Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

Our visit of the Steiermark:

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Palais-Hotel Erzherzog Johann in Graz

We stayed at the Palais-Hotel Erzherzog Johann in Graz. This 4-star, elegant hotel in a former 60 room Baroque palace makes you feel being transported back to Habsburg times. The location is perfect: right in the center of charming old town Graz.

Afternoon Tour of Graz

Before the Opera, we all had the chance to walk a bit around in Graz.

Klapotetz 

07.30 pm Opera Graz - Graz Philharmonic Orchestra: Gustav Mahler, Symphonie Nr. 3

The architecture of the Graz Opera house is as beautiful - some say even more beautiful - as the Vienna Opera house. The productions are highly acclaimed and the symphony orchestra belongs to the grand tier of orchestras in the world.

A Glass of Wine at Auenbrugger  

Walking Back to the Hotel

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer with Chef Jan Pfeiffer, 15.5 Point Gault Millau

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger

The Wines of Stefanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, Austria

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Stephanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch

Lunch at Braugasthaus zum Fiakerwirtin Langenlois, Kamptal

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

Martin Mittelbach from the "Tegernseehof"and Klaus Wittauer from "KWSelection" Presented Tegernseehof Wines and Stefan Trummer and Chef Austin Fausett from “Trummer’s on Main” in Clifton Austrian Appetizers at the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC, USA

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tebernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, 13.5 Points Gault Millau

Vintage 2011 Tasting with Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler, with Dirk Wuertz at his Koenigsmuehle in Rheinhessen, Austria/Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

Many wineries accepted lower yields due to the selective pre-harvesting, which ultimately caused the harvest volumes to fall significantly short of the initial forecasts. According to the latest estimates, the German Wine Institute (DWI) expects a nationwide yield of around 8.8 million hectolitres of wine must, which is one percent below the average yield of the last ten years and three percent below last year's harvest of 9.1 million hectolitres.

Large differences in yields

However, the yield situation in the 13 growing regions varies greatly depending on the grape variety structure, location, soil type and cultivation method. Saxony, for example, is happy about an exceptional vintage with a 23 percent increase in volume compared to the long-term average. In Saale-Unstrut, too, wine producers are very grateful for an expected harvest that is 13 percent above the ten-year average yield. With a predicted plus of nine percent, Franconian producers are also positive overall. The same applies to the winegrowers on the Nahe (+8 percent), in the Rheingau (+6 percent) and on the Hessische Bergstrasse (+6 percent).

In Germany's three largest wine-growing regions, Rheinhessen, Pfalz and Baden, average yields are expected to be at about the same level as in the last ten years. Württemberg's winegrowers, on the other hand, are five percent below the ten-year average with their estimated harvest result, while Moselle winegrowers are down four percent.

Top qualities were possible

In terms of quality, the 2023 vintage offered everything. In well-prepared vineyards and cooler sites as well as in the more northerly growing areas, the Riesling grapes were still able to benefit from the intense September and October sun thanks to the very sunny and dry autumn, which also made top qualities possible. Other winners of the vintage are the Silvaner as well as the international red wine varieties and also the new robust grape varieties with their high resistance to fungal diseases. The sunny late autumn also offered the chance to harvest first-class noble sweet specialities.

Challenges mastered

The challenges of the vintage, such as the extreme drought in June, the subsequent heavy rainfall until August, or the appearance of the cherry vinegar fly were mastered very well by the winegrowing enterprises, especially thanks to their investments in the rapid processing of large quantities of grapes. Since on the one hand, the many late summer rains made a quick harvest necessary and on the other hand, most grape varieties were ready for harvest almost simultaneously this year.

The grapes were harvested day and night, not least in order to keep them as cool as possible in the exceptionally warm September. In Rheinhessen, Baden and the Palatinate, for example, the grape harvest ended early, mostly at the end of September. Some winegrowers even spoke of the fastest harvest they had ever experienced.

Fruity and lean wines

The first young wines have already fermented without any problems. They present themselves very fruity with rather moderate alcohol levels and a fine fruit acidity.

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Born in Salzatal-Höhnstedt, Saale-Unstrut, with Elisabeth and Günter Born - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours took place from Monday, June 19, 2023 to Thursday, June 29, 2023. 

After:  

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rudolf May (VDP) in Retzstadt, Franken, with Rudolf and Benedikt May - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Vineyard and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen (VDP) in Öhringen-Verrenberg, Württemberg, with the New Managing Director Carl-Julius Cromme - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard and Tasting at Weingut Schlossgut Hohenbeilstein (VDP) in Beilstein, Württemberg - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

we arrived in the late afternoon at Hotel Restaurant Lamm Hebsack in Remshalden, Württemberg, were we had a lovely dinner with wines from Württemberg and stayed overnight.

Markus Polinski (Chef) und Sylvia Polinski (Service) are wonderful hosts.

Hotel and Restaurant Lamm in Remshalden-Hebsack: Arrive. Relax. Feel Good

The hotel and restaurant Lamm in Remshalden-Hebsack welcomes you at the foot of sunny vineyards. Take a break from everyday life and enjoy beautiful days in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere. Thanks to its magnificent location admidst picturesque vineyards and fruit trees, the hotel and restaurant Lamm is your ideal starting point for exploring the beautiful Rems Valley. It is only about 20 kilometres from the city of Stuttgart and eight kilometres from the historic city of Schorndorf. After a quiet night in one of our 23 hotel rooms, You can look forward to a rich and regional breakfast buffet. 

Restaurant

Discover our light, Mediterranean-inspired gourmet cuisine with numerous regional and seasonal specialities. Our kitchen team of ten under the direction of Patron Markus Polinski and his chef Matthias Nägele will prepare varied and fresh dishes for you every day. In addition, you can enjoy a first-class and attentive service in on eof our four lovingly designed restaurant rooms or on our summer terrace. Our sommelier Daniel Hasert recommends a suitable wine selection from our wine list with over 250 positions from near and far. Tobacco lovers will also find a cosy place in the smokers lounge. There is a high-quality selection of cigars to match.

Arriving

Dinner with Silvia Polinski

Thanks Chef Markus Polinski

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Announcement: Exciting ombiasy Wine Tours in 2023

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023

Announcement: The Wine, Concert, and History Tour - Germany-East 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Monday, June 19 - Thursday, June 29, 2023 

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

City Tours: Berlin and Potsdam - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Steak Tartare at Restaurant Borchardt, Berlin-Mitte - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Born in Salzatal-Höhnstedt, Saale-Unstrut, with Elisabeth and Günter Born - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Niche Wine Producer Weingut Herr & Frau Lüttmer, in Vitzenburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Klaus Lüttmer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

In Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut: Concert and Tour of the Organ at St. Wenzel Church with the Organist and Tour of the Naumburg Cathedral - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Pawis (VDP) in Freyburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Christian Pawis - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Gussek in Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut, with André Gussek - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Leipzig: City Tour and Concert at Gewandhaus Leipzig with the full Gewandhaus Orchestra - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Martin Schwarz (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Philipp Henke - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant/ Weingut Vincenz Richter in Meissen, with Julian Herrlich - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Robert Kroos and Björn Probst - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Sächsisches Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth in Radebeul, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Dresden: Lunch at Coselpalais Grand Café and Tour of the “Historisches Grünes Gewölbe” (Historic Green Vault) in the Royal Palace - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi at Semperoper Dresden, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Visit of the Deutsch-Deutsches Museum in Mödlareuth, Töben, Thüringen, with Lunch at Turnhallen Gaststätte in Töpen, Bavaria - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorites: 2 Legendary Wine Taverns in Würzburg – Juliusspital and Bürgerspital

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Würzburg

Tasting at Weingut Seufert in Iphofen, Franken, a Niche Producer of "Natural Wines", with Laura Seufert - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching (VDP) in Iphofen, Franken, with Dr. Uwe Matheus - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Tasting at Weingut Weltner (VDP) in Rödelsee, Franken, with Paul Weltner - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Wine Dinner at Weinstuben Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg, Franken - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rudolf May (VDP) in Retzstadt, Franken, with Rudolf and Benedikt May - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Vineyard and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen (VDP) in Öhringen-Verrenberg, Württemberg, with the New Managing Director Carl-Julius Cromme - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard and Tasting at Weingut Schlossgut Hohenbeilstein (VDP) in Beilstein, Württemberg - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Beurer (VDP) in Kernen, Württemberg, with Jochen Beurer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann

Light Lunch at Rotenberger Weingärtle in Stuttgart

Tasting at Up and Coming Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Würrtemberg, with Stefanie and Fabian Lassak 

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Graf Neipperg in Schwaigern, Württemberg – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Dinner at Restaurant Zum Alten Rentamt at Weingut Graf Neipperg (VDP) in Schwaigern, Württemberg, with Neipperg Wines from Württemberg and Bordeaux

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg, with Ernst and Christian Dautel

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris.

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

After the last night - and on our way up to Chablis and Champagne and before saying bye-bye to beautiful Beaune - we toured the Hospices de Beaune. In contrast to previous visits, this time, the focus was on the Domaine de Hospices de Beaune.

Arriving

Hospices de Beaune

The Hôtel-Dieu, one of the finest examples of French fifteenth-century architecture, is a stunning building, most famous for its elaborate tiled roofs. Until recently, it housed the Hospices de Beaune, founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor. Services for patients are now provided in modern hospital buildings and the original hospital building, the Hôtel-Dieu, is now a museum.

The Hôtel-Dieu consists of a pair of two-storied buildings arranged around a stone courtyard. The building wings are well-preserved today; they contain half-timber galleries and ornate rooftops with dormer windows.

Domaine des Hospices de Beaune

Today, the Hospices de Beaune owns 61 hectares of donated vineyard land, much of this classified Grand and Premier Cru. Since 1852, the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune sells its wine through an auction, which takes place on the third Sunday in November amid a three-day festival devoted to the food and wines of Burgundy called Les Trois Glorieuses. The charity is preceded by a black tie dinner at the Clos de Vougeot on day one and followed by the lunch La Paulée de Meursault on day three.

For an interesting video about the auction, see here.

Bye-bye

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

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

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

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

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot

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

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot  

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

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin 

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

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard 

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota

Tour of l'Avenue de Champagne in Epernay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours 

Hanging out at the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, Champagne

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

The day began with breakfast in Graz, Steiermark, and ended with a wine pairing dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmayer, Langenlois, the iconic producer of Riesling in the Kamptal. 

In between, we stopped in Eisenstadt, where we visited the Joseph Haydn House, had lunch at Restaurant Henrici and visited the Esterházy Palace. In the afternoon, we had a two-hour drive to Austria’s Grüner Veltliner and Riesling country.

