Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller at Elliot`s Oyster House and at The Tasting Room in Seattle in 2022 and 2016/ 2011

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings at the 2022 National Conference of the American Wine Society: "The End of the Grosslage in Germany" and "Towards the Freedom to Make the Right Wine". In addition, together with Kirk Wille of Loosen Bros. USA, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening. 

The American Wine Society 2022 National Conference took place in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State between October 27, 2022 and October 29, 2022. 

Postings on Schiller-Wine

This is the fifth in a series of postings related to the 2022 National Conference of the American Wine Society in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State:

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Towards the Freedom to Make the Right Wine - Seminar at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Selfies - Annette and Christian Schiller at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Loosen Bros. USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, with Loosen Bros. USA General Manager Kirk Wille and Annette and Christian Schiller

Oysters and Washington State Wine: Back at Elliot Oyster House and at The Tasting Room in Seattle, Washington State, 2022

Meeting Gilles Nicault, Winemaker, Long Shadows, Washington State, at the National Conference of the American Wine Society (2022) and at Long Shadows (2011)

Post-Conference

Annette and I stayed on for another day and visited Seattle. We went to the Pike market, had lunch at Elliot`s Oyster House and an after-lunch drink at the Tasting Room.

The last time I was in Seattle was in 2016 for the 

5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State: Overview 

Riesling experts from around the world - top winemakers, representatives from the trade and restaurant sector, and journalists – gathered in Seattle to celebrate, discuss and taste the arguably most noble white grape in the world - Riesling.

The Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle is part of the so-called Riesling Coalition, encompassing 3 major Rieslings events in Germany (International Riesling Symposium), in the US (Riesling Rendezvous) and in Australia (Riesling Downunder). Following the fifth Riesling Rendezvous in the US, the Riesling Coalition caravan travelled to Germany for the International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau in 2017, then to Australia for the 2018 Riesling Downunder and was supposed to return to Seattle in 2019 for the 6. Riesling Rendezvous.

Unfortunately, the Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle has been discontinued. 

Pike Market  

Oysters at Elliott's Oyster House

During the fifth Riesling Rendezvous I spent some time in the Seattle's Oyster Bars and update my guide:

Schiller's Favorite Oyster Bars and Seafood Places in Seattle, Washington State, USA - An Update 

My favorite place remains Elliot's Oster House, where Annette and I enjoyed a memorable oyster and wine tasting with the late Jon Rawley:

West Coast Oysters and Wine with Jon Rowley in Seattle, USA 

Now, back at Elliot's Oyster House.

Elliots Oyster Bar
1201 Alaskan Way Pier 56

One of the top oyster places in the USA, if not the best. The selection of oysters (2 to 3 dozens) is outstanding, with a focus on West Coast Oysters. Other top pics include king crabs, wild salmon and Dungeness crab cakes. Interesting wine list.

Washington State Wines at The Tasting Room

After lunch, we toured Seattle downtown and ended up at The Tasting Room.

The Tasting Room in Seattle is a blend of a typical American tasting room and a wine bar. 

It is a typical wine bar, open at night, where you can hang around with a glass of wine and eat some food, right in the heart of Pike Place Market, at the copper topped tasting bar or outside at a table on quaint Post Alley or inside at a table.

It has some elements of a tasting room insofar as the Tasting Room only serves the wines of a group of Washington State winemaker. Wines are served by the ounze, half glass, full glass, carafe, bottle and to go. 

Annette and I were at The Tasting Room at previous visits of Seattle, including in 2011. We liked it then and we liked it now.

At The Tasting Room in 2011

See:  Tasting Washington State Wines at the Tasting Room in Seattle, USA

 

At The Tasting Room in Seattle in 2022

See You in St. Louis Next Year

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

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)

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

Upcoming: American Wine Society (AWS) National Conference on October 31 to November 3, 2019, at St. Pete Beach in Florida, with 2 Events by Annette Schiller on "Renaissance of Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots" and "Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same?", USA

Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France vv

We left the right bank, crossed the Dordogne river and went to the Entre-Deux-Mers region. We visited one of the so-called “Petits Châteaux” and realized that there are excellent wines made in Bordeaux by many of the not so known châteaux.

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.

We started the visit with a vineyard walk that ended at the underground 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.

Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers

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.

Welcome

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.

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.   

Tour of the Barrel Cellar

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.

Tour of the Tank Cellar

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.

Tasting

Bordeaux Tour 2022 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 

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Dinner with a View: At Restaurant L’Estacade in Bordeaux City - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant L’Atelier de Candale in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Cellar Tasting at Tertre-Rôtebœuf with Owner/ Winemaker François Mitjavile, Appellation Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Vineyard Tour in a Golf Cart and Tasting at Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Dassault with the Managing Director, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

Gourmet Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Couvent des Jacobins, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

3 Days and Nights in the Spectacular Medieval Town of Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour, Lecture and Tasting at Château Reynier with Owner/ Winemaker Marc Lurton, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Coutet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Sauternes, with the General Manager - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé Appellation Pessac-Léognan - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Lunch at Restaurant Le Bord d’Eau in Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château de la Rivière, Appellation Canon-Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret, Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

L’Herbe: Visit of an Oyster Farmer - Bordeaux Tour 2017 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

Winery Tour and Vertical Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Lunch  at La Maison d’Estournel in Saint-Éstèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Phélan-Ségur in Saint-Éstèphe, with Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 Ferrière, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Massive (16 Vintages) Tasting of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande with MD/ Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau and Panos Kakaviatos in Washington DC, USA

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

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

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Gruaud-Larose, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Julien - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages, 5ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Picnic-style Lunch at Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch, Tasting and Tour at Château Kirwan, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Natalie Schyler - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Sophie Schÿler, Owner of Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Margaux, for a Wine Pairing Luncheon at Evo Bistro in McLean, with the Wines of RdV and Clemens Busch, USA/ France/ Germany

Dinner in the Private Quarters of the Château Bouscaut, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, with Owner Sophie Lurton Cogombles and Winemaker/ Owner/ Husband Laurent Cogombles

The Vinum Weinguide Germany 2023 was released a few weeks ago, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1 000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10 700 wines on 1118 pages.

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) were awarded to 18 estates. In addition, there are 31 estates with 4.5 stars, and 66 estates with 4 stars.

See here: Germany's 18 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2023

This posting is the fourth in a series of postings that provide more details on individual wine regions. 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Baden: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

In Hessische Bergstrasse,

there is no producer with 5, 4.5 or 4 stars. There is 1 producer with a 3.5 star rating and there are 2 producers with a 3 star rating. 

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have visited 2 of the 3 producers with 3.5 and 3 stars over the past years during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Hessische Bergstrasse

(Wine Searcher)

The Hessische Bergstrasse (Hessian Mountain Road) is the smallest of Germany's 13 wine regions, in terms of both vineyard area and volume produced. With just over 460 hectares (1,100 acres) under vine, it produces less than 0.5% of Germany's total wine output, the majority of which rarely leaves the country.

The region is located within the federal state of Hesse, along the eastern bank of the Rhine river between Darmstadt and Weinheim. Generally speaking, the region is a northern extension of the Baden vineyard area that runs along the Rhine from Switzerland to the city of Mannheim.

The northern part of Hessische Bergstrasse extends from the Rhine to the Hessen-Bayern border, near the river Main. The Otenwald hills and Bergstrasse-Odenwald natural park provide a broadly curving eastern boundary.

Although the Romans understood the suitability of this region for grape growing, and historic documents show winemaking has been well established for over 1,000 years, Hessische Bergstrasse was only officially defined and inaugurated in the 1971 Weingesetz (wine law).

The region is planted to roughly 80 percent white and 20 percent red varieties. 

As production is minimal (about 0.5% of German wine), most wine produced here is consumed locally; it is highly unusual to see Bergstrasse wines outside of Germany.

The majority of the region's wine - well over half - is produced by the regional winemaking co-operative, Bergstrasser Winzer, based in the city of Heppenheim. Some 620 of the approximately 850 growers in the region are members of this organization.

The state government of Hesse is the biggest single vineyard owner, with 38 hectares (94 acres) in the control of the Hessische Staatsweinguter Kloster Eberbach winery.

