Sekt.

There are now two standards of Sekt - VDP.SEKT and VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE®. Traditional bottle fermentation is obligatory for both. Vintage Sekts must be granted at least 24 months (VDP.SEKT) or 36 months (VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE®) on the lees. Grand Sekts may also mature well beyond those minimum guidelines. The VDP's strict production regulations will also apply for the production of Sekt base wines. A dedicated VDP specification guide has also been developed to provide other mandatory Sekt parameters. This includes, for example, stipulations that Sekt produced in accordance with the VDP.SEKT.STATUT must originate from the estate’s own suitable vineyards. From pruning to harvest - which traditionally falls on the early side for sparkling wines - all vineyard work and harvesting is to be performed by hand. Beyond this, each region will define its own permissible varieties for VDP.SEKT and VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE®, typically Riesling and the Pinot family, supplemented by regional classics. This flexibility at the regional level reflects the insight that a Sekt classification focused tightly on origin overlooks some admirable parts of the spectrum of fine German sekts. As a result, varietal blends and cuvées from single sites will also be allowed.

5 Rheingau VDP producers presented their world class Sekts, so little known in the world. But things are changing and consumers from around the world are increasingly appreciating the outstanding sparklers from Germany.

Pictures: Tasting Ultra-premium German Sparkling Wines - VDP.SEKT and VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE - with Mark Barth, Wein- und Sektgut Barth, Gunter Künstler, Weingut Künstler and Ralf Schönleber, Wein- und Sektgut F.B. Schönleber. Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, did not Present a Sparkler, but just helped pouring.

Part 2: Weingut Allendorf - Anleger Allendorf and Brentanohaus

In Oestrich Winkel we visited "Anleger Allendorf", a new restaurant on the Rhine run by Weingut Allendorf, and the historic "Brentanohaus", also run by Weingut Allendorf.

The Brentanohaus was built in the middle of the 18th century by the Ackermann family from Bingen, and has been in the possession of the Brentano family whose ancestors come from an Italian noble family for almost 200 years. The ancestors, coming from the wine-growing region around Lake Como, "nobiles de Brenta, dicti de Brentanis" have a "Brenta", i.e. a wooden tub for grapes, in their coat of arms. Towards the end of the 17th century the family settled in the trade town of Frankfurt where it founded a branch of the rapidly flourishing Milan trading house. In 1804, the family acquired the elongated building with the vast mansard roof which is surrounded by an extensive garden and a wall. In summer the estate in Winkel was the centre of the big family and meeting place for their circle of friends. Among their friends were well-known personalities from arts and science who were followers of Romanticism such as e.g. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the brothers Grimm and many more. Originally preserved rooms and parlours in the Brentanohaus convey an impression of the living culture and the sense of life during this time.  

Pictures: At Anleger Allendorf and Brentanohaus, here Annette Schiller with Catharina Mauritz, 8th Generation Owner of Weingut Domdechant Werner 

Part 3: The new VDP.Grosses Gewächs Wines, at Schloss Vollrats

At the center was an extensive tasting of 29 new GGs from the Rheingau, introduced by the respective producer.We tasted 26 whites from 2019 and 2020 and 3 reds from 2019. The tasting took place in the historic rooms of Schloss Vollrads.

Schloss Vollrads 

Schloss Vollrads is a historical monument and one of the art-historical highlights of the Rheingau region. It is also one of the oldest wine estates in the world; wine sales have been documented as early as 1211.

Picture: Arriving at Schloss Vollrads

The impressive tower house, built in 1330, was constructed on the foundation of a roman defense tower.

Schloss Vollrads was owned since 983 until 1218 by the Archbishop of Mainz and since then until 1997 by the family of Greiffenclau. In 1997 – in view of unsurmountable debts - Count Erwein Matuschka-Greiffenclau committed suicide and since then the Nassauische Bank, a government-owned bank, is the owner of Schloss Vollrads.

Picture: At Schloss Vollrads

Schloss Vollrads is a rather large estate by German standards, with 60 hectares of vineyard land, and produces exclusively Riesling wines. Some of the vineyards were already in the possession of the Greiffenclau family in 1300. 

Tasting

The wines were presented in flights of 3 wines. Most of the producers were present and introduced their wines personally. The tasting took place in one of the larger rooms of Schloss Vollrads.

Pictures: VDP.Rheingau Producers presenting their new Grosses Gewächs Wines

Parts 4 and 5: Tour and Dinner, Music, and More Wine

The day ended with a dinner party. Some of us toured part of Schloss Vollrads.

Pictures: Dinner, Music and more Wine

schiller-wine - Related Postings

VDP.Rheingau Invited to a Pre-Release Presentation of the 2017 Grosses Gewächs (GG) Wines

VDP.Rheingau Rhine River Boat Trip with Pre-release Presentation of the 2015 Grosses Gewächs (GG) Wines

The Rheingau and its Terroirs:Tasting with Rheingau’s Elite Winemakers, Germany

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

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

Tour and Wine Tasting with Lunch, with Mark Barth at Wein- und Sektgut Barth in Hattenheim, Rheingau– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

Lighting and the Flavor of Wine - With Winemaker Ulrich Allendorfin his Aroma Vineyard and Color Room at Weingut Allendorf in Oestrich Winkel, Rheingau, Germany

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

At Weingut Balthasar Ress in Hattenheim, Rheingau, during the 2015 Harvest with Winemaker Dirk Würtz, Germany

Tour and Tasting at Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau, with Christian Witte, Domaine Director– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut von Oetinger, Rheingau, with Achim von Oetinger– Germany-North 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting Winemaker/Owner Desiree Eser, Weingut August Eser, on the Banks of the Rhein River in the Rheingau in Germany

Pictures: Meeting 3 Superstars and an old Friend: Tasting at the Veritable Groupe Show in Frankfurt with Eve Faiveley of Domaine Faively, Matthieu Perrin of Famille Perrin and Château de Beaucastel, Jean Frédéric Hugel of Famille Hugel and Tony Smith of Quinta de Covela

The Veritable Groupe wine trade show 2021 took place in Frankfurt on September 6 and 7. It brought to Frankfurt the about 100 wine producers of the Veritable Groupe portfolio. Annette and I were happy to be able to attend the trade show and taste wines with top winemakers mostly from France, but also Germany and other European countries. We were thrilled to meet again in person, producers and owners of many renowed estates, in particular 

Eve Faveley of Domaine Faively, an estate we visit regularly on the Bourgogne tours by ombiasy winetours; recently we saw each other at Faively winemaker dinner at the Kronenschlösschen in the Rheingau;

Matthieu Perrin from the Perrin family with their flagship estate Château de Beaucastel; recently Annette saw Matthieu at a winemaker dinner at Kronenschlösschen with superstar chef Christian Bau,

Jean Frédéric Hugel from the Famille Hugel, the legendary Alsace producer in Riquewhir; a couple of years ago Jean Frédéric gave us a memorable tour when we were in Alsace during a Germany South/ Alsace tour by ombiasy winetours, and finally 

Tony Smith, owner of Quinta de Covela, Vinho Verde Region in the Douro Valley; we spent a wonderful evening and night at Quinta de Covela a few years ago as part of an European Wine Bloggers Conference.

