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

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

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

The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 was released in November 2019.

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

Picture: Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 (Photo: Falstaff)

Falstaff Collection of the Year: Weingut Clemens Busch

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

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

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

Series of Posting

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

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

Weingut Clemens Busch

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

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

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

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

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

Vineyard area: 10 hectares

Annual production: 55,000 bottles

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

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

Pündericher Marienburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wine Cellar

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

Weingut Clemens Busch Wines in the USA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clemens Busch/ Bowler Wine

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

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

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

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

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Postings on schiller-wine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ombiasy WineTours Booth

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

Pictures: Ombiasy WineTours Booth with AWS President Joseph Broski

Randall Grahm Earns Top Consumer Honor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Randall Grahm

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

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

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

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

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

Pacific Rim –  German Style Riesling

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

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

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

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

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

Bonny Doon Vineyard – A Phenomenal Negociant

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

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

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

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

Pictures: Randall Grahm's Acceptance Speach

Vin de Terroir – Back to the Roots

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

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

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

Joel Peterson - The Godfather of Zin

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

Pictures: Joel Peterson at the Rhone Rangers Reception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For last years' lists, see:

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

Stephan Reinhardt's Favorites

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Picture: Christian Schiller and Peter Jakob Kühn in Kiedrich, Rheingau, see: Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first stop on our last day of the

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weingut Bischel

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

Pictures: Arriving at Weingut Bischel

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

Owner: Runkel Family

Winemakers: Christian und Matthias Runkel

Wine Area: 23,00 acres

Bottle Production: 160 000

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

Geology:Kalkstein, Tonmergel, Lösslehm, Quarzit, Porphyr

Single Vineyards:

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

Interview with Christian and Matthias Runkel (VDP)

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

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

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

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

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

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

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

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

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

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

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

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

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

Pictures: Vineyard and Cellar Tour with Christian Runkel

VDP: Do you have role models, mentors?

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

VDP: What are your next goals?

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

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

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

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

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

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

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

Tasting

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

Pictures: Tasting

The Wines

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


VDP.Gutswein

2018 Weingut Bischel Riesling


VDP.Grosse Lage

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


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


2017 Weingut Bischel HEERKRETZ Riesling
2016 Weingut Bischel HERRKRETZ Riesling


Red Wines

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


Sweet Wines

2018 Weingut Bischel SCHARLACHBERG Riesling Auslese VDP.Grosse Lage


Bye-bye

Thanks Christian for a wonderful tour and tasting.

Pictures: Bye-bye

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

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ahr

None.

Baden

Dr. Heger

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

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

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

Bernhard Huber

One of the winemakers leading the German red wine revolution. Bernhard Huber, only 53 years old, died in June 2014, after a battle with cancer. His son, Julian Huber, has taken over. 28 hectares.

See:
Winemaker Dinner with Chef/ King of Spices Ingo Holland and Sebastian Fürst (Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken), Julian Huber (Weingut Bernhard Huber, Baden) and Jérôme Legras (Champagne Legras & Haas)
Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber in Baden, with Yquem Viehauser and Julian Huber – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)
Wine Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

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

Weingut Salwey

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

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

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

Weingut Ziereisen

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

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

16 hectares.

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

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

Franken

Rudolf Fürst

Weingut Rudolf Fürst has the reputation of being a specialist for red wines, Spätburgunder and Früburgunder, which account for 60% of the production; but brilliant dry wines are also produced. Sebastian Fürst has taken over from his father Paul Fürst. 20 hectares.

See:
Winemaker Dinner with Chef/ King of Spices Ingo Holland and Sebastian Fürst (Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken), Julian Huber (Weingut Bernhard Huber, Baden) and Jérôme Legras (Champagne Legras & Haas)
Winemaker Dinner with Sebastian Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Franken, at Schaumahl, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, 16 Points Gault Millau, Germany
Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and from Bottle) at Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken, with Sebastian Fürst - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken
Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures:Paul Fürst, Annette Schiller, Sebastian Fürst and Christian Schiller at Weingut Rudolf Fürst. See: Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

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

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

Hessische Bergstrasse

None.

Mittelrhein

None.

Mosel (Mosel - Saar -Ruwer)

Fritz Haag (Oliver Haag)

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

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

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

Schloss Lieser (Thomas Haag)

Thomas Haag has been the winemaker at Weingut Schloss Lieser in Lieser since 1992 and its owner since 1997. Schloss Lieser – a mighty castle – is the landmark of Lieser, a tiny, quaint Mosel village, built in 1875 by Baron von Schorlemer. Weingut Schloss Lieser was founded in 1904 and produced some of the greatest wines in the Mosel region. In the second half of the 1900s, however, the estate passed through several hands and went into decline. Thomas Haag is the older brother of Oliver Haag, who has taken over the family's winery, Weingut Fritz Haag. 12 hectares.

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

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

Picture: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, and Christian Schiller in Mainz. See: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015

Picture: Annette Schiller, Thomas Haag with his Son (Weingut Schloss Lieser) and Stephen Bitterolf at the 2017 Rieslingfeier in NYC. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Markus Molitor

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

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

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

Egon Müller

The legendary Scharzhof lies on the Saar River. Egon Mueller’s fruity-sweet and noble-sweet, low alcohol wines are legendary. 16 hectares.

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with Egon Müller, Weingut Egon Müller, at the Rieslingfeier 2015 in New York City, USA

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

Joh. Jos. Prüm – Mosel

Weingut JJ Prüm is one of Germany’s leading producer of fruity-sweet and noble-sweet wines. The estate enjoys cult status in some circles, including with some of my wine friends in the Washington DC area. 20 hectares. Only Riesling. Led by Dr. Manfred Prüm and his daughter Dr. Katharina Prüm.

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

See:
Tasting at Weingut Jos. Jos. Prüm in Bernkastel-Wehlen, Mosel, with Amei Prüm - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling
Tasting at the Legendary Weingut J.J. Prüm with Amei Prüm– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Picture: Annette Schiller and Manfred Prüm

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

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

Zilliken

Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken is one of Germany’s leading producer of fruity-sweet and noble-sweet wines. The estate enjoys cult status in some circles, including with some of my wine friends in the Washington DC area. 11 hectares. Only Riesling.

Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken is owned and run by Hanno Zilliken and his daughter Dorothee. Hanno and Dorothee Zilliken are Winemaker of the Year (Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017). In addition, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken was promoted from 4/5 to 5/5 grapes in the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017. See: Hanno and Dorothee Zilliken are Winemaker of the Year (Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017)

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

Picture: Christian Schiller and Dorothee Zillike at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany. See: Dorothee Zilliken, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Presents her Noble Rieslings at Frankfurt/Wein in Frankfurt, Germany

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

Nahe

Dönnhoff

Helmut Dönnhoff is a Grand Seigneur of German wine. After being at the helm of this prestigious estate, he handed over to his son a few years ago. Weingut Dönnhoff produces only Riesling wines. The dry ones are much appreciated in Germany, while in the US and Asia, Weingut Dönnhoff is better known for its fruity-sweet and noble-sweet Rieslings. 25 hectares.

See:
Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling
Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Dönnhoff with Christina Dönnhoff– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)
Dönnhoff Hermann, Oberhausen (Nahe) - An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

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

Picture: Annette Schiller, Helmut Dönnhoff and daughter Christina Dönnhoff (Weingut Dönnhoff) and Didier Cuevlier (Chateau Leoville Poyferre) at Weingut Dr. Robert Weil

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

Emrich-Schönleber

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

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

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

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

Schäfer-Fröhlich

Tim Fröhlich took over the virtually unknown estate of his parents in 1998 and shaped it into one of the top Nahe estates in a very short period of time.Tim is a “master” of indigenous yeast fermentation.  His dry wines are much appreciated in Germany, while in the US and Asia, Weingut Dönnhoff is better known for its fruity-sweet and noble-sweet Rieslings. 20 hectares. 85% Riesling.

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

Picture: Christian Schiller and Tim Fröhlich in Wiesbaden

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

Pfalz

Bürklin-Wolf

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

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

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

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

Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan

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

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

See:
Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan in Deidesheim with General Manager Gunther Hauck – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan in Deidesheim with General Manager Gunther Hauck – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Knipser

A world class producer of both white and red wines. Werner Knipser has been experimenting with international red grape varieties for some years. Virtually all wines are fermented in a dry style. Werner Knipser’s children Sabine Knipser and Stephan Knipser are in the process of taking over. 40 hectares.

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

Ökonomierat Rebholz

A broad wine portfolio with Riesling and Pinots (Blanc, Noir and Gris) as well as Chardonnay. All dry. A mover and shaker in the "Grosses Gewächs" movement. The estate’s 22 ha are farmed bio-dynamically with a production of about 10,000 cases.

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

Picture: The Table of Hannsjörg Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Pfalz, at the Gala Dinner of the Rieslingfeier 2016 in New York City, with Annette Schiller, David Schildknecht and Hannsjörg Rebholz. See: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2016, USA

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with Hansjörg and Birgit Rebholz at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg Rebholz. See: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

Rheingau

Georg Breuer

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

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

Peter Jakob Kühn

One of the leaders of biodynamic winemaking in Germany. Last year's Gault Millau Deutschland Wunemaker of the Year. 20 hectares. 90% Riesling and 10% Pinot Noir. Peter Jakob's son Peter Bernhard Kühn is in the process of taking over.

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

Picture: Christian Schiller and Peter Jakob Kühn in Kiedrich, Rheingau, see: Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

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

Johannes Leitz

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

750000 bottles. 99% Riesling.

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

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

Robert Weil

A top producer of Riesling wines, both dry and fruity sweet and noble sweet wines, well presented in the major wine markets in the world. Now co-owned by the Japanese Suntory company and General Manager Wilhelm Weil, the fourth generation of the founding family. 90 hectares. Only Riesling.

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

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

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller with Wilhelm Weil at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich

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

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

Rheinhessen

Battenfeld-Spanier

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

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

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

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

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


schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures: Arriving at Château Climens

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

Château Climens

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

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

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

Pictures: In the Vineyard of Château Climens with Bérénice Lurton

Winemaking

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

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

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

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

Noble Rot

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

Pictures: Noble Rot

Biodynamic

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

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

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

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

Wine-pairing Lunch with Bérénice Lurton

Aperitif

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

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

Bouchées Apéritives

Pictures: Aperitif

Lunch

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

Pictures: Wine-pairing Lunch

The Menu

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


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

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


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

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


Gratin de fruits d'eté, rochers coco minute

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


Café


Chef à Domicile Florence Camaly

Thanks Chef Florence Camaly for a wonderful lunch.