Hessische Bergstrasse is known throughout Germany as a tourist destination and is particularly popular in springtime. The climate is mild, providing ideal conditions for viticulture. The soils are mainly decomposed granite, sandstone and quartz.

Visiting Hessische Bergstrasse`s Top Producers 

Griesel/ 3.5

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

Picture: Tasting at Weingut Simon-Bürkle, Zwingenberg, Hessische Bergstrasse– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Daniel Wagner at Weingut Wagner-Stempel (VDP) in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

When Annette Schiller and I met Matthieu Perrin of Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, at the Veritable Groupe Show in Frankfurt 2021, we discussed with him the possibility of visit of Château de Beaucastel during the Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours. Unfortunately, as it turned out, a visit of Château de Beaucastel was not possible in 2022 because of a major ongoing construction project.

Instead, Matthieu proposed a tasting of Château de Beaucastel wines at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles, also owned by the Perrin family, in Gigondas, led by Alexandre Fréguin, Sommelier at the Michelin-starred L'Oustalet Restaurant (UK Best Sommelier), also in Gigondas and also owned by the Perrin family.

Annette like the idea and also included a gourmet wine-pairing dinner with Alexandre Fréguin at the L'Oustalet Restaurant in the Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, following in the evening the tasting at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in the afternoon.

So, we ended up having an outstanding tasting of Château de Beaucastel wines at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas led by Alexandre Fréguin, Sommelier at the Michelin-starred L'Oustalet Restaurant (UK Best Sommelier), followed in the evening by gourmet wine-pairing dinner with Alexandre Fréguin at the L'Oustalet Restaurant.

Picture:  Tasting with Matthieu Perrin of Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, at the Veritable Groupe Show in Frankfurt 

At Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas

With a long history, the Domaine du Clos des Tourelles is the first construction built outside the ramparts of the village of Gigondas. This exceptional place owes its uniqueness both to its bastide built in the 17th century and to its 25 acres vineyard known in particular for the parts planted with very old Grenache. Grenach, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre are the grape varieties that are perfect for this terroir of limestone soils with a marly-sandy matrix.

Famille Perrin

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.

Château de Beaucastel

(winetourism.com)

History of Beaucastel

In 1549, Pierre de Beaucastel bought a barn with a plot of land extending to 52 saumées at Coudoulet. The manor house was built and the estate was named after the family. The estate underwent several ownerships until 1909 when Pierre Tramier transferred the estate to his son-in-law Pierre Perrin. Today, the torch is being carried by Jean-Pierre and François, Perrin’s grandsons that continue the beautiful story of Château de Beaucastel. Beaucastel is a family story, the story of Famille Perrin.

The Perrin Family Philosophy

Their main strength is being able to blend the talents of each family member to run the wine estate under common values: absolute respect for land and terroir, biodynamic culture as a philosophy of life, the research of truth, balance, and elegance. Respect to the terroirs includes both enhancing the soil characteristics and highlighting the history and authenticity of the place. The family of Château de Beaucastel over time has realized this and worked to maintain the uniqueness and originality of the area. At Beaucastel, the wines are all about finding the perfect blend, expressing each variety. The blending is privileged with unique know-how, passed down from generation to generation. Taking the best from each plot, with each variety expressing its true nature. Château de Beaucastel continues the tradition of blending the 13 historical varieties of Châteauneuf du Pape, and every year it makes a unique wine with an exceptional mix of power, structure, elegance, and freshness.

The Terroir of Château de Beaucastel

Alexandre Fréguin

Alexandre Fréguin began his career as an apprentice at Michelin-starred Restaurant Pierre Reboul, Aix-en-Provence (2009-11).

He has since gained experience in many prestigious establishments in France and the UK, including Les Loge in Lyon, L’Enclume in Cartmel, Hôtel Casadelmar in Porto-Vecchio and Restaurant Jean Sulpice in Val Thorens. 

Currently, Alexandre Fréguin is the Sommelier at L'Oustalet Restaurant (1 star Michelin) in Gigondas. He has also been training to qualify as an Advanced Court Master Sommelier. Alexandre Fréguin was a judge at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022. In 2018, he won the "Best Sommelier of the UK" award.

The Wines we Tasted

2020 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel US$24

2017 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel US$25

2017 Château de Beaucastel - Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge AOC US$84

2016 Château de Beaucastel - Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge AOC US$95

2006 Château de Beaucastel - Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge AOC US$124

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours (Issued and Forthcoming Postings)

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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

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

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

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

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Le Bistro de Serine in Ampuis, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Hôtellerie Restaurant Beau Rivage in Condrieu, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Vins Jean-Luc Colombo with Anne Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine du Tunnel with Owner/ Winemaker Stéphane Robert in Saint-Peray, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Lunch at Restaurant Le Quai (Michelin/ Bib Gourmand) in Tain-l’Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting and Cellar Tour with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Maison Chabran - La Grand Table with Chef Louis Chabran and his Father Chef Michel Chabran in Pont d l’Isère, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Chaume-Arnaud with Owner/ Winemaker Valérie Chaume-Arnaud in Vinsobres, Southern Rhône- Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting with Alexandra Berthet-Rayne at Domaine André Berthet-Rayne in Cairanne, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting the Wines of Château de Beaucastel at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas with Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant L’Oustalet (1* Michelin guide) in Gigondas, with Chef Laurent Deconinck - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers with Jean Claude and Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Maison de Celou (Michelin Bib Gourmand) in Châteauneuf-de-Cadagne - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

In Les Baux de Provence: Visit of the Olive Oil Mill Moulin Castelas and Overnight Stay and Dinner Hôtel Le Mas de l’Oulivier - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôtel/ Restaurant Benvengudo in Les Baux de Provence - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Arles: City Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

At the Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses and Sightseeing at the Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Avignon: Guided Tour of Pont Saint-Bénézet, the so-called ‘Pont d’Avignon’, and the Palace of the Popes - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard and Cellar Tour at Vignobles Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur, with Hélène Jaume in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Alain Jaume with Hélène Jaume at Domaine Grand Veneur in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine de La Solitude in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pegau in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pégau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Winemaker Andreas Lenzenwöger - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting of Châteuneuf-du-Pape Wines at La Cave de Mathias with Mathias in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôstellerie du Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôstellerie du Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Chef Hugo Loridan-Fombonnet - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

It was a pleasure to meet Gilles Nicault, Winemaker, Long Shadows Vintners, Walla Walla, Washington State, again after visiting Long Shadows Vinters 10 years ago, arranged by Germany's star winemaker Armin Diel, who used to make Long Shadows Vinters' Poet's Leap Riesling. 

Gilles Nicault attended the American Wine Society 2022 National Conference, which took place in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State between October 27, 2022 and October 29, 2022. 

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings at the 2022 National Conference of the American Wine Society: "The End of the Grosslage in Germany" and "Towards the Freedom to Make the Right Wine". In addition, together with Kirk Wille of Loosen Bros. USA, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening. 

Postings on Schiller-Wine

This is the sixth (and final) posting in a series of postings related to the 2022 National Conference of the American Wine Society in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State:

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Towards the Freedom to Make the Right Wine - Seminar at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Selfies - Annette and Christian Schiller at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Loosen Bros. USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, with Loosen Bros. USA General Manager Kirk Wille and Annette and Christian Schiller

Oysters and Washington State Wine: Back at Elliot Oyster House and at The Tasting Room in Seattle, Washington State, 2022

Meeting Gilles Nicault, Winemaker, Long Shadows, Washington State, at the National Conference of the American Wine Society (2022) and at Long Shadows (2011)

Meeting Gilles Nicault of Long Shadows Vintners at the National Conference of the American Wine Society (2022)

Allen Shoup, Owner of Long Shadows Vintners, Wahington State, was the Guest of Honour at the National Conference of the American Wine Society (2022). But he was too sick to attend (and died a few weeks after the conference) and Gilles Nicault, who has served as director of winemaking and viticulture since Long Shadows' inception, represented him.

Visiting Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla, Washington State - Where Armin Diel’s Poet’s Leap Riesling is Made, USA 

I am reposting my blogg posting of 2011.

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

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)

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

Upcoming: American Wine Society (AWS) National Conference on October 31 to November 3, 2019, at St. Pete Beach in Florida, with 2 Events by Annette Schiller on "Renaissance of Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots" and "Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same?", USA

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

The Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is unquestionably one of the greatest domaines in Alsace. 