There were so many others, from superstars like Augusto Boffa of Pio Cesare and Sofia Thanisch of Weingut Witwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben to the up and coming Karsten Peters of Weingut F. & F. Peters. Karsten Peters has been making wines since 1998, including for 13 years at Weingut St. Antony, but in 2017 Karsten decided to move on an create his own estate, which now accounts for 4,5 hectars. 

Superstar: Eve Faively of Domaine Faiveley, Bourgogne

Domaine Joseph Faiveley is one of the biggest domains in the Bourgogne and, many would argue, one of the best. This illustrious company has been based in Nuits St Georges since the days of Pierre Faiveley who founded the business in 1825. His son Joseph gave his name to the family business, to be followed by (1) the first François, (2) Georges who was instrumental in founding the Chevaliers du Tastevin, (3) Guy who developed the business in the Côte Chalonnaise, (4) François who recently retired and (5) now his children Eve and Erwan. 

We have visited Domaine Joseph Faiveley several times. Last time, in 2019, Matilde Nicolas, Communications Director, was out host.

 

Pictures: Eve Faiveley with Annette and Christian Schiller at the Rheingau Gourmet und Wein Festival in Hattenheim, Germany

See: Dinner with Eve Faiveley, Domaine Faiveley, Nuits St. Georges, Bourgogne and 2-star-Michelin Chef Thomas Kellermann, Relais & Châteaux Park Hotel Egerner Höfe, Tegernsee, at the Rheingau Gourmet und Wein Festival in Hattenheim, Germany

A few days ago, we enjoyed very much a tasting of the vintage with owner Eve Faiveley in Frankfurt at the veritable groupe show. 

Pictures: Tasting with Eve Faiveley of Domaine Faiveley at the Veritable Groupe Show in Frankfurt

Superstar: Matthieu Perrin of Perrin Family, Château de Beaucastel and Tablas Creek

wine-searcher.com: Famille Perrin is a leading wine producer and négociant in the southern Rhône Valley. The business was established in 1997, and today makes wines from some of the region's most famous appellations, including Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The Perrin family has been making wine in the region since the early 1900s, when scientist Pierre Perrin inherited the Château de Beaucastel estate. Perrin's grandchildren, François and Jean-Pierre, founded the Famille Perrin business together before passing on the reins two years later to the fifth-generation Perrin, Pierre, in 1999.

In addition to its renowned Château de Beaucastel estate, Famille Perrin's portfolio includes Miraval, Domaine du Clos des Tourelles and La Vielle Ferme. Domaine du Clos des Tourelles is situated in Gigondas and comprises 10 hectares (25 acres) of vineyards planted to 80 percent Grenache, with smaller plantings of Syrah, Cinsaut and Mourvèdre. The La Vielle Ferme brand was established in the 1970s, and comprises a range of red, rosé and white wines from vineyards in Ventoux and Luberon. Famille Perrin uses organic and biodynamic approaches in its vineyards.

Also, the Perrin family owns jointly with the Haas family the famous Tablas Creek Estate in Paso Robles, California.

Annette Schiller met sixth generation Perrin, Matthieu, at a winemaker dinner in 2020, the last one she attended before the corona crisis. 

See: Exceptional Winemaker Dinner: Owner Matthieu Perrin of Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Owner Christian Ress of Weingut Balthasar Ress, Rheingau and 3 Star Michelin Chef Christian Bau of Victor's Fine Dining in Perl-Nenning at the Rheingau Gourmet & Wein Festival 2020 in Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany 

Unfortunately, we have never been to Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape,but have been to Tablas Greek and have attended winemaker dinners with Tablas Creek co-owner and winemaker Jason Haas in Washington DC.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Jason Haas of Tablas Creek in Washington DC

See: Tablas Creek Wines from Paso Robles and Belgian Food at Brasserie Beck with Tablas Greek GM Jason Haas and Chef Robert Wiedmaier in Washington DC, USA 

At the veritable group show, showed us the whole range of his wines. We also discussed the forthcoming Rhône Valley by ombiasy winetours and agreed to have a tasting at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas as there is major construction going on at Château de Beaucastel.

Superstar: Jean Frédéric Hugel from Famille Hugel, Alsace

Famille Hugel is one of the major producers of Alsace wine, and has been an important force in the Alsace wine industry in its developments during the second half of the 20th century. For over 370 years and with 13-family generations the Hugel family has unrivaled experience and knowledge of Alsace vineyards and winemaking. Known today for their passion and modern outlook, the dynamic Hugel family, located in the picture-postcard fortified village of Riquewihr, has earned a worldwide reputation for their Alsace wines.

Picture: Tasting at Hugel in Riquewihr with Owner Jean Frédéric Hugel

Owner Jean Frédéric Hugel was our host at the Germany-South and Alsace 2017 tour by ombiasy winetours. We toured the winery, which is situated right in the center of Riquewihr, and then sat down for a most impressive tasting, including a wine fom 1945. 

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

I had established contact with Jean Frédéric at the 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State, USA.

See:  5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State: Overview

Picture: Felix Meyer of Domaine Meyer-Fonne, Jean Frédéric Hugel and Christian Schiller

In Frankfurt, Jean Frédéric introduced us to the new vintage and the in and outs of the pass sanitare that is now required in France for something like a visit of the Hugel Estate. Annette plans to visit Hugel during the forthcoming Germany-South/ Alsace Tour by ombiasy winetours in the middle of 2022.

Pictures: Tasting with Jean Frédéric Hugel, Famille Hugel, Alsace, at the Veritable Groupe Show in Frankfurt

Old Friend: Owner Tony Smith of Quinta Corvela, Douro Valley, Portugal 

The 2013 Digital Wine Communications Conference (DWCC) in Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, did not only take me to Spain, but also to Portugal. The conference included 3 pre-conference press trips, including one to the Douro Valley.

One of the highlights was our stay at Quinta de Covela in the Vinho Verde Region. After a period of neglect, Quinta de Covela was purchased in 2011 and brought back to life by two impassioned wine lovers, one from Brazil and one from England. The latter, Tony Smith, orchestrated our visit.

Picture: Christian Schiller and Tony Smith at Quinta de Covela

See: Wining and Dining at the Reborn Quinta de Covela, Vinho Verde Region in the Douro Valley, with Owner Tony Smith and Winemaker Rui Cunha, Portugal

I will never forget the stay at Quinta de Covela and was thrilled to meet Tony again in Frankfurt. He showed us new vintages of wines he had already produced while we were there as well as new wines.