Pitures: Chef Florence Camaly and Bérénice Lurton

Bye-bye

Bye-bye Bérénice


Pictures: Bye-bye

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

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

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

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

Lunch at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

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

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

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture: The Raumland Family (Photo: VDP)

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

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

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

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

Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland were our hosts.

Pictures: At Sekthaus Raumland

Sekthaus Raumland

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

Picture: Welcome

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

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

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

Vineyards

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

Raumland grows his fruit in three different vineyards:

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

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

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

How Volker Raumland Makes his Sekts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures: Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

Sekt in Germany

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures: Heide-Rose Raumland

Raumland in the US: Rudi Wiest Selections

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we Tasted


Tradition

NV Raumland Riesling Brut
NV Raumland Cuvée Marie-Louise Brut

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

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

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

NV Raumland Cuvée Katharina Brut

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

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

Prestige

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

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

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


2009 Raumland IX Triumvirat - Grande Cuvée Brut

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

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

Bye-bye

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

Pictures: Annette Schiller with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Postings on schiller-wine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ombiasy WineTours Booth

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

Pictures: Ombiasy WineTours Booth with AWS President Joseph Broski

Not all Riesling is Sweet, and Other Things to Know About the Versatile White Wine

By Dave McIntyre
The Washington Post
Posted11/18/2019

Riesling is arguably the most misunderstood wine. Sommeliers, wine writers, people who spend too much of their disposable income on wine, tend to love it. And yet, "I don't like riesling -- it's too sweet," is a common refrain from casual wine drinkers, whenever I rave about it.

That's understandable. Generations of Americans favored sweet wine, and riesling fit the bill. Whether inexpensive plonk from Germany or generic white wine from California, we drank lots of it. But somewhere along the way, we learned that "dry" wine is supposed to be better. Chardonnay and sauvignon blanc eclipsed riesling in U.S. vineyards and American imaginations.

Today there's a bit of a riesling renaissance in the United States. Riesling shines in certain regions, such as New York's Finger Lakes, Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula and Washington state's Columbia Valley. Some dedicated winemakers are crafting exceptional riesling in Oregon's Willamette Valley, and there are a few notable holdouts in California.

Here are several things to know about riesling and to encourage you to explore this exciting wine.

• They are not all sweet!

Riesling is a versatile wine, because it can be racy and bone dry, unctuous and sweet, and everything in between. That's why consumers can be confused -- we don't know what we're buying unless the label tells us. And it doesn't, usually. But there are clues.

Rieslings from Austria, Australia and New Zealand are almost always dry, and the rare dessert wines are usually marked as such. Dry German rieslings may be labeled as "trocken," and the top bottlings called Erste Lage or Grosses Gewachs are always dry. U.S. wineries may make a range of styles. These may be labeled as Dry or Semi-Dry, to indicate moderate sweetness, which I prefer to call fruitiness. Ripe fruit, after all, tastes sweet.

Or the back label may sport a scale indicating Dry, Medium Dry, Medium Sweet or Sweet. This scale was developed by a group or wineries called the International Riesling Foundation, and it's a little more complex than it sounds. A wine's perceptible sweetness is not just a question of how much sugar is left in the wine after fermentation. The IRF scale factors in sugar, acidity and the wine's pH level to give us an indication of how sweet or dry the wine will taste.

• Riesling is a great food wine.

A food-wine pairing maxim pitches sweeter wine with spicy Asian foods, because the sugar in the wine moderates the food's heat. Riesling fits that, especially a semi-dry version. But the wine's key is really its fruitiness and acidity, a combination that equals versatility.

"Riesling can be made in many different styles, from low to high alcohol, from dry, to off-dry and then the many dessert styles," says Stu Smith, winemaker at Smith-Madrone Vineyards on Napa Valley's Spring Mountain. Smith-Madrone planted its riesling vineyard in 1972 and is now celebrated as one of the few riesling holdouts in the land of cabernet sauvignon. "It goes with just about any food, meat, soup or cuisine -- or all by itself."

Riesling is great with smoked fish, salads, curries, even braised beef -- one of my most memorable meals was beef braised in Riesling, with spaetzle. It may have helped that I was in Germany, of course. And if you buy a bottle that turns out to be too sweet for your taste, save it for a salty cheese or dessert.

• Riesling is a megaphone for terroir.

A conversation with a German winemaker can turn into a dizzying discourse on how a riesling from a vineyard on blue slate soils tastes different from one grown on red slate. But you don't have to be a geologist to appreciate riesling's ability to express its origins.

In cool climates, such as New York's Finger Lakes and Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula, riesling takes on a lean, racy profile. Warmer climes such as the Columbia Valley in Washington state or Napa Valley give riesling a richer body, with riper fruit flavors.

But there are differences, and U.S. riesling is especially exciting now, as winemakers explore its different expressions. Rieslings from Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes tend to have a delicate texture with an accent of lime zest, while ones from nearby Keuka Lake are richer. Brooks winery makes more than 20 rieslings, including several single-vineyard bottlings, that vividly demonstrate the terroirs and microclimates of Oregon's Willamette Valley.

• Riesling ages well.

Wine lovers who are still collectors should keep a stash of riesling in their cellars. We tend to consider white wines at their peak just a year or two after the vintage, but riesling's acidity gives it a potential for long life.

"Why do I keep making riesling?" Smith asks. "Because I love drinking it while it's young, and savor it when it's aged."

Friday, November 1
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B
Session B-1: Dry Riesling From Around the World

Presenter: Janie Brooks Heuck, President,International Riesling Foundation

Abstract: Riesling is the most versatile white grape in the world and expresses where it is grown better than any other white variety. It is the favorite grape of most wine professionals, but is so often misunderstood. Explore the terroir, climate an d soils of six Rieslings, all dry in style, from around the world with Janie Brooks Heuck, President of the Int. Riesling Foundation.

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

The Dry Rieslings Janie Poured

2017 Anthony Road Vineyard, Riesling Dry, Finger Lakes, USA
2017 Chateau St. Michelle Columbia Valley, Dry Riesling, USA
2017 Brooks Estate, Ara, Riesling, Willamette Valley, USA
2017 Weingut Stadt Krems, Kremstal, Riesling trocken, Austria
2017 Dr. Loosen, Blue Slate, Riesling Dry, Mosel, Germany
2013 Hugel, Riesling, Grossi Laue, Alsace, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 was released on Thursday, October 31, 2019. The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 reviews on about 1000 pages more than 11.000 wines of 1000 wineries. Its rating symbol is a star and Germany’s best winemakers are awarded one to five stars. The wines are rated on the 1 to 100 scale.

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

12 winemakers received the top rating of 5/ 5 stars in the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020.

See:
Germany's 12 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020

The Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 honored the following three outstanding personalities of the German wine world with Winemaker of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Discovery of the Year awards:

Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg)

Rising Star of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Carl Ehrhard, Weingut Ehrhard (Rheingau)

Discovery of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Carsten Saalwächter, Weingut Saalwächter (Rheinhessen)

Postings/ Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020

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

Germany's Best Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 Awards
Germany's Best Wines: 12 Categories - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020
Germany's 12 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020
Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg), Germany

Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg)

Vinum: Württemberg's best Riesling? Best Lemberger? Top Sekt? World-class Sauvignon Blanc? All this is available at the Aldingers. Even with many wine icons - 13 wines from the current collection exceeded the 90-point mark! - one should by no means overlook a wine such as the Götzberg Riesling Kabinett, which, with a structure reminiscent of a Saar wine, redefines the previous understanding of this predicate level in Württemberg in an almost impudent manner. Out of this world are the red Grosse Gewächse (GGs). The Marienglas Pinot Noir is reminiscent of a Nuits-Saint-Georges of the fine kind; great complexity and delicate balance excite in the Lämmler.

See also:
Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg), Germany

Visit: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Aldinger with Matthias Aldinger

We visited Weingut Aldinger as part of the Germany-East Tour 2018.

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

Weingut Aldinger is right in the middle of Fellbach, a wine village near Stuttgart in Württemberg. The family's long winegrowing tradition can be traced back to the year 1492, when "Bentz the Aldinger" cultivated vines here. Today the winery is owned by Gert Aldinger in the 15th generation and managed by his sons Hansjörg Aldinger and Matthias Aldinger in the 16th generation.

The vineyard area totals 30 hectares, including the following single vineyards: Berg (Hanweil), Goldberg and Lämmler (Fellbach), Schlossberg (Rotenberg), Mönchberg and Pulvermächer (Stetten), Götzenberg (Uhlbach), and in monopoly ownership Gips (Untertürkheim).

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

The white wines are slowly fermented at between 12 and 14 ° C to preserve the primary grape flavors before being stored in steel tanks. The red wines ferment for up to 20 days on the mash before they undergo malolactic fermentation and age depending on the quality or desired type of wine in steel tanks, large oak barrels or barrique.

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

Winemaker of the Year: Runners-up

Weingut A. Christmann, Steffen Christmann, Pfalz

Vinum: The winery of the VDP president Steffen Christmann has always scored with their Rieslings. But never before have the reds been as good as they are now!

Even the simple Riesling Gutswein has a clear, juicy statement - with the ease of 11.5% alcohol. turns. After that, there is only one direction - upwards - although Christmann's wines have always been on the light side. The Ortswein Königsbach is taut, the Ersten Lagen form the Kapellenberg and Ölberg offer a quiet way, the Ölberg particularly fine and delicate. With the Rieslings from the Grossen Lagen Great Lakes there is no limit. In addition, four Pinot Noirs were introduced to us - they were the best Pinot Noirs ever produced by Christmann.

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

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

Weingut Jean Stodden, Alexander Stodden, Ahr

Vinum: Also from the year 2017, exceptional winemaker Alexander Stodden's Pinot Noir collection is the best in the Ahr Valley. Alexander Stodden's wines are always elegant and the Grosse Lage vineyards vineyards clearly differentiable in terms of taste. His Frühburgunder is also the best in the region and in a particularly difficult vintage for the grape variety. At the heart of the collection are the wines from the Recher Herrenberg, the family's home mountain. Here, Alexander Stoddens owns large plots and he can pick out the best plots and barrels for the different wines. So the Ortswein is already in a class of its own, not to mention of course the Grossen Gewächse.

