Wednesday, August 31, 2016

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

Pictures: Pike's Market in Seattle

I am not that frequently in Seattle, but from time to time I am. I already issued a posting about Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle: Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle, USA - An Update

Here are my favorite oyster bars and other seafood places in Seattle. The list is a mixture of own experiences, recommendations by others and finds in the internet that I still have to check out.

Schiller's Favorite Oyster Bars and Seafood Places in Seattle

Taylor Shellfish on Melrose Market
1521 Melrose Ave. (Capitol Hill)

“We liken ourselves to a Shellfish Deli. Groceries to go, Oysters on the half shell in house. Tables a first come, first service. Happy hours on weekdays offer half shell oysters at a discount.

Picture: Taylor Shellfish on Melrose Market

Taylor Shellfish in Lower Queen Anne
124 Republican St
Between N Warren Ave & N 1st Ave

Taylor Shellfish at Pioneer Square
410 Occidental Ave S
b/t King St & Jackson St

The Brooklyn
1212 2nd Avenue

The epitome of a classic, old-school steak and seafood house. The Brooklyn has stood the test of time attracting business folk from the financial district with its martinis, oyster happy hour and big ol' steaks and salmon filets. The Brooklyn wears its checkered floor and copper worn-torn bar as a badge of courage. If you’ve already got your tie on, and your seats are saved across the street at Benaroya Hall, The Brooklyn’s cheap drinks and snacks are on your radar.

Picture: The Brooklyn

Elliots Oyster Bar
1201 Alaskan Way Pier 56

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

Elliott’s happy hour runs from 3pm-6pm every Monday-Friday. The best deal in the house are the freshly shucked oysters on the half-shell. The earlier you get to Elliott’s the better. That’s because it’s a ‘progressive’ oyster happy hour. Oysters are just $.75 apiece from 3pm-4pm, $1.25 each from 4pm-5pm, and then $1.75 each from 5pm-6pm.

Pictures: At Elliott’s Oyster House in Seattle

Anthony's Pier 66
2201 Alaskan Way Pier 66

Anthony’s Restaurants is a family of unique restaurants located throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our locally owned company traces its history to 1969 when founder, Budd Gould opened his first restaurant in Bellevue, Washington.

Picture: Anthony's Pier 66

Ivar’s Acres of Clams
1001 Alaskan Way Pier 54

Ivar’s Original Acres of Clams at Pier 54 has been a beloved Seattle tradition since 1938. The original recipie for its well known Clam Cowder was seveloped in 1938. Below average wine list.

Picture: Ivar's Acres of Clams

Lowell's
Pike Market

A Pike Market institution - rustic atmosphere overlooking the water. In the early 1900′s Lowell’s was a combination of coffee roaster, peanut roaster and cafeteria that served the citizens of the Seattle when they visited the Pike Market to purchase fresh farm produce, seafood and dairy goods. The “flagship” Manning’s Cafeteria, then became Lowell’s in 1957, and has remained so ever since. On the first and third floors, you order first with the cashier/barista and then find a view seat and your food will follow you shortly. Opens at 7:00 am.

Picture: Lowell's

Athenian
Pike Market

Pike Place Market insiders and tourists alike frequent this “funky” institution (which started as a bakery in 1909) for its “affordable”, “genuine taste” of “old blue-collar Seattle” American breakfasts and seafood, served by “colorful” staffers in an “unmatched” spot to “watch the market wake up”; there’s no dinner, but the second-floor booths have “wonderful views” of “ships and ferries coming and going” in Elliott Bay.

Picture: Athenian

The Walrus and the Carpenter (Ballard)
4743 Ballard Avenue

Oyster chic and small plate stand-outs. No one had yet created as perfect a frame for Puget Sound bivalves as Renee Erickson (along with co-owners Jeremy Price and Chad Dale) has with The Walrus and the Carpenter, where the oysters are gathered by the bushel into icy wire baskets on the bar. Light and airy, with a hint of midcentury French industry, the Walrus is a raucous gathering place, a cocktail joint par excellence and a place to down local oysters like you’ve never done before.