Tour of the Haydn House

Joseph Haydn, Eisenstadt, and the Esterházy family are inseparable. As it was customary throughout the 17 th , 18 th , and even 19 th century, aspiring composers and musicians could only make a living by finding a wealthy sponsor/employer. Joseph Haydn worked for more than forty years as a court musician for the Princes of Esterházy starting in 1761.

Haydn bought this baroque house and lived there with his wife Aloisia Keller until 1778 when the Esterházys built a grand new palace in rural Hungary called Esterháza (we stopped there for lunch a couple of days ago) where they needed his services. Haydn was a friend and mentor of Mozart, a tutor of Beethoven and at his time one of the most celebrated composers in Europe.

Lunch at Restaurant Henrici in the Esterházy Palace

Guided Tour of Schloss Esterházy

This castle was built in the 13 th century and is one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Austria. 

Owned by the Esterházy family since the middle of the 17 th century, it has been the cultural and social center of the region ever since. The large concert hall -the Haydn Hall- is named after Joseph Haydn. It is the heart of the palace and the concert venue in Europe with the best acoustics. Austria's largest wine museum is also located in the Esterházy Palace, in the 330 year-old cellar vaults.

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer with Chef Jan Pfeiffer, 15.5 Point Gault Millau

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger

The Wines of Stefanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, Austria

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Stephanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch

Lunch at Braugasthaus zum Fiakerwirtin Langenlois, Kamptal

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

Martin Mittelbach from the "Tegernseehof"and Klaus Wittauer from "KWSelection" Presented Tegernseehof Wines and Stefan Trummer and Chef Austin Fausett from “Trummer’s on Main” in Clifton Austrian Appetizers at the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC, USA

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tebernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, 13.5 Points Gault Millau

Vintage 2011 Tasting with Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler, with Dirk Wuertz at his Koenigsmuehle in Rheinhessen, Austria/Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

Led by Grant Crandall, President of the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, there is a group of wine lovers in the Northern Virginia area that meets 4 times a year at one of the members' home for a wine-pairing dinner where everyone brings a bottle of wine with a corresponing dish, always under a common theme. This time, the event took place at our home in McLean, Northern Virginian (Greater Washington DC area),and the theme was: Pinots - red, white, grey, still and sparkling from around the world.

Pinots From Around The World

There is about:

15.000 hectares of Pinot Blanc in the world, with Germany accounting for 4.000, Italy for 3.000 and Austria for 2.000 hectares,

50.000 hectares of Pinot Gris in the world, with Italy accounting for 18.000, Germany for 7.000 and Australia for 4.000 hectares.

100.000 hectares of Pinot Noir in the world, with France accounting for 30.000. the USA (mainly Oregon) for 20.000 and Germany for 15.000 hectares.

The Tasting

Sparkling

NV André Chemin, Brut Tradition, Champagne, 100% Pinot Noir, France
Prosciutto wrapped melon (Angela)

2018 Seneca Lake Cuvée, Brut, Hermann J. Wiemer, Finger Lakes, US
Fig and Prosciutto appetizer (Stephanie)

White

2020 Pinot Gris Tradition, Albrecht, Alsace, France
Feta phyllo cup (Dave)

2015 Weisser Burgunder, Bad Kösener Saalhäuser, sgl.vineyard, Saale-Unstrut, Germany
Franconian bratwurst and brezel (Christian)

Red

2021 Pinot Noir Clarice, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA, USA
Roasted chicken breast (Karen)

2020 Château de Garnerot, Première Cru „Les Voyens”, Mercurey, Burgundy, France
Polenta, homemade mole sauce (Brian)

2019 Château de Pommard, Monopole, Pommard, Burgundy, France
Mushroom stuffed crabs (Norm)

2015 Château de Pommard, Monopole, Pommard, Burgundy, France
Bacon wrapped dates and goat cheese (Susan)

2015 Pinot Noir, Alba Vineyard, NJ, USA
Beef Stroganoff (Joe)

2014 Pinot Noir, Rex Hill, Jacobs Hart Vineyard, Willamette Valley, OR, USA
Duck canapés (Grant)

1985 Pinot Noir, Estate, Eyrie Vineyards, McMinnville, OR, USA
Fois Gras (Al)

2018 Pinot Noir “Ten”, Sea Smoke, Santa Rita Hills, CA, USA
Fois Gras (Al)

2013 Pinot Noir “Ten”, Sea Smoke, Santa Rita Hills, CA, USA
Gruyere and mushroom tartlet (Jennifer)

2012 Pinot Noir “Roosevelt”, Elk Cove Vineyards, Willamette Valley, OR, USA
Turkey meatballs with pine nuts and tahini sauce (Rex)

2012 Pinot Noir, Spätburgunder, Bergmandel „GG“, Grand Cru, Schnaitmann, Württemberg,
Germany
Cumin Lamb (Annette)

2010 Pinot Noir, Estate, The Four Graces Winery, Willamette Valley, OR, USA
Mushroom Risotto (Joe)

2010 Domaine Bernard Dugat-Py, Cuvée Coeur de Roy Trés Vieilles Vignes, Chevrey-
Chambertin, Burgundy, France
Smoked Magret Duck Breast, homemade cherry jam crostinis (Roland)

Noble Sweet

1997 Pinot Gris, Clos Jebsal, SGN, Zind-Humbrecht, Alsace, France
Pear and Blue Cheese tartlets (Ticky)

Thank you

Grant,

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours took place from Monday, June 19, 2023 to Thursday, June 29, 2023. 

In Württemberg, the last of the 4 regions we went to, we visited: 

Vineyard and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen (VDP) in Öhringen-Verrenberg, Württemberg, with the New Managing Director Carl-Julius Cromme - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard and Tasting at Weingut Schlossgut Hohenbeilstein (VDP) in Beilstein, Württemberg - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Weingut Beurer (VDP) in Kernen, Württemberg, with Jochen Beurer

Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann

Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Würrtemberg, with Stefanie and Fabian Lassak 

Weingut Graf Neipperg (VDP) in Schwaigern, Württemberg

Weingut Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg, with Ernst and Christian Dautel

The visit of Weingut Beurer was a tasting-only visit. We have never been to Weingut Beurer in Württemberg, but we have seen each several times in New York at the Rieslingfeier and at other events in Germany. 

Weingut Beurer is represented in the USA by Vom Boden. 

See: Great Germany Map: Wine Country Germany According to "vom Boden", US Importer of German Premium Wine Focusing on Small Growers

Weingut Beurer (VDP) in Kernen, Württemberg

For generations, the Beurer family has been growing vines just outside of Stuttgart. They did not produce wine but sold the grapes to the local cooperative. The father of Jochen Beurer, current owner of the winery, was the head of the local cooperative. 

Jochen Beurer grew up among the vines and he always knew he wanted to produce wines himself. He trained at wineries in Württemberg and Baden, studied enology at the Weinsberg viticultural school and worked in Alto Adige at Azienda Agricola Foradori.

Under the influence of Elizabetta Foradori, an icon of natural wine making, he started to become interested in non-conventional winemaking. In 1997 the Beurers, father and son, started their own winery.Soon after, they experimented with natural yeasts and step by step they converted to organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 2012 the winery has been certified biodynamic by Demeter. 

Today ecology is the top priority as well as producing top-notch wines. In 2013 the Beurer winery was invited to join the VDP.

An ex-European BMX Champion gone natural wine guru, in Swabia. Some things don’t have to make sense ok?

Here’s the hypothesis we’ll set out to prove: Jochen Beurer may be one of the most important winemakers in Germany.

His wines are pure energy; they have a universal vibration to them. They seemingly do not follow the laws of physics that govern the rest of the conventional wine world. They float.

Among winemakers in Germany, Beurer is revered and his whites and reds are nearly always considered among the greats. Few winemakers are able to achieve such thrust and such purity, from the simpler Trollinger and Portugieser up to Grauburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc and, yes, Riesling.

Yet Beurer’s influence flows not only through his wines, but through his actions. Jochen is one of the deepest thinkers about the environment beyond the vineyards. A tour with Beurer is as likely to include a discussion of his bees, the vegetation and animals surrounding the vineyards as it is to include a discussion of the soil and vines themselves.

I have met few winemakers who seem to see the “whole” as clearly and succinctly as Beurer does. Jochen farms both organic and biodynamic (he is Demeter certified), yet still he does not speak in easy truths; he seems to be seeking a viticulture that is beyond these simple rules, more integrated, more complete.

Jochen is also one of the kindest humans out there; a bear of a man who is profoundly nurturing. A whole generation of young German winemakers has passed through Beurer’s cellar. We’re getting to the heart of why Beurer is so important to German winemaking.

Nonetheless, it’s not shocking that Beurer is less well known in the U.S. First, he’s from Swabia, a southern region only recently created by the importer Selection Massale. Swabia is not part of the old-school, cannonical history of winemaking in Germany. It is a fertile place, with a diverse array of agriculture. Which brings us to the second reason that Beurer is not as famous as he should be: he does not focus solely on Riesling, but embraces the wild and complicated diversity of Teutonic grapes and wines.

Let’s start with Beurer’s reds. The Trollinger (Schiava) is a bright, raspy, complex yet crushable treatise in what we’ll call “Alto Swabia.” The “Rot” is gut (translation: good): a darker, earthier blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Dorio, Dornfelder and Portugieser, the latter two being among our favorite Teutonic red grapes, for their lightness and easy transparency. The Zweigelt gets, all of a sudden, much more serious. The Zweigelt flaunts a thrust, a glossy precision that recalls the Rieslings. It is has what we’d call elegance, though it remains stern and serious. An unbelievable wine, honestly – always sort of shocking.

Finally, and this is also what makes Jochen great, wines like a Lemberger (Blaufrankisch) Grand Cru GG. C’mon, how awesome is a Lemberger GG? This is a tour-de-force wine. You may not be expecting it, but then – whoosh. This wine has the force of a waterfall; it is a rush. Fermented in younger, smaller barrels, there is depth and polish and style. It seems impossible that something so lean and mineral and cool, could also be so rich and dark and textural. Jochen’s red wines are not to be underestimated.

For the whites, begin with the “Weiss” – a white field blend of Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Weissburgunder. It is buoyant and floral, incredibly fresh and perfumed; on the palate it shows more mineral and compact, with a silky finesse that is surprising given the simplicity of the genre here. Beurer always over-delivers.

The Riesling hierarchy is four-fold. The estate Riesling is sourced from various parcels; it is among the saltiest of all the basic Rieslings in our book. Mineral, dried herbs, flowers, fruit here is an after-thought. The wine is oceanic.

The “premier cru” vineyards are named after the soil types, and so we have “Schilfsandstein” and “Kieselsandstein.” Both soils are forms of sandstone (in German “sandstein”). The Schilfsandstein is formed from ancient sea beds; the Kieselsandstein is a denser stone, often with fine threads of limestone and other minerals. Both wines come from vines that are nearly 40 years old. Both are linear, angular and stylish. The Schilfsandstein is airier, bouncier and more playful. The Kieselsandstein is denser, with darker citrus, more herbal complexity and a finer texture.