“Winegrowing is a passion that has been passed down from father to son in the Humbrecht family since the 17 th century. Domaine Humbrecht today comprises of 100 acres of vines, spread out over an array of different terroirs in the geological patchwork which is the Alsatian wine region and birthplace of our noble grape varieties.” That’s how the Humbrechts describe their domaine. The domaine was established in 1959 through the amalgamation of the Humbrecht vineyards in Gueberschwihr, and the Zind Family vineyards in Wintzenheim, following the marriage of Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind. 

Today their son Oliver Humbrecht, who is the first Frenchman to have received the Master of Wine title, and Léonard Humbrecht run the domaine. Since 1997 the vineyards are farmed biodynamically. Work in the vineyards is organized according to moon phases and burying cow horns to improve the vitality of the soil, as well as preparing natural compost at home are some of many practices followed at the Zind Humbrecht domaine. 

The visit of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was a combined cellar tour and tasting as the tasting room of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is located adjacent to the cellar with a great view of the cellar. We tasted 7 wines.

Arriving

Tasting in the Wine Cellar

Bye-bye

Many thanks for a great tasting.

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is a highly regarded winery located in Turckheim, Alsace, and has been producing a range of wines from its own vineyards across the region for more than 50 years.

A portion of the land that the domaine currently sits on has been passed through the Humbrecht family since 1620. Zind-Humbrecht was created in 1959 through the marriage of two winemaking families. Vineyards owned by both families, mostly on the hillside sites of the Vosges Mountains, were amalgamated into one domaine. Today the domaine is run by Olivier and Margaret Humbrecht, who have been in charge since 1989.

Zind-Humbrecht currently has 40 hectares (100 acres) under vine, with just under half located near the new winery in the middle of the Herrenweg vineyard in Turckheim. The rest of the vineyards are spread out between the regions of Hunawihr, Thann, Gueberschwihr and Wintzenheim.

As well as owning plots in grand cru sites Goldert, Hengst and Brand, the family also owns several small clos vineyards. These vineyards – Clos Windsbuhl, Hauserer and Jebsal - are monopoles and border grand cru sites.

The vineyards are each planted with a mixture of the six noble Alsace grapes. There are also small parcels of Chardonnay and Auxerrois grown on the Clos Winsbuhl that are used for the domaine's 'Zind' blend, a table wine with intense notes of citrus, butter and spice.

Zind-Humbrecht also has varietal, village and late harvest wines in its range. Taste profiles can be anywhere from austere and mineral, fruity and spicy or rich and perfumed, with many in between.

Since 2001, the wines carry an index number indicating the level of sweetness in the wines, with 1 being the driest and 5 the sweetest. The domaine is organic since 1998 and has been biodynamically certified since 2002.

Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: All Postings (already posted and forthcoming)

Summary: Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Daniel Wagner at Weingut Wagner-Stempel (VDP) in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Dinner in a Typical Old Town Mainz Wine Tavern: At Weinhaus Bluhm and at Weinhaus Schreiner - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Owner/ Winemaker Gesine Roll at Weingut Weedenborn Weedenborn in Monzenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Sven Nieger at Weingut Sven Nieger in Baden-Baden-Varnholt, Ortenau - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Waldgasthaus Scherrhof - Deep in the Black Forest, Local Badenser Cuisine at its Best - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Owner/ Winemaker Robert Schätzle at Weingut Schloss Neuweier (VDP) in Baden-Baden-Neuweier, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Martin Bercher at Weingut Bercher (VDP) in Burkheim, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Matthias Höfflin and Kaylie Magestro at Weingut Höfflin in Bötzingen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Joachim Heger and Winemaker Markus Mleinek at Weingut Dr. Heger (VDP) in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

The World Class Wines of Alsace

In the world class white wine region Alsace 

Tour of the Newly Constructed Winery with Pierre Gassmann and Tasting (with Wine Journalist Yves Beck) at Domaine Rolly-Gassmann in Rorschwihr, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château du Haut-Kœnigsburg in Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with Chef Laurine Gutleben and Restaurant Manager/ Husband Antoine Bauer, both Owners, at Michelin-rated Restaurant La Veille Forge in Kaysersberg, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Jean Pierre Dirler at Domaine Dirler-Cadé in Bergholtz, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Frédéric Hugel at Domaine Hugel & Fils in Riquewhir, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Owners Catherine Faller and Eddy Leiber-Faller at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Visiting Colette Faller at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg in Alsace

Dinner with Chef de Cuisine Jean-Michel Eblin at 1-star Michelin Restaurant Le Maximilien in Zellenberg, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Cellar Tour and Tasting with Adrien Schoenheitz at Vins Schoenheitz in Wihr-au-Val, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant 1-star Michelin Restaurant La Nouvelle Auberge in Wihr-au-Val, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Rémy Gresser at Domaine Rémy Gresser in Andlau, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Domaine Rémy Gresser in Andlau, with Rémy Gresser - Alsace Tour 2019 with the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, France

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz (VDP), Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

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

Lunch at Restaurant 1832 at the Hambacher Schloss - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting in the Courtyard and Cellar Tour with Frank John at Weingut Frank John in Neustadt an der Weinstraße - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Andreas Rings at Weingut Rings (VDP) in Freinsheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andreas Rings - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze and Riccardo Korner at Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (VDP) in Wachenheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

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 Vinum Weinguide Germany 2023 was released a few weeks ago, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1 000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10 700 wines on 1118 pages.

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) were awarded to 18 estates. In addition, there are 31 estates with 4.5 stars, and 66 estates with 4 stars.

See here: Germany's 18 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2023

This posting is the fifth in a series of postings that provide more details on individual wine regions. 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Baden: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023 

In the Mittelrhein region, there are no producers in the 5 stars, 4.5 stars and 4 stars groups of the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023. There are 2 producers in the 3.5 stars and 6 producers in the 3 stars groups.   

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have met both producers in the 3.5 stars group and one producer in the 3 stars group at various occasions over the past years, often at their estate during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Mittlerhein

(London Wine Competiton)

Mittelrhein (literally, “Middle Rhine”) is one of the 13 German wine-growing regions, located along a 120-kilometer stretch of the famous Rhine river. The Middle Rhine is commonly thought of as the touristy portion of the Rhine, and probably the wine growing region that most foreigners think of when they think about German wine. Moreover, Mittelrhein is located to arguably the most famous German wine growing region, Mosel. 

Despite the picturesque scenery of the region – including the Rhine Gorge, recently included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites – wines from Mittelrhein are rarely exported, due to the combination of increasing domestic demand and declining supply. 

The most famous grape varietal from Mittelrhein is Riesling, which accounts for a majority (68%) of all wine produced in the region. The second most popular grape varietal is Spatburgunder, which accounts for just 8.7% of wine production from this region. Trailing far behind are Müller-Thurgau (6.3%) and Kerner (3.3%). 

The Mittelrhein wine region is divided into a total of 2 districts, 11 sites, and 111 vineyards. These vineyards are located on both sides of the Rhine. Of the 11 sites, 10 are located in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, while 1 is located in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. 

Similar to other German wine growing regions, white wine grapes are dominant, accounting for 85% of all wine produced in Mittelrhein. Predominantly, this is due to the climate of the region, which favors white wine production. 

Visiting Mittelrhein Producers

Matthias Müller, 3.5 Stars

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

Toni Jost, 3 Stars

Picture: Peter and Cecilia Jost, Weingut Toni Jost, Bacharach, Mittelrhein. See: Wine Tasting at Weingut Toni Jost in Bacharach, Mittelrhein, with Cecilia Jost – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours, Germany

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Daniel Wagner at Weingut Wagner-Stempel (VDP) in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Typically, we visit one sweet wine producer in Sauternes/ Barsac during the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours. This time, we visited Château Coutet.

Laurier Girardot, Technical Director, was our host. We spent quite some time in the vineyard befor touring the wine cellar and tasting 5 Château Coutet wines, including grand vin 2016, 2010 and 1989.

The history of Château Coutet in Barsac, the neighbouring community of Sauternes, can be traced back to the 13 th century. Originally it was built as a fort which you can still see today in the layout of the château with its massive tower. Since 1643 Château Coutet is a full-time Sauternes wine producing estate. It changed ownership many times, for about 100 years (early 19 th century – early 20 th century) it belonged to the Lur-Saluces family, the owners of Château d’Yquem. 