Pictures: Tasting with Tony Smith of Quinta de Covela at the Veritable Groupe Show in Frankfurt

schiller-wine - Related Postings

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits, with Matilde Nicolas, Communications Director - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2018, France  

Dinner with Eve Faiveley, Domaine Faiveley, Nuits St. Georges, Bourgogne and 2-star-Michelin Chef Thomas Kellermann, Relais & Châteaux Park Hotel Egerner Höfe, Tegernsee, at the Rheingau Gourmet und Wein Festival in Hattenheim, Germany

Exceptional Winemaker Dinner: Owner Matthieu Perrin of Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Owner Christian Ress of Weingut Balthasar Ress, Rheingau and 3 Star Michelin Chef Christian Bau of Victor's Fine Dining in Perl-Nenning at the Rheingau Gourmet & Wein Festival 2020 in Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany 

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

5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State: Overview  

Wining and Dining at the Reborn Quinta de Covela, Vinho Verde Region in the Douro Valley, with Owner Tony Smith and Winemaker Rui Cunha, Portugal

Annette Schiller and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at L'Ecume in the Nordend yesterday. We celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary. Chef and owner Alexandre Sadowczyk is French. He came to Frankfurt in 2014. L’Ecume is his first own restaurant, a small bistro that could be in the 7th arrondissement in Paris, where we used to live. 

Alexandre Sadowczyk wants to offer fusion cuisine, French flair with a local twist. Reflecting his roots, Alexandre Sadowczyk`s wine list is dominated by French wines and in particular strong in terms of Champagnes. 

Alexandre Sadowczyk started his career in Frankfurt at Lafleuer (2 stars Michelin) and also worked at Weinsinn (1 star Michelin). 

The menu is small. This month there are 9 items on it. You can choose between any of them, starting with 4 courses for Euro 65. Annette and I both took the 5 courses menu with accompanying wines (for Euro 45). Between the two of us, except for the meat course, we were able to taste all courses on ther menu. 

L'Ecume is listed in the Michelin Guide, but not (yet) in the Gault Millau Guide. I would put L'Ecume at 15 points in terms of the Gault Millau Guide rating system. The food reminded me very much of bidlabu (15 points) and SchauMahl (15 points). 

Yesterday, we were dining with 6 other people in the restaurant. Chef de Restaurant/ Sommelier David John Zisow, a compatriot from the Washington DC area, took very good care of us. 

Menu

Aperitif

Aubergine Pflaume - Kapern
Tomate Feigen - Burrata 

Meeräsche Grüner Erbsen - Cantaloup Melone - Rosemarin

 „Frankfurter 7 Grüne Kräuter“ 

Petits Fours

45th Wedding Anniversary

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

Château Desmirail is another château owned by a member of the Lurton family (the fourth on this tour). Lucien Lurton acquired this property in 1980 and passed it on to his son Denis - a lawyer by profession - in 1992. Before that the château changed hands several times: the château belonged to the Desmirail family until just before the 1855 classification, when it was purchased by Monsieur Sipière, the estate manager at Château Margaux. It was under his ownership that Desmirail was classified as a Troisième Grand Cru Classé. In the early 20s century the property was owned by Robert de Mendelssohn, the nephew of the famous German composer. Shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War it came into the ownership of Château Palmer until 1980. Today, Château Desmirail belongs to the group of the „under the radar“ châteaux.

Denis Lurton was our host. We had a light lunch at Château Desmirail. Before lunch, Denis showed us around and conducted a tasting with us.

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

History

Denis Lurton: The name DESMIRAIL has been associated with wine production in the Médoc region since the end of the seventeenth century. Jean Desmirail, a lawyer in Bordeaux's parliament, gave his name to the property when he received it as part of his wife’s, Demoiselle Rausan du Ribail dowry.

The château belonged to the Desmirail family until just before the 1855 classification, when it was purchased by Monsieur Sipière, the estate manager at Château Margaux. It was under his ownership that Desmirail was classified as a Troisième Grand Cru Classé (third growth).

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

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

3 Different Vat Rooms

Denis Lurton: Desmirail's remarkable winery buildings date from the end of the nineteenth century, and reflect various architectural styles. There are three vat rooms, corresponding to different periods in the property's history.

- At the end of the nineteenth century, an invention arrived that revolutionized vat rooms: the Médoc Vat Room, which operates by gravity. A remarkable example was built at Desmirail; typical of the period, it consists of an exceptional roof structure in the shape of the inverted hull of a ship, and then underneath there are cast iron pillars (emblematic of the industrial era). This room has held four oak casks since 1999.

- In 1997, Denis Lurton invested in a modern stainless steel vat room, with vats of various capacities to enable vinification on a plot-by-plot basis.

- During the 2010 harvest, a smaller vat room was inaugurated, consisting of oak vats, reserved mainly for the vinification of the older plots.

The property is also equipped with three cellar rooms, displaying a combination of traditional architecture and modern features, they are used to store barrels of the First and Second wine.

In the modernisation of these facilities, Denis Lurton and Technical Director Pierre Lafeuillade have been able to optimize and customize the existing buildings while at the same time preserving their original character.

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

The Birth of the Wine

Denis Lurton: Harvests: Each wine is the result of a year's work in the vineyard. The grapes are hand-picked by a team of sixty people. After being transported to the vat room, the bunches are de-stemmed and the grapes are sorted and crushed, before being vinified on a plot-by-plot basis. This vinification of each parcel enables an expression of the diversity of the terroir and of the individual grape varieties.

Vinifications: Two types of vat are used for vinification: oak and stainless steel. The wooden ones are preferred for the older plots. Traditional vinification techniques are employed, with steady, gentle extraction, adapted to each grape variety.

Blending: The pivotal stage in the creation of each vintage is the blending wich is carried out in November. The owner, assisted by the technical director and the consultant oenologist, Jacques Boissenot, select which vats will be used to make Desmirail (the First wine) and Initial de Desmirail (the Second wine). The decision is based on a consensus between the team at the property and the oenologist, who brings his experience and an external eye.

Maturing: The wines are matured in barrels for about a year. For the Grand Vin, the percentage of new barrels varies depending on the vintage but is never less than 30 %. Approximately every three months, the wines are racked in order to clarify them. Finally, after a year, the wines are blended in the wooden vats and given a final clarification with egg white.

Bottling: This takes place at the château about twenty months after the harvest.

The Wines

We tasted 2 wines, the grand vin 2012 and the second wine, also 2012.

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

Lunch

Following the winery tour we enjoyed a light lunch with matching Desmirail wines at the château.

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

Bye-bye

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

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 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

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 - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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 - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Plateau de Fruits de Mer in Blaye - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting in the Chai at Château Bel-Air La Royère, Appellation Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinne Loriaud - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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 2019, France

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafite-Rothschild, Appellation Pauillac, 1ière Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owners Basile Tesseron and Michel Tesseron - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Phélan-Ségur, with General Manager Véronique Dausse and Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Appellation Pauillac, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Technical Director Jean-René Matignon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Sociando Mallet, Appellation Haut-Médoc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Family Dinner with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen, Château Le Reysse and Château Lassus, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Philippe Blanc, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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 
 

Pictures: German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter): Return to in-person Events with a Wine Cruise on the Potomac

On July 10, 2021, from 4-6 pm, the German Wine Society’s Capital Chapter held its first in-person event since the membership meeting in February 2020 before the start of the covid-19 pandemic, a summer wine cruise on the Potomac aboard the Nightingale operated by Potomac River Cruises. The event was sold out with 50 German wine lovers joining us.