From here we come to the Grand Crus: The “Junges Schwaben” is sourced from Jochen’s highest vineyard, a steep, terraced parcel that has to be farmed by hand and hoof (a horse is used in much of the farming). Here there is a wide diversity of sandstones, along with more clay and bits of limestone. It is among the more saturating and yellow-fruited of Beurer’s Riesling. Finally, the Grand Cru “GG” itself, made from Beurer’s oldest vines on Kieselsandstein, high up on the Pulvermächer hill. This is a brooding, gripping and structured wine, with a simply bonkers (the technical term) depth and concentration. These wines see a long elevage in barrel, and then longer aging in bottle. They are released when Jochen thinks the time is right, which can be many years post vintage.

With Jochen Beurer in New York City

We have never been to Weingut Beurer in Württemberg, but we have seen each several times in New York at the Rieslingfeier and at other events in Germany.

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

Arriving

Tasting

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Announcement: Exciting ombiasy Wine Tours in 2023

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023

Announcement: The Wine, Concert, and History Tour - Germany-East 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Monday, June 19 - Thursday, June 29, 2023 

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

City Tours: Berlin and Potsdam - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Steak Tartare at Restaurant Borchardt, Berlin-Mitte - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Born in Salzatal-Höhnstedt, Saale-Unstrut, with Elisabeth and Günter Born - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Niche Wine Producer Weingut Herr & Frau Lüttmer, in Vitzenburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Klaus Lüttmer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

In Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut: Concert and Tour of the Organ at St. Wenzel Church with the Organist and Tour of the Naumburg Cathedral - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Pawis (VDP) in Freyburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Christian Pawis - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Gussek in Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut, with André Gussek - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Leipzig: City Tour and Concert at Gewandhaus Leipzig with the full Gewandhaus Orchestra - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Martin Schwarz (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Philipp Henke - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant/ Weingut Vincenz Richter in Meissen, with Julian Herrlich - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Robert Kroos and Björn Probst - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Sächsisches Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth in Radebeul, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Dresden: Lunch at Coselpalais Grand Café and Tour of the “Historisches Grünes Gewölbe” (Historic Green Vault) in the Royal Palace - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi at Semperoper Dresden, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Visit of the Deutsch-Deutsches Museum in Mödlareuth, Töben, Thüringen, with Lunch at Turnhallen Gaststätte in Töpen, Bavaria - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorites: 2 Legendary Wine Taverns in Würzburg – Juliusspital and Bürgerspital

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Würzburg

Tasting at Weingut Seufert in Iphofen, Franken, a Niche Producer of "Natural Wines", with Laura Seufert - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching (VDP) in Iphofen, Franken, with Dr. Uwe Matheus - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Tasting at Weingut Weltner (VDP) in Rödelsee, Franken, with Paul Weltner - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Wine Dinner at Weinstuben Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg, Franken - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rudolf May (VDP) in Retzstadt, Franken, with Rudolf and Benedikt May - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Vineyard and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen (VDP) in Öhringen-Verrenberg, Württemberg, with the New Managing Director Carl-Julius Cromme - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard and Tasting at Weingut Schlossgut Hohenbeilstein (VDP) in Beilstein, Württemberg - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Beurer (VDP) in Kernen, Württemberg, with Jochen Beurer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann

Light Lunch at Rotenberger Weingärtle in Stuttgart

Tasting at Up and Coming Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Würrtemberg, with Stefanie and Fabian Lassak 

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Graf Neipperg in Schwaigern, Württemberg – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Dinner at Restaurant Zum Alten Rentamt at Weingut Graf Neipperg (VDP) in Schwaigern, Württemberg, with Neipperg Wines from Württemberg and Bordeaux

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg, with Ernst and Christian Dautel

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris.

Following:

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

on our way up to Chablis and Champagne, we stopped at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot for a Menu du Jour lunch.

Menu du Jour Lunch

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

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

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

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

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot  

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

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin 

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

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard 

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota

Tour of l'Avenue de Champagne in Epernay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours 

Hanging out at the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, Champagne

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

The "Vinum Deutscher Rotweinpreis", an annual German red wine competition organized by the international wine magazine Vinum, exists since 1987. At that time, German red wine accounted for only about 15 percent of German wine production. Today, we are well over 35 percent. And not only the vineyard area planted with red grapes has expanded dramatically, but also the quality has improved considerably. Today, German red wine can compete with any red wine in the world, I believe. As a result, German red wines are increasingly appearing in the international wine market. Of course, given its location, they tend to be not like the fruity red wines we know from warmer countries, but lean and more elegant, with a lot of finesse.

This year, over 1300 wines from about 500 producers were submitted for the competition. The wines were grouped into 11 categories. 

Recently I posted: Highly Recommended Read: The German Pinot Noir Miracle (Fallstaff International, August 18, 2023)

We have visited many of the producers on a ombiasy WineTour. I am adding photos from these visits.

Roter Riese - Red Giant

Bernhard Koch, Hainfeld (Pfalz)

Den Titel «Roter Riese» kann man in Bezug auf Bernhard Koch durchaus vielfältig interpretieren. Denn in seinem Fall handelt es sich um einen recht grossen Betrieb, 50 Hektar Rebfläche und mehr als eine halbe Million vermarktete Flaschen sind beeindruckende Zahlen. Und dann hat er mit 20 Prozent Spätburgunder im Sortiment auch noch einen ebenso beeindruckenden Anteil roter Rebsorten im Anbau. Was ihn aber endgültig zum «Roten Riesen» macht, ist die hohe Qualität aller seiner roten Weine. Schon der kleinste unter seinen insgesamt sechs Pinot Noir, der Spätburgunder «S», ist alljährlich eine sprichwörtliche Bank in Sachen Preis-Genuss-Verhältnis, seine Spitzenweine erreichen mühelos Noten von über 93 Punkten.

Das Besondere an Bernhard Koch ist aber nicht nur die Top-Qualität seiner Weine. Der Gutsausschank im Weinpavillon, direkt neben dem Weingut, wirbt seit Jahren mit dem Slogan «Wanns Licht brennt isch uff». Diese hemdsärmelige, unkomplizierte Herangehensweise ist typisch für Bernhard Koch, den Spagat zwischen Nahbarkeit und Spitzenqualität nimmt ihm jeder Weinfreund sofort ab. Dabei darf man sich nicht täuschen lassen. Der immer bescheiden auftretende Mensch weiss sehr wohl, wohin er will. Im engen Austausch mit seinem Sohn Alexander und der Kellermeisterin Chie Sakata feilt er seit Jahren am Stil des Hauses. Alle drei sind ausgesprochen kritisch gegenüber ihrer eigenen Arbeit, stellen sich und die Weine immer wieder auf den Prüfstand. Sollte ein Wein trotz sorgfältiger Arbeit in Weinberg und Keller nicht den eigenen Ansprüchen genügen, wird er abgestuft.

Auch im Wettbewerb zeigten die Weine von Bernhard Koch keine Schwäche, der Sieg in der Klasse der Spätburgunder bis 39,99 Euro und der zweite Platz bei den Spätburgundern über 40 Euro belegen die ganze Klasse des Sortiments. Mit acht angestellten Weinen und einer Durchschnittsnote von 90.4 Punkten machte Koch ebenfalls mehr als deutlich, dass er ein «Roter Riese» ist.

Newcomer

Jonas Kurek, Nonnenhorn (Württemberg)

Das erst 2019 gegründete Weingut hat einen regelrechten Blitzstart hingelegt. Jonas Kurek schafft es in seinen Weinen, eine markante Frische mit aromatischer Tiefe zu kombinieren, echte Bodensee-Weine. Auch wenn es bisher keine klar definierte Gebietstypizität gibt, ist Kurek mit anderen Kolleginnen und Kollegen dabei, genau das zu definieren. Nach dem Abitur hat Kurek seine Ausbildung zum Winzer zwischen 2013 und 2015 auf dem Weingut Bernhard Huber am Kaiserstuhl absolviert; das Studium der Önologie und des Weinbaus an der Hochschule Geisenheim schloss sich an. Seit 2019 ist Kurek nun auf dem eigenen Weingut tätig. Der Betrieb hat aktuell eine Grösse von insgesamt zwölf Hektar, sieben für den Obstanbau, fünf für den Wein. Im seit 2023 auffällig gestalteten Neubau des Betriebs kann man die Weine Kureks kaufen oder gleich im stylischen Weinbistro geniessen.

Rotwein des Jahres - Red Wine of the Year

1. Platz

Weingut Bernhard Koch, Hainfeld, Pfalz
Hainfelder Letten Pinot Noir trocken 2021

95 Punkte | 2025 bis 2040

In der Nase feuchte Erde, Waldboden, «Gewächshaus», Rote Johannisbeere, Sauerkirsche, leicht reduktiv. Am Gaumen saftig und mit Umami-Würze, leicht salzig, viel rote Frucht, erfrischend und dicht gewoben, sehr lang. Ein Langstreckenläufer mit Klasse.

27,50 Euro | www.weingut-koch.com

Kategorie 1A Spätburgunder Bis 19.99 Euro

1. Platz

Weingut Oliver Schell, Rech, Ahr
Bad Neuenahrer Sonnenberg Spätburgunder trocken 2021

93 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

In der Nase sehr klassisch Ahr, viel Schiefer, ätherische Frucht, elegant. Auch am Gaumen viel rote Beerenfrucht, Himbeere, Rote Johannisbeere. Wird getragen von zartem Schmelz und tänzelnder Leichtigkeit. Frische, vibrierende Säure. Ein Klassiker, der nahezu ewig auf der Zunge bleibt.

18 Euro | www.weingutschell.de

2. Platz

Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg, Würzburg, Franken
Würzburger Stein Spätburgunder trocken VDP.Erste Lage 2021

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2027

Duftet nach Waldboden und Nougat, dahinter zeigen sich die reifen Himbeeren. Noch junges, aber feines Holz in der Nase. Am Gaumen rassig und saftig, der Ansatz ist stringent und von guter Säurestruktur geprägt. Elegante Kraft, auch das körnige Tannin. Mineralischer und rauchiger Abgang.

15,70 Euro | www.hofkeller.de

Picture: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Staatlicher Hofkeller in Würzburg, Franken, with General Manager Marcel von den Benken – Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours 

3. Platz

Weingut Kurek, Nonnenhorn, Württemberg
Nonnenhorner Spätburgunder trocken 2021

91 Punkte | 2024 bis 2032

In der Nase klare Aromatik von Sauerkirschen und Erdbeeren, der Wein zeigt sich duftig-elegant und ansprechend. Entfaltet sich schön am Gaumen, zeigt sich frisch, kühl, sehr stimmig und mit guter Länge. Ein leichtfüssiger Verführer, sehr elegant und vielschichtig.