Ray's Boathouse
6049 Seaview Ave NW (Ballard)

Famous German winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, went there with his crew, the night before the 4th Riesling Rendezvous.

Picture: At Ray's Boathouse

Schiller’ Favorites

Here is a complete list of Schiller's Favorites:

Europe

Germany

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Würzburg, Franken, Germany
Schiller’s Favorites: 2 Legendary Wine Taverns in Würzburg – Juliusspital and Bürgerspital
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and Wine Taverns in Freiburg, Baden, Germany
Schiller's Favorites: Frankfurt Apple Wine Taverns that Make their own Apple Wine
Schiller's Favorite Winemakers in Sachsen (Saxony), Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Winemakers in the Saale-Unstrut Region, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Trier, Germany
Schiller's Favorite (Wine-) Restaurants in Deidesheim in the Pfalz, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Berlin, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Frankfurt am Main, 2013, Germany
Schiller's Favorite Apple Wine Taverns in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

France

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne
Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne, France (2015)
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France
Schiller’s Favorite Restaurants, Brasseries, Bistros, Cafes and Wine Bars in Paris, France
Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France, 2014
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in St. Emilion, France
Schiller’s Favorite Restaurants, Brasseries, Bistros, Cafes and Wine Bars in Paris, 2012 France
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux (City) (2012), France

UK, Spain, Austria, Hungary

Schiller's Favorite Winebars in London, UK
Schiller’s Favorite Tapas Bars in Logroño in La Rioja, Spain
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in London, 2012, UK
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Wine Spots in Vienna, Austria
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Budapest, Hungary
Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria (2011)

USA

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle, USA - An Update
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Austin, Texas, USA
Riesling Crawl in New York City – Or, Where to Buy German Wine in Manhattan: Schiller's Favorite Wine Stores, USA
Schiller's Favorite Oyster Bars and Seafood Places in Seattle, USA (2013)
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle, USA (2013)
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Washington DC, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Crab Houses in the Washington DC Region, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, 2012, USA
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Charleston, South Carolina, USA (2013)
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in San Francisco, USA
Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Places Where You Can Have a Glass of Wine in Healdsburg, California

Asia

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Singapore
Schiller s Favorite Winebars in Beijing, 2014, China

Africa

Schiller's Favorite Wines of Madagascar
Schiller’s 12 Favorite Restaurants of Antananarivo, the Capital of Madagascar

Monday, August 29, 2016

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey­ Duresses, Côte de Beaune - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Picture: Annette Schiller and Michel Prunier, Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey­ Duresses

We visited Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey­ Duresses. Michel Prunier and his wife were our hosts. They gave us a cellar tour and a tasting.

Pictures: Arriving at Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey­ Duresses, Côte de Beaune

Auxey-Duresses

The tiny village of Auxey­ Duresses sits at the juncture of the red wine terroirs of Volnay and Pommard and the white wine terroir of Meursault. It is one of the lesser known communes. The Auxey­ Duresses wines provide a very good price­quality ratio.

Ola Bergman: Up in the valley behind Monthélie and Meursault is Auxey-Duresses, a village struggling against both the English-speaking world’s inability to pronounce the name and its location off the beaten track on the Cote d’Or. … Auxey-Duresses is a charming little village with some 350 inhabitants. The houses are tightly squeezed together along the main road. There are a total of 25 winegrowers in the village; most of them bottle themselves, but some sell their wine to négociants.

On the northern side the “Les Duresses” vineyard is split between Auxey-Duresses and Monthélie. It is also at this side of the village where you find the nine premier crus grouped together – “Les Duresses”, “Clos du Val”, “Climat du Val”, “Les Bréterins”, “La Chapelle”, “Reugne”, “Bas des Duresses”, “Les Grands-Champs” and “Les Ecusseaux” – with “Clos du Val” being the one generally rated highest. There are only two domaines offering this wine – Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille and Domaine Prunier-Damy.