In 1787 wine connoisseur Thomas Jefferson described the Coutet wines as the best one in Sauternes-Barsac when he was ambassador in France. In 1855 Château Coutet was classified as Premier Cru Classé which was granted to only 15 châteaux in the Sauternes-Barsac appellation -with d’Yquem as Premier Cru Classé Superieur. 

Modern times started at Château Coutet when the Alsatian Marcel Baly acquired the estate in 1977. The vineyards and cellars were not in perfect shape at that time and the Baly family put in a lot of investment and work to do extensive replanting in the vineyards and to renovate the cellars. After a decade or so the vintages showed an immense improvement in the wines and what Château Coutet was capable of. 

Another turning point for the upward trend of the quality of the wines was 1994 when the Baly family started the collaboration with Baron Philipp Rothschild SA by signing an agreement for a distribution deal and for technical advice from the team at Mouton. 

Current manager of Château Coutet is Marcel Baly’s granddaughter Aline Baly, who was educated in the US. Her uncle Philippe supports Aline in running the business. 

Château Coutet produces around 4,000 cases (yield of 9hl/ha!) of sweet wine annually on 87 acres. The vineyards are planted with 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, and 2% Muscadelle. Just in less than a mile east of the vineyards lies the Ciron river, credited with bringing the condition for botrytis to the region. Since 2010 Château Coutet also produces a dry white wine called Opalie de Château Coutet from a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillon.

Welcome

Vineyard Tour

Cellar Tour

Tasting

Bye-bye

Bordeaux Tour 2022 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 

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Dinner with a View: At Restaurant L’Estacade in Bordeaux City - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant L’Atelier de Candale in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Cellar Tasting at Tertre-Rôtebœuf with Owner/ Winemaker François Mitjavile, Appellation Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Vineyard Tour in a Golf Cart and Tasting at Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Dassault with the Managing Director, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

Gourmet Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Couvent des Jacobins, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

3 Days and Nights in the Spectacular Medieval Town of Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour, Lecture and Tasting at Château Reynier with Owner/ Winemaker Marc Lurton, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Coutet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Sauternes, with the General Manager - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé Appellation Pessac-Léognan - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Lunch at Restaurant Le Bord d’Eau in Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château de la Rivière, Appellation Canon-Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret, Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

L’Herbe: Visit of an Oyster Farmer - Bordeaux Tour 2017 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

Winery Tour and Vertical Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Lunch  at La Maison d’Estournel in Saint-Éstèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Phélan-Ségur in Saint-Éstèphe, with Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 Ferrière, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Massive (16 Vintages) Tasting of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande with MD/ Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau and Panos Kakaviatos in Washington DC, USA

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

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

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Gruaud-Larose, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Julien - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages, 5ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Picnic-style Lunch at Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch, Tasting and Tour at Château Kirwan, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Natalie Schyler - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Sophie Schÿler, Owner of Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Margaux, for a Wine Pairing Luncheon at Evo Bistro in McLean, with the Wines of RdV and Clemens Busch, USA/ France/ Germany

Dinner in the Private Quarters of the Château Bouscaut, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, with Owner Sophie Lurton Cogombles and Winemaker/ Owner/ Husband Laurent Cogombles

Maureen, Annette, Fuad and I enjoyed a nice 4-course dinner at our home in McLean, Virginia.

Aperitif in the Living Room

2018 Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn, Spätburgunder, Blanc de Noir, Rheingau, Germany

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

Dinner in the Dining Room

First Course

Alaskan King Crab Bisque with Scallops

2018 Weingut Graf von Bentzel-Sturmfeder, Weissburgunder, Württemberg, Germany

Pictures: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Dinner with Kilian Graf von Bentzel-Sturmfeder, Weingut Graf von Bentzel-Sturmfeder in Schozach, Württemberg - Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Second Course

Coq au Vin à la Paul Bocuse

2020 Domaine des Pasquiers, Sablet, Côtes du Rhône Villages, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Pictures: Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Cheese

Birthday Cake

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Daniel Wagner at Weingut Wagner-Stempel (VDP) in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

We had 2 events with Alexandre Fréguin (UK Best Sommelier 2018) in Gigondas.

First, we spent the afternoon with him at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles having an outstanding tasting of Château de Beaucastel wines.

See: Tasting the Wines of Château de Beaucastel at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas with Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Second, in the evening we enjoyed a gourmet wine-pairing dinner with Alexandre Fréguin at the Michelin-starred L'Oustalet Restaurant, where he is the head sommelier.

L'Oustalet

Michelin - 1 Star

In this wine-producing village, this pretty stone house, with a terrace that looks on to a small square dotted with old plane trees, provides the attractive backdrop for pleasing cuisine featuring supremely fresh ingredients, delicious and refined recipes, and astute combinations of flavours on a single menu served in several stages. Laurent Deconinck, the owner-chef, is a master at satisfying guests’ tastebuds, accompanied by efficient and flowing service, and a cellar full of wonderful surprises.

L'Oustalet

theworlds50best.com

A sun-bleached Provençal town house featuring a table built around a living olive tree, dine at L'Oustalet to dive head first into French Mediterranean culture. Choose seasonal dishes from the succinct à la carte menu or go for a set menu paired with some of the best wines the Rhône has to offer. Past triumphs include monkfish in almond milk with pink ginger and pork with crackling, anise, radish, orgeat and peas. If choosing from the gastronomic delights available is a challenge, be sure to set aside enough time for selecting your wine; the list is 28 pages long.

L'Oustalet

thelonelyplanet.com

Welcome

Dinner

The Wines

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours (Issued and Forthcoming Postings)

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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

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

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

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

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Le Bistro de Serine in Ampuis, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Hôtellerie Restaurant Beau Rivage in Condrieu, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Vins Jean-Luc Colombo with Anne Colombo in Cornas, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine du Tunnel with Owner/ Winemaker Stéphane Robert in Saint-Peray, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Lunch at Restaurant Le Quai (Michelin/ Bib Gourmand) in Tain-l’Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting and Cellar Tour with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Maison Chabran - La Grand Table with Chef Louis Chabran and his Father Chef Michel Chabran in Pont d l’Isère, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine Chaume-Arnaud with Owner/ Winemaker Valérie Chaume-Arnaud in Vinsobres, Southern Rhône- Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Visit and Tasting with Alexandra Berthet-Rayne at Domaine André Berthet-Rayne in Cairanne, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting the Wines of Château de Beaucastel at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles in Gigondas with Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant L’Oustalet, 1 Star Michelin, in Gigondas, with Owner-chef Laurent Deconinck and Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018- Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers with Jean Claude and Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Maison de Celou (Michelin Bib Gourmand) in Châteauneuf-de-Cadagne - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

In Les Baux de Provence: Visit of the Olive Oil Mill Moulin Castelas and Overnight Stay and Dinner Hôtel Le Mas de l’Oulivier - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôtel/ Restaurant Benvengudo in Les Baux de Provence - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Arles: City Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

At the Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses and Sightseeing at the Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Avignon: Guided Tour of Pont Saint-Bénézet, the so-called ‘Pont d’Avignon’, and the Palace of the Popes - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard and Cellar Tour at Vignobles Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur, with Hélène Jaume in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Alain Jaume with Hélène Jaume at Domaine Grand Veneur in Courthézon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting at Domaine de La Solitude in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pegau in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine du Pégau in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Owner/ Winemaker Laurence Féraud and Winemaker Andreas Lenzenwöger - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting of Châteuneuf-du-Pape Wines at La Cave de Mathias with Mathias in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Wine-pairing Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôstellerie du Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf du Pape - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Dinner and Overnight-stay at Hôstellerie du Château des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Chef Hugo Loridan-Fombonnet - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Picture: Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schmitt’s Kinder in Randersacker, Franken, with Martin Johann Schmitt – Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

The Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany was released in November 2022. 

It contains a most interesting "Next Generation" list with 10 young winemakers who have just taken over their parents' business, work with them or have founded their own winery. 

Most of them I do not know. Some of them, however, we have visited on a recent Germany Tour by ombiasy WineTours.