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

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

Rising Star of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Weingut Carl Ehrhard, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Rheingau

Vinum : What was created here with the vintage 2018 grapes is more than astonishing: a multitude of fruity sweet and noble sweet top wines that that are reminiscent of the best days in the Rheingau.

In his wine cellar, Carl Ehrhard mainly relies on casks that have been purchased in considerable numbers in recent years. One of his concerns is to keept the the old plot and single vineyard names alive that disappeared with the 1971 Wine Law. Therefore the animated, classy Drachenstein Alte Reben carries the suffix Urstück Engergraben. Ehrhard is also particularly fond of the Auslese predicate. That is why he took advantage of the special conditions of 2018 and harvested a wonderful range of Auslese wines from October onwards.

Rising Star of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Runners-up

Weingut Knewitz, Tobias and Björn Knewitz, Rheinhessen

Vinum: Riesling is the great passion of the Knewitz brothers, but they have also developed real expertise for Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.

The peculiarities of the 2018 vintage did not lead to problems in this estate, but to new heights. The single vineyard Rieslings are all at the highest level and demonstrate the great potential that lies in the former coral reef of the Mainz Basin, which appears on the surface in Appenheim and the surrounding area. Tobias and Björn Knewitz also have a knack for sweet wines. The grapes don't even have to come from Rheinhessen. In the Nahe is the Norheimer Kirschheck, from there comes a great Riesling Auslese.

See also:
Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Weingut A. J. Adam, Mosel

Vinum: There have always been great fruity sweet and noble sweet wines in this 5!/2 hectare estate. Now, dry Rieslings are also shining.

Very special: the dry Riesling from the Dhroner Häuschen, which develops playfully, even prancing and yet powerful in the nose. We also developped a special attachment to an exotic wine from theis estate during the tasting: the Pinot Noir Rosé with its wild sponti-nose - we named the wine “Riesling Rosé” because of its great drinking animation and crisp nature. The classics of the estate are of excellent quality in 2018, with Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Spätlese being the top wine of the collection.

Discovery of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019): Weingut Paul Christian Saalwächter, Carsten Saalwächter

Vinum: Carsten Saalwächter is one of the young wilds who want to move away from conventional production to more natural wines.

The Ingelheim winemaker produces his wine without fining, filtration and sulfur additions, but he does not want to count himself part of the natural wine movement. Rather, it is about grand white and red Burgundy wines. As for Pinot Noir, his ideals can be found in Burgundy. There he has already looked over the shoulders of well-known producers, including at the Domaine des Lambrays. In Germany he studied the methods of Ziereisen in particular, but also Schnaitmann, Stodden and Fritz Becker on site, but he goes his own way.

Discovery of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019): Runners-up

Weingut Ehrhart, Benjamin Erharrt, Pfalz

Vinum: Already since 2012 has this remarkable estate on the outskirts of Eschbach been certified according to the EU standard for organic viticulture.

Benjamin Ehrhart runs this winery together with the family and is constantly tweaking the quality screw. Drought stress in 2018 - not here. The vines get accompanying green early on after planting. Benjamin Ehrhart is convinced that this has a positive effect on root growth and water retention. The vines thank it and the wine quality obviously shows it too: the Rieslings are dense, tight with fresh acidity, the Chardonnay complex and incredibly dense, the red wines are complex and elegant.

Weingut Hermann Ludes, Julian and Hermann Ludes, Mosel

Vinum: Hermann Ludes makes uncompromising and strong character wines, without saturating fruit - great!

The ten hectare Weingut Hermann Ludes and the vineyards Thörnicher Ritsch and Klüsserather Bruderschaft: This combination results in wines that are rarely found on the Moselle today. But you shouldn't be afraid of acid! The wines are given time and they also need time. In the cellar everything is consistently dispensed with: no industrial yeast, no enzymes or powders. With his nephew Julian, 70-year-old Hermann Ludes now has found a successor that his colleagues can envy him for.

Earlier Years

Germany’s Best Winemakers– Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2019 Awards
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2017 Awards
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2016 Awards: The Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany
Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015 Awards Ceremony in Mainz, Germany
Best German Wines and Winemakers: Gault Millau Awards – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Best German Wines and Wine Makers – the Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2013 Awards
2012: Best German Wines (Awards) – Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2012
2011: Gault Millau WeinGuide Germany 2011– Ratings
Gault Millau Wine Germany 2010

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

Winemaker of the Year (Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2020): Matthias and Hansjörg Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger (Württemberg), Germany

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

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

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

Tasting at Weingut Knewitz in Appenheim, Rheinhessen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen 

Pictures: Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Our final stop on the

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

was in Nierstein, south of Mainz, 30 minutes away from Frankfurt Airport by car, at Louis Guntrum.

L. Konstantin and Stephanie Guntrum were our hosts.

Pictures: Welcome

"Guntrum is back" writes Stuart Pigott in a recent review of the Rheinhessen region. The Guntrum family has been making wine since 1648. Today, L. Konstantin Guntrum produces about 70.000 cases of wine annually with own fruit from its vinyards totalling 11 hectares (8.000 cases) and with purchased fruit ( 62.000 cases). In its haydays of its almost 400 years of history, the Guntrum family used to own 280 hectares of vineyard land.

Pictures: Recent Stuart Pigott and Robert Parker Ratings of Weingut Louis Guntrum

In addition to its world class wines, Weingut Louis Guntrum was also known for making more affordable wine and selling it all over the world. The current generation, Louis Konstantin and his wife, is clearly refocussing on quality and does this very successfully as Stuart Pigott is testifying in a recent Rheinhessen report on JamesSuckling.com.

We started the visit with a glass of sparkling wine in the courtyard of Weingut Louis Guntrum, overlooking the part of the Rhine River where during World War II U.S.General Patton crossed the river.

Following a most interesting tour of the large and old cellar including a tasting down there sat down with Konstantin Guntrum for a light wine-pairing lunch.

At the end of the lunch, Konstantin opened 2 very special wines from the library of Weingut Louis Guntrum (1971 and 1977).

Pictures: Starting with a Sekt

History

The Guntrum family started to make wine in 1648 and has been involved in wine production ever since. The Guntrums were French Huguenots who fled France to escape Catholic oppression.

The 8th generation, Louis Jean George Guntrum, built today's estate building in 1923. It impresses with its stunning location right on the banks of the Rhine river between Nierstein and Oppenheim.

Today, Weingut Louis Guntrum is owned and managed by the 11th generation, Louis Konstantin Guntrum and his wife Stephanie Guntrum.

During the French Revolution, the Guntrum family fled across the Rhine river and temporarily relocated in Bensheim. In 1909, Louis Guntrum returned to Nierstein and established the Louis Guntrum estate as it is known today.

In February 1945, during World War II, U.S.General Patton occupied the winery and the family mansion, having crossed the Rhein river directly at the Louis Guntrum estate.

Pictures: Cellar Tour with Tasting

Louis Guntrum

Overall production is about 70.000 cases of wine, of which 62.000 cases are produced by purchasing fruit and 8.000 cases from own grapes.

The vineyard area totals 11 hectares in the following sites: Niersteiner Bergkirche, Heiligenbaum, Hipping, Ölberg, Orbel, Paterberg and Pettental; as well as in the Oppenheimer Herrenberg, Kreuz, Sackträger and Schützenhütte.

Riesling is the most important grape variety accounting for 40%. Other grape varieties include Silvaner, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Silvaner, Gewürztraminer.

Wine-pairing Lunch

After the tour of the winery we enjoyed a family-style wine pairing lunch.

Pictures: Wine-pairing Lunch

The Wines

Aperitif

2018 Louis Guntrum PERLfein Lous Guntrum Secco


Tasting in the Cellar

2018 Louis Guntrum Scheurebe trocken
2018 Louis Guntrum Grauburgunder trocken
2017 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Silvaner trocken


Lunch Wines

2014 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling trocken
2016 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Orbel Riesling Louis Guntrum Grosses Gewächs


2015 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Pinot Noir Réserve


2015 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Orbel Riesling Spätlese

After-Lunch Library Wines

1977 Louis Guntrum Dienheimer Kalkenberg Riesling Ausese
1971 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Findling Scheurebe Beerenauslese


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

Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Louis Guntrum in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, with Konstantin Guntrum - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

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

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

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

The average wine searcher price for Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, is US$ 13. Château Reynier is one of the hundreds and hundreds of so-called petits châteaux in Bordeaux that produce excellent wines for little money. These petits châteaux can struggle to make their voices heard on the market.

In the case of Château Reynier, it is a bit different, because the estate is owned and run by Marc and Agnès Lurton. The Lurtons are Bordeaux’s first family, at the helm of scores of châteaux across the region and, increasingly, the world.

Marc Lurton was our host. Agnès joined us for the tasting.

We started the visit with a vineyard walk that ended at the undergroun wine cellar where the wines are aged. We went back to the chai, where Marc gave us a university-style presentation with a white board on how his wines are produced. The visit ended with a tasting, where Agnès joined us.

Pictures: Arriving at Château Reynier

Château Reynier

Château Reynier together with Château Bouchet and Château Tour de Boisset has 99 acres of vineyards on clay-limestone slopes and is owned and managed by Marc and Agnès Lurton, descendants of a great Bordeaux wine making and wine merchant family. Marc’s grandfather bought the estates in 1901. When Marc – an œnologist trained at Bordeaux University- inherited the estate in 1997 he undertook major improvements : modernization of the wine making facilities, investment in bottling line and labelling equipment, installation of a system to protect the vine from frost in the spring, installation of natural waste water treatment plant, restoration of the underground stone quarries for ageing the wine in oak barrels, replanting the vines to bring them up to date with modern norms, a work that continues until today. In 2012 Marc started working towards organic certification for a part of the vineyard.

Marc Lurton also has extensive experiences as consultant in the wine regions of California. I quote Marc Lurton: „I have drawn on my long experience and savoir-faire to make a range of wines that are attractive and delicious and can be enjoyed on any occasion.”

Pictures: Marc and Agnès Lurton

Unravelling the Dynasty
Stephen Brook August 21, 2008

The Lurtons are Bordeaux’s first family, at the helm of scores of châteaux across the region and, increasingly, the world.