Pictures: Cellar Tour at Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey­ Duresses, Côte de Beaune

Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille

The Prunier family has been making wine in Auxey­ Duresses for over 4 generations. The Domaine Michel Prunier however was founded by Michel Prunier and his wife Michèle with 2 hectares of vineyards in 1968.

Today, the domaine has 12 hectares and is run by Michel Prunier, his wife Michèle and daughter Estelle. Estelle Prunier studied viticulture and after graduating in 2002 she worked in Bordeaux and Australia to gain experience. In 2014 she came home to work with her parents.

Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille sells 40% of its production to a negociant about 3 months after the harvest. Of the remainder, 40% is exported, 40% is sold in France and 20% is sold at the premise.

Ola Bergman: The flagship of the domaine is the Auxey-Duresses "Clos du Val". This premier cru is situated between the "Climat du Val" and "Les Bréterins", facing south. Only two wine-growers offer this wine – Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille and Domaine Prunier-Damy. The annual production is only 5800 bottles.

Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille also offers a straight Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru. It is a blend of three parcels – "Climat du Val", "Bas des Duresses" and "Les Grands Champs". "Climat du Val" and "Bas des Duresses" are at opposite ends of the premier cru area in Auxey-Duresses. "Bas des Duresses" is on the border to Monthélie while "Climat du Val" is at the western end". "Les Grands Champs" is a long strip of land alongside the main road, just below "Les Brétins", "La Chapelle" and "Reugne".

There is also an Auxey-Duresses village, as well as village reds from both Chorey-lès-Beaune (both Chorey tout court and Les Beaumonts) and Pommard (Les Vignots). Outside the village there are another two premier crus – Beaune, "Les Sizies" and Volnay, "Les Caillerets". The red portfolio is completed with a Côtes de Beaune-Villages together with the generics Bourgogne Pinot Noir and Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune.

The whites are not as many; two generics – Bourgogne Aligoté and Bourgogne Chardonnay – to start with, followed by two Auxey-Duresses village (one of which is a vieilles vignes) and a Meursault, Les Clous.

And since Michel Prunier studied in Champagne there is also a sparkling wine, a Crémant de Bourgogne made from 50 percent chardonnay, 40 percent pinot noir and ten percent aligoté.

Pictures: Tasting at Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey­ Duresses, Côte de Beaune

The Wines we Tasted


2014 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille, Auxey-Duresses blanc


2014 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille, Meaursault Les Clous blanc, non-classified climat in Meaursault

2014 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille, Crémant de Bourgogne, 50 percent Chardonnay, 40 percent Pinot Noir and 10 percent Aligoté


2014 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille,Chorey-lès-Beaune Les Beaumonts rouge

2014 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille, Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru, rouge, blend of three parcels – "Climat du Val", "Bas des Duresses" and "Les Grands Champs".


2014 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille, Beaune, "Les Sizies" rouge


2013 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille, Volnay, "Les Caillerets" rouge


Lunch at La Crémaillère

Following the tour and tasting, we had lunch at La Crémaillère. In 2002 Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille expanded into the restaurant business and bought La Crémaillère across the street. Jean-Michel Vernochet is the chef there now. The cuisine is traditional with regional specialities.

Pictures: Lunch at La Crémaillère

Bye-bye

Thanks Michel for a great tour and tasting.

Picture: Bye-bye

Postings: Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Reims - Wine, Food, Culture and History (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Reims - Wine, Food, Culture and History

Dinner at a Bouchon - Chez Paul - in Lyon: Schiller’s Favorite Bouchons in Lyon, France

Introduction to the Burgundy Wine Region at Antic Wine in Lyon with Flying Sommelier Georges Dos Santos - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, Paul Bocuse’s Iconic Restaurant in Collonges­ au­ Mont­ d’Or, France - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

Vineyard Walk, Cellar Walk and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully­ Fuissé, Mâconnais, with Winemaker Audrey Braccini - Burgundy (and Champagne) 2016 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Visit and Tasting at Domaine Georges Descombes in Vermont, Villié­-Morgon, Beaujolais - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mercurey in Mercurey - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