Next Generation - Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Bastian Beny (Rheinhessen)

Weingut Bastian Beny

Sophie Christmann (Pfalz)

Weingut A. Christmann

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

Philipp und Kilian Giegerich (Franken)

Weingut Giegerich

Katharina und Rebecca Heger (Baden) 

c

Simon Hornstein (Württemberg)

Weingut Hornstein am See (Bodensee)

Moritz Kissinger (Rheinhessen)

Weingut Kissinger

Maximilian Kusterer (Württemberg)

Weingut Kusterer

Stefanie und Fabian Lassak (Württemberg)

Weingut Lassak

Clemens Rosenkranz (Rheingau)

Weingut Rebenhof (Hochheim)

Martin Schmitt (Franken) 

Picture: Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schmitt’s Kinder in Randersacker, Franken, with Martin Johann Schmitt – Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Franz Werheim (Pfalz) 

Weingut Dr. Wehrheim

Matthias Wörner (Baden)

Hofgut Wörner

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Daniel Wagner at Weingut Wagner-Stempel (VDP) in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Following:

Tasting at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

we drove back to our hotel in Kaysersberg and enjoyed dinner a 3-course wine-pairing dinner with 5 wines at Restaurant La Veille Forge.  

Kaysersberg

Before dinner we had some time stroll through the town of Kaysersberg. At this time the shops were still open. 

Also worth seeing is the magnificent Renaissance palace of the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) and next to it the church of Saine-Croix with the altar of 1518 with its 18 painted wooden reliefs depicting the passion of Christ and his resurrection.

Restaurant La Veille Forge

A short walk away from our hotel, Restaurant La Veille Forge is located in a beautiful historic 15th century traditional Alsatian house in Kaysersberg, owned by the Gutleben family. 

Chef de cuisine is daughter Laurine Gutleben. She did her training at 2* Michelin chef Oliver Nasti, and at Maison TroisGros, the famous 3* Michelin restaurant. In 2010 she won the title of Best Apprentice of France. 

Sommelier (and Laurin's husband) Antoine Bauer heads the service team.

Michelin (Bib Gourmand)

Beyond the rustic façade of this charming 16C house some lovely surprises lie in store: chef Laurine Gutleben's dishes give pride of place to fresh produce and free rein to creativity, for instance the beef shoulder confit with a meat jus and dauphine potatoes. Great wine list, with a selection from Alsace and beyond.

Restaurant La Veille Forge

3-course Dinner with 5 Wines

The Wines

Walk back to the Hotel

Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: All Postings (already posted and forthcoming)

Summary: Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Daniel Wagner at Weingut Wagner-Stempel (VDP) in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Dinner in a Typical Old Town Mainz Wine Tavern: At Weinhaus Bluhm and at Weinhaus Schreiner - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Owner/ Winemaker Gesine Roll at Weingut Weedenborn Weedenborn in Monzenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Sven Nieger at Weingut Sven Nieger in Baden-Baden-Varnholt, Ortenau - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Waldgasthaus Scherrhof - Deep in the Black Forest, Local Badenser Cuisine at its Best - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Owner/ Winemaker Robert Schätzle at Weingut Schloss Neuweier (VDP) in Baden-Baden-Neuweier, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Martin Bercher at Weingut Bercher (VDP) in Burkheim, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Matthias Höfflin and Kaylie Magestro at Weingut Höfflin in Bötzingen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Joachim Heger and Winemaker Markus Mleinek at Weingut Dr. Heger (VDP) in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

The World Class Wines of Alsace

In the world class white wine region Alsace 

Tour of the Newly Constructed Winery with Pierre Gassmann and Tasting (with Wine Journalist Yves Beck) at Domaine Rolly-Gassmann in Rorschwihr, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château du Haut-Kœnigsburg in Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Michelin-rated Restaurant La Veille Forge in Kaysersberg, Alsace, with Chef Laurine Gutleben and Restaurant Manager/ Husband Antoine Bauer, both Owners - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Jean Pierre Dirler at Domaine Dirler-Cadé in Bergholtz, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Frédéric Hugel at Domaine Hugel & Fils in Riquewhir, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Owners Catherine Faller and Eddy Leiber-Faller at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Visiting Colette Faller at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg in Alsace

Dinner with Chef de Cuisine Jean-Michel Eblin at 1-star Michelin Restaurant Le Maximilien in Zellenberg, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Cellar Tour and Tasting with Adrien Schoenheitz at Vins Schoenheitz in Wihr-au-Val, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant 1-star Michelin Restaurant La Nouvelle Auberge in Wihr-au-Val, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Rémy Gresser at Domaine Rémy Gresser in Andlau, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Domaine Rémy Gresser in Andlau, with Rémy Gresser - Alsace Tour 2019 with the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, France

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz (VDP), Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

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

Lunch at Restaurant 1832 at the Hambacher Schloss - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting in the Courtyard and Cellar Tour with Frank John at Weingut Frank John in Neustadt an der Weinstraße - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Andreas Rings at Weingut Rings (VDP) in Freinsheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andreas Rings - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze and Riccardo Korner at Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (VDP) in Wachenheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

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 Vinum Weinguide Germany 2023 was released a few weeks ago, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1 000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10 700 wines on 1118 pages.

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) were awarded to 18 estates. In addition, there are 31 estates with 4.5 stars, and 66 estates with 4 stars.

See here: Germany's 18 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2023

This posting is the fifth in a series of postings that provide more details on individual wine regions. 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Baden: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023  

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

In the Mosel region, there are 5 producers with 5 stars and 7 producers with 4.5 stars in the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023.

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have met 4 producers in the 5 stars group and 4 producers in 4.5 stars stars group at various occasions over the past years, often at their estate during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Mosel

(London Wine Competition)

The name of the famous German wine producing region Mosel comes from the Mosel River, which winds through this part of Germany. Three river valleys – the Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer – account for the unique topography and growing conditions of the Mosel region, which is world-famous for its production of Riesling wines.

One of the defining characteristics of wine production in Mosel is the steeply sloped vineyards, which overlook the three rivers. At one point of the Mosel river, vineyards are arranged at a steep, 65-degree incline. As might be imagined, that significantly increases the difficulty of wine production. In fact, Mosel is widely considered to have some of the most labor-intensive vineyards in the world.

Despite the difficulty of production, winemaking has been going in Mosel since the ancient Roman era. At that time, the Romans planted vineyards along both the Mosel and the Rhine. By the Middle Ages, there were wine villages along the Mosel. And by the end of the 17th century, Riesling had established itself as the dominant grape varietal of Mosel.

In terms of overall production, Riesling wines account for nearly 60% of all wine produced in Mosel. In addition, Müller-Thurgau (14%) and Elbling (6.3%) also play a role. Wines of the region are known for being light, low in alcohol, crisp and high in acidity. While many Rieslings are characterized as being “fruity,” the wines of Mosel are more often characterized as having floral notes.

In the 1920s, Blue Nun became arguably the most famous German wine from Mosel in the world. By the 1950s, Blue Nun was being exported to North America, and until the late 1980s, Blue Nun was a huge commercial hit with the American wine- drinking audience, which enjoyed the sweeter, lighter wine.

The Mosel wine region is divided into 6 districts, as well as 19 collective vineyard designations and 524 single vineyard designations. The wines of Mosel are often bottled with very distinctive long, green-colored “hock style” bottles that help them stand out on wine retailer shelves.

Visiting Mosel Producers

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

Hofgut Falkenstein 5 Stars

 

Schloss Lieser 5 Stars

Joh. Jos. Prüm  5 Stars

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

Fritz Haag 4.5 Stars

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

Markus Molitor 4.5 Stars

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine de Boisseyt in Chavany, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Daniel Wagner at Weingut Wagner-Stempel (VDP) in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

We had lunch at Restaurant L’Entrecœur in Preignac, Sauternes/ Barsac, 

following:

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Coutet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Sauternes, with Technical Director Laurier Girardot - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

and before: 

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé Appellation Pessac-Léognan in the afternoon. 

Annette had ordered the 3-course "Retour du Marché" lunch for us and chosen a white wine from the Grave region. 

This was a typical French family restaurant with lovely homemade food of excellent quality. We enjoyed it very much.

Bordeaux Tour 2022 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 

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Dinner with a View: At Restaurant L’Estacade in Bordeaux City - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant L’Atelier de Candale in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Cellar Tasting at Tertre-Rôtebœuf with Owner/ Winemaker François Mitjavile, Appellation Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Vineyard Tour in a Golf Cart and Tasting at Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Dassault with the Managing Director, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

Gourmet Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Couvent des Jacobins, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

3 Days and Nights in the Spectacular Medieval Town of Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour, Lecture and Tasting at Château Reynier with Owner/ Winemaker Marc Lurton, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Coutet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Sauternes, with Technical Director Laurier Girardot - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé Appellation Pessac-Léognan - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Lunch at Restaurant Le Bord d’Eau in Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château de la Rivière, Appellation Canon-Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret, Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

L’Herbe: Visit of an Oyster Farmer - Bordeaux Tour 2017 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

Winery Tour and Vertical Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Lunch  at La Maison d’Estournel in Saint-Éstèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Phélan-Ségur in Saint-Éstèphe, with Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 Ferrière, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Massive (16 Vintages) Tasting of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande with MD/ Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau and Panos Kakaviatos in Washington DC, USA

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

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

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Gruaud-Larose, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Julien - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages, 5ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Picnic-style Lunch at Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch, Tasting and Tour at Château Kirwan, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Natalie Schyler - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Sophie Schÿler, Owner of Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Margaux, for a Wine Pairing Luncheon at Evo Bistro in McLean, with the Wines of RdV and Clemens Busch, USA/ France/ Germany

Dinner in the Private Quarters of the Château Bouscaut, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, with Owner Sophie Lurton Cogombles and Winemaker/ Owner/ Husband Laurent Cogombles

Annette and I enjoyed a lovely wine dinner at Ristorante i Rocchi in dowtown Washington DC with the wines of Marchesi Antinori and the food of Chef Christianne Ricchi, organized by Calvert and Woodley.

Calvert & Woodley: Invitation

It's our last dinner of 2022 and we couldn't be more excited to host an Italian wine dinner featuring the wines of Marchesi Antinori. This dinner will be a "tour of Italy" with four different Italian regions being represented through a dish and wine(s) from that region. The guest of honor leading this exceptional evening will be Cecile Roesch-Giannangeli, US brand Ambassador for Marchesi Antinori and Luxury. The dinner will be held on Tuesday, December 6th, at Ristorante i Ricchi in downtown DC, where Christianne Ricchi created a delicious menu based on traditional holiday regional dishes to pair with these fantastic wines.

For more than 635 years — spanning 26 generations — the Antinori family has produced exceptional wines, making it the 10th oldest family-owned company in the world. While Marchesi Antinori started with its roots in Tuscany and Umbria, over the years they have invested in many properties around Italy and beyond, bringing their experience and innovative spirit to each newly acquired estate. As current owner Marchese Piero Antinori loves to say: “Ancient family roots play an important part in our philosophy but they have never hindered our innovative spirit."

Space for the dinner is limited to 40 people. To reserve your spot for this dinner, please sign-up online now. See full details below.

$200 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity)

Ristorante i Ricchi

Ristorante i Ricchi was one of the first traditional Tuscan restaurants to open in the United States and it did not go unnoticed. 

“The triumph of i Ricchi – nowhere else in this country have I had such authentic, Tuscan food. In fact, only at a handful of Florence’s restaurants is such tradition available.” 

exclaimed Phyllis Richman, food critic ofThe Washington Post. Heralded by the New York Timesas a "Florentine import and hottest restaurant in Washington" and honored by the former President of Italy as "one of the best Italian restaurants outside of Italy," they haven't looked back since. The restaurant has won dozens of awards over the years, including: Best 25 Restaurants in North America,Food & Wine Magazine; and Top 10 Restaurants in the US, American Academy of Restaurant Sciences.

Tasting Bites - i Ricchi: An Old Timer in Washington DC (2015)

Actually, there were several reasons why we should visit this restaurant. To begin with, i Ricchi had been around for twenty-five years, which is in itself a big achievement.  Moreover, the story of Christianne and Francesco is fascinating, as it resembles more a Hollywood movie of the 60’s than real life. As reported The Hill, Christianne was a young American art student who went to Florence to study painting and ended up working in the trattoria of her future husband’s mother. Francesco and Christianne married in 1975 and until 1989 they jointly ran the trattoria in Cercina that had been started by Francesco’s grandfather in 1929. In 1989 they moved to Washington, DC and started i Ricchi.

The restaurant became an immediate success, in part because one month after its opening a White House speechwriter chose i Ricchi to celebrate his birthday and among his guests were George and Barbara Bush. In 1992, i Ricchi received the Fine Dining Award from Food &Wine, as one of the top 25 restaurants in America. In 1997, Francesco Ricchi opened Cesco Trattoria and Christianne Ricchi remains as the executive chef of i Ricchi until today.

vinovest.co - Marchesi Antinori 

Marchesi Antinori is one of the most iconic Super Tuscan producers, who’s been in the wine business for over six centuries. 

Today the winery continues to innovate and produce mind-blowing red blends. For the past 49 years, Piero Antinori (the 25th generation) has been the driving force behind the Antinori wines while spearheading the renaissance of Italian wine.

The estate is headquartered in the Chianti Classico region (San Casciano Val di Pesa) between Florence and Siena.

The family-owned wine company started with Giovanni di Piero Antinori in the 1300s and has lasted for 26 generations. 

The innovations of the Antinori family played a significant role in the “Super Tuscan” revolution of the 1970s.   

Today, Marquis Piero Antinori and his three daughters Allegra, Alessia, and Albiera Antinori (the 26th generation) oversee the firm’s activities. Alessia Antinori represents the Antinori family on the board of Primum Familiae Vini (fine wine association.)

The winery is most famous for its red wine blends made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. The most famous Antinori red wines are Tignanello and Solaia. 

Antinori also produces Chianti Classico and a small amount of white wines from Pinot Grigio, Reisling, Pinot Bianco, Trebbiano, and Malvasia Toscana. 

This Italian wine producer releases around 20 million bottles annually and has over 150 labels.

This Italian wine company started when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Winemakers Guild (Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri) in the 14th century.

The Antinori family bought the Piazza Antinori (Palazzo Antinori) in Florence in 1506 and gained the title of Marquis in the 18th century. 

In 1900, Marchese Piero Antinori purchased 47 hectares of vineyards in the Chianti Classico region. 

In 1924, Marchese Niccolò Antinori, son of Piero, bought properties including Santa Cristina and Castello della Sala (Umbria.) 

After Marchese Niccolò Antinori retired in 1966, his son started experimenting with early harvesting of white grape varietals and malolactic fermentation of their red wines.

Winemaker Giacomo Tachis joined Antinori in 1961. He introduced non-indigenous grapes and new winemaking techniques, including malolactic fermentation and bottle aging. 

In 1974, Antinori launched the first vintage of Tignanello. Following the success of this red wine, Antinori launched Solaia in 1978 from grape varietals from a neighboring vineyard. 

The Antinori family started investing in wineries across the globe. The most notable ones are the Atlas Peak winery in Napa Valley (1985) and Badia a Passignano (1987.)

They also expanded the firm to Apulia, Piedmont, and forged joint ventures in Hungary, Bataapati, Chile (Maipo Valley), Romania, Malta, and the USA (Antica Napa Valley, Stag’s Leap, and Col Solare.) 

Tour of Italy Wine Dinner at Ristorante i Rocchi in Dowtown Washington DC with the Wines of Marchesi Antinori and the Food of Chef Christianne Ricchi

Reception

Bread

Puglia

Umbria

Tosacana

Piemonte

Bye-bye

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

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Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

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"Silent Winds, Dry Seas" - Literary Salon: Book Reading and Discussion with the Author Vinod Busjeet Followed by Dinner at the Schiller Residence in Virginia, USA 

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

The visit of Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet consisted of a cellar tour and a tasting. 

Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert was our host. 

We tasted 11 wines. The wines of Domaine des Pasquiers are available in the Washington DC area through MacArthur Beverages.

Domaine des Pasquiers

Founded in 1935 by the grandfather and great-grandfather of the current owners, this estate is situated in Vaucluse in the tiny, beautiful village of Sablet. 

Today the domaine is expertly run by brothers Jean Claude and Philippe Lambert and Philippe’s son Matthieu, the third and fourth generation. With 220 acres of prime vineyards in appellations such as Gigondas, Sablet, Côtes du Rhône Village, Plan de Dieu, Côtes du Rhône, IGP, and Vin de Pays they are in the possession of some of the region's best plots. 

Everything starts in the vineyard, that’s why the brothers started to switch to organic farming in 2010. Since 2013 the vineyards are certified AB (agriculture biologique). 

I quote Aaron Nix-Gomez of hogsheadwine blog: “The brothers aim for a gentle touch through partial destemming followed by a short period in vat. This goal clearly comes through for the nose is aromatic and the palate is fresh. This freshness does not forsake the favorite characteristics I enjoy from the Rhone, the ability to age. In fact, I recommend that you cellar these selections for one year before trying them. However, if you are curious and who would not be at these prices, then double-decant them several hours ahead of time. You will find their distinct profile deserves a place in your cellar”.

Arriving

Cellar Tour

Tasting

Bye-bye

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours (Issued and Forthcoming Postings)

Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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

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

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

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

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Le Bistro de Serine in Ampuis, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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Visit and Tasting at Domaine du Tunnel with Owner/ Winemaker Stéphane Robert in Saint-Peray, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Lunch at Restaurant Le Quai (Michelin/ Bib Gourmand) in Tain-l’Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Tain-l’Hermitage, Hermitage, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tasting and Cellar Tour with Owner/ Winemaker David Reynaud at Domaine Les Bruyères in Beaumont-Monteux, Northern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant L’Oustalet, 1 Star Michelin, in Gigondas, with Owner-chef Laurent Deconinck and Alexandre Fréguin, UK Best Sommelier 2018 - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers with Jean Claude and Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Maison de Celou (Michelin Bib Gourmand) in Châteauneuf-de-Cadagne - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

In Les Baux de Provence: Visit of the Olive Oil Mill Moulin Castelas and Overnight Stay and Dinner Hôtel Le Mas de l’Oulivier - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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Arles: City Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

At the Pont du Gard: Lunch at Restaurant Les Terrasses and Sightseeing at the Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Lunch at Pont du Gard - Rhône Valley Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Avignon: Guided Tour of Pont Saint-Bénézet, the so-called ‘Pont d’Avignon’, and the Palace of the Popes - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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Picture: Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

The "Weinfeder e.V." is the association of German wine journalists: "Ein Zusammenschluss von Journalisten, Redakteuren, Autoren, Fotografen, Moderatoren, Lektoren, Textern, Grafikern, Dozenten, Bloggern sowie Personen aller Berufszweige in Sachen Wein, die in den Bereichen Print und/oder Online publizistisch tätig sind".

It had its Annual Membership Meeting a few weeks ago, at which a new board was elected.

I am happy to report that I was re-elected to the board, as the "Kassenprüfer"/ cash auditor.

The Weinfeder e.V. is a member of the FIJEV (Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains des Vin et Spiritueux/ International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers).

Weinfeder e.V.: "Wir lieben und schreiben Weingeschichten – zu lesen im Weinfeder Journal. Wir verkosten Weine und bieten faire Weinkritik. Wir besuchen führende Weinmessen ebenso wie regionale Weinevents. Wir rezensieren Weinliteratur und spiegeln Weinkultur. Wir begleiten Weinernten, Weinkellerarbeit und informieren über neueste önologische Trends. Wir reisen in bekannte und unbekannte Weinregionen, entdecken Winzertalente, portraitieren Weinpersönlichkeiten.“

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Dinner at a Historic (Second Empire) Café-Brasserie in Lyon: Grand Café des Négociants - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France 

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

"Silent Winds, Dry Seas" - Literary Salon: Book Reading and Discussion with the Author Vinod Busjeet Followed by Dinner at the Schiller Residence in Virginia, USA 

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

This winery exists since 1871. It came into existence in its current form when Jean Dirler, 5th generation of the Dirler family, married Ludivine, daughter of Leon and Nicole Hell-Cadé, winegrowers in neighboring Guebwiller. In 2000 Ludevine’s parents plots of vines were integrated into the Dirler estate and the domaine was renamed Dirler-Cadé.

Jean Pierre Dirler, the father of Jean Dirler, hosted us, assisted by his wife. 

Ludevine Dirler-Cadé was supposed to host us but because her father-in-law had been admitted to the hospital earlier that day, was not able to be with us. So, Jean Pierre Dirler took over on short notice. Upon arriving, Jean Pierre joined us on our bus and showed us his vineyards. We then went to the tasting room of  Domaine Dirler-Cadé for a formal tasting.

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris account for over 60% of the vines, the remainder made-up of Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner, Muscat, and Chasselas.While the vinification is essentially traditional, using both large oak foudres and stainless steel, it is in the vineyard where the most marked changes have taken place: since 1998 all the vines have been farmed organically and biodynamically.

In the 19th century Domaine Dirler was pioneer with the Domaine Dopff of Riquewihr in producing sparkling wines according to the Méthode Champenoise, called Crément d’Alsace.

In 1998 Jean Dirler and his father decided to convert the estate to a Biodynamic agriculture. They introduced ploughing with a draft horse. The conversion process finished in 2004 and from the harvest of 2007 the estate is 100% Biodynamic, and obtained the label “AB” (biological agriculture) and the label “BIODYVIN” for biodynamic agriculture.

Welcome

Vineyard Tour by Bus

Tasting

Domaine Dirler-Cadé divides its wines into 4 groups:

First, AOC Alsace Grands Crus (Terroir de Gruebwiller et Bergholz), from 4 grands crus vineyards: Saering, Spiegel, Kessler and Kitterlé (42% of the farmed area)

Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: All Postings (already posted and forthcoming)

Summary: Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

Dinner in a Typical Old Town Mainz Wine Tavern: At Weinhaus Bluhm and at Weinhaus Schreiner - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Owner/ Winemaker Gesine Roll at Weingut Weedenborn Weedenborn in Monzenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Jülg (VDP): Lunch in the Wine Tavern with Karin and Werner Jülg and Tasting in the Vineyard with Johannes Jülg - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Sven Nieger at Weingut Sven Nieger in Baden-Baden-Varnholt, Ortenau - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Waldgasthaus Scherrhof - Deep in the Black Forest, Local Badenser Cuisine at its Best - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Owner/ Winemaker Robert Schätzle at Weingut Schloss Neuweier (VDP) in Baden-Baden-Neuweier, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Martin Bercher at Weingut Bercher (VDP) in Burkheim, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Matthias Höfflin and Kaylie Magestro at Weingut Höfflin in Bötzingen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting in the Courtyard with Joachim Heger and Winemaker Markus Mleinek at Weingut Dr. Heger (VDP) in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

The World Class Wines of Alsace

In the world class white wine region Alsace 

Tour of the Newly Constructed Winery with Pierre Gassmann and Tasting (with Wine Journalist Yves Beck) at Domaine Rolly-Gassmann in Rorschwihr, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château du Haut-Kœnigsburg in Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant La Veille Forge (Bib Gourmand Michelin) in Kaysersberg, Alsace, with Chef Laurine Gutleben and Restaurant Manager/ Husband Antoine Bauer, both Owners - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Jean Pierre Dirler at Domaine Dirler-Cadé in Bergholtz, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Frédéric Hugel at Domaine Hugel & Fils in Riquewhir, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Owners Catherine Faller and Eddy Leiber-Faller at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Visiting Colette Faller at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg in Alsace

Dinner with Chef de Cuisine Jean-Michel Eblin at 1-star Michelin Restaurant Le Maximilien in Zellenberg, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Cellar Tour and Tasting with Adrien Schoenheitz at Vins Schoenheitz in Wihr-au-Val, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant 1-star Michelin Restaurant La Nouvelle Auberge in Wihr-au-Val, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Rémy Gresser at Domaine Rémy Gresser in Andlau, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting at Domaine Rémy Gresser in Andlau, with Rémy Gresser - Alsace Tour 2019 with the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, France

Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz (VDP), Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

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

Lunch at Restaurant 1832 at the Hambacher Schloss - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting in the Courtyard and Cellar Tour with Frank John at Weingut Frank John in Neustadt an der Weinstraße - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting with Andreas Rings at Weingut Rings (VDP) in Freinsheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andreas Rings - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting with Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze and Riccardo Korner at Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (VDP) in Wachenheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

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 Vinum Weinguide Germany 2023 was released a few weeks ago, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1 000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10 700 wines on 1118 pages.

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) were awarded to 18 estates. In addition, there are 31 estates with 4.5 stars, and 66 estates with 4 stars.

See here: Germany's 18 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2023

This posting is the seventh in a series of postings that provide more details on individual wine regions. 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Baden: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023  

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023 

Nahe: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2023 

In the Nahe,

there are 3 producers with 5 stars, there is no producer with 4.5 stars and there are 6 producers with 4 stars.  

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have visited all 3 producers with 5 stars and 4 of the 6 producers with 4 stars over the past years during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Nahe

(London Wine Competition)

The Nahe wine region is one of Germany’s 13 wine regions, known primarily for its Riesling grape varietals. In fact, Riesling now accounts for 27.2% of all wine produced in the Nahe region, more than twice as much as the next closest wine varietal (Müller-Thurgau, at 13.3%). Other popular wine varietals from Nahe include Dornfelder (11.0%), Silvaner (10.0%), Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. The split between white wines and red wines is approximately 75% to 25%.

The Nahe region is located along the River Nahe, which flows into the Rhine. Officially, Nahe is part of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.  Rich volcanic soils in the region help to account for the superior quality of the region’s wines. The Nahe region is subdivided into three smaller regions: the Upper Nahe, Bad Kreuznach, and Lower Nahe. In addition, the different valleys along the path of the river help to create different microclimates for growing grapes.

While the winemaking tradition of this region dates back to the ancient Roman era and existence of wine villages along the Nahe river have been recorded since the year 778, it was not until 1971 that Nahe was officially recognized as a unique wine region by German wine law.

Nahe might not be as well known as neighboring regions such as Mosel (located just 40 kilometers away), but Rieslings from the region have become increasingly known for their distinctive taste and flavor. Previously, grapes from Nahe were blended along with other German wine grapes and known collectively as “Rhine wine.”

Visiting Nahe Top Producers 

Pictures: Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Dr. Crusius - 4 Stars

Diel - 4 Stars

Gut Herrmannnsberg - 4 Stars

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

Kruger-Rumpf - 4 Stars

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

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Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

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Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

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

The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference December 2021

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

"Silent Winds, Dry Seas" - Literary Salon: Book Reading and Discussion with the Author Vinod Busjeet Followed by Dinner at the Schiller Residence in Virginia, USA 

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Overall, and compared to Napa Valley, for example, Bordeaux is a rather sleepy area, not well prepared to receive wine lovers from all over the world to experience the wines they love so much in the area, where the wines are made. But things are changing. Wine tourism has caught up with Bordeaux. One producer that clearly is a leader in this wine-tourism movement is Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte.

We visited Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte in the afternoon, on the way back from Sauternes to Bordeaux City. In fact, Château Smith-Haut-Lafitteis located in the boudaries of the Greater Bordeaux City area. 

When we arrived, they were cleaning the reception area for the harvest. The tour included a stop in the vineyard, in the red wine bottle cellar, the white wine bottle cellar and in the tank cellar, followed by a tasting of 3 wines and a short visit of the library.

Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte and Florence and Daniel Cathiard

The noble Bosq family started growing grapes here as early as 1365. The property was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith, who gave the estate its present name. He also built the manor house and exported his – by now famous – wine to England on his own ships. Current owners are Florence and Daniel Cathiard.

Both Florence and Daniel were professional skiers belonging to the French Olympic ski team in the mid-1960s (with triple gold medal legend at the 1968 Winter Olympics Jean-Claude Killy). After their career in sports, Daniel built a supermarket and sporting goods store imperium and Florence an advertising agency. In 1990 they bought Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte with the wealth generated by the sale of all their assets. They brought the quality of Smith-Haut-Lafitte wines to the level for which they were once renowned.

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a Bordeaux producer from the Pessac-Léognan appellation, ranked among the Grands Crus Classé for red wine in the Classification of Graves wine of 1953 and 1959. The winery and vineyards are located south of the city of Bordeaux, in the commune of Martillac.

The estate originates in the 14th century with the house of Verrier Du Boscq who planted vines on a gravelly plateau named Lafitte already in 1365. In 1720 it was bought by the Scotsman Georges Smith who added his name to the lieu-dit and who built the manor house of the property.

The Louis Eschenauer Company bought the estate in 1958, after having already distributed the wine from the early 20th century. In 1990, Florence and Daniel Cathiard bought Smith Haut Lafitte and embarked on a major renovation and investment program.

The vineyard area consists of 67 hectares, 56 hectares of which are planted with red grape varieties (55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc). The remaining 11 hectares are cultivated with white varieties (90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris). The vineyards are located on a gravel ridge to the east of Château Haut-Bailly.

The grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats and the wine is then matured in oak barrels (50% new) for 15-18 months. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The Grand vin, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, is annually produced in 10,000 cases of the red wine and 2,500 cases of the dry white. The second wine, Les Hauts de Smith, has a production of 5,500 cases, and exists in red, white and rosé versions. The rosé is produced as a Bordeaux AOC.

Château Smith-Haut-Lafite has been transformed during the last decade from being a perennial underachiever to being one of the leading estates in the Graves region. Before the arrival of the Cathiard Family, Château Smith Haut Lafitte - though a Classified Growth of the Graves region - bore the nickname of Sleeping Beauty.

Daniel and Florence Cathiard invested heavily, restored buildings, replaced vats, constructed a new barrel cellar, converted vineyard practices to sustainable farming and paid detailed attention to hand picking, sorting, and practices in the cellar. The proportion of new oak barrels used in the maturation process was increased and a trio of eminent oenologists (including Michel Rolland) was hired as consultants.

Having raised the wine of Smith to the highest level of quality, Daniel and Florence Cathiard were not happy to leave it at that: they also restored the 16th-century tower, renovated the 18th-century chartreuse, refurbished two underground cellars and started up a cooperage on the premises.

Château Smith Haut Lafitte - Prices

Red

2020 US$ 151

2015 US$ 256

2000 US$ 199

White

2020 US$ 144

2015 US$ 144

2000 US$ 141

Arriving

Harvest Reception Area

Vineyard Walk

Cooperage

Fermentation Tank Cellar

Reception Area in the Fermentation Tank Cellar

White Wine Barrel Cellar

Red Wine Barrel Cellar

Tasting

Library

Bordeaux Tour 2022 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 

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Dinner with a View: At Restaurant L’Estacade in Bordeaux City - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Clos Puy Arnaud with Owner Thierry Valette, Appellation Côtes de Castillon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant L’Atelier de Candale in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Cellar Tasting at Tertre-Rôtebœuf with Owner/ Winemaker François Mitjavile, Appellation Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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Vineyard Tour in a Golf Cart and Tasting at Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Dassault with the Managing Director, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France 

Gourmet Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Couvent des Jacobins, Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

3 Days and Nights in the Spectacular Medieval Town of Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour, Lecture and Tasting at Château Reynier with Owner/ Winemaker Marc Lurton, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Coutet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Sauternes, with Technical Director Laurier Girardot - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant L’Entrecœur in Preignac, Sauternes - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé Appellation Pessac-Léognan - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant Le Bord d’Eau in Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château de la Rivière, Appellation Canon-Fronsac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret, Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

L’Herbe: Visit of an Oyster Farmer - Bordeaux Tour 2017 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

Winery Tour and Vertical Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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Lunch  at La Maison d’Estournel in Saint-Éstèphe - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Phélan-Ségur in Saint-Éstèphe, with Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, 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 Ferrière, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac, with Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Massive (16 Vintages) Tasting of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande with MD/ Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau and Panos Kakaviatos in Washington DC, USA

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

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

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Gruaud-Larose, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Saint-Julien - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages, 5ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Picnic-style Lunch at Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch, Tasting and Tour at Château Kirwan, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Natalie Schyler - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Sophie Schÿler, Owner of Château Kirwan, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Margaux, for a Wine Pairing Luncheon at Evo Bistro in McLean, with the Wines of RdV and Clemens Busch, USA/ France/ Germany

Dinner in the Private Quarters of the Château Bouscaut, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, with Owner Sophie Lurton Cogombles and Winemaker/ Owner/ Husband Laurent Cogombles