Whenever a member of the Lurton family is joined in matrimony, you can be certain that there will be a swift issue of children – sometimes as many as ten of them. That, and the family’s ardent Catholicism, explains the ubiquity of this family across the face of Bordeaux, especially since most Lurtons have pursued careers in the wine business. They are everywhere: in Margaux and Moulis, in Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes, in the Entre-Deux-Mers. Between them, they own some 800ha (hectares), and have created their own distribution systems for the wines. In the beginning there was Léonce Récapet, who wasn’t a Lurton at all and was a distiller by trade. His daughter Denise married François Lurton. She died young, in 1934, and her father outlived her, dying at a ripe old age in 1943. Before her death she had given birth to four children: André (born in 1924), Lucien (1925), Simone, (1929), and Dominique (1932). Simone and her children played nopart in the wine business, but her three brothers emphatically did.

Pictures: Vineyard Tour

Bordeaux Pioneers

André Lurton was born at the grand family base of Château Bonnet at Grézillac in the northern reaches of the Entre-Deux-Mers, and it remains his home.

When I stayed there almost 20 years ago, its interior appeared scarcely altered since the 19th century, and André seemed to like it that way. Over the years he developed Bonnet into a very large estate specifically geared to produce substantial quantities of wine at a fair price. The white in particular is a dependable staple on Bordeaux wine lists. The octogenarian has never fought shy of innovation, and introduced screwcaps for Bonnet’s white wines when most other producers were gasping with horror at the suggestion. But his real achievement lies elsewhere, in the northern Graves. Here he acquired a number of properties, notably La Louvière, Rochemorin and Couhins-Lurton, which he renovated. In 1965, when he bought La Louvière, the Graves was something of a backwater with just a few properties (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, Haut-Bailly, Domaine de Chevalier, and Carbonnieux) widely known. André was well aware of the exceptional terroir of this area; the finest wines had always come from the north, and he campaigned long and hard to unite its properties under a new appellation. With fierce determination, he fought many legal objections and tribunals until 1987, when the new Pessac-Léognan AC came into being. All the classified growths of the Graves lie within its boundaries. He also waged war against an urban development that would have led to the destruction of hundreds of hectares of vineyards. The Pessac-Léognan appellation has thrived, and the vineyards have expanded from a mere 500ha to their present 1,500ha. André was also hired to manage Dauzac in Margaux and he and his daughter Christine Lurton-De Caix have transformed this once obscure property into a source of excellent, and – for a classified growth – inexpensive wines. André Lurton is feisty and combative. He may not be universally loved in Bordeaux, but he is universally respected, and the other proprietors of Pessac- Léognan are well aware of how much they owe to his vision and tenacity. Back in the 1920s, François Lurton had bought Brane-Cantenac in Margaux and a sizeable share in Château Margaux, which he later exchanged for Clos Fourtet in St-Emilion. After his death in 1971, his four children inherited his properties, and the Margaux estates went to Lucien Lurton, who lived at Brane- Cantenac. He was soon acquiring other properties: Durfort-Vivens and Desmirail in Margaux, Bouscaut in the Graves, Climens and Doisy-Dubroca in Barsac, and more besides. Lucien was an efficient steward of his portfolio, but the estates were run on commercial lines, with many of the vineyards machine-harvested and cropped at yields higher than would be considered acceptable today. Nonetheless at some properties, such as Climens, the highest standards were maintained.

Pictures: Cellar Tour

Weighty Inheritance

In 1992, when in his late sixties, Lucien chose not only to retire but hand over the running of his estates to his 10 children. Edwige Lurton is co-owner of Brane-Cantenac, a Margaux classed growth run by her brother Henri, who isa trained oenologist. Since the late 1990s the quality of its wines has soared. Third growth Desmirail was turned over to Denis Lurton, who has also overseen considerable improvements in quality, even though the wines are little known. Marie-Laure Lurton, also an oenologist, looks after Villegorge (Haut- Médoc), as well as two other properties, Duplessis in Moulis and La Tour de Bessan in Margaux. Quality remains sound rather then exceptional at this trio, but she has the least interesting terroirs. Gonzague Lurton inherited Margaux second-growth Durfort-Vivens. The property was in poor shape and it has been a lengthy task to restore its cellars and its reputation. The wine is controversial, as Gonzague insists on making it in a restrained, elegant style. He is the most reserved, even shy, of the siblings, but holds strong views on such issues as the probity of tasting samples during en primeur week, and isn’t afraid to express them.

While president of the Margaux Syndicat, he spearheaded the campaign against a new super-highway that would have vandalised the vineyards of Margaux. Plans for the new road have now been shelved. As for his wine, in some years Durfort-Vivens can be undernourished and it has yet to seem entirely worthy of its exalted secondgrowth status. (Gonzague married into another Bordeaux dynasty, the Merlauts, and his wife Claire Villars runs her own portfolio of fine properties: the two classified growths of La Ferrière in Margaux and Haut-Bages-Libéral in Pauillac, as well as La Gurgue in Margaux.) Lucien’s daughter Brigitte Lurton moved into Bouscaut in what became Pessac-Léognan, and also ran Climens. Family disputes in the 1990s led to her departure and she subsequently moved to Spain to pursue new interests in the Rueda region. Her sister Sophie Lurton- Congombles took over Bouscaut and she and husband Laurent Congombles have been steadily improving the quality of what used to be rather lean, pinched whites and red. Meanwhile the youngest of the siblings, Bérénice Lurton, took over at Climens. Despite her youth, she has proved fanatical in her devotion to the property, crafting the wine barrel by barrel and successfully increasing prices so as to allow her to pursue a perfectionist course in the vineyard as well as winery. Until very recently, she was also the owner of the medieval Château de Camarsac in the Entre-Deux-Mers, where she produced agreeable and inexpensive red wines. Today the property is being run by her brother Thierry, who has relinquished his share in Brane-Cantenac. Finally, there are two properties run by the most eccentric of the Lurton siblings, Louis. He used to make the wines at Bouscaut and is now responsible for the tiny Barsac second growth of Doisy-Dubroca and for Haut-Nouchet in Pessac-Léognan, both farmed organically. I find the wines inconsistent, indeed highly irregular both in quality and style. But Louis Lurton pursues his own path, unfazed by adverse criticism.

Pictures: Lecture in the Chai

Branching Out

The youngest of François Lurton’s children, Dominique, has handed over his properties in the Entre-Deux-Mers to two of his four children. Marc Lurton runs Château Reynier, not far from Château Bonnet; its wines are sound and reliable. Marc’s brother Pierre lives at Château Marjosse, which produces decent, unspectacular and fairly priced wines. Pierre used to run Clos Fourtet in St-Emilion in the 1980s, but is now better known as the genial, astute director of two first growths: Cheval Blanc and Yquem. When he gets up in the morning, he jokes, he must decide whether to turn left or right when leaving his driveway, all depending on whether his presence is needed more at Cheval Blanc or Yquem. By the time business mogul Bernard Arnault of LVMH, acquired Yquem in 1999, Pierre Lurton was already working for him as the experienced director of Cheval Blanc, so it seemed obvious to Arnault that he should run the newly acquired first growth as well. The development of the Mendoza joint venture, Cheval des Andes, has been another of his responsibilities. Pierre, following Lurton tradition, has six children waiting in the wings. His professional life is as hectic as his family life, requiring constant travel and promotion of these great wines. His uncle André has set an even more fecund example, with a total of seven children, mostly daughters who are not involved in the wine business. His sons Jacques and François probably felt there were already too many Lurtons in Bordeaux, especially their formidable father, so in the 1980s they carved a career for themselves as flying winemakers, with Jacques taking care of production and François looking after sales. Soon they began buying vineyards and building wineries and, by the early 2000s, were operating on a large scale in many parts of the world. In Mendoza, they were one of the first wineries to open in the outstanding Uco Valley, where their flagship wines are Gran Lurton Cabernet and Piedra Negra Malbec; in Toro, north of Madrid, their bodega has released a series of rich fleshy red wines; in Chile their Araucano estate produces superband costly Carmenère. But in 2007 Jacques left the company, which was renamed Domaines François Lurton. Jacques now runs his own properties in Australia and Entre-Deux-Mers and is acting as an exclusively white-wine consultant to a few estates that interest him. Family is the link between the Lurtons, yet they seem surprisingly different. François Lurton may be a chip off the old block, but if you saw Henri, Gonzague, and Sophie in the same room, you would not immediately suppose they were siblings. What they have in common is not just DNA but an immersion in wine from an early age. The Lurtons, of whatever generation, are not dabblers or dilettantes. Wine matters to them – and we are all their beneficiaries.

Pictures: Tasting

Bye-bye

Thanks Marc and Agnès for a wonderful tour, tasting and lecture in the chai.

Pictures: Bye-bye and Driving by Château Bonnet at Grézillac in the northern reaches of the Entre-Deux-Mers

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

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

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

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trip Advisor: La Marina - Best Restaurant in Blaye

Trip Advisor: The Marina Restaurant is centrally located in Blaye with light décor in the dining area which is dominated by a central bar. Food was of exceptional quality specifically choices from the €22/per menu where there were good options of both fish and meat. Staff very attentive and service was prompt. Experience was so good that we had to go back for a second visit during our short stay in Blaye.

Following the

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

and before the

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

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

we had lunch in Blaye, at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye. This is a typical village restaurant in the very charming village of Blaye focusing on seafood.

Pictures: Restaurant La Marina in Blaye

Plateau de Fruits de Mer

They were offering 3 different plateaux de fruits de mer: Marina (Euro 22),  Plateau de Fruits de Mer (Euro 30) and Plateau Royal de Fruits de Mer (Euro 45). I had the Marina.

See also:

A Plateau des Fruits de Mer and a Pessac-Leognan Wine in Bordeaux City, France
Schiller's World of Seafood

Pictures: Plateau Royal de Fruits de Mer Marina

Lunch

I was the only one who had a plateau de fruits de mer. We all enjoyed the meal - seafood or not - very much at this lovely village restaurant off the beaten track.

Pictures: Lunch

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Marina in Blaye - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

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

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller in the Rheingau, Germany

Dear friends,
I wish all of you a wonderful and successful year 2020. I hope your life will be full of surprise and joy in the new year that just began. May You be blessed with everything you want in life.

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

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

From time to time, Marcus Hofschuster summarizes his tasting results in a "BEST OF" list. This time, he published a list summarizing his tasting results with regard to German Silvaner from the 2015 and 2016 vintages.