At Domaine Theulot­-Juillot in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Nathalie Theulot - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château de Rully and Tasting of Domaine du Château de Rully Wines, with Count Raoul de Ternay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Michel Prunier & Fille in Auxey­ Duresses, Côte de Beaune, with Michel Prunier

Vineyard walk in Meursault with Karoline Knoth

Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny­ Montrachet, Côte de Beaune: Vineyard Walk and Cellar Tour with Olivier and Patrick Leflaive along with Sommelier Charles Devarennes

Wine Pairing Lunch at Restaurant La Table d’Olivier Leflaive in Puligny­ Montrachet

Visit of the Hospice de Beaune

Lunch at Brasserie le Carnot in Beaune

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, Côte de Beaune

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

An American in Burgundy: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Dublère in Savigny ­lès­ Beaune with Owner/ Winemaker Blair Pethel

Charcuterie and Cheese Paired with 12 Burgundy Wines at La Maison de Maurice in Beaune with Maurice Marle

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-­Saint­-George, Côte de Nuits

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jean­-Jacques Confuron in Prémeaux­-Prissey Côte de Nuits with Louis Meunier

Lunch at Restaurant La Cabotte in Nuits-­Saint-­George

Visit and Tasting at Domaine Thibault Liger­-Belair in Nuits­-Saint­-George with Thibault Liger-­Belair

Visit of Château du Clos de Vougeot

Where the Most Expensive Red Wines Come from: Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Anne Gros in Vosne­-Romanée, Côte de Nuits

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Guillon & Fils in Gevrey­-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits, with Jean-Michel Guillon

An Institution: Lunch at Restaurant Chez Guy in Gevrey­-Chambertin

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Armelle et Bernhard Rion in Vosne­-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Alice Rion

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

Wine Pairing Lunch, Cellar Visit, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jean­ Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis

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

Champagne – An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots 

Visit and Tasting at the Grower Champagne House Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé­ sur ­Seine, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin, his Wife and Sharona Tsubota

Cellar Visit and Tasting at the Champagner House AR Lenoble in Epernay, Champagne, with Export Manager Christian Holthausen

Cellar Visit and Tasting at the Champagner House Taittinger in Reims, Champagne

Lunch at Brasserie Flo in Reims 

Friday, August 26, 2016

5th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle: The German Winemakers

Picture: Group Photo of German Producers at the 5th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle

On July 17-19, 2016, Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington State and Weingut Dr. Loosen of Germany hosted the fifth Riesling Rendezvous at Chateau Ste. Michelle and Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle.

The posting focuses on the German winemakers and what they did over the course of the 2 ½ days. Basically, there were 3 major tastings and a series of workshops.

Here is a list of all related (already released and still forthcoming) postings:

5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State: Overview
5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State
International Tasting: Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State
International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State
The German Winemakers
Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle, USA - An Update
Schiller’s Favorite Oyster Bars in Seattle

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

The Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle is part of the so-called Riesling Coalition, encompassing 3 major Rieslings events in Germany (International Riesling Symposium), in the US (Riesling Rendezvous) and in Australia (Riesling Downunder). Following this year’s Riesling Rendezvous in the US, the Riesling Coalition caravan will travel to Germany for the next International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau in 2017, then to Australia for the 2018 Riesling Downunder and return to Seattle in 2019 for the 6. Riesling Rendezvous.

For the 2013 Riesling Rendezvous, see:
The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

For the 2014 International Riesling Symposium in Germany, see:
The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany  

“Riesling Rendezvous has grown into the largest event dedicated to Riesling in the United States,” says Ted Baseler, president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “We are extremely fortunate to have some of the most renowned Riesling winemakers in the world sharing their stellar wines to demonstrate the great attributes and diversity of Riesling.”

The symposium was attended by about 300 people, including such luminaries as Stuart Pigott and Stephan Reinhard (Robert Parker) from Germany and Paul Grieco and David Schildknecht from the US.

The pictures below are mostly mine, but I have also included a few pictures that were published on facebook by other participants.