18 Euro | www.weingut-kurek.de

Kategorie 1B Spätburgunder bis 39,99 Euro 

1. Platz

Weingut Bernhard Koch, Hainfeld, Pfalz
Hainfelder Letten Pinot Noir trocken 2021

95 Punkte | 2025 bis 2040

In der Nase feuchte Erde, Waldboden, «Gewächshaus», Rote Johannisbeere, Sauerkirsche, leicht reduktiv. Am Gaumen saftig, mit Umami-Würze, leicht salzig, viel rote Frucht, erfrischend und dicht gewoben. Ein Langstreckenläufer mit Klasse.

27,50 Euro | www.weingut-koch.com

2. Platz

Weingut Max Schell, Rech, Ahr
Ahrweiler Rosenthal Spätburgunder Grand Max «S» 2020

95 Punkte | 2023 bis 2038

Kühle Eleganz, faszinierende Kräutervielschichtigkeit. Viel Dichte und gut eingebundenes Holz. Sehnige Kraft, feine Struktur und reife, stützende Säure, hat Länge und Komplexität. Zeigt Fruchtextrakt, im Mund sind Kirschen in schönster Form. Hat Klasse und Anziehungskraft.

25 Euro | www.max-schell.de

3. Platz

Weingut Matthias Gaul, Grünstadt-Asselheim, Pfalz
Asselheimer St. Stephan Pinot Noir trocken 2020

94 Punkte | 2023 bis 2035

In der Nase feinwürzige Noten, Menthol, Tabak, Vanille, etwas Süssholz, Wacholder, Lorbeer, Piment, Sandelholz. Am Gaumen nicht laut, aber alles sehr präsent, seidige Tanninstruktur, elegant tänzelnd und dennoch ernsthaft, mit hintergründiger Kraft, bleibt lang am Gaumen.

39 Euro | www.gaul-weine.de

Pictures: Tasting with Anne and Matthias Gaul at Weingut Matthias Gaul in Grünstadt-Asselheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Kategorie 1C Spätburgunder ab 40 Euro

1. Platz

Weingut Krebs, Freinsheim, Pfalz
Herxheimer Himmelreich Spätburgunder trocken Beste Lage 2021

94 Punkte | 2025 bis 2035

Sattes, dunkles Kirschrot. Warmes Fruchtspiel, Sauerkirschen, Himbeeren, Minze, frische, klare Aromatik. Dichte Struktur, animierend, hedonistisch. Am Gaumen elegant und saftig, noch verschlossen. Präzise ausbalanciert, feinkörniges, reifes Tannin. Endet lang und intensiv.

46 Euro | www.weingut-krebs.eu

Picture: Tasting at Weingut Krebs in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Jürgen Krebs and Ann-Kathrin Müller - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours 

2. Platz

Weingut Bernhard Koch, Hainfeld, Pfalz
Hainfelder Letten Pinot Noir trocken Grande Réserve 2020

93 Punkte | 2024 bis 2040

Rauchig und mineralisch im Duft, dazu Bitterschokolade und Kirschwasser. Am Gaumen erdig, schokoladig, viel Kirsche. Kräftig, gleichzeitig mit eher seidiger Frucht. Die Tannine sind reif und feinkörnig, dabei kraftvoll und von hoher Qualität. Unglaubliche Länge, grosses Potenzial.

45 Euro | www.weingut-koch.com

3. Platz

Weingut H.J. Kreuzberg, Dernau, Ahr
Ahrweiler Silberberg Spätburgunder VDP.Grosses Gewächs 2019

93 Punkte | 2024 bis 2034

Sattes Kirschrot. Duftet nach zerdrückten Walderdbeeren, fleischige, abgehangene Wildnoten, getrocknete Steinpilze, Terpentinnoten, rauchig. Auf der Zunge mit viel Tannin, feinkörnig und saftig. Am Ende zupackend und mit Biss, ein Hauch Rote Johannisbeere, wärmend und dennoch finessenreich.

42 Euro | www.weingut-kreuzberg.de

Picture: Tasting at   with Ludwig Kreuzberg and Frank Josten – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Kategorie 2 Lemberger

1. Platz

Weingut Karl Haidle, Kernen-Stetten im Remstal, Württemberg
Stettener Berge Lemberger VDP.Grosses Gewächs 2021

94 Punkte | 2025 bis 2035

Dunkles Violett mit bläulichen Reflexen. Sauerkirsche, Hibiskus, Cassis und Hagebutte, dazu Pfeffer, Tabak und dunkle Schokolade. Elegant am Gaumen, hat einen guten Zug, saftige Kirschfrucht, das Holz ist gut eingebunden, das Tannin präzise und mit Grip. Anhaltend.

48 Euro | www.weingut-karl-haidle.de

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

2. Platz

Collegium Wirtemberg, Stuttgart, Württemberg
Lemberger trocken Réserve 2019

94 Punkte | 2023 bis 2033

Dunkles Rubin mit schwarzem Kern. Intensive Holzwürze, Heidelbeermuffins, animierend und einladend. Am Gaumen saftig und dicht gewoben, stimmige Holzwürze, Gewürzgebäck und Kakaopulver. Hat Struktur und Körper, ist harmonisch und komplex. Lang ausklingend.

20 Euro | www.collegium-wirtemberg.de

3. Platz

Weingut Maier, Schwaikheim, Württemberg
Hanweiler Berg Lemberger vom Stein 2018

93 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

Rubinrot mit dichtem schwarzen Kern. Dunkle Frucht, Tabak, Zigarrenkiste, Heidelbeere, Mokka. Komplett und dicht, dabei mit gewisser Transparenz. Holunderbeersaft, frischer Rosmarin, viel dunkle Schokolade. Mehr Zug als Druck am Gaumen. Hallt sehr gut nach.

18,90 Euro | www.maier-weingut.de 

Kategorie 3 Cabernet-Familie

1. Platz

Weingut Fritz Wassmer, Bad Krozingen, Baden
Herbolzheimer Kaiserberg Cabernet Franc trocken 2020

94 Punkte | 2025 bis 2038

Dicht gewoben in der Nase, Walderdbeeren, Schokolade, Walnuss, ledrige, animalische Anklänge. In sich ruhend am Gaumen, elegant, seidig, auch mineralische Noten, wirkt auf vornehme Weise gesetzt. Ansprechend und animierend, entwickelt sich im Glas. Sicheres Potenzial.

78 Euro | www.weingutfritzwassmer.de

2. Platz

Weinmanufaktur Untertürkheim, Stuttgart, Württemberg
Untertürkheimer Altenberg Cabernet Franc trocken *** 2019

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2029

Mittleres Granatrot. In der Nase pfeffrige Noten, Moos, getrocknete Pilze, reife Kirsche, Cassis, ein Hauch Leder. Am Gaumen feines Tannin, gut eingebundene dunkle Frucht, ausgewogen, saftig. Feine, animierende Mentholnote im Abgang. Wirkt jugendlich mit gutem Potenzial.

20 Euro | www.weinmanufaktur.de

3. Platz

Weingut Philipp Kuhn, Laumersheim, Pfalz
Gerolsheim Cabernet Franc trocken Réserve 2019

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2032

Schwarzrot im Glas. Die Nase zeigt viel Cabernet Franc, dunkle Frucht mit stoffigem Kern, pfeff-rige Würze, Kräuter, Lorbeer, ein Hauch cremiger Röstnoten. Am Gaumen präzise ausbalanciert, Frucht, Säure und Gerbstoff im Gleichklang. Langer würziger Abgang mit Gerbstoff-Grip.

32 Euro | www.weingut-philipp-kuhn.de

Kategorie 4 Merlot

1. Platz

Landhaus Kronenberg – Bender, Kallstadt, Pfalz
Merlot «XXL» 2020

94 Punkte | 2024 bis 2032

Tiefe, dunkle Frucht. Waldbeeren: Schwarze Johannisbeere, Brombeere, Blaubeere. Schön angenehme Kräuterwürze wie Salbei. Eine Spur Zimt. Seidige Tannine und angenehme Leder- und Tabakaromatik. Französischer Stil. Warme Nase und kühler Gaumen. Sehr animierend, saftig und lang.

16,50 Euro | www.landhaus-kronenberg.de

2. Platz

Weingut Erich Stachel, Maikammer, Pfalz
Maikammer Kirchenstück Merlot 2019

93 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

Dichtes Granatrot. Elegante, geschliffene und sortentypische Nase. Leder, Tabak, dunkelfruchtig, Cranberrys, getrocknete Pflaumen, Räucherspeck, Schwarzwälder Schinken. Gute Tanninstruktur, vielschichtig und komplex, die Frucht gut eingebaut. Am Gaumen harmonisch, druckvoll. Ausgewogen mit langem Finale.

19 Euro | www.weingut-stachel.de

3. Platz

Weingut Dr. Baumann, Obersulm, Württemberg
Merlot trocken 2019

93 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

Brillantes Granatrot. Malve, kalter Hagebuttentee und Schlehe in der Nase, dazu ein wenig schwarzer Kaffee. Rotfruchtig, blumig und mit präsenter Säure und geschliffenem, strukturgebendem Tannin. Ein eleganter Vertreter, dem man noch Zeit geben sollte.

14,90 Euro | www.weingut-dr-baumann.de

Kategorie 5 Syrah

1. Platz

Weingut Bühler, Kallstadt, Pfalz
Syrah Reserve trocken Barrique 2020

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2029

Dunkles Rubinrot. Tapenade und schwarzer Pfeffer, Majoran, frischer Rosmarin und delikate Holzwürze, rauchige Noten, Graphit. Jugendlich und noch ungestüm. Saftiger Zug, mundfüllende Frucht. Zeigt Struktur und Frucht, Säure und Gerbstoffe, alles in stimmiger Balance.

18,90 Euro | www.buehler-pfalz.de

2. Platz

Staatsweingut mit Johannitergut Neustadt, Neustadt, Pfalz
Pfalz Syrah trocken 2021

91 Punkte | 2024 bis 2034

Dunkles Kirschrot. In der Nase üppig, Blau­beerjoghurt, Schwarze-Johannisbeeren-Gelee, Piment und Wacholder, Pfeffer, schwarze Olive, Veilchen, confierte Tomaten. Am Gaumen laktische Töne, dann gegrillte rote Paprika. Mittlerer Nachhall, guter Trinkfluss. Junger Syrah-Typ mit viel Potenzial.