Picture: Nico Rechenberg, Dirk Würtz, Weingut Balthasar Ress, Marcus Hofschuster, Wein-Plus, Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel, Paul Truszkowski, Wine in Black, and Felix Bodman at the GG Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, Germany, 2016. See: Germany’s Grosses Gewächs GG Wines Released (2015 White and 2014 Red) - Notes from the Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, Germany

Silvaner in Germany

Sylvaner or Silvaner is primarily grown in Alsace and Germany. In Germany it is best known as a component of Liebfraumilch and production boomed in the 1970s to the detriment of quality, but it has long enjoyed a better reputation in Franconia than in other German wine regions. While the Alsatian versions have primarily been considered simpler wines, it was recently (2006) included among the varieties that can be used to produce Alsace Grand Cru wine together with the four 'noble grapes' of Alsace, although only in one vineyard, Zotzenberg.

This dichotomy is explained by the vigour of the Sylvaner vine and the grape's neutral flavour, which can lead to blandness unless yields are controlled. On the other hand, it gives a blank canvas for the expression of terroir, and on good sites with skilled winemaking, Sylvaner can produce elegant wines. It has high acidity but naturally reaches high must weights, so is often blended with other varieties such as Riesling or Elbling, and is sometimes made into a dessert wine.

First recorded in Germany at Castell in 1659, Silvaner (with an 'i') reached a peak in the 1960s-1970s, with 30% of German vineyards. However overproduction during the Liebfraumilch years ruined its reputation, and it has since retreated to its stronghold in Franconia (Frankenland) (1,425 ha), where on the best chalky Muschelkalk terroir it can produce wines that can compete with the best German white wines which usually are made out of the Riesling grape. These powerful wines are considered food-friendly and are often described as having an "earthy" palate. Under VDP Erste Lage/Grosses Gewächs rules, Silvaner may be used for Grosses Gewächs wines (top-end dry wines), but only in Franconia and Saale-Unstrut and not in any of the other 11 German wine regions. Silvaner is also grown in Rheinhessen (2,486 ha) and Palatinate, and is sometimes also made into dessert wine.[9] Currently there are 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) in Germany, just 5.9% of the total area under vine.

Picture: Christian Schiller Tasting with Kai Schätzel at Weingut Schätzel, see: A New Fixture in the Reemerging Red Slope of Nierstein - Visiting Kai Schaetzel and his Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany

Pictures: Lunch cum Tasting with Nanne Schätzel, see: Tour, Tasting, and Lunch at Weingut Schätzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Vintage 2018

WP stands for Wein-Plus Points.

93WP Maustal GG, Zehnthof Luckert
93WP “Ab Ovo”, Rainer Sauer
92WP Himmelspfad GG, May
92WP Am Lumpen 1655 GG, Horst Sauer
92WP Küchenmeister GG “Hoheleite”, Weltner
91WP Langenberg VDP Erste Lage, May
91WP Stein GG, Knoll
91WP Am Lumpen 1655 GG, Rainer Sauer
90WP Pfülben GG, Schmitt’s Kinder
90WP Stein GG, Staatlicher Hofkeller
90WP Kallmuth GG “Asphodill”, Fürst Löwenstein
90WP Rothlauf GG, May
90WP “Vinz Alte Reben”, Knoll
90WP Stein-Harfe GG, Bürgerspital
90WP Am Lumpen 1655 GG, Zur Schwane
90WP “Der Schäfer” VDP Erste Lage, May
90WP Hohnart VDP Erste Lage, Fürstlich Castell’sches Domänenamt
90WP Probstey, Thörle
90WP Alte Reben “#nofilter”, Neumeister
89WP Sonnenberg “Gelbkalk”, Zehnthof Luckert
89WP Am Lumpen 1655 GG, Fröhlich
89WP Pfaffenberg VDP Erste Lage, Bürgerspital
89WP Rossthalber VDP Erste Lage, May
89WP Nierstein VDP.Aus Ersten Lagen, Schätzel
89WP Vögelein “Edle Rebe”, Rudloff
89WP Hohen-Sülzen VDP.Ortswein “Leopold”, Battenfeld-Spanier
89WP Lump VDP Erste Lage “S”, Horst Sauer
89WP Kronsberg VDP Erste Lage “Alte Reben - Trias”, Ruck
88WP Stein “Grenzstein”, Höfling
88WP Saulheim “Kalkstein”, Thörle
88WP Gau-Algesheim VDP.Ortswein “Terrassen”, Bischel
88WP Würzburg VDP.Ortswein, Bürgerspital
88WP Marsberg “Alte Reben”, Bardorf
88WP Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Garlider
88WP Westhofen “Alte Reben - pour toujours”, Wechsler
88WP Rödelsee VDP.Ortswein, Weltner
88WP Innere Leiste VDP Erste Lage, Büergerspital
88WP “Fass 27”, Bastian Hamdorf
88WP Lump VDP Erste Lage, Rainer Sauer
88WP Heller Berg VDP Erste Lage “G”, Roth
88WP Julius-Echter-Berg VDP Erste Lage “Trias”, Ruck
88WP Fürstenberg VDP Erste Lage, Schäffer
88WP Escherndorf VDP.Ortswein “Muschelkalk”, Rainer Sauer
88WP Fürstenberg VDP Erste Lage “S”, Horst Sauer (Blauer Silvaner)
88WP “Kalb Alte Reben”, Ilmbacher Hof
88WP Küchenmeister VDP Erste Lage, Juliusspital
88WP Sonnenstuhl Spätlese trocken “Alte Reben”, Schmachtenberger
88WP Kalb VDP Erste Lage “Trias”, Ruck
88WP Teufelskeller VDP Erste Lage, Staatlicher Hofkeller
88WP Nackenheim VDP.Aus Ersten Lagen “x.t.”, Gunderloch
88WP “Tempus et Spatium”, Borst
88WP Lump, Braun
88WP Stein VDP Erste Lage, Knoll
88WP Kronsberg VDP Erste Lage, Juliusspital
88WP Stein VDP Erste Lage, Juliusspital
88WP Altenberg, Heid

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

Vintage 2017

91WP Julius-Echter-Berg GG, Juliusspital
91WP Julius-Echter-Berg GG “Trias”, Ruck
90WP “Indigenius”, Rothe
90WP Johannisberg GG “Rothlauf”, Bickel-Stumpf
89WP Am Lumpen 1655 GG, Schäffer
89WP Kronsberg GG, Wirsching
89WP Julius-Echter-Berg GG, Wirsching
89WP Lump VDP Erste Lage “Maische”, Horst Sauer
89WP VDP.Gutswein “Sehnsucht”, Horst Sauer
88WP “Alte Reben”, Roth
88WP Ratsherr GG, Zur Schwane
88WP Küchenmeister “Der Küchenmeister”, Weigand
88WP Lump VDP Erste Lage, Schäffer
88WP Landsknecht Spätlese trocken “Gässberg”, Leipold
88WP Sonnenstuhl GG “Konsequent R”, Trockene Schmitts
88WP Stein GG, Juliusspital
88WP Mönchshof GG, Bickel-Stumpf

Pictures: Visit and Tasting at Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll in Würzburg, Franken - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Older Vintags

90WP 2016 Schlossberg GG, Fürstlich Castell’sches Domänenamt
89WP 2016 Réserve, Riffel
88WP 2016 Lützeltalerberg “Carus Granit”, Giegerich
88WP 2016 “Fass N°1”, Dahm
88WP 2012 Langenberg “Recis 1963”, May

Fruity-Sweet and Noble-Sweet

95WP 2018 Kronsberg TBA, Ruck
94WP 2017 Marsberg TBA, Bardorf
88WP 2018 Landsknecht Auslese, Leipold

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching in Iphofen in Franken with General Manager Uwe Matheus– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

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

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

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

Germany’s Grosses Gewächs GG Wines Released (2015 White and 2014 Red) - Notes from the Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, Germany

A New Fixture in the Reemerging Red Slope of Nierstein - Visiting Kai Schaetzel and his Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany

Lunch cum Tasting with Nanne Schätzel, see: Tour, Tasting, and Lunch at Weingut Schätzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

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

Visit and Tasting at Weingut Am Stein Ludwig Knoll in Würzburg, Franken - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching in Iphofen in Franken with General Manager Uwe Matheus– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

Château Bel Air La Royère is a brilliant small producer belonging to the so called “petits-châteaux” in the Bordelais. The wines are different in style, character and identity from most other Bordeaux wines. This stems from old Malbec vines of that old high quality low yield clone. In 2003 Xavier and Corinne Loriaud bought the small, rundown Château on the Right Bank of the Gironde estuary in the back yard of Blaye just opposite Pauillac. The château came with a vineyard of 70 year old Malbec vines. The Loriauds did not rip out the vines like so many others, instead they focused on this traditional old Bordeaux grape varietal. With Argentina's great Malbec qualities, and in times of a drastic climate change the grape variety has been attracting renewed attention. Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud, a winemaker in her own rights surrounded herself with women following the departure of her husband in 2009, who went into politics to become a deputy in the Department of the Gironde. To build up and secure her new existence she boldly reduced the vineyard size from 50 to 30 acres and ambitiously continued her work since 2009. Today she belongs to the original and distinctive Bordeaux of a new generation, which has been receiving a tremendous response in the French press.

Corinne Loriaud was our host. We spent a considerable amount of time in the vineyard with her before tasting her wines with her.

Pictures: Arriving

A Family Passion

Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud: Originating from Charente, and a producer of cognac. The Chevrier-Loriaud family, a fourth generation wine family fell in love with this ancient property during the year 1992 in Gironde. In restoring this vineyard to its original glory, an elegant wine was born. Dynamic in taste, going from strength to strength to become the spirit of innovation and quality of Bel-Air La Royère. Reflecting the evolving style, and definitive regional touch of Blaye. These wines pays homage to a remarkably skilled family.

The Malbec is an ancient grape variety which from its humble beginnings has become the perfect vine to create a truly remarkable wine. This Malbec highlights the Château since 1995, it enriches the blend with spicy notes and deep subtle flavours.

Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud built her vineyard with a skilled team comprised entirely of women working the vines just as she did in the wine house. Whilst at the same time, continually on the hunt for soil types that work perfectly with the Merlot-Malbec blend to provide a wine bursting in finesse and her touch of savoir-faire.

Pictures: In the Vineyard with Corinne Loriaud

In the Search of Excellence

Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud; We are a small winemaking team on 12 hectares. Always close to our vines, our wines and our customers.

We have been in the business of environmentally friendly and sustainable farming for many years in order to keep our soils durable and to support our flourishing grapevines. Additionally, we are looking above all else to provide products that reflect our land’s unique quality.