Picture: Christian Schiller at the Riesling Rendezvous Grand Tasting

Picture: Stephan Reinhard and David Schildknecht

Picture: Ted Baseler, President, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen,  Bob Bertheau, Sr. Director of Winemaking, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Stuart Pigott, Eminent Riesling Authority

Picture: Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, H.O. Spanier, Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot, Cornelius Dönnhoff, Weingut Dönnhoff and Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag

Picture: Steffen Christmann, Hilke Nagel, Hansjörg Rebholz, Philipp Wittmann, Annette Siegrist of Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (Photo: Steffen Christmann)

Picture: Nicolas Pfaff, Export Director Weingut Robert Weil, Philipp Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann and Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath, Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag, Hansjörg Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Hilke Nagel, Managing Director of VDP, Steffen Christmann, Weingut Christmann and Daniel Hubbard, US Importer of Weingut Christmann. See also: The Focus on Dry German Riesling – Daniel Hubbard Presents the German DSWE Portfolio to the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter)

Picture: Selfie - Nicolas Pfaff, Weingut Robert Weil, Philipp Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann and Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath, Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Picture: Ernst Loosen, Thomas Loosen, Carl von Schubert, Desiree Schröder and Kirk Wille

Picture: H.O. Spanier and Cornelius Dönnhoff

Picture: Alsatian Team and Steffen Christmann, Cornelius Dönnhoff, Oliver Haag and Philipp Wittmann

Picture: German Winemakers - Cornelius Dönnhoff, Oliver Haag, Philipp Wittmann, Steffen Christmann and Wilhlem Weil

Picture: The German Team

Picture: Loosen Bros. USA Team

Picture: Loosen Bros. USA Team and H.O. Spanier, Steffen Christmann and Cornelius Dönnhoff

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US (mainly Washington State and Finger Lakes Region) with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares, respectively. Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine.

The German Producers

Ansgar Clüsserath

Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath, which is run by Eva Clüsserath, the wife of Philipp Wittmann, was represented by Philipp Wittmann and Daniel Hubbard.

Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath is a small (5 hectares) 3/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Mosel Valley.

First, the wines of Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath were poured at the 5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Daniel Hubbard.

Picture: Daniel Hubbard, Pouring the Wines of Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath at the 5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State

Second, the Ansgar Clüsserath, 2014 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling feinherb, Mosel, Germany, was presented at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Cellarhand: Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath in Trittenheim on the Mosel has been owned and operated by the family since its founding in 1670. But once again, it came to us through a CellarHand 'family' connection. In charge of winemaking these days is Ansgar Clüsserath’s daughter Eva, who happens to be married to 2014 Gault Millau Winemaker of the Year, Philipp Wittmann. Like Rheinhessen superstar Wittmann, Eva is a member of Germany’s new generation of winegrowers committed to traditional, ecologically sound viticultural practices as well as forward-looking methods.

Stephan Reinhardt: 92 points: The 2014 Piesporter Goldtröpchen Riesling Feinherb opens with a dusty/slatey bouquet intermixed with super clear and ripe Riesling, orange and red cassis flavors. Round, elegant and intense, with a nice creaminess and delicate tannins on the palate, this full-bodied, virtually dry and complex Goldtröpchen brings out the zesty/fruity character of the fresh red currant that which are so typical for the Goldtröpchen cru. This is an impressively intense and perfectly balanced fruit. A stunning and age-worthy wine!

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

Pictures: Ansgar Clüsserath, 2014 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling feinherb, Mosel, Germany and Owner Eva Clüsserath's Husband Philipp Wittmann

Balthasar Ress

Weingut Balthasar Ress only participated in the Grand Tasting, where Winemaker Dirk Würtz showed the wines of Weingut Balthasar Ress.

Weingut Balthasar Ress is a relatively large 3/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Rheingau. Dirk Würtz is the Technical Director of Weingut Balthasar Ress and well-known Wine Journalist and Blogger.