18 Euro | www.staatsweingut-neustadt.de

3. Platz

Collegium Wirtemberg, Stuttgart, Württemberg
Syrah trocken Réserve 2019

90 Punkte | 2023 bis 2028

Dunkles Rubin mit beginnender Granattönung. In der Nase präsente Erdbeernoten, grüner Pfeffer, dann Rauch und Wildbret. Auch im Mund fleischige Noten, dazu Irisch Moos. Am Gaumen ist die Frucht weiter präsent, die Säure gut ausbalanciert. Ein wirklich gut gemachter Wein.

29 Euro | www.collegium-wirtemberg.de

Kategorie 6 St. Laurent / Frühburgunder

1. Platz

Weingut am Ölspiel, Sommerhausen, Franken
Sommerhausen Ölspiel Frühburgunder trocken Reserve 2020

93 Punkte | 2023 bis 2033

Klares Kirschrot. In der Nase Flieder, Waldboden, ein Hauch Eukalyptus, mit Luft dann Brombeere, Leder, Tabak. Am Gaumen saftig, feingliedrig. Anklänge von getrockneten Kräutern, Pimientos, fein verwoben mit beeriger Frucht. Elegante Tanninstruktur, hat Druck am Gaumen, gut aus-balanciert.

26 Euro | www.weingut-am-oelspiel.de

2. Platz

Weingut Peter Kriechel,
Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Ahr

Frühburgunder B trocken 2021

93 Punkte | 2024 bis 2035

Dunkles Ziegelrot. In der Nase dunkelwürzig, Rauch, Schokolade, Tonkabohne, dezente Frucht, Kirsche, ein Hauch Cassis. Am Gaumen herb-saftig mit Zug, rauchig-würzige Aromen, kaum Frucht. Gute Spannung, elegant, mit Tiefe und Komplexität, langer, klarer Nachhall.

17,50 Euro | www.weingut-kriechel.de

3. Platz

Winzergenossenschaft Mayschoß-Altenahr, Mayschoß, Ahr
Frühburgunder trocken Goldkapsel *** 2020

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

Dunkles Ziegelrot. Die Nase mit holzwürzigen Noten, Tonkabohne, dunkle Schokolade, vegetabile Noten, etwas grüner Spargel, Edamame, Miso, getrocknete mediterrane Kräuter. Am Gaumen mit Zug und feiner Säure, elegante Tannine, viel Kraft, gute Balance.

19,80 Euro | www.wg-mayschoss.de 

Picture: Visit and Tasting at Winzergenossenschaft Mayschoss in Mayschoss, Ahr– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016 

 

Kategorie 7 Cuvées

1. Platz

Weingut Martin Waßmer, Bad Krozingen-Schlatt, Baden
Ehrenstetter Ölberg Chapelle trocken 2020

92 Punkte | 2025 bis 2040

Dunkles Schwarzrot. Zeigt viel rote Beerenfrucht, Zeder, Teer, Lakritze. Auch am Gaumen tiefe Frucht und Länge. Dicht verwoben, wieder Noten von Kaffee und Kakao, unterlegt mit klarem Säurezug. Feinstes Tannin, präsent, dicht, hochelegant. Bleibt enorm lange haften, sicheres Potenzial.

66 Euro | www.weingut-wassmer.de

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Pinot Noir Star Producer Weingut Martin Waßmer in Bad Krozingen, Markgräfler Land, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2018

2. Platz

Weingut Escher, Schwaikheim, Württemberg
Wunderwerk Rotweincuvée 2018

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2032

Tiefes Schwarzrot im Glas. Zeigt in der Nase dunkle Frucht, Cassis, Brombeere, etwas pflaumig. Am Gaumen mit guter Struktur, zeigt präsente Tannine, guten Säurezug, wieder kraftvoll-dunkle Frucht. Überaus geschmeidiger Körper, guter Trinkfluss, bleibt animierend zugänglich bis ins Finale.

48 Euro | www.wein-escher.de

3. Platz

Collegium Wirtemberg, Stuttgart, Württemberg
Grande Cuvée Réserve trocken 2019

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2033

Schwarzrot mit bräunlichen Reflexen. In der Nase getrocknete Kräuter, weisser Pfeffer, Minze und sehr reife Zwetschgen. Im Mund ebenfalls dunkle, mürbe Frucht, dazu schöner Trinkfluss. Ein warmer, geschmeidiger, etwas mürber Körper. Hat Kraft und Fülle.

40 Euro | www.collegium-wirtemberg.de

Kategorie 8 Deutsche Klassiker

1. Platz

Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann, Fellbach, Württemberg
Trollinger trocken Alte Reben 2022

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

Frisches, junges Kirschrot. Feuerstein und Graphit, Walderdbeere, Thymian und weisser Pfeffer im Duft – sehr anregend und spannend. Saftige Kirsche am Gaumen mit ätherischen Kräutern. Griffiges, feines Tannin, schmeckbar phenolische Art, spielt sanft und zugleich lebhaft am Gaumen. Reifepotenzial.

14,80 Euro | www.weingut-schnaitmann.de 

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

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

2. Platz

Weingut Hammel & Cie., Kirchheim, Pfalz
Portugieser trocken Tonneau 2018

91 Punkte | 2023 bis 2026

Tiefes Rubinrot im Glas. Duftet nach opulenter dunkler Beerenfrucht, frische Holunderbeeren. Das setzt sich am Gaumen fort, begleitet von würzigem Schmelz, gute Tannin-Säure-Balance, animierende Säure, schöne Länge, insgesamt in sich überaus stimmig und einladend.

12,50 Euro | www.weinhammel.de 

3. Platz

Maxwein, Esslingen am Neckar, Württemberg
Stuttgart Trollinger trocken 2019

91 Punkte | 2023 bis 2027

Klassisches, helles Ziegelrot im Glas, in der Nase sehr elegant mit Johannisbeergelee, Himbeeren und Erdbeeren, auch Linzer Torte. Am Gaumen eingemachte Kirschen, Kirsch-saft, Kräuterwürze, Dillspitzen, gute Länge, rund und schmeichelnd. Ein fröhlicher Wein.

14,60 Euro | www.max-wein.com

Kategorie 9 Deutscher Nachwuchs - German Newcomers

1. Platz

Weingut Idler, Weinstadt, Württemberg
Zweigelt trocken Reserve 2020

92 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

Brillantes Kirschrot, in der Nase sehr charakteristisch mit ätherischen Noten, etwas Tannennadeln, Eukalyptus, Salbei, Kornelkirsche. Am Gaumen mit herber Kräuterwürze, Darjeeling, etwas Tabak, Schattenmorellen, Granatapfel. Feinsaftige Säure, packende Tanninstruktur, animierender Abgang.

19,50 Euro | www.weingut-idler.de

2. Platz

Weingut Jürgen Ellwanger, Winterbach, Württemberg
Zweigelt trocken Hades 2020

91 Punkte | 2023 bis 2030

Dichtes Rubinrot im Glas. Expressive Nase mit medizinalen Nuancen, tintig, dazu Veilchen und pfeffrige Würze. Am Gaumen geprägt von leicht trocknendem Tannin, dann Feige, dunkle Pflaumenfrucht, Cassis. Sanfte, begleitende Säure, schlanker Körper, mittlere Länge.

31 Euro | www.weingut-ellwanger.de

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

3. Platz

Weingut Escher, Schwaikheim, Württemberg
Korber Sommerhalde Zweigelt 2020

90 Punkte | 2023 bis 2028

Sattes dunkles Rubinrot. Die Nase eher verhalten mit Anklängen von vanilligem Pflaumenkompott, leicht pfeffrig. Am Gaumen geradlinig, eher schlank, auch hier eingekochte Pflaumenfrucht, rote Paprikaschote, Liebstöckel. Sanfte Säure, gut eingebundenes Tannin, gute Länge.

19,50 Euro | www.wein-escher.de

Kategorie 10 Entdeckungen - Discoveries

1. Platz

Winzerkeller Hex vom Dasenstein, Kappelrodeck, Baden
Tempranillo trocken im Barrique gereift 2020

90 Punkte | 2023 bis 2028

Feinfruchtige Nase mit dunklen Beeren, Rumzwetschge und Vanillearomen. Am Gaumen ähnliche Aromen, dazu Gewürznelke, gekochte Früchte, Piment und Muskatnuss. Zeigt sich animierend, zugänglich. Prägende, leicht grüne Tannine. Die Säure führt den Wein bis ins Finale.

15,90 Euro | www.dasenstein.de

2. Platz

Weingut Peth-Wetz, Bermersheim bei Worms, Rheinhessen
Petit Verdot trocken Grand Vintage 2020

88 Punkte | 2024 bis 2035

Zurückhaltende Nase mit leicht ätherischen Noten. Gegrillte rote Paprika, Brombeere, Schwarze Johannisbeere, Buchsbaum. Am Gaumen animierend kühle Würze, mit etwas frischem Rosmarin, Oregano, schwarzem Tee und Piniennadeln. Animierende Säure, mittellanger Abgang.

55 Euro | www.peth-wetz.com

3. Platz

Weingut Peth-Wetz, Bermersheim bei Worms, Rheinhessen
Malbec trocken Grand Vintage 2020

88 Punkte | 2023 bis 2028

Ein Hauch von Schokolade in der Nase, angenehme Kühle, Minze, umhüllt von saftig-dunkler Frucht. Auf der Zunge gut eingebauter Alkohol, zeigt einen Hauch Weihrauch, Curryblätter und Lorbeer runden aromatisch ab. Die Tanninstruktur zeigt festen Grip. Endet langanhaltend.

55 Euro | www.peth-wetz.com

Kategorie 11 Edelsüss - Noble-sweet

1. Platz

Weingut Frey, Essingen, Pfalz
Essinger Rossberg St. Laurent Bee­renauslese 2021

92 Punkte | 2025 bis 2065

Strahlendes Goldgelb im Glas. In der Nase intensiv balsamisch, viel Exotik, Maracuja, getrocknete Mango, Dattel, etwas Rosmarin. Am Gaumen mit vollmundig geschmeidiger Süsse, enormer, dichter Fruchtschmelz. Opulente Säurebasis sorgt für Frische und Trinkfluss.

28 Euro | www.weingut-frey.com

2. Platz

Weingut Frey, Essingen, Pfalz
Essinger Rossberg St. Laurent Beerenauslese 2018

91 Punkte | 2023 bis 2043

Strahlendes Goldgelb. Duftet frisch, viel kandierte Zitronenschale, Passionsfrucht, Sauerampfer. Am Gaumen kommt weisser Nougat hinzu, zeigt Schmelz und leichte Reife. Gut ausbalanciertes Säuregerüst. Langes, durchaus frisches Finale, endet auf Noten von Blütenhonig.