Our size allows us to innovate every year and experiment with new techniques in order to obtain wines of the highest quality.

Our ambition allows us to grow internationally.

Pictures: Tasting with Corinne Loriaud

Rediscovering Malbec

Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud: Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud, winemaker since 1992 highlights the Malbec grape in creating the Merlot-Malbec blend.

Every step in the process of working the vine is important, after the size, wedging, folding, cutting the unneeded branches, raising the branches, topping and trimming, thinning out the leaves, the grapes are now ready for harvesting. All the grapes on our aged vines are harvested by hand in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the vine.

In our cellars and after the destemming, we manually sort the harvest. We adapt to the vintage and our soil for the rest of the winemaking process. The aging process is done in barrels, different coopers are then selected following the harvest.

With each vintage being different, we are constantly adapting to emphasise our personality in the wine.

The Wines we Tasted

2017 Château Bel Air La Royère, Justin Malbec, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

100% Malbec young vines
Euro 8.50


2017 Château Bel Air La Royère, Goumandise de Bel-Air La Royère, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

Goumandise de Bel-Air La Royère

Parmi nos trois vins rouges, Gourmandise apparaît comme notre très belle entrée de gamme.

Un vin qui ne s'appelle pas Gourmandise par hasard‪… Tout en douceur avec son 100 % merlot, il vous surprendra par ses notes fruitées et sa rondeur.

Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter ses belles critiques :

- "Gourmandises de Bel-Air La Royère 2015 se livre avec timidité, avec une reduction encore marquée. La bouche, légère et friande, en fera un vin de plaisir immédiat". Le guide des meilleures vins de France, par la Revue du Vins de France, 2018.

Euro 9.50


2017 Château Bel Air La Royère, L'Esprit de Bel-Air La Royère, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

L'Esprit de Bel-Air La Royère

L'Esprit de Bel-Air la Royère est notre second vin. Son assemblage se compose de 90 % de merlot, 5 % de malbec et 5 % de cabernet sauvignon.

Nous somme fiers de vous présenter ses nombreuses médailles et belles critiques :

- Médaille d'or au concours mondiale des Féminalises 2017

- Médaille d'argent au concours Elle à Table 2016

- Médaille d'argent au concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine 2017

- Médaille d'argent au concours de Lyon 2017

- "Le nez est fruité et légèrement concentré. On y retrouve des notes de fraise et de fruits noirs associées à quelques notes épicées". Par le magazine Vert De Vin.

Euro 15.50


2017 Château Bel Air La Royère, Château Bel-Air La Royère, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

Le Château Bel-Air La Royère est notre grand vin. Son assemblage est composé de 65 % de merlot et 35 % de malbec.

Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter ses belles critiques :

- "Matière très veloutée, tanins fins". Obtient la note de 17/20, par le sommelier Jean-Michel Deluc.

- "Au nez, un élégant boisé toasté et chocolaté accompagne les fruits mûrs, rafraîchis par des notes mentholées. On retrouve tout cela dans une bouche puissante, ample et riche". Par le Guide Hachette des Vins 2018.

- "Incontestablement le plus grand vin de l'appelation Blaye dégusté dans ce millésime. Coloré, amplement fruité, sans aucune trace de bois, il décline en finale des notes minérales et de graphite. Superbe!". Obtient la note de 17/20, par Philippe Maurange, la Revue du Vin de France.

Euro 15.50


2017 Château Bel Air La Royère, Fig. 10, Malbec, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux


2017 Château Bel Air La Royère, Château Bel-Air La Royère, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

Le Blanc de Bel-Air La Royère

Unique blanc du Château, c'est un 100 % sauvignon blanc.

Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter ses belles critiques :

- "J'ai choisi leur vin blanc uniquement sur le cépage sauvignon, sur le millésime solaire 2015 que l'on retrouve avec un éléevage précis de 9 mois en barrique. Ce qui lui confère une note briochée ou s'entremêlent agrumes et exotisme." Par David Marras, jeune sommelier du restaurant doublement étoilé Les Cèdres.

- "Il affiche pourtant un profil à part, avec des saveurs de fruits blancs à noyau. Bouche trés séduisante, charnue et grasse. L'un des plus gourmands et un rapport qualité/prix remarquable". Obient la note de 16/20 dans le palmarés des meilleurs blancs 2015, par la Revue du Vin de France.

Euro 15.50


Bye-bye

Many thanks Corinne for a great vineyard walk and tasting.

Pictures: Bye-bye

Drive Back to Bordeaux City

We took a boat ride across the Gironde. We got the ferry in the historic quaint little town of Blaye to go from the left bank to the right bank. It was impressive to actually see and feel the Gironde, this huge body of water so important for the micro-climate of the famous Médoc wine area.

Pictures: Boat Ride Across the Gironde

Back at Grand Hôtel Français in Bordeaux City

Picture: Back in Bordeaux City

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

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

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures:Oysters in Bordeaux: Visiting the Oyster Farmer Raphael Doerfler and his Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm in Grand Piquey/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

About an hour away by car from Bordeaux City is the Bassin d'Arcachon. The Bassin d’Arcachon is one of the most beautiful regions in France. This region is a perfect mix of the earthy traditions of the Landes region and the seaside joys of the Atlantic coast of France. It has a special atmosphere with stunning landscapes and culinary traditions.

We started the day in Bordeaux City. After breakfast and checking-out it took us about an hour to Grand-Piquey at the Bassin d’Arcachon, where we visited the Earl Ostrea Chanca oyster farm of Ralph Doerfler. Ralph took us through the process of growing oysters at the Bassin d'Arcachon, before sitting down with us and tasting his oysters.

We left Grand-Piquey around noon to drive to Cap Ferret, where we had lunch at Pinasse Café, with a gorgeous view over the bay, the oyster farms and the village of Arcachon and the Dunes de Pilat, the largest in Europe, in the distance.

The Bassin d'Arcachon

The Bassin d'Arcachon is a bay of the Atlantic Ocean on the southwest coast of France, located just a few kilometres away from Bordeaux. The bay covers an area of 150 km² at high tide and 40 km² at low tide. Just south of the entrance is the Great Dune of Pyla. Nearly in the middle of the bay is a very particular island: L'île aux Oiseaux (Isle of the Birds).

Cap Ferret is a narrow strip of land between the Bay of Arcachon and the Atlantic Ocean where numerous no frills wooden oyster shacks line the beach (cabanes de pecheurs). The menu simply lists different kinds of oysters and their prices. It’s here that a large part of France’s 130,000-ton oyster harvest is produced. Cap Ferret is a fishing village with numerous oyster and seafood places.

Pictures: The Bassin d'Arcachon

Raphael Doerfler, Earl Ostrea Chanca

We visited Raphael Doerfler in Grand Piquey. He explained to us his oyster farming operation, followed by an oyster tasting.

Raphael Doerfler
Earl Ostrea Chanca
Cabane 22
54 allee du Grand piquey
33950 Lege Cap-Ferret
ostreachanca@orange.fr

Pictures: Earl Ostrea Chanca, Cabane 22, 54 allee du Grand piquey, 33950 Lege Cap-Ferret

Oysters in the World

I distinguish 4 types of oysters.

The Pacific

Originally from Japan, the Pacific or Japanese oyster is the most widely cultured oyster in the world. It accounts for 75% of world production. In France, it has crowded out the Belon and now accounts for 99% of oyster production there. Gone are the days of the Belon in Paris. The Pacific oysters are marketed under a variety of names, often denoting their growing area. The Kumamoto is one of the most famous Pacific oysters. I tend to think of a Pacific oyster as a creamy oyster, with a mineral note.

Pictures: Arriving

The Olympia

The Olympia is a very small oyster seldom exceeding 2 inches. For comparison, in Massachusetts, oysters must be a minimum of 3 inches to be sold. Olympia is a native American oyster, which once flourished on the West Coast, before the Pacific took over. Olympias are hard to find today as they grow very slowly and are difficult to transport. They hold very little liquid and dry out quickly. The Olympia has a very full flavor with a distinct aftertaste.

The Atlantic

Another American native, there are many varieties of Atlantic oysters, such as the Malpeque from Prince Edward Island in Canada and the Blue Point from Long Island in New York State. Bluepoints were originally named for Blue Point, Long Island but now the term is generally applied to any Atlantic oyster two four inches long. These two are now the most common restaurant oysters in the US. Also called Eastern oyster, the Atlantic has a thick, elongated shell that ranges from 2 to 5 inches across. It's found along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico in the US.

The Belon

The Belon, or European Flat, is Europe’s native oyster. The Belons are round and shallow. That’s why they are called Flats. They are also not very liquid and dry out fast. They have a long history. They used to grow in Brittany, Normandy, England, Spain, Holland, Greece and the Black See. But a disease is wiping them out worldwide. The Flats from the Belon river in Brittany were at some point the connoisseur’s top choice and the name was soon adopted by all oyster growers, a bit like the Blue Points from Long Island. The Belon oyster grows in limited quantity in Maine on the rocks of the Damariscotta river bed.

See:
Schiller's World of Seafood
Oysters and Wine

Pictures: Touring Raphael Doerfler's Oyster Farm

An Oyster’s Life Story

Raphael Doerfler explained to us in detail how an oyster is produced. The World of Oysters Blog has a nice write-up of this subject (on November29, 2006), which I am copying.

“Hello, my name is Fine de Claire. I was born in the estuary of the Seudre on the Atlantic coast. I never knew my parents. My friends explained, that they don’t know their parents either. Now I know why: my mother ejected millions of eggs in the water, my father millions of sperms; one egg and one sperm found together and I’m the result of that meeting. I understand that my parents couldn’t manage raising so many children. After a few months my foster-father found me in the cold water and decided to pick me up.

Pictures: At the Bassin d'Arcachon

He put me in a net with others of my size and he laid us down on benches in the sea. Every time the tide was going out I was out of water during a few hours. Then the water came back and I filtered the fresh water in my gills so that I could catch plankton. In one hour I was able to filter up to 5 liters. At my first birthday I developed the ability to produce sperms on my own. In May, June, Jule and August, when the temperature of the water had risen I ejected my sperms in the hope they would conquer the eggs of the nice looking female next to me. In my second year on the bench I experienced a weird transformation. I became a female and my darling became a male. This change of sexes was possible because we are Hermaphrodites and we adept to the circumstances of our environment. That means, if we could capture sufficiently plankton so we have the energy to produce eggs we become women. Otherwise we are forced to be man. In my third year my foster-father came back to collect me and my friends. He said, that we had grown enough (8-14 cm long) and that we would receive a purification in another location. I asked myself why, because we felt very well in the brackish water and I still wanted to father many descendants with my partner(s) during the next 20 or 30 summers that we were still supposed to live. Against our will, we were placed into basins that had been dug out artificially and that were filled constantly with a mixture of sea and freshwater. There I became green because of a special alga that was in the water. After a few weeks we were taken out of the nets and put into different boxes according to our size. During the next days everything went very fast. We were washed and brushed, put into baskets, made a journey in a truck, and arrived at the market of La Rochelle. I became thirsty because I was out of water since 2 days. Finally 3 young boys came and chose me and 11 friends of mine.”

Pictures: Oyster Tasting

Oysters in France

99% of all oysters produced in France today are Pacific oysters, referred to in the French market as "Huître creuse" or simply as "Creuses". Another colloquial name for the Pacific oyster is "Japonaise". The Belon oyster, the classic oyster of France, which is hard to find, is called "Huître plate" or simply "Plate". The French oyster business traditionally starts booming between Christmas and New Year's Day. About 50% of the annual oyster production is consumed during this time.

From North to South there are seven distinct growing regions in France: Normandy, North-Brittany, South-Brittany, West-Central, Marennes-Oléron, Arcachon, and the Mediterranean. Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters.

L'Affinage en Claires

The Bassin de Marennes-Oléron in the Poitou-Charentes region has been famed for its oyster production since Roman times, thanks in large part to the claire oysters, reared in the shallow claires (oyster beds) set in to the coastline, which allows a more rounded mineral flavor to develop.

More than 80% of all the "claire refined" oysters in France come from the Bassin de Marennes-Oléron. Oysters that have not spent any time in claires are called huîtres de parc (park oysters). They originate directly from the growing areas right by the ocean. These oysters have a typical ocean flavor, which many oyster lovers simply love.

The claire refined oysters have not only spent a varying amount of time in claires, but also in varying oyster population densities. The shallow brackish water in these claires is very rich in phytoplankton, microscopic algae, the favorite food of oysters. The shallow brackish water also changes the "oceany" taste of the typical park oysters over by the sea to a more sweetish, aromatic, and rich flavor.

Oysters that were cared for in claires have special names. There are four varieties: pousses en claire, which are grown entirely in the claires from naissins (new-borns), and - in descending price order - fines de claires vertes, spéciales de claires and fines de claires, which are all matured in the claires for varying times.

Fines de claires have been refined for about a month in claires; about 30 to 40 oysters will share a space of one square meter.

Spéciales de claires have spent about two to four months in claires; only about 5 to 10 oysters share an area of one square meter.

Fines de claires vertes come into contact with navicule bleue algae, which give the oyster’s yellow gills their distinctive green tint.

Pictures: Shucking Oysters with Raphael during a Previous Visit

Bassin d' Arcachon and Oysters

The Arcachon basin produced wild oysters in ancient times. Today it has become an important breeding center, supplying spats (oyster larvae) to most of France's oyster-farming basins. Thus, the oyster industry of Arcachon is two-fold: growing oysters for the market and growing seed oysters for oyster growers elsewhere. The Arcachon basin and Marennes-Oléron region are the only regions in France where oysters reproduce naturally – in all other areas, young oysters are brought in from these two regions.

The flavors of oysters found around Arcachon range from the aroma of fresh vegetables and citrus fruit of Cap-Ferret oysters, to the rather sweet milkiness of those from the Arguin sandbank, to the vegetal/mineral tang of those from the Ile aux Oiseaux.

Those from the Ile aux Oiseaux owe their reputation to the plankton they consume during their fattening phase and to their greenish color acquired in claires, as in Marennes-Oléron.

Generally, many growers of Arcachon improve their oysters in a form of claire, which serves to cleanse the oysters of any impurities and keep them fresh.

Oyster Banks

Usually, at some point of the our visit of the Bassin d'Arcachon, we have a nice view of the oyster banks and can even go there when the water has receded sufficiently. This year, unfortunately, we did not really see the oyster banks, neither when we visited Raphael Doerfler in Grand Piquey nor a couple of hours later during lunch at the Pinasse Café.

Pictures: At the Oyster Banks during a Previous Visit

Bye-bye

Many thanks Raphael for a great tour and tasting.

Picture: Annette Schiller with Raphael Doerfler and his Parents during a Previous Visit

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

Oysters in Bordeaux: Visiting the Oyster Farmer Raphael Doerfler and his Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm in Grand Piquey/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France Tour and Tasting at Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm, with Oyster Farmer Ralph Doerfler

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

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret

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

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

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 was released in November 2019.

31 winemakers are in the 5/5 stars group. They are listed below.

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

Picture: Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2020 (Photo: Falstaff)

Series of Posting

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

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

AHR

Meyer-Näkel

Weingut Meyer-Näkel
19 hectares
75% Spätburgunder

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

Jean Stodden

Weingut Jean Stodden
7 hectares
88% Spätburgunder

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

BADEN

Dr. Heger

Weingut Dr. Heger
26 hectares
30% Spätburgunder, 30% Grauburgunder

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

Berhard Huber

Weingut Bernhard Huber
28 hectares
65% Spätburgnder

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

Salwey

Weingut Salwey
41 hectares
40% Spätburgunder, 40% Grauburgunder

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

Ziereisen

Weingut Ziereisen
16 hectares
45% Spätburgunder, 25% Gutedel

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

FRANKEN

Rudolf Fürst

Weingut Rudolf Fürst
21 hectares
45% Spätburgunder, 18% Riesling

Pictures:Paul Fürst, Annette Schiller, Sebastian Fürst and Christian Schiller at Weingut Rudolf Fürst. See: Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Picture: Joel B. Payne and Sebastian Fürst at the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Award Ceremony. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

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

Horst Sauer

Weingut Horst Sauer
18 hectares
40% Silvaner, 20% Müller-Thurgau

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

MOSEL

Clemens Busch

Weingut Clemens Busch
16 hectares
99% Riesling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schloss Lieser

Weingut Schloss Lieser (Thomas Haag)
17 hectares
100% Riesling

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

Picture: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, and Christian Schiller in Mainz. See: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015

Picture: Annette Schiller, Thomas Haag with his Son (Weingut Schloss Lieser) and Stephen Bitterolf at the 2017 Rieslingfeier in NYC. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Dr. Loosen

Weingut Dr. Loosen
22 hectares
98% Riesling

Pictures: Ernst Loosen and Annette and Christian Schiller in Washington DC. See: The Dry and Ultra-premium Dry GG and GG Reserve Rieslings of Weingut Dr. Loosen – Ernie Loosen in Washington DC

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

Markus Molitor

Weingut Markus Molitor
60 hectares
92% Riesling

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

C. von Schubert – Maximin Grünhaus

Maximin Grünhaus Schlosskellerei C. von Schubert
31 hectares
90% Riesling

Picture: Carl von Schubert from the Maximin Gruenhaus Estate Returned a Favor: With his Wines in Washington DC (and in Seattle), USA


Pictures: Cellar Visit, Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Maximin Grünhaus in Mertersdorf, Ruwer, with Owner Dr. Carl von Schubert – Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTour

Van Volxem

Weingut Van Volxem
76 hectares
96% Riesling

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

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

Diel

Schlossgut Diel
26 hectares
60% Riesling

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


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

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

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

Dönnhoff

Weingut Dönnhoff
26 hectares
80% Riesling

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

Picture: Annette Schiller, Helmut Dönnhoff and daughter Christina Dönnhoff (Weingut Dönnhoff) and Didier Cuevlier (Chateau Leoville Poyferre) at Weingut Dr. Robert Weil

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

Pfalz

Friedrich Becker

Weingut Friderich Becker
22 hectares
60% Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chradonnay, 22% Riesling

Wine Tasting at Weingut Friedrich Becker– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Von Buhl

Weingut Reichrat von Buhl
62 hectares
88% Riesling

Pictures:Impressive Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Reichsrat von Buhl in Deidesheim, Pfalz, with Richard Grosche - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

Knipser

Weingut Knipser
56 hectares
28% Spätburgunder, 20% Riesling, 9% Merlot, 8% Chardonnay

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

Von Winning

Weingut von Winning
44 hectares
80% Riesling

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut von Winning in Deidesheim, Pfalz– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Georg Breuer

Weingut Georg Breuer
35 hectares
85% Riesling

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

Chat Sauvage

Weingut Chat Sauvage
9 hectares
70% Pinot Noir

Pictures: Bourgogne in Riesling Land: Tasting at Chat Sauvage in Johannisberg, Rheingau, with Winemaker Michael Städter– Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Peter Jakob Kühn

Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn
20 hectares
90% Risling

Picture: Christian Schiller and Peter Jakob Kühn in Kiedrich, Rheingau, see: Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

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

Künstler

Weingut Künstler
36 hectares
85& Riesling

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Gunter Kuenstler at Schloss Johnnisberg. Weingut Kuenstler was founded by my the late Franz Kuenstler. We were both founding members of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim: The Wines of Franz Kuenstler from Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany

Pictures: At Weingut Künstler in Hochheim am Main, Rheingau, with Stefan Traub. See:Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Künstler– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Picture: Annette Schiller and Gunter Künstler. See: VDP.Rheingau Invited to a Pre-release Presentation of the 2017 Grosses Gewächs (GG) Wines

Robert Weil

Weingut Robert Weil
90 hectares
100% Riesling

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

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller with Wilhelm Weil at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich

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

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

Gunderloch

Weingut Gunderloch
14 hectares
80% Riesling

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim with the Parents of Johannes Hasslebach, Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger and the late Fritz Hasselbach. See: Wine Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, with Owners and Winemaker Fritz Hasselbach and Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Celebrating at Weingut Gunderloch, with Paul Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Jochen Becker-Köhn, Weingut Robert Weil and Roy Metzdorf, Owner of the Legendary Winebar Weinstein in Berlin. See: Anniversary Celebration: 125 Years Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, Rheinhessen, Germany

Picture: Annette Schiller, Max von Kunow, Johannes Hasselbach, Alwin Jurtschitsch and Christian G.E. Schiller at BToo in Washington DC. See: Weingut Gunderloch – The New Generation: Owner Johannes Hasselbach in Washington DC, US

Kühling-Gillot

Weingut Kühling-Gillot
15 hectares
60% Riesling, 25% Spätburgnder

Pictures: Tasting with Carolin Spanier-Gillot, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot, in Hohen-Sülzen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

About an hour away by car from Bordeaux City is the Bassin d'Arcachon. The Bassin d’Arcachon is one of the most beautiful regions in France. This region is a perfect mix of the earthy traditions of the Landes region and the seaside joys of the Atlantic coast of France. It has a special atmosphere with stunning landscapes and culinary traditions.

On the Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours, we always spent one day at the Bassin d'Arcachon. Our favorite place for lunch is Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret, with a gorgeous view over the bay, the oyster farms and the village of Arcachon and the Dunes de Pilat, the largest in Europe, in the distance. If we are lucky - this time we were not lucky - during lunch you can watch the water recede and the oyster banks emerge.

The Bassin d'Arcachon

The Bassin d'Arcachon is a bay of the Atlantic Ocean on the southwest coast of France, located just a few kilometres away from Bordeaux. The bay covers an area of 150 km² at high tide and 40 km² at low tide. Just south of the entrance is the Great Dune of Pyla. Nearly in the middle of the bay is a very particular island: L'île aux Oiseaux (Isle of the Birds).

Cap Ferret is a narrow strip of land between the Bay of Arcachon and the Atlantic Ocean where numerous no frills wooden oyster shacks line the beach (cabanes de pecheurs). The menu simply lists different kinds of oysters and their prices. It’s here that a large part of France’s 130,000-ton oyster harvest is produced. Cap Ferret is a fishing village with numerous oyster and seafood places.

Pictures: The Bassin d'Arcachon

Lunch at Pinasse Café

2 B avenue de l Ocean | Cap Ferret, 33970, Lege-Cap-Ferret, France

A "pinasse" describes a small sail boat design which served French oystermen for centuries as an important work boat. They were about 20 to 30 feet long, narrow, flat bottomed, with a round stern, usually equipped with one mast (occasionally also two), no jib, a center board at times and a rudder, with plenty carrying capacity for oysters. If the oystermen happened to get stuck in a prolonged wind lull, they could return to shore by paddle.

Pictures: Lunch at Pinasse Café

Oyster Banks in Front of the Pinasse Café

From the Pinasse Café you often have a good view of the oyster banks in front of Pinasse Café. You can even go there when the water recedes.

Pictures: At the Oyster Banks

Restaurant Chez Hortense

With the group, we always have lunch at Pinasse Café, for a number of reasons, including the more central location and the view of the oyster banks. Another fine seafood place is Restaurant Chez Hortense, closer to the tip of Cap Ferret.

Avenue du Semaphore, 33950, Lege-Cap-Ferret, France

Picture: Lunch at Chez Hortense in Cap Ferret, with 4th Generation Owner Bernadette Lescarret

Paris Match: Face à eux, les plus belles vues : l’île aux Oiseaux, le banc d’Arguin, la dune du Pilat. Et, pour lieu de rendez-vous, Chez Hortense, une institution. On n’y respire pas seulement l’iode mais aussi l’Histoire. Au départ, il y eut Hortense Lescarret, qui ouvrit l’établissement à la fin de la Première Guerre mondiale. Depuis, quatre générations se sont succédé, dont la dernière représentante est Bernadette, sans aucun doute une des femmes les plus connues de la commune. Impossible de la louper, dans une robe à fleurs multicolore. Auprès d’elle, François et Olivier, ses deux fils, et Frédéric, son neveu. Midi et soir, la terrasse affiche complet. Les tables sont réservées dix jours à l’avance.

Pictures: At Chez Hortense

lexpress.com: Bernadette Lescarret, la patronne de Chez Hortense. Qui ne connaît pas Chez Hortense n'est pas... du bassin d'Arcachon ! Cette institution de Cap-Ferret a vu quatre générations d'habitués se succéder. Aux fourneaux, les troisième et quatrième générations des Crampé oeuvrent de concert : Bernadette Lescarret, 60 ans, ses fils François, 35 ans, en cuisine, et Olivier, 30 ans, en salle, ainsi que son neveu Frédéric, 40 ans. C'est en 1914 qu' Hortense Crampé (grand-mère de Bernadette) rachète avec son mari l'hôtel-restaurant de la pointe de Cap-Ferret. Attaqué par l'érosion, l'hôtel s'effondre en 1936. Pour rouvrir à quelques mètres de là deux ans plus tard. On y sert moules, huîtres rôties au foie gras et poissons grillés, dans une atmosphère familiale.

Pictures: Langoustines, Oysters on the Half Shell and Moules avec des Frites

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

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

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

Oysters in Bordeaux: Visiting the Oyster Farmer Raphael Doerfler and his Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm in Grand Piquey/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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

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

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

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Château Lafite Rothschild was the most prestigious estate we visited during the

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

The wine-searcher average price of the Château Lafite Rothschild2004, which we tasted during the tour, is US$ 822 (before taxes). We spent about 2 hours there.

Château Lafite Rothschild (Berry Bros. and Rudd)

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most renowned wine properties in the Médoc. Owned by Baron Eric de Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild is also one of the largest Médoc estates.

The vineyards of Ch. Lafite are found at the northern tip of the Pauillac appellation, just below the boundary with St. Estephe. There is evidence of an estate on this site as far back as the 14th century, and of exports of wine to the UK in the early 17th century. The current owners, the Rothschilds of the famous banking dynasty, bought the property in 1866, but this is a different brand of the family from that which purchased Ch. Mouton-Rothschild. For many years the Rothschilds’ control of Lafite was very much exercised at a distance, compared to the hands-on influence of Baron Philippe at Mouton, but since the Second World War this has changed somewhat, with the current owner, Eric de Rothschild, presiding over an extensive programme of investment in both vineyard and cellar.

With a base largely of gravel the vineyard is unsurprisingly dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (71%) with the balance comprising Merlot (25%) Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Grapes are hand-harvested, and vinified parcel by parcel. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, after which the wine is run off into barrels, 100% new for Lafite itself, a mixture of new and one-year-old barrels for the second wine.

The Grand Vin volume varies greatly according to the vintage, but is frequently less than half the total crop, and is usually no more than 20,000 cases. The second wine, Carruades de Lafite, has a slightly higher percentage of Merlot than Lafite and is in consequence more approachable in youth. Up to 30,000 cases are made. Wine deemed not worthy of inclusion in Carruades is sold off as generic Pauillac.

Throughout the 20th century Lafite was dogged by periods of inconsistency, often producing sublime wines but also failing to live up to its billing in other years. Since 1994, however the estate has been under the control of Charles Chevallier, and he has brought about not just an admirable level of consistency but has also been responsible for some truly brilliant wines often vying for the title of “Wine of the Vintage”.

In style the wines of Lafite are often described as having a perfumed elegance and finesse, to contrast with the more masculine power and structure of Latour or the more exotic and intense flavours of Mouton. What is sure, however, is that at its best it represents a hedonistic experience for the consumer, and has the ability to age, in great years, for minimally 50 years and often for longer.

Pictures: Arriving

Pictures: Introduction

Pictures: Getting Ready for the Harvest

Pictures: Tour of the Chai

Pictures: In the Barrel Cellar

Pictures: Tasting

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics

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

How Does the Negociant System in Bordeaux Work? Tour and Tasting at Millésima - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Morning at Château Canon La Gaffeliere in Saint Emilion with Owner Count Stefan von Neipperg, Bordeaux

Tour and Tasting at Château Belles-Graves, Appellation Lalande de Pomerol, with Sylvain Garoste, Maître de Chai (Cellar Master) - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Lunch at Restaurant La Table de Catusseau, Bib Gourmand in the Guide Michelin, in Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol, with Technical Director Marielle Cazaux - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Château Troplong-Mondot, Appellation Saint-Émilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Appellation Pomerol, with Dany Rolland and General Manager Benoit Prévot - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in St. Emilion, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Gazin, Appellation Pomerol, with Owner Nicolas de Bailliencourts - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Climens, Appellation Barsac-Sauternes, Première Grand Cru Classé, with Owner and Winemaker Bérénice Lurton and Chef à Domicile Florence Camaly - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Reynier, Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, with Owners/ Winemakers Marc Lurton and Agnès Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Plateau de Fruits de Mer in Blaye - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Vineyard Walk and Tasting in the Chai at Château Bel-Air La Royère, Appellation Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux, with Owner/ Winemaker Corinne Loriaud - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Oysters in Bordeaux: Visiting the Oyster Farmer Raphael Doerfler and his Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm in Grand Piquey/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Restaurants in Arcachon and Cap Ferret (Bassin d'Arcachon/ Bordeaux)

Lunch at Pinasse Café, Cap Ferret/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Blending Exercise at Château La Tour de Bessan, Margaux, Cru Bourgeois, with Owner/ Winemaker Marie-Laure Lurton - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France  

The 5 Premiers Grands Crus Chateaux en 1855 of Bordeaux, France

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafite-Rothschild, Appellation Pauillac, 1ière Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owners Basile Tesseron and Michel Tesseron

Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and Bottle) at Château Lafon-Rochet, 4ème Grand Cru Classé St-Estèphe, with Owner Basile Tesseron - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2018, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Phélan-Ségur, with General Manager Véronique Dausse and Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey

Tour and Tasting at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Appellation Pauillac, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Technical Director Jean-René Matignon

Wine-Pairing Lunch at Château Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017 France

Tour at Cooperage Berger & Fils with Simon Grelier, Managing Director

How a Barrel is Made: Visit of the Cooperage Berger & Fils in Vertheuil– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Sociando Mallet, Appellation Haut-Médoc

Tour and Tasting at Château Sociando Mallet, Appellation Haut-Médoc– Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Tour and Dinner at Château Le Reysse, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc, with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen

Tour, Barrel Tasting and Family Dinner with Stefan and Heike Paeffgen, Château Le Reysse and Château Lassus, Vignobles Paeffgen, Appellation Médoc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with Philippe Blanc, Managing Director

Tour and Tasting at Château Beychevelle, Appellation Saint-Julien, 4ième Grand Cru Classé, with General Manager Philippe Blanc - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

Tour and Lunch at Château Desmirail, Appellation Margaux, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, with Owner Denis Lurton

Tour and Tasting at Château Durfort-Vivens, Appellation Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château Durfort-Vivens, Appellation Margaux, 2ième Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Winery Tour and Dinner at Château Bouscaut, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Graves, with Owner Sophie Cogombles-Lurton and her Husband Laurent Cogombles