The wines of Weingut Balthasar Ress were poured only at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State

Picture: Dirk Würtz, Winemaker of Weingut Balthasar Ress, see also: Tasting at Weingut Balthasar Ress, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Stefan Ress, Germany

Battenfeld-Spanier

Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier and Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Rheinhessen are owned by the Winemaker Couple H. O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot. Both a gifted winemakers, but H.O. Spanier currently takes the lead at both estates. They are both 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producers.

The wines of Battenfeld-Spanier are available in the US through the import company of Lyle Fass. H.O. Spanier presented the wines.

First, the wines of Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier were poured at the 5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by H.O. Spanier.

Picture: H.O. Spanier of Weingut Battenfeld Spanier, see also: Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Second, the Battenfeld-Spanier, 2011, Frauenberg Riesling, GG, VDP.Grosse Lage, Rheinhessen, Germany, was presented at: International Tasting: Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Lyle Fass: Since 2008 H.O. Spanier has separated himself from the pack, and in this taster's opinion H.O. Spanier is on the wine making level of the great Klaus-Peter Keller. Stylistically they are different but qualitatively they are equal. The style at Battenfeld-Spanier as it is currently is waves and waves of opulent fruit with a texture that is unlike anything I have ever experienced in fine German Riesling on a bed of super intense minerality.

See also: Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Picture: Battenfeld-Spanier, 2011, Frauenberg Riesling, GG, VDP.Grosse Lage, Rheinhessen, Germany and H.O. Spanier

Christmann

Weingut A. Christmann is a 21 hectares 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Pfalz. The Owner Steffen Christmann is President of the VDP, the association of about 200 elite winemakers in Germany. Steffen Christmann presented the wines.

Daniel Hubbard of M.S Walker represents the wines in the US.

First, the wines of Weingut A. Christmann were poured at the 5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Steffen Christmann. 

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

Second, the A. Christmann, 2014 IDIG Königsbach Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage, Pfalz, Germany, was presented at: International Tasting: Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Grapeswine.com: US$73

Marketview Liquor: Exotic aromas of peach pit, almond, clove and lemon oil. The full-bodied mandarin fruit is driven by vibrant acidity and exuberant spices. A savory wine with considerable finesse, showing impressive depth and length on the finish. One of the great dry rieslings of the vintage.94 Points Vinous

This was the first GG we tasted. What is a Grosses Gewächs - GG? In a nutshell, the VDP is moving to a classification system that resembles very much the classification system in the Bourgogne. The classification of the VDP puts the terroir principle at the center of its classification approach. With the latest modifications of 2012, the absolutely finest vineyards are called Grosse Lage and dry wines from these super top vineyards are called Grosses Gewächs. Grosses Gewächs wines are the finest dry wines from Germany’s finest vineyards.

To qualify for the Grosses Gewächs label, a number of criteria need to be respected. (i) The fruit has to come from a Grosse Lage vineyard. (ii) At harvest, the grapes need to be at least at Spätlese level in terms of the sugar content. (iii) Only certain – typical - grape varieties are allowed, including Riesling and Spätburgunder. (iv) Further restrictions apply: there are yield restrictions; only hand picking of grapes is permitted and harvest must be late in the autumn.

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

Pictures: A. Christmann, 2014 IDIG Königsbach Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage, Pfalz, Germany and Steffen Christmann

Dönnhoff

Weingut Dönnhoff is 25 hectares 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Nahe. The leadership was recently transferred from the world star Helmut Dönnhoff to his son Cornelius Dönnhoff, who poured the wines in Seattle.

In the US, Weingut Dönnhoff is represented by Terry Theise/ Michael Skurnik

First, the wines of Weingut Dönnhoff were poured at the 5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Cornelius Dönnhoff.

Pictures: Cornelius Dönnhoff at the Grand Tasting

Second, the Dönnhoff, 2012, Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Auslese, Nahe, Germany, was presented at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Hart Davis Wine Company: $90

WineFront: From Nahe in Germany. Has 140 grams of residual sugar. Sweet deliciousness. Lime, kaffir lime leaf, floral notes, some reductive character, slate and stone. Oily, ripe apple, stone fruit, super concentrated, honey. It’s got power and grace, sweetness is easy to see but the acidity is up to task, keeping the wine buoyant. For sweet wine lovers, this is good gear. 94

See also: Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Dönnhoff with Christina Dönnhoff – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Dönnhoff, 2012, Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Auslese, Nahe, Germany, and Cornelius Dönnhoff

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf

Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf is a 86 hectares 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Pfalz. The wines of Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf were only shown at the Grand Tasting, by export manager Annette Siegrist.

The wines of Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf were poured only at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State

Picture: Annette Siegrist, Export Director of Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf

Dr. Loosen

Weingut Dr. Loosen is a 22 hectares 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Mosel. In addition, its Dr. L (made as a negociant wine) is one of the most popular Rieslings in the world.

Weingut Dr. Loosen wines are brought to the US by Loosen Bros. USA. Ernst and Thomas Loosen, the two brothers running and owning the company, both were in Seattle.

First, the wines of Weingut Dr. Loosen were poured at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Ernst and Thomas Loosen as well as Desiree Schröder and others

Picture: Ernst and Thomas Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen and Loosen Bros. USA, see also: Ernst Loosen Presented his Wines at Weingut Dr. Loosen, Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel Valley, Germany

Picture: Desiree Schröder at the Grand Tasting

Second, the Chateau Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen, 2008, Eroica, Columbia Valley, Washington State, was presented at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Universal Fine Wine and Spirits: $19.99

schiller-wine: This is the result of a American/German joint venture, a collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle, the huge Washington winemaker, and Dr. Loosen, the eminent Riesling producer from the Mosel region of Germany. The wine is made at Chateau Ste. Michelle from grapes grown in the Columbia Valley.

Promoting the worldwide ascendancy of Riesling was a big reason why Ernst Loosen began the joint venture with Chateau Ste. Michelle. He was convinced that it would take a seriously good New World Riesling to help bring the variety back to the forefront. Eroica was launched in 1999. An intermingling of Old and New World philosophies and techniques enables the crafting of an extraordinary Riesling from Washington state grapes. Named for Beethoven’s Third Symphony, Eroica is supposed to reflect not only its variety and site, but also its heritage: bold and forward from its Washington roots, elegant and refined from German inspiration.See also: Wine ratings: Two American/German wines - Eroica and Poet's Leap - on Top 100 Wines from Washington State list for 2009

Andy Perdue: Last month at the Riesling Rendezvous, wine experts from around the globe were in the midst of a blind tasting of 20 off-dry Rieslings. One in particular stood out. The 300 or so Riesling aficionados were intrigued, many trying to guess where it could be from. One particular expert declared that it must be from Germany’s Mosel. There was no other possibility. When the wine was revealed, a hush across the room was quickly followed by gasps. The wine was the Eroica 2008 Riesling, a joint project between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Ernst Loosen. But the 2008? That seemed strange, as the current Eroica in stores across the nation is from the 2014 vintage. It’s all part of a “new” program from Chateau Ste. Michelle: aged Eroica.

“It all comes from Erni having all those amazing wines,” said Bob Bertheau, head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle and Loosen’s partner in the Eroica label. “When he’s at home in Germany, he doesn’t open a bottle younger than 20 years old for dinner. All of this is founded from that.” Wait. Aged Rieslings? As it turns out, Riesling is a fantastic wine to drink young or age. Tasting a 40-year-old Mosel Riesling can be a remarkable experience. Some say a Riesling can age as well as just about any red wine. But that’s not how we think in the New World. As wine lovers, we tend to be in a hurry, and there’s little better than a chilled fresh Riesling on a warm day.

Pictures: Chateau Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen, 2011, Eroica, Columbia Valley, Washington State, Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen and Bob Bertheau, Sr. Director of Winemaking, Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Third, the Dr. Loosen, 2012, Ürziger Würzgarten, Riesling GG Reserve, VDP.Grosse Lage, Mosel, Germany, was presented at: International Tasting: Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Ernst Loosen, well known for his fruit-sweet Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese wines and noble-sweet Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein wines: “There is a growing interest in the trocken style. Therefore, I decided a few years ago to supplement the Dr. Loosen wine portfolio with dry wines, including ultra-premium dry GG wines”. But I will never give up making my delicious Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese wines, Ernst said.