28 Euro | www.weingut-frey.com

3. Platz

Weingut Frey, Essingen, Pfalz
Essinger Osterberg Spätburgunder Beerenauslese Blanc de Noir 2020

91 Punkte | 2023 bis 2050

Gelbgold im Glas. Noten von Toast und Akazienhonig strömen intensiv in die Nase, dazu etwas Bienenwachs, getrocknete Aprikose, auch ätherische Frische. Sehr harmonisch am Gaumen, intensiv bis zum ausgesprochen langen Abgang, sanfte Säurestruktur.

30 Euro | www.weingut-frey.com

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

Following the Steiermark, we went to Austria’s Grüner Veltliner and Riesling country, the Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental. 

The day began with breakfast at the Palais Hotel Erzherzog Johann in Graz, an elegent 4-star hotel in a former 60-room Baroque right in the center of charming old town Graz

and ended at the wine bar of the Loisium Wine & Spa Resort in Langenlois, Kamptal, a 4 star, luxurious, very modern hotel designed by US star-architect Steven Holl on the outskirts of  Langenlois with views towards the vineyards.

In between, we stopped in Eisenstadt, where we visited the Joseph Haydn House, had lunch at Restaurant Henrici and visited the Esterházy Palace:

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

In the afternoon, we had a two-hour drive to Austria’s Grüner Veltliner and Riesling country.

As for dinner, we enjoyed a fantastic wine pairing dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmayer, Langenlois, the iconic producer of Riesling in the Kamptal. I will write about the dinner in my next posting.

When we arrived at the Loisium, we were greeted by Klaus Wittauer and Eva Steininger with an impromptu Sekt Reception.

Klaus Wittauer, who joined us for dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmayer, is a Washington DC-based importer of Austrian wine and Eva Steininger is the owner of Weingut Steininger in Weingut Steininger, Langenlois, Kamptal, Niederösterreich, which we visited the following day.

Sekt Reception

Loisium

Loisium Wine & Spa Resort in Langenlois, Kamptal is a 4-star, luxurious, very modern hotel designed by US star-architect Steven Holl on the outskirts of Langenlois with views towards the vineyards.

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer with Chef Jan Pfeiffer, 15.5 Point Gault Millau

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger

The Wines of Stefanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, Austria

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Stephanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch

Lunch at Braugasthaus zum Fiakerwirtin Langenlois, Kamptal

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

Martin Mittelbach from the "Tegernseehof"and Klaus Wittauer from "KWSelection" Presented Tegernseehof Wines and Stefan Trummer and Chef Austin Fausett from “Trummer’s on Main” in Clifton Austrian Appetizers at the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC, USA

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tebernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, 13.5 Points Gault Millau

Vintage 2011 Tasting with Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler, with Dirk Wuertz at his Koenigsmuehle in Rheinhessen, Austria/Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

In the Amrican Wine Society News Letter of October 2023, there is a short acount of the September tasting at the John Marshall (VA) Chapter, drafted by Graydon Vandament, with a picture taken by me:

"In September, the John Marshall (VA) Chapter, which meets at Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run, Virginia, was privileged to have an excellent presentation on Burgundy wines led by Thibaut Marquis, the head of North American Exports for the Maison Louis Jadot winery.

Thibaut shared a wide variety of Louis Jadot wines, including their well-known Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnays, several Pinot Noirs, a Rosé and a Beaujolais. These wines are just a small part of the portfolio of over 150 wines that Louis Jadot creates every year.

Thibaut also shared some details on the history of Maison Louis Jadot. The winery was founded in 1859 in the city of Beaune, and today sells more wine in the United States than any other French winery.

In addition to the 670 acres of vineyards that it owns or controls, Louis Jadot also is an owner of the Cadus cooperage, which manufactures premium quality French oak barrels made in the Burgundian tradition. Thibaut is no stranger to AWS, and we are pleased to welcome him to our area as he is in the process of moving his family from New York City to the Northern Virginia area this Fall."

John Marshall Chapter

For a more detailed report see her: 

Tasting the Wines of Louis Jadot with Thibaut Marquis, the US Representative for Louis Jadot, at the John Marshall Chapter of the American Wine Society, September 2023

D-5: Room: Parkview - Class Maximum 120

Title: Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot

Presenters: Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot and Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy PR&WineTours

Abstract: From the tip of Chablis to the toe of Beaujolais, from regional, villages, 1er Cru and Grand Cru appellations, Louis Jadot produces wines that celebrate Burgundy’s diversity, reflecting the natural differences of soil, aspect and climate. The familiar Bacchus-head label has become the reliable stamp of quality and consistency from what can often be a confusing region. We will take you on a journey that defines Louis Jadot’s 165 years of know-how and expertise in the Burgundy region. 

See: Announcement: 56th American Wine Society National Conference, November 9-11, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with 3 Presentations by Annette Schiller: (1) Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger (2) Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (3) A Journey Through The Loire Valley

Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar

ombiasy WineTours by Annette Schiller

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours took place from Monday, June 19, 2023 to Thursday, June 29, 2023. 

In Württemberg, the last of the 4 regions we went to, we visited: 

Vineyard and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen (VDP) in Öhringen-Verrenberg, Württemberg, with the New Managing Director Carl-Julius Cromme - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard and Tasting at Weingut Schlossgut Hohenbeilstein (VDP) in Beilstein, Württemberg - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Beurer (VDP) in Kernen, Württemberg, with Jochen Beurer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

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

Tasting at Up and Coming Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Würrtemberg, with Stefanie and Fabian Lassak 

Dinner at Restaurant Zum Alten Rentamt at Weingut Graf Neipperg (VDP) in Schwaigern, Württemberg, with Neipperg Wines from Württemberg and Bordeaux

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg, with Ernst and Christian Dautel

At Weingut Schnaitmann, we were received by Rainer Schnaitmann. We started with a tasting and finished the visit with a walk through the cellar, which included more wine tastings. 

We have visited Weingut Schnaitmann once before, where Rainer took us also on vineyard tour, and have met Rainer at various occasions in Germany.

Weingut Schnaitmann is represented in the USA by the German Wine Collections in California. 

Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg

For over 500 years the Schnaitmann family has been making wine in the Rems and Neckar valleys. The 1997 vintage was the first one that Rainer Schnaitmann produced under his own name. In 2000 the winery was certified as an organic winegrowing estate according to the EEC regulation on ecological winemaking. With 60 acres of vineyards, this winery belongs to the larger estates in Württemberg. Schnaitmann definitely helped putting Württemberg back on the map for the serious wine aficionado. 

To make your palate water, I quote tasting notes by Rudi Wiest: “In the glass this Lemberger is an elegant deep violet red. The nose is nice and open revealing ripe cherries, blackberries, licorice and vanilla. The fine minerality shows some flinty notes and spices of bay leaf, juniper and fresh ground black pepper round out this Lemberger’s complex flavor spectrum. Juicy on the palate, the fruit sweetness is delicate with a refreshing minerality and balanced acidity and tannin structure.”

Schnaitmann - German Wine Collection

In an impressive way, the wine estate of Rainer Schnaitmann has developed into a respected address in Germany and beyond. For years, the Gault & Millau “Aufsteiger des Jahres” is listed amongst the 100 best wine estates in Germany; in all major wine publications, it is listed as the absolute top of Württemberg estates. In 2006 it was affiliated by the “Verband deutscher Prädikatsweingüter” (the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates, abbreviated VDP), the youngest wine estate until then. Its success is carried by the family and by the well-trained employees. The grapes are picked only by hand. A team of many people from the surrounding area of Stuttgart, does this work in the steep slopes, which in some years can take up to 9 weeks, with passion and endurance. Of course, the joy of life will not be forgotten, lunch at working days is served together with the trainees and interns, and the best wines from all over the world are tasted and discussed.

In any case, Rainer Schnaitmann has not yet regretted the fact that he did not begin his planned architectural studies in favor of the 500-year-old family tradition of growing grapes. He is convinced that the potential of the top vineyard sites in the Stuttgart-Rems Valley is far from exhausted. A further step in this direction is the organic viticulture, which has been practiced for years and whose certification was successfully completed in 2016. This is how wines are created that embody the estate’s philosophy: Never tire, never bore – and the bottle must be emptied easily. At least when there’s two of you…

At Weingut Schnaitmann in 2023

Arriving

Tasting

In the Cellar

Bye-bye

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Announcement: Exciting ombiasy Wine Tours in 2023

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023

Announcement: The Wine, Concert, and History Tour - Germany-East 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Monday, June 19 - Thursday, June 29, 2023 

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

City Tours: Berlin and Potsdam - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Steak Tartare at Restaurant Borchardt, Berlin-Mitte - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Born in Salzatal-Höhnstedt, Saale-Unstrut, with Elisabeth and Günter Born - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Niche Wine Producer Weingut Herr & Frau Lüttmer, in Vitzenburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Klaus Lüttmer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

In Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut: Concert and Tour of the Organ at St. Wenzel Church with the Organist and Tour of the Naumburg Cathedral - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Pawis (VDP) in Freyburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Christian Pawis - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Gussek in Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut, with André Gussek - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Leipzig: City Tour and Concert at Gewandhaus Leipzig with the full Gewandhaus Orchestra - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Martin Schwarz (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Philipp Henke - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant/ Weingut Vincenz Richter in Meissen, with Julian Herrlich - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Robert Kroos and Björn Probst - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Sächsisches Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth in Radebeul, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Dresden: Lunch at Coselpalais Grand Café and Tour of the “Historisches Grünes Gewölbe” (Historic Green Vault) in the Royal Palace - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi at Semperoper Dresden, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Visit of the Deutsch-Deutsches Museum in Mödlareuth, Töben, Thüringen, with Lunch at Turnhallen Gaststätte in Töpen, Bavaria - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorites: 2 Legendary Wine Taverns in Würzburg – Juliusspital and Bürgerspital

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Würzburg

Tasting at Weingut Seufert in Iphofen, Franken, a Niche Producer of "Natural Wines", with Laura Seufert - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching (VDP) in Iphofen, Franken, with Dr. Uwe Matheus - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Tasting at Weingut Weltner (VDP) in Rödelsee, Franken, with Paul Weltner - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Wine Dinner at Weinstuben Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg, Franken - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rudolf May (VDP) in Retzstadt, Franken, with Rudolf and Benedikt May - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Vineyard and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen (VDP) in Öhringen-Verrenberg, Württemberg, with the New Managing Director Carl-Julius Cromme - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard and Tasting at Weingut Schlossgut Hohenbeilstein (VDP) in Beilstein, Württemberg - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Beurer (VDP) in Kernen, Württemberg, with Jochen Beurer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

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

Tasting at Up and Coming Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Würrtemberg, with Stefanie and Fabian Lassak 

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Graf Neipperg in Schwaigern, Württemberg – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Dinner at Restaurant Zum Alten Rentamt at Weingut Graf Neipperg (VDP) in Schwaigern, Württemberg, with Neipperg Wines from Württemberg and Bordeaux

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg, with Ernst and Christian Dautel

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris.