Announcement

Get ready to cast off on the Potomac for a German wine cruise! Yes, the Capital Chapter of the German Wine Society is resuming in-person events this summer. Our kick-off will be an experience we have missed for several years (though it was a regular event from 2010-2013 and earlier), the traditional GWS summer wine cruise past the beautiful river banks and monuments of our nation’s Capital, passing Hains Point and the newly redeveloped Southwest Waterfront. 

Please join us to enjoy many wines from Germany and other countries as we cruise along the Potomac for two hours, from 4 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, July 10, 2021. We will board Capitol River Cruises’ Nightingale II from the Georgetown waterfront, at 3050 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. - the end of 31st Street, by the Fiola Mare restaurant. Be sure to be on the wharf before departure time - the cruise boat cannot wait for late arrivals! We can accommodate only 45 guests on the Nightingale II for this event, so reserve early to avoid disappointment. Reservations for this event are due by Tuesday, July 6, 2021, to give us sufficient time to have enough wine for all aboard. Parking is readily available in garages along the Georgetown riverfront, and it is possible to walk from Metro at the Foggy Bottom station as well. 

We will be providing all the wines for this event, as well as disposable plastic glasses and cutlery, paper plates and napkins. Guests should plan to bring their own food on board for greater safety, though we may provide some surprise treats. This will be a relaxing cruise, with no presentation, allowing everyone to concentrate on the wines, good company and atmosphere. There are many outdoor and indoor dining establishments along the Georgetown waterfront for dinner after the cruise, which we encourage you to try. The Nightingale II is a boat we have used for some previous cruises, and is all on one level, with tables and chairs, and a bar from which we can serve wines. It also has protection against inclement weather, though we have been fortunate with our past wine cruises and reasonably hope for a sunny afternoon once again. The cruise will take place rain or shine, unless weather conditions do not allow the cruise to set out safely, in which case we will reschedule or provide refunds. The wines for our cruise will be a mixture of whites and reds, mostly German but with some other international and U.S. wines included as well for variety - all with some German or Austrian grape connection. Get ready to savor some very special, high-prädikat wines! We want to remind everyone of the lovely qualities of German wines we have missed sharing with each other in-person. 

Here’s the wine list we have planned: 

nv Peter Lauer Riesling Sparkling Mosel

nv Dr. Loosen Riesling Sparkling Mosel 

2018 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris or Gewürztraminer Pfalz 

2017 Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Mosel 

2014 Otium Blaufränkisch, United States 

2015 Otium Gruner Veltliner, United States 

2012 Shelter Winery Spatburgunder, Baden 

2016 Clemens Busch von Roten Schiefer Riesling Mosel 

2017 Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett Mosel 

2015 St. Christopher Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese Mosel 

2015 Max Ferd. Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 

2013 Siefried Nelson Sweet Riesling, New Zealand 

Pictures: German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter): Return to in-person Events with a Wine Cruise on the Potomac

Our event cost is $63 for members and $70 for non-member guests. 

We are very pleased that it has become safe enough to contemplate doing in-person events once again, consistent with CDC guidelines and local D.C. health rules. For added security of our members, however, we request that you attend this event only if you have been fully vaccinated against covid-19. Hopefully, by the fall, vaccinations will be widespread enough that we will no longer need to insist on this for all in-person events, but our country and region are not quite there yet, and we want everyone to be able to feel secure in attending this special wine cruise. We have also been informed that the cruise company will ask our guests to wear masks when boarding and interacting with boat crew (the crew has also been vaccinated) but masks will not be required otherwise once everyone is aboard - a significant advantage of doing an outdoor event.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) New Vintages Tasting Postponed, USA/ Germany

German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) Holiday Dinner at the Cosmos Club, USA/ Germany 

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

Renaissance of the Terroir in Germany. Back to the Roots - Wine Tasting Seminar lead by Annette Schiller at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), USA

I reported about a wonderful dinner at L'Ecume acouple of days ago at the occasion of our 45th wedding anniversary here: 

Dinner at L’ Ecume in Frankfurt, with Chef/ Owner Alexandre Sadowczyk - 45th Wedding Anniversary, Germany

and about the 40th wedding anniversary here:

Lunch at the Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Restaurant La Grand’ Vigne (Chef: Nicolas Masse, 2 Stars Michelin) - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

In 2020, during the corona crisis, we celebrated our 44th Wedding Anniversary at our home in Frankfurt, with 2 of our 4 children and 4 of our 8 grandchildren. The food was exceptionally good, prepared by our children Benjamin and Cornelia.The 5 courses all had a link to certain periods of our joint live.

Spundekaes a la Benjamin (Mainz, Germany)

Oysters Rockefeller a la Benjamin (Virginia, USA)

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel 

Cevapi/ Cevapcici and Shopska Salad a la Benjamin with 2006 Grgich Zinfandel (Zagreb, Croatia) 

1976 Weingut Troitzsch Lorcher Kapellenberg Gewuertztraminer Spaetlese trocken

Poulet aux Coco a la Cornelia (Antananarivo, Madagascar)

1976 Weingut Kuenstler Hochheimer Hoelle Riesling Auslese  

Tarte aux Pommes a la Benjamin (Paris, France)

1976 Chateau Langlais Puisseguin Saint Emilion

schiller-wine - Related Postings 

Lunch at the Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Restaurant La Grand’ Vigne (Chef: Nicolas Masse, 2 Stars Michelin) - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Dinner at L’ Ecume in Frankfurt, with Chef/ Owner Alexandre Sadowczyk - 45th Wedding Anniversary, Germany 

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

Picture: Dinner at the 1 Star Michelin Restaurant Maximilians in Obersdorf, Allgäu, Germany

In 2020, following the end of the second corona wave in Germany, when hotels and restaurants began to open again, Annette and I went towards the end of May 2020 for a week to the Allgäu in Bavaria. We stayed at the Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad in Bad Hindelang. Annette had booked half-board, but we went out once for dinner at Das Maximilians, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Obersdorf.

Das Maximilians

Michelin: The flagship of the Fetz family’s restaurants, Das Maximilians serves classically creative dishes prepared with top-quality ingredients, as well as a tasting menu. A plush, elegant interior and professional service, including good wine advice, complete the picture of sophistication.

The 4 star Romantik Hotel Das Freiberg of the Bolkart-Fetz family in Oberstdorf has been with its several restaurants a culinary institution for many years.

When we ate there, in May 2020, Tobias Eisele was the Executive Chef of the Maximilians. He left later in the year. Tobias Eisele joined the Maximilians in 2010,  was awarded a Michelin star in the following year and defended it until his departure in late 2020.

Henrik Weiser took over from Tobias Eisele and has kept the Michelin star.

Kleine Vorfreude

Menu

Wine 

Weingut Wachtstetter, Baden Württemberg

Vorspeisen

Wetzels Huchen and Räucheraal

Zwischengericht

Vegetarisches Intermezzo

Hauptgerichte

Taube and Wolfsbarsch

Finale

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

Pictures: Restaurant SchauMahl as good as ever (and even better?) - New Chef Sascha Ferstl back to his Roots

The Frankfurt Gourmet Group, a group of 8 foodies that meet on a monthly basis to wine and dine together at interesting restaurants or at home, went back to Restaurant schauMahl in Offenbach. We have been meeting now for about 10 years. Among the restaurants we have gone to more often than to others is Restaurant SchauMahl in Offenbach. The French would say "c`est notre cantine". 

Initially, Christoph Kubenz introduced us to bistronomics cuisine – rather sophisticated cooking in a basic bistro-like atmosphere.  

See: 

The Bistronomics Cuisine of Chef Christoph Kubenz and the Wines of Winemaker Christian Stahl at Restaurant schauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany

Then, for a long time and until recently, Björn Andreas cooked with an Asian spin at a level that was 15 and 16 points worth in the Gault Millau Guide Deutschland. Interestingly, and difficult to understand for me, the Michelin Guide Deutschland never awarded Björn Andreas a star. 

See:

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

Now, Sascha Ferstl is the new boss at the stove in the SchaumMahl while Björn Andreas is introducing the Frankfurt foodies to Japanese-French fusion cuisine at Imori in Frankfurt downtown. 

Chef Sascha Ferstl

Sascha Ferstl was born in Bremen and studied medicine up to the physikum. But he has always been passionate about working on the stove. Before taking over the kitchen of Restaurant SchauMahl, his career took him to various restaurants and hotels across Austria and Germany, initially Michelin starred restaurants and later large hotel restaurants. 

Recently he was head chef at the Hilton Hotel Mainz and at the InterContinental Hotel in Vienna. 

In the earlier years of his career and for many years, however, Sascha Ferstl cooked at the Michelin star level. His career began more than 20 years ago in Lech am Arlberg in the Michelin starred restaurant of the Hotel Gasthof Post. After his apprenticeship, he went to the Marcobrunn Restaurant at Hotel Schloss Reinhartshausen in Eltville in the Rheingau, where he worked with Chef Alfred Friedrich, a top gun in the German restaurant scene. Alfred Friedrich was for 3 years souschef at Eckart Witzigmann's Aubergine (3 stars Michelin) in Munich. He also worked with Jörg Müller (3 stars Michelin) on the island of Sylt. Then Sascha Ferstl moved to the Hotel Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim to Chef Patrick Kimpel (1 star at the time), where he worked as garde-manger. In 2008 Sascha Ferstl became chef de cuisine in the 2 star Michelin Hotel Restaurant Hanner in Austria. 

Now, after several years heading large hotel restaurant kitchens, Sascha Ferstl is back to his roots: sophisticated haute cuisine cooking. And the Frankfurt Gourmet Journal Biss has high expectations and writes: "Offenbach finally wants its first star." 

Dinner

Yesterday evening, the food of Chef Sascha Ferstl was as good as ever (or even better?) as was the Service of General Manager Esra Egner and Sommelier Raffaele Fazio . Some of us had four courses for Euro 72 and some had five courses for Euro 84 as well as 10 bottles of wine. Including tip that came to Euro 160 per person. Annette, Petra and I left at 2:00 in the morning after an outstanding dinner. I am not sure what Dirk did as he is currently helping a winemaker in Rheinhessen in the harvest that just started in Germany and had to get up at 4:45 in the morning. 

The next dinner, in October, is at Restaurant 360 Grad in Limburg (1 Michelin star; Chef Alexander Hohlwein). Unfortunately, I will be in the US in October and not be able to participate.

Dining and Wining

Aperitif

Thunfisch, Basilikum, Linsen, Teriyaki, Curry

Menu

Bachsaibling

Gänseleber, Sellerie, Waldbeeren

Wantan Tortellini

Kabeljau

Kalbsrücken, Pfifferlinge, Lavendel

Schweinebäckchen

Schokoladen Krapfen

Petits Fours

SchauMahl Team

Dirk & Christian

Postings about SchauMahl on schiller-wine

15 Gault Millau Points in Offenbach – Restaurant schauMahl, Germany   

The Best Restaurants in the Greater Frankfurt am Main Region, Germany

The Bistronomics Cuisine of Chef Christoph Kubenz and the Wines of Winemaker Christian Stahl at Restaurant schauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany

Fabulous Dinner at schauMahl Restaurant with Winemaker Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Chef Björn Andreas and Sommelier Pit Punda, Germany

Winemaker Dinner with Azienda Agricola Foradori (Trentino, Italy) at SchauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany

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

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

Restaurant SchauMahl as good as ever (and even better?) - New Chef Sascha Ferstl back to his Roots, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, Germany

 

Pictures: Hiking in the Allgäu, Bavaria, Germany, May 2020

In May 2020, following the first covid wave, Annette and I spent a couple of days in Bad Hindelang, Allgäu, Bavaria, at Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad. This was immediately after the first corona wave and the first lock-down. Actually, we were among the first three guests to check-in at the hotel after several months of closure.

 

Annette`s father, many, many years ago, used to go to Bad Hindelang, in the later years with Annette, for hiking. Also for us, this was a hiking trip. We went to Oberjoch, Obersdorf and the Kleine Walsertal for our hiking tours. 

 

We had booked half-board and ate once at a Michelin-starred restaurant, the Das Maximilians in Obersdorf. I have written about it here:Dinner at the 1 Star Michelin Restaurant Maximilians in Obersdorf, Allgäu, Germany

 

Hotel Heinzler am See, Immenstaad, Lake Constance

 

On our way to  in Bad Hindelang, we spent one night at Hotel Heinzler am See in Immenstaad at Lake Constance (Bodensee). It was also their re-opening night after the covid-19 lockdown and we were among their first guests to check in. We were even filmed by a TV crew. Immenstadt is in Baden Württemberg and Bad Hindelang in Bayern; the latter eased the covid restrictions for hotels a day later than the former.

 

Overall, the covid restrictions were considerably less draconic at Heinzler am See. Importantly, the restaurant was open and we had a nice dinner there, with the waiters wearing masks and social distancing seating.

Lindau

On our way from Immenstaad to Bad Hindelang, we stopped for lunch in Lindau, arguably the most beautiful town at Lake Constance

Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad in Bad Hindelang

Hiking in the Allgäu

On some days, we started the hiking tour at the hotel, on others we drove a bit and started opur hking tour there. In addition to Bad Hindelang, we went to Oberjoch, Obersdorf and the Kleine Walsertal. 

Restaurant Miximilians 

We had booked half-board and ate once at a Michelin-starred restaurant, the Das Maximilians in Obersdorf. I have written about it here:Dinner at the 1 Star Michelin Restaurant Maximilians in Obersdorf, Allgäu, Germany

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Dinner at the 1 Star Michelin Restaurant Maximilians in Obersdorf, Allgäu, Germany

The Music of the A Cappella Ensemble "Männer und Tenöre" and the Wines of Weingut Aufricht, Lake Constance, Baden, with Manfred Aufricht - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/.../the-music-of-a... cc Annette SchillerOmbiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours

Returning to Cahuita in Costa Rica - on the Carribean Side - after 31 Years

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

Announcement: Renaissance of the Terroir in Germany. Back to the Roots - Wine Tasting Seminar lead by Annette Schiller at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), USA

An Amazing Week in Nicaragua, Central America, with Beer, Rum and Wine

Pictures:  Dinner at the 3-star Michelin Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube at Hotel Traube Tonbach, with Chef Thorsten Michel, Baiersbronn, Germany

In September 2020, shortly before the second corona lockdown in Germany, I had dinner at Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube of the Hotel Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn, with my wife Annette and two daughters Cornelia and Katharina. Ernst and Viatrix, Cornelia`s children, were also with us, but happily sleeping while we had dinner.