100 years ago, Mosel wines, and more generally, German wines, were all dry (except for the rare noble-sweet wines) as winemakers were not able to make low alcohol, fruity-sweet Kabinett, Spätlese or Auslese wines. This changed with the invention of sterile filtration, enabling winemakers to interrupt the fermentation and bottle low alcohol wine with residual sugar, without fear of bacterial spoilage. Until the invention of sterile filtration, German wines were dry. Fermentation continued until all the sugar was consumed, leaving only miscellaneous unfermentable sugars. Only the occasional sweet rarity, made from extremely ripe grapes, kept any residual sugar.

On his father’s side, Ernie said, wines were always produced in a dry style, while on his mother’s side (his mother came from the Prüm family), after the technique to make fruity-sweet wines became available, wines were always made in a sweet style.

This was the only GG Reserve wine in the tasting. While the GGs are released 12 months after harvest, the GG Reserve wines are aged longer. This is the same wine as the Ürziger Würzgarten GG but with an extra 12 months in the 1000 liter Fuder cask before being bottled. This stunning wine is richer and more complex, and the acidity more integrated. This is only the second vintage that Weingut Dr. Loosen has made a GG Reserve.

Ernst Loosen: “These Reserve Rieslings are a unique approach to Grosses Gewächs wines, which are dry Riesling from the top Grosse Lagen (Grand Cru) vineyards. I am returning to the traditions of my great grandfather who produced exclusively dry Riesling from our best vineyards and aged them for 24 to 36 months in large oak Fuder barrels. I have always believed that dry German Riesling deserved the same respect internationally as sweet Riesling, which has not been the case up to now. With the Grosses Gewächs Riesling Reserve, I feel we are now at the level of excellence I have been striving for over the last 25 years.”

See also:
The Dry and Ultra-premium Dry GG and GG Reserve Rieslings of Weingut Dr. Loosen – Ernie Loosen in Washington DC 
Wine Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel – Germany-North by ombiasy WineTours (2015)
A New Dr. Loosen Project Setting the Standard for Dry German Rieslings
Ernst Loosen Presented his Wines at Weingut Dr. Loosen, Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel Valley, Germany

Picture: Dr. Loosen, 2012, Ürziger Würzgarten, Riesling GG Reserve, VDP.Grosse Lage, Mosel, Germany

Egon Müller-Scharzhof

Weingut Egon Müller-Scharzhof is a small (8 hectares), world-famous, 5/5 grapes Gault Millau producer of noble-sweet Rieslings in the Mosel. The Weingut Egon Müller wines were poured by a representative of the winery.

First, the wines of Weingut Egon Müller-Scharzhof were poured at the 5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by a Weingut Egon Müller-Scharzhof representative.  


Second, the Egon Müller, 2009, Schartzhofberger Riesling Spätlese, Saar, Mosel, was presented at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Wine Cellarage: $198.83

WineFront:  Takes us to sweet town, starring 87.7 grams or residual sugar. The 2009 vintage was close to perfect in Saar. Vineyard was planted 1895 Bright perfume, touch youghurty, whiffs of slate and herbs, ripe citrus, ripe apples. Oily textured, concentrated, almost lime essence-like, slippery and long in flavour, sweet, chewy finish. Nice feel here, holding plenty of sugar it feels, but a touch cloying too, which disables ease of drinking. 90

Picture. Egon Müller, 2009, Schartzhofberger Riesling Spätlese, Saar, Mosel

Fritz Haag

Weingut Fritz Haag is a 17 hectares 5/5 grapes Gault Millau producer of Rieslings in the Mosel. It is owned and run by Oliver Haag. In the US, it is in the Loosen Bros. US portfolio.

First, the Wines of Weingut Fritz Haag were poured at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Oliver Haag.

Picture: Oliver Haag of