Our last event in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits - Burgundy proper - before moving to Chablis, was a visit of the Château du Clos de Vougeot. 

Château du Clos de Vougeot

In former times the Château du Clos de Vougeot was the acrigultural domaine of the nearby Abbey of Cîteaux, where the roots of the Order of the Cistercians lie. In 1336 the Cistercians created the wall-surrounded vineyard Clos de Vougeot as you see it still today. The Château building is a grand 16th century Renaissance-style manor house, with a wine cellar dating back to the 12th century. It sits majestically in the center of the 125 acres Grand Cru vineyard ‘Clos de Vougeot’ – the largest Grand Cru site in all of Burgundy. It has been owned since 1945 by the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a worldwide organization dedicated to the love of wine from Burgundy. The above-ground cellar, with its four enormous antique wine presses, is now used for their monthly dinners.

Some background information on the Cistercian Order: The Abbey of Cîteaux was founded in 1098 by a group of monks who wanted to live more closely according to the “Rules of St. Benedict” (Pax, Ora et Labora). Monk Bernard later left Cîteaux to start a separate abbey: Clairvaux. He was the first abbot at Clairvaux and is since known as Bernard of Clairvaux, who was instrumental in spreading viticultural knowledge and the Pinot Noir grape to the regions east of the Rhine river. In the early 13-hundreds Cîteaux boasted of 500 houses and was the center of Christianity. Cîteaux had extensive vineyard sites –among them Clos de Vougeot, which we just visited and the Clos des Lambrays which we visited two days ago. The monks became experts in viticulture and it was here in Vougeot that they were the first to notice that different plots gave different wines, and laid the earliest foundation of the “Cru” system. Cîteaux survived the 100-year war and had about 200 monks in the early 16-hundred. With the religious war in France the monk population declined and later the French Revolution and secularization did the rest. In 1791 the abbey was seized by the French government, the monks had to leave and Cîteaux was sold. In 1898 the abbey of Cîteaux was bought back by the Cistercian Order and repopulated with monks from other abbeys. Today, there are 30 monks living at the abbey of Cîteaux. However all vineyards are lost. In 1925 a herd of Montbeliarde cows was acquired and since then the monks produce wonderful cheese.

Arriving

Vineyard

Tour

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

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

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

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

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

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

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin 

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

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard 

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota

Tour of l'Avenue de Champagne in Epernay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours 

Hanging out at the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, Champagne

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

 

Annette and I enjoyed an outstanding winemaker dinner at 2941 Restaurant in Northern Virginia, with with the food of Chef Bertrand Chemel, the Crozes Hermitage and other wines of Maxime Graillot and importer/ distributer Laurent Givry, founder/ owner of Elite Wines. See: Crozes Hermitage Wine Dinner at Restaurant 2941 with Chef Bertrand Chemel, Winemaker Maxime Graillot and Importer Laurent Givry, Northern Virginia, USA

These are the 10 best restaurants in the Northern Virginia area, according to the Northern Virginia Magazine (November 2023).

#1 2941 

Falls Church

Northern Virginia Magazine: "The 2941 odyssey — a delicious marriage of nature and art — begins on a winding, tree-lined road that leads to a modern building with a sculptured view of a koi pond and an artificial lake. Inside the soaring space, a talented contemporary American kitchen staff transforms top-flight ingredients into culinary art."  

#2 The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

Lovettsville

Northern Virginia Magazine: "Most of the restaurants on this list will provide a filling repast that will live on only in photos and reminiscences at best. A dinner at Patowmack Farm is an unforgettable experience, and one that follows you home." 

#3 Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill

Middleburg

Northern Virginia Magazine: "An artful blending of nature and tradition defines the dining experience at this luxurious destination. Strolling through the surrounding park’s natural beauty is a delightful prelude to an impressive culinary event. The lofty main dining room offers a contrast between the clubby feel of polished wood and leather-lined booth seating and the wraparound windows that bring the surrounding greenery’s charm indoors." 

#4 Field&Main

Marshall

Northern Virginia Magazine: "The field comes to the table in compelling ways at this charming destination. Sitting in a dining room decorated with ephemera unearthed from nearby meadows, a five-course tasting menu celebrates the area’s bounty."

#5 Ellie Bird

Falls Church

Northern Virginia Magazine: "Co-owner and managing director of Ellie Bird, Carey Tang, isn’t sure that the new Falls Church restaurant she owns with chef-husband Yuan Tang should be categorized as Modern American. Though the menu includes dishes such as an Amish chicken piccata, most plates mesh the disparate influences of Yuan’s diverse kitchen staff. Even the drinks use ingredients like gochujang and pandan. But we would argue that this is exactly what modern America is."

Vienna

Northern Virginia Magazine: "The white tablecloths are a good indicator — this is not the place for a gyro. Nostos proves that there is so much more to Greek cuisine."

#7 NUE

Falls Church

#8 L’Auberge Chez François  

Great Falls

Northern Virginia Magazine: "When it comes to bucket-list dining in Nova, this dyllic French country escape is a stalwart. Diners here savor masterful cuisine and enjoy exquisite service. Every detail is meticulously curated, from superb bread service to sommelier-paired wine to stunning presentation."

#9 Trummer’s

Clifton

Northern Virginia Magazine: "Trummer’s is a tale of two culinary traditions. The modern American bistro food nods to co-owner Stefan Trummer’s Austrian roots and chef Zack Ridenhour’s southern Virginia heritage. Farm-fresh ingredients are at the center of the plate. Austrian-inspired dishes get low country Southern twists. Exhibit A is a schnitzel where pork subs in for veal and the potato salad has a creamy base."

#10 TRIO Grill

Falls Church

Source: Northern Virginia Magazine 2023 November issue

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

Following the visit of the Steiermark, we drove quite a bit to northern Austria to visit the Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental. 

The day began with breakfast at the Palais Hotel Erzherzog Johann in Graz, an elegent 4-star hotel in a former 60-room Baroque right in the center of charming old town Graz and ended with a fantastic wine pairing dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmayer, Langenlois, the iconic producer of Riesling in the Kamptal.

Befor dinner we checked-in at the Loisium Wine & Spa Resort in Langenlois, Kamptal, a 4 star, luxurious, very modern hotel designed by US star-architect Steven Holl on the outskirts of  Langenlois with views towards the vineyards.

There, we were greeted by Klaus Wittauer and Eva Steininger with an impromptu Sekt Reception.

See: At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Klaus Wittauer, who joined us for the dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmayer, is a Washington DC-based importer of Austrian wine and Eva Steininger is the owner of Weingut Steininger in Weingut Steininger, Langenlois, Kamptal, Niederösterreich, which we visited the following day.

After check-in, we walked a short distance through the vineyards to Heurigenhof Bründlmayer.

Heurigenhof Bründelmayer belongs to Weingut Bründelmayer. It is managed by Martin Schierhuber and his spouse.When were there, the kitchen team was headed by Chef Jan Pfeiffer.

We enjoyed a 4-course dinner with correponding Bründelmayer wines.

After dinner, some of us had a last drink at the wine bar of the Loisium.

Heurigenhof Bründelmayer - Gault-Millau Guide 14.5/20

Ein Glas Bründlmayer-Sekt, dazu Butter, Brot und Kresse. Auf Wunsch kann man im Restaurant das Gedeck auch mit einigen Spezialitäten erweitern. Wir verzichten diesmal auf diese Option und lassen uns lieber den gebeizten Hirschrücken mit gegrilltem Römersalat und die Consomée vom Waldviertler Bio-Huhn mit Bockshornnudeln schmecken. Beide Gerichte hätten mehr Pfiff – Stichwort Gewürze – vertragen. Die gleichen Erfahrungen machen wir beim geflämmten Karfiol oder der confierten Forelle mit gegrillter Zucchini: gutes Essen, aber das gewisse Etwas fehlt. Bei der Nachspeise bleiben wir diesmal bei den Marillenpalatschinken, die uns die Küche auf unseren Wunsch zubereitet.

Weingut Bründlmayer, Langenlois

Weingut Bründlmayer is one of the star producers of the Kamptal region in Austria.

Willi Bründlmayer owns 220 acres of vineyards on rocky terraces in Langenlois and these are farmed according to organic principles; since 2019 the winery is certified organic. The vineyards include several Erste Lagen (Premiers Crus), including one of Kamptal's best vineyards - Zöbinger Heiligenstein. 

The winery is run by the Bründlmayer family and general manager Andreas Wickhoff MW. Together, the Bründlmayer team displays meticulous attention to detail. Careful harvesting and precise selection of grapes, always without botrytis, and minimal handling in the winery results in pure, restrained and mineral wines. A tiny portion of grapes is held back, de-stemmed, and macerated for 12 hours; Willi uses these as ‘seasoning’ during blending to add another dimension and tonality to the final wines. The focus is on excellent Grüner Veltliner and Riesling but the estate also produces fantastic Sekt and Pinot Noir. 

At the turn of the millennium, Decanter magazine chose Bründlmayer as a member of the splendid group of 50 people worldwide to change the face of wine within the coming decades. Tim Atkin MW then added him to the list of 10 movers and shakers of the Austrian wine wonder.

We experienced an exquisite meal with exquisite wines. The Heurigenhof is listed in the Gault Millau Guide for Austria with 14,5 points out of 20 and with 2 Toques.

Weingut Bründlmayer (90ha) - Skurnik Wines
Langenlois / Kamptal / Austria

“Nearly every wine, from the light Grüner Veltliner to the red wines and the sparkling wines, has the potential to be the best of that vintage in its category,” declares Peter Moser, editor and publisher of Falstaff Wine Guide, Austria’s most respected and comprehensive wine publication. Also named in 2009 by Wine & Spirits Magazine “the best Austrian winemaker of the last 25 years,” Willi Bründlmayer farms 90 hectares of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, St. Laurent, Zweigelt and Burgundian varieties from an impressive collection of grand cru vineyards around Langenlois. In 2016 Andreas Wickhoff MW  joined the estate and as general manager works alongside Willi in all aspects.

Some of the most geologically diverse terroirs in Europe are here, in the heart of the Kamptal. The Danube and Kamp rivers and the wooded hills of the Waldviertel forest create a climate with large diurnal temperature swings, essential to a long growing season. These rocky, terraced vineyards are not the steep, jagged terraces of the Kremstal or the Wachau; these are larger wider terraces, each creating its own micro climate. The most famous vineyards in the region are located in the village of Zöbing. This small village is home to a number of ‘Grand Cru’ (Erste Lagen) vineyards, including the Zöbinger Heiligenstein, composed of 250 million year old sandstone and the Lamm, at the base of the Heiligenstein, where loess fills fissures and cracks in the sandstone. Bründlmayer has holdings in other top vineyards in the area, including Käferberg, across the Kamp river valley from the Heiligenstein, with marine deposits over primary rock, as well as the Loiserberg and Steinmassel. Bründlmayer has a very high proportion of old vines, with many plantings over 50 years old, and a parcel in the Heiligenstein planted in the 1920s.