Cornelia, who is stationed with her husband Chris and their 2 children in Libreville, Gabon, had been separated most of 2020 as he had to stay at his duty post and the family had to leave. Cornelia and the kids spent several months in the USA, before moving temporarily to Karlsruhe, where Viatrix attended school.  

Most of the photos are mine. Some photos are from my friend Dirk Eisel who ate there a couple of days after us. 

Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube, Torsten Michel and Harald Wohlfahrt

For the last 30 years, Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube of the Hotel Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn has been in the group of a dozen or so 3 star Michelin restaurants in Germany. No other restaurant in Germany has been awarded with three Michelin stars as long as Schwarzwaldstube. For most of the time, Chef Harald Wohlfahrt was at the helm of the kitchen team; a few years ago, Torsten Michel took over from him and defended the 3 stars. Harald Wohlfahrt became Executive Chef of Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube in 1980, gained the 3 stars in 1992 and retired in 2017. Torsten Michel joined the team of Harald Wohlfahrt in 2004, was promoted to Sous Chef in 2007 and to Executive Chef in 2017.

Harald Wohlfahrt was the fifth chef to be awarded 3 stars by the Michelin Guide in Germany and  the second German chef  (after Herbert Schönberner) to be thus honoured. The Michelin Guide Deutschland was published for the first time in 1964, without any stars. In the 1966 Michelin Guide Deutschland 66 restaurants were awarded one star. In the 1974 Michelin Guide Deutschland, 7 restaurants received 2 stars. 

In the 1980 Michelin Guide Deutschland, Eckart Witzigmann was the first Chef in Germany to be awarded 3 stars, at his restaurant Auvergine in Munich. In the 1981 Michelin Guide, two chefs were added to the 3 star class: Chef Heinz Winkler of the  Tantris in Munich, where Eckehart Witzigmann used to cook before he opened his own restaurant, and Herbert Schönberger of the Restaurant Goldener Pflug in Köln. In the 1987 Michelin Guide Deutschland, Jean-Claude Bourgeuil of the Restaurant Schiffchen in Düsseldorf was awarded 3 stars. 

In the 1992 Michelin Guide Deutschland, after Eckart Witzigmann, Herbert Schönberner, Heinz Winkler and Jean-Claude Bourgeuil Harald Wohlfahrt was the fifth chef to be awarded this accolade for a restaurant in Germany and the second German chef  (after Herbert Schönberner) to be thus honoured.

Grosses Degustationsmenu

We had dinner at the Schwarzwaldstube 3 years after Chef Thorsten Michel had taken over and defended several times the 3 stars in the Michelin Guide Deutschland. Also, early 2020, part of the Hotel Traube Tonbach was destroyed by a fire, including the Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube. When we ate there, Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube was in a temporary home - in the temporaire, just a few meters from the familiar place.

We all took the Grosses Degustationsmenu for Euro 245. Alternatives were the Kleines Degustationsmenu for Euro 195 and the Vegetarisches Menu for Euro 185. We had 4 bottles of wine. The total came to Euro 1396. 

Sommelier Stéphane Gass and Maître David Breuer 

Sommelier Stéphane Gass and Maître David Breuer and his service team took very good care of us hosting us throughout an unforgettable evening.

Dinner

Aperitif and Amuses Gueules

Zart angebratene Gänseleberscheibe mit Himbeer-Olivenöl-Ravioli und reduzierter Geflügeljüs mit Ingewer

Sankt-Petersfisch in Algenbutter gegart auf gedämpften Brunnenkressespitzen, Austernsauce und Imperialkaviar

Feines vom heimischen Milchkalb mit Steinpilzen, kleinen Zwiebelchen und Kalbskopfsauce mit gehacktem Trüffel 

Käseauswahl von Maître Bernard & Jean-François Antony

Baba "Fleur de Cazette" mit Mirabellen Sorbet und leichter Chantilly von Azélia Schokolade, eingelegten Preiselbeeren und Mirabellen Kalamansicoulis

Heidelbeersorbet mit feiner Opaline, Kräuterlikör-Knusperbonbon und Mousseline von Chartreuse auf Heidelbeerkompott und Tannenharzaroma

Petites Fours

The Wines

Finkbeiner Family (Owner)

Good news for gourmets: our Schwarzwaldstube is coming back. For now in a temporary home - in the temporaire, just a few meters from the familiar place. Here we are creating a place for Torsten Michel, his team and the famous cuisine with the ambience of the temporary.

Traube Tonbach and Schwarzwaldstube – a symbiosis that offers top-class cuisine since decades and achieved new culinary heights under the leadership of chef de cuisine Torsten Michel. No other restaurant in Germany has been awarded with three Michelin stars as long as Schwarzwaldstube. Let yourself be taken away on a special journey that is wonderfully complemented and a congenial wine pairing from sommelier Stéphane Gass. Maître David Breuer and his service team look forward to host you throughout an unforgettable evening.

Pictures: With Chef Thorsten Michel

Schwarzwaldstube, Baiersbronn, Germany (50 Best Restaurants of the World)

Hidden within the fairy-tale landscape of the Black Forest lies a hot bed for culinary talent. Masked by firs and boasting bucolic views, minimalist-luxe Schwarzwalstube – part of Hotel Traube Tonbach – is at its heart. It opened in 1976 and has since led an army of Germany’s top chefs. At the helm is Torsten Michel, whose delicately rich, French cuisine is as spellbinding as the locale. Painstaking attention is given to the likes of Gillardeau oysters with caviar and champagne sauce, braised local deer and lamb royale with a sauce rouennaisse.

Good night

schiller-wine - Related Postings

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Salon Tasting at Schiller‘s Home: Domaine Weinbach, Alsace, Vintage 2014 (2017)

Wine Pairing Dinner at 1 Michelin Star Restaurant Reisers am Stein and Tasting and Tour at Weingut am Stein Ludwig Knoll, with Winemaker Franziska Schömig - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Wine Pairing Dinner at Restaurant Zufriedenheit in Naumburg, with Chef Robert Klaus and his Excellent Food, and Uwe Lützkendorf, Weingut Lützkendorf, and his World-class Wines - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Dinner with Felix Graf Adelmann, Weingut Graf Adelmann, at Burg Schaubeck in Kleinbottwar, Württemberg - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

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

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

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

Dinner at the 1 Star Michelin Restaurant Maximilians in Obersdorf, Allgäu, Germany

Christian Schiller`s Schiller-wine Blog on Corking Wines` Top 101 Wine Writers of 2020 List!

Corking Wines: Congratulations to all the talented wordsmiths that made Corking Wines’ Top 101 wine writers of 2020. We’ve made a list of the finest bloggers out there whose passion for good wine has inspired us and our customers. If you like to be in the know about the latest global wine trends, we’re sure you’ll love to follow these superb blogs and gorge on some of their most read articles of 2020.

Here is the list of the 101 top wine writers. 

Congratulations to the Wine Folly, the Reverse Wine Snob, the Wine Cellar Insider and Jancis Robinson, who are leading the list. I am #66. 

"About the blog – Schiller Wine is the work of Dr Christian G E Schiller, who splits his time between Frankfurt and Washington DC. He has been sharing his interesting musings on wine since 2009 and before then was an economist for the IMF. 

Top article – The Upcoming Wine Region Of Long Island"

Interestingly, Corking Wines refers to my article about the the upcoming wine region of Long Island as my top article. The article was published some years ago. More recently, I am focussing of the wine tours of Annette Schiller (Ombiasy WineTours) to wine regions in Germany and France. 

schiller-wine - Related Postings

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

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

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

Pictures: Eating at one of Germany`s 30 Restaurants that will shape the Future with their Concepts (Der Feinschmecker) - Al Fresco Dinner at Emma Metzler in August 2020 with Chef Anton de Bruyn, Frankfurt, Germany

Annette and I enjoyed an al fresco dinner at Emma Metzler on August 21, 2020 with our Frankfurt gourmet group.  Before the second corona wave, it was one of the few dinners we had indoors in a restaurant in 2020. Later in the year, during the second corona wave, we had another Emma Metzler dinner, to go at our home in Frankfurt and connected via Zoom with our friends. 

The photos are mostly mine. I added a few photos taken by Dirk Eisel, which he released on his facebook page.  

Eating at one of Germany`s 30 Restaurants that Shape the Future with their Concepts (Der Feinschmecker)

Emma Metzler is one of Frankfurt's top restaurants, with a great outside area for al fresco dining. Anton de Bruyn is heading the kitchen team. Anton has 14 points in the Gault Millau.

In the Der Feinschmecker 7/2020, Emma Metzler was listed as one of Germany`s 30 top restaurants that shape the future with their concepts. 

Emma Metzler: Neo-bistro, which lives the food culture in the museum sustainably with many regional organic products.

Dinner

Regenbogenforelle, Mairüben, Mirabellen & Hollunderkapern

Marinierter Mozzarella, Kirschtomaten &Wassermelone

Gefüllte Zucchiniblüten & Zuchinispaghetti

In Safran & Zimt geschmorte Schulter vom Müritzlamm, Petersilienhirse & Artischocke

Sachsenhäuser Feigen, Semifredo vom Feigenblatt & Sesamknusper

The Wines

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Dinner at the 3-star Michelin Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube at Hotel Traube Tonbach, with Chef Thorsten Michel, Baiersbronn, Germany

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

On September 30, 2020, Annette Schiller and I attended an award ceremony of the Weinfeder e.V., the association of German wine journalists. The event took place at Weingut Josef Spreitzer in the Rheingau. Weinfeder President Wolfgang Junglas moderated the event. Currently, I am the Kassenprüfer/ Cash Auditor of the Weinfeder. 

The Award Event at Weingut Spreitzer

"Weinpersönlichkeit des Jahres"/ Wine Personality of the Year: Georg Prinz zur Lippe, Weingut Schloss Proschwitz

The "Weinpersönlichkeit des Jahres"/ Wine Personality of the Year Award went to Georg Prinz zur Lippe, owner of Weingut Schloss Proschwitz in Sachsen. Rudolf Knoll gave the laudation. 

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz is a leading producer in Sachsen, near Dresden. We have visited Weingut Schloss Proschwitz a number of times on the Germany East Tour by ombiasy WineTours, which, the last time, started in Berlin and ended in Frankfurt, visiting Sachsen, Saale Unstrut, Franken and Württemberg. I think whenever we went there, the visit also included dinner with Georg Prinz zur Lippe. It is fascinating listening to him when he talks about how he re-established Weingut Schloss Proschwitz following the German reunification.

Visit, Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe in Zadel, Sachsen, with Georg Prinz zur Lippe - Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours
Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe, in Zadel, Sachsen: Tour and Tasting with Prinz zur Lippe – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)
Dining with Prinz zur Lippe, Owner of Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, at the Lippe’sches Gutshaus - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

"Preis der Deutschen Weinkritik"/ German Wine Critics' Prize: EINHEIT, Einheit Wein, Weingut Josef Spreitzer (Rheingau) and Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut)

The "Preis der Deutschen Weinkritik"/ German Wine Critics' Prize went to EINHEIT, Einheit Wein, an art-wine project of Michael Apitz, Weingut Josef Spreitzer (Rheingau) and Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut), at the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the German re-unification. Leo Gros gave the laudation. 

EINHEIT is a painting by Michael Apitz and a wine made by Weingut Spreitzer (West) and Weingut Pawis (East) celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the German Reunification. This east/west blend wine is sold by both producers but very few bottles are left.

Euro 19.90 - 2020 bottles. At Weingut Spreitzer and Weingut Pawis 

Weingut Josef Spreitzer 

Weingut Spreitzer is a leading producer in the Rheingau. In contrast to both Weingut Pawis and Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Weingut Spreitzer is a familiar name in the German wine circles in the USA. The wines of Weingut Spreitzer are imported by Skurnik Wines. Weingut Spreitzer is currently owned and managed by Andreas and Bernd Spreitzer. In the USA, we mostly get to see Andi Spreitzer. He recently flew over just for an evening at the German Embassy in Washington DC, when the Ambassador poured his wines at a Weingut Spreitzer Winemaker Gala Dinner at the Embassy.  

See also:

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

Picture: Annette Schiller and Andreas Spreitzer in New York

Weingut Pawis

Weingut Pawis is a leading producer in the Saale Unstrut region, which we have visited a number of times during the Germany East Tour by ombiasy WineTours. Again, Bernhard Pawis has a fascinating story to tell how he managed from a few hectars to a rather large estate now located in the historic Zscheiplitz Estate, close to Freyburg. 

See also: 

Weingut Pawis in the Saale Unstrut Region: Tour and Wine Tasting with Marcus Pawis – Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Pawis in the Saale Unstrut Region: Wine Tasting with Marcus Pawis – Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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Christian Schiller`s SCHILLER-WINE Blog on Corking Wines` Top 101 Wine Writers of 2020 List

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

Visit, Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe in Zadel, Sachsen, with Georg Prinz zur Lippe - Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

Weingut Pawis in the Saale Unstrut Region: Tour and Wine Tasting with Marcus Pawis – Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours 

Weingut Pawis in the Saale Unstrut Region: Wine Tasting with Marcus Pawis – Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Pictures: Dinner at 1-star Michelin Restaurant 360 Grad, Limburg, with Owner/ Chef Alexander Hohlwein, September 2020, Germany

In September 2020, shortly before the second corona lockdown in Germany, we ventured out with our "Frankfurt Gourmet Group", comprising, Annette, me as well as 5 other food and wine freaks, to the town of Limburg, 75 km north of Frankfurt, for our monthly dinner. 

 

We went to Restaurant 360 Grad, where Owner/ Chef Alexander Hohlwein impresses with a creative, world cuisine, supported by his wife Rebekka Weikert who makes you feel good in this spacious, modern restaurant overlooking Limburg. 

 

Most of the photos are mine. Some food photos are from Dirk Eisel.

 

Chef Alexander Hohlwein has 1 star in the Michelin and 17 points in the Gault/Millau. Overall, what Alexander Hohlwein cooked for us on Saturday exceeded the 1-star level and more than once touched the 2-star level.

 

The restaurant is located right next to the railway station. We went there by train and took the last train back to Frankfurt after midnight. The train ride was about an hour. 

 

The kitchen is adjacent to the restaurant, with large glass windows allowing the guests to follow what is happening in the kitchen. 

 

This was the second time that Annette and I enjoyed the food of Chef Alexander Hohlwein; the first time was a to-go dinner, see:

 

Dining with Friends in Times of the Coronavirus Lockdown using Zoom

 

There is one menu with 4 courses (plus several greetings from the chef) for Euro 85. You have the possibility to add up to four courses for a maximum of 8 courses for Euro 140. The seven of us took between 5 and 7 courses and had 10 bottles of wine.

 

Michelin: "360°"... Wer denkt da nicht an eine tolle Aussicht? Highlight in dem Restaurant beim Einkaufszentrum "WERKStadt" ist die Dachterrasse! Aber auch drinnen genießt man dank großer Fenster die Sicht - beliebt sind die Tische mit Blick auf den Dom. Außerdem kann man Alexander Hohlwein und seinem Team beim Kochen zusehen. Mit Partnerin Rebekka Weickert eröffnete er nach einigen gemeinsamen Stationen wie z. B. "La Belle Epoque" in Travemünde im März 2016 das "360°". Die herzliche Gastgeberin berät Sie auch kompetent in Sachen Wein. Dass es in dem hellen, geradlinig-modernen Restaurant wirklich Spaß macht zu essen, liegt nicht zuletzt an frischen kreativen Gerichten, die es auch noch zu einem sehr guten Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis gibt! Tipp: Mittags kommt das zusätzliche Lunch-Menü richtig gut an. 

 

 

Snacks around the World

 

Hamachi (mariniert & Tatar), gepickelte Limone, Avocado, Kombucha Vinaigrette

 

 

 

Gänseleber (mariniert & pochiert), Zwetschge, Rauchmandel, Malz

 

 

Jakobsmuschel (gebraten), Heckelmann’s Hokkaido, Miso, Yuzu, Krustentier-Sud

 

 

 

Stör (von der Fischzucht Stähler), Rote Bete (auf Holzkohle gegrillt), Zwiebel, Brandade, Imperial Kaviar

 

 

 

Poltinger Lamm – Rogan Josh, Frikandeau, Biryani, Raita, Cashew Nuss

 

 Black Angus Beef, Rücken & Short Rib, Barbecue Jus, Parmesancreme, Cear Salat, Kräuterbutter

 

 

Kalb hoch 3 (Dim Sum, Bries & Zunge, Haxe, Ragout), Pfifferlinge, Petersilie

 

 

Käse - Rohmilchkäse vom Afineur Waltmann, Brot, Hausgemachter Senf

 

Bee Happy“: Ziegenkäse, Aprikose, Bienenwachs, Fichtensprossen

Süsses Finale

 

 

Good night

schiller-wine - Related Postings

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

Dinner at the 3-star Michelin Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube at Hotel Traube Tonbach, with Chef Thorsten Michel, Baiersbronn, Germany

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

Salon Tasting at Schiller‘s Home: Domaine Weinbach, Alsace, Vintage 2014 (2017)

Picture:  The German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) Presented: 2019 German Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages, Washington DC, USA

The annual “New German Vintage Tasting" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) is always a highlight for the German wine aficionados in the Washington DC area. 

This year, because of covid, this was the second  "New German Vintage Tasting". It covered the 2019 vintage. The 2018 vintage was reviewed a few months ago, after the event had been shifted from 2020 to 2021 due to covid. 

In earlier years, the “New German Vintage Tasting" was led by Terry Theise, the famous importer of German wines. In recent years, since Terry moved from the Washington DC area to the Boston arera, Phil Bernstein has led the tasting. He is very entertaining and knowledgeable about German wine. In addition to being the General Manager, he is in charge of German wines at MacArthur Beverages, one of the best German wine retailers in the country.

This year again, we had a full house, with 55 people having signed up and paid US56/ US$66 (members/ non-members) for the tasting. Thank you very much Phil for a great event.

In terms of covid rules, we were very strict. Only vaccinated people were allowed to participate and everybody had to show his or her CDC card before entering the venue. 

Pictures:  The German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) Presented: 2019 German Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages, Washington DC, USA

Invitation

Every year we host a tasting to try German wines from the new vintage, with a focus on Riesling. Our host is Phil Bernstein, General Manager of MacArthur Beverages, one of the leading retailers of German Riesling in the country. Every year, Phil brings fabulous wines for us to try and this year will definitely be no exception.

The new vintage is 2019 which has been described as the the best vintage in Germany in 40 years, exceptional, potentially a 100 point vintage.   If you came to our New Vintage Plus tasting of Germany’s 2018 wines on September 17, this is your chance to compare these two great years.   If you were not at the previous tasting, this is your last chance to attend a New Vintage event this year, and order some of your favorites through Phil.  

Flight 1: A Pair from Clemens Busch

2019 Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken Mosel (WA 90)

2019 Clemens Busch Riesling Vom Roten Schiefer Mosel (WA 93)

Flight 2:  A Shootout of Hotshots

2019 Lauer Riesling Fass 9 Kern Grosse Lage Mosel

2019 AJ Adam Dhron Hofberg Kabinett

Flight 3:  Opening the Kabinett

2019 Dr. Wagner Ockfener Bockstein Kabinett Mosel

2019 Karl Erbes Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett Mosel (WA 92)

Flight 4: Delicious Vollenweider Spätlese

2019 Vollenweider Krover Steffensberg Spätlese Mosel

2019 Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Spätlese Mosel

Flight 5: An Auslese - Spätlese Grand Finale

2019 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Spätlese #5 Mosel (WA 95)

2019 JJ Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Mosel

Most of these wines will still be available for purchase from MacArthur Beverages through Phil Bernstein.

Our wines will be accompanied by a tasty buffet of cheeses, breads, grapes, cold cuts and veggies.

Pictures: The German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) Presented: 2019 German Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages, Washington DC, USA

 

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

 

 

 

Pictures: 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

 

 Weingut Vollenweider

 

Picture: Annette Schiller and Daniel Vollenweider of Weingut Vollenweider in New York. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

 

Weingut J.J. Prüm

 

 

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

 

Weingut Willi Schäfer

 

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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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 - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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 - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Plateau de Fruits de Mer in Blaye - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting in the Chai at Château Bel-Air La Royère, Appellation Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinne Loriaud - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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 2019, France

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafite-Rothschild, Appellation Pauillac, 1ière Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owners Basile Tesseron and Michel Tesseron - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Phélan-Ségur, with General Manager Véronique Dausse and Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Appellation Pauillac, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Technical Director Jean-René Matignon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Sociando Mallet, Appellation Haut-Médoc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Family Dinner with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen, Château Le Reysse and Château Lassus, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Philippe Blanc, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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, Tasting and Lunch at Château Desmirail, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Denis Lurton - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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 - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France