Willi has converted some (17ha in total) of his vineyards to the Lyre training system, which he helped develop. Vines are trained low to the ground, to benefit from the warmth of the primary rock soils, then the canes are trained at an angle upward and perpendicular to the row, which doubles the sunlit and aired foliage surface and improves grape ripeness. The well-aired leaves also dry faster, thus reducing the risk of dreaded grape mildew.

As of 2019, Bründlmayer is certified organic by LACON, an outside, objective, certifying body. During harvest, multiple selections through the vineyard are made, as botrytis is never accepted. Grapes are never de-stemmed or crushed, and they are handled as minimally as possible. A tiny portion of grapes are held back, de-stemmed, and macerated for 12 hours; Willi uses these as ‘seasoning’ during blending to add another dimension and tonality to the final wines.

• Vineyard area: 90 hectares
• Top sites:
  • Zobinger Heiligenstein: 250 million year old Permian desert sandstone with feldspar (volcanic) and siltstone
  • Langenloiser Steinmassel: Literally “Stone Mass“ – Permian rock with mica-schist
  • Kammerner Lamm: Calcerous and loamy with underlying loess, the sites higher on the hill have most sandstone and silt from Heiligenstein erosion.
  • Langenloiser Berg-Vogelsang: A variety of mica schist called “Gföhler Gneiss” some of the amphibolite stones in the vineyards even contain garnets.
• Grape varieties: 33% Grüner Veltliner, 25% Riesling, 15% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay, 17% other varieties

Arriving

Dinner

General Manager Martin Schierhuber

Chef Jan Pfeiffer

Back to the Hotel Louisium

Last Drink at the Hotel

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer (15.5 Point Gault Millau) - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger

The Wines of Stefanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, Austria

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Stephanie and Alwin Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch

Lunch at Braugasthaus zum Fiakerwirtin Langenlois, Kamptal

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

Martin Mittelbach from the "Tegernseehof"and Klaus Wittauer from "KWSelection" Presented Tegernseehof Wines and Stefan Trummer and Chef Austin Fausett from “Trummer’s on Main” in Clifton Austrian Appetizers at the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC, USA

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tebernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, 13.5 Points Gault Millau

Vintage 2011 Tasting with Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler, with Dirk Wuertz at his Koenigsmuehle in Rheinhessen, Austria/Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours took place from Monday, June 19, 2023 to Thursday, June 29, 2023.

On the 2023 Tour, we visited 3 non-mainstream, niche-wine, up-and-coming producers:

Tour and Tasting at Niche Wine Producer Weingut Herr & Frau Lüttmer, in Vitzenburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Klaus Lüttmer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Seufert in Iphofen, Franken, a Niche Producer of "Natural Wines", with Laura Seufert - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Up-and-coming Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Württemberg, with Stefanie and Fabian Lassak - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

The visit of Weingut Lassak was a tasting-only visit. Annette helped out a bit with baby-sitting.

Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Würrtemberg

The young couple Stefanie and Fabian Lassak are both native to this beautiful northern region of Württemberg, close to Heilbronn at the Neckar River. Stefanie comes from a mixed farm with cattle, crops, and a few hectares of vines. She trained at various well-known wineries in the region where she met her future husband. They both continued their path together, went to New Zealand for two years, then gained further practical experience at wineries in Austria and Burgundy, among them Roland Velich and Comtes Liger Belair. In 2016 they took over the family vineyards with up to 55 year old vines on weathered shell limestone soils and started to make wine.

Today they farm about 8.5 acres and focus on the typical varieties of the region: Lemberger, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. To them it is important to do all the work by themselves both in the vineyards as well as in the cellar to give their wines a clear signature. They work according to organic principles with biodynamic preparations and meticulously work the soil to bring it back to life. 

Weingut Lassak - FALSTAFF Weinguide 2021

„Das nennt man einen Blitzstart: Erst zum zweiten Mal stellen Stefanie und Fabian Lassak ihre Weine an und schon wird ihr Weingut von der Falstaff-Jury als einer von drei Newcomern nominiert (siehe S. 22). Drei Hektar bewirtschaftet das Winzerpaar mit Fokus auf Lemberger, Spätburgunder und Riesling, die vor allem auf Muschelkalk in terrassierten Steillagen stehen. Die Weine tragen alle eine sehr individuelle Handschrift, sie verbinden nahtlos Substanz, Lebendigkeit, Spannung und Frucht. Der Lemberger aus der Hessigheimer Steige zählt zu den besten in Württemberg. Glückwunsch zur Nominierung!“

Weingut Lassak - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

 …The longer the couple cultivate theit own vineyards, the finer and deeper their wines will become. Stilistically and concerning craftmanship, this is already an excellent producer of authentic (natural) wines.

Their 2017 Spätburgunder is already superbly delicate and fine, while the 2018, which includes the first harvest from a plantation with 10.000 vines per hectare, indicates the immense future potential of the Lassak terroirs. The production is extremely low, and i´d bet each vintage will be sold out very early once Lassak isn´t a hidden treasure anymore. I can´t wait to report about the upcoming vintages. Lassak is in Württemberg what Wasenhaus is in Baden: a boutique winery with exciting wines that we will have to talk about here every year.

Weingut Lassak - Wein-Plus „Entdeckung des Jahres“ in Württemberg

„Die Rieslinge in sich ruhend, dabei komplex, dicht und ausgesprochen mineralisch, die Roten kühl, straff, herb-saftig und von anregender Frische; nur 5 Weine produzieren Stefanie und Fabian Lassak auf ihrem kleinen Weingut in Hessigheim, und einer ist besser als der andere. Seit ihrem Debut mit dem Jahrgang 2016 haben die Weine hier jedes Jahr ein bisschen zugelegt, wurden tiefer, vielschichtiger, feiner und präziser. Ein Weingut dass man selbst dann im Auge behalten sollte, wenn man sich für Württemberg bislang noch wenig beschäftigt hat.“

Arriving

Tasting

Bye-bye

Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

Announcement: Exciting ombiasy Wine Tours in 2023

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

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023

Announcement: The Wine, Concert, and History Tour - Germany-East 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Monday, June 19 - Thursday, June 29, 2023 

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

City Tours: Berlin and Potsdam - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Steak Tartare at Restaurant Borchardt, Berlin-Mitte - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Born in Salzatal-Höhnstedt, Saale-Unstrut, with Elisabeth and Günter Born - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Niche Wine Producer Weingut Herr & Frau Lüttmer, in Vitzenburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Klaus Lüttmer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

In Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut: Concert and Tour of the Organ at St. Wenzel Church with the Organist and Tour of the Naumburg Cathedral - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Pawis (VDP) in Freyburg, Saale-Unstrut, with Christian Pawis - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Gussek in Naumburg, Saale-Unstrut, with André Gussek - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Leipzig: City Tour and Concert at Gewandhaus Leipzig with the full Gewandhaus Orchestra - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Martin Schwarz (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Philipp Henke - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant/ Weingut Vincenz Richter in Meissen, with Julian Herrlich - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Proschwitz, Prinz zur Lippe (VDP) in Meissen, Sachsen, with Robert Kroos and Björn Probst - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Sächsisches Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth in Radebeul, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Dresden: Lunch at Coselpalais Grand Café and Tour of the “Historisches Grünes Gewölbe” (Historic Green Vault) in the Royal Palace - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi at Semperoper Dresden, Sachsen - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Visit of the Deutsch-Deutsches Museum in Mödlareuth, Töben, Thüringen, with Lunch at Turnhallen Gaststätte in Töpen, Bavaria - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorites: 2 Legendary Wine Taverns in Würzburg – Juliusspital and Bürgerspital

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Würzburg

Tasting at Weingut Seufert in Iphofen, Franken, a Niche Producer of "Natural Wines", with Laura Seufert - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching (VDP) in Iphofen, Franken, with Dr. Uwe Matheus - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Tasting at Weingut Weltner (VDP) in Rödelsee, Franken, with Paul Weltner - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Wine Dinner at Weinstuben Weingut Juliusspital in Würzburg, Franken - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Rudolf May (VDP) in Retzstadt, Franken, with Rudolf and Benedikt May - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

Vineyard and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Fürst Hohenlohe-Öhringen (VDP) in Öhringen-Verrenberg, Württemberg, with the New Managing Director Carl-Julius Cromme - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard and Tasting at Weingut Schlossgut Hohenbeilstein (VDP) in Beilstein, Württemberg - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Beurer (VDP) in Kernen, Württemberg, with Jochen Beurer - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

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

Tasting at Up-and-coming Weingut Lassak in Hessigheim, Württemberg, with Stefanie and Fabian Lassak - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Zum Alten Rentamt at Weingut Graf Neipperg (VDP) in Schwaigern, Württemberg, with Neipperg Wines from Württemberg and Bordeaux

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg, with Ernst and Christian Dautel

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris.

We spent 2 days in Chablis. Our base there was the Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis, a 4-star very charming hotel with exquisitely renovated rooms in the heart of Chablis with a great spa and a very good restaurant.

The first evening in Chablis, we also had dinner at the Hostellerie des Clos.

Annette and I had their fist dinner there in 2015. It is always a pleasure to be back.

Picture: Cheese Course - Hostellerie des Clos. See: Dinner at the Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis (Chef: Michel Vignaud), France 

On the preparation tour of the Bourgogne Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) we stayed at the Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis for one night and had dinner there. Our assessment: Excellent, at 1 Star Michelin level. The Hostellerie des Clos lost its Michelin star a couple of years ago.

Hostellerie des Clos - The Good Hotel Guide

“If wine touring takes you to Chablis, this should be your hotel of choice,” says a travel expert of chef/patron Michel Vignaud and his daughter Noemi”s converted almshouse (Logis de France) in this “adorable little town”. The restaurant is locally famous for, eg, bisque glacée de homard; cuisson confite de la poitrine de canette fermière. “The cuisine was excellent, elegant.” Other comments: “Service like a ballet, with synchronised dome-lifting.” “Huge wine list”, but “mark-ups are steep”. The bedrooms (“some are on the small side”) face the village, or the pretty courtyard garden where drinks and tea are served. “Our big, quiet room had two nice beds, plenty of hanging space but little storage.” “Room 10 is the best disabled room I have come across.” “Buffet breakfast in the garden was gorgeous.” “A very good hotel with amiable service.” Wine tastings are held. 

Arriving

Aperitif

After Dinner Drinks

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

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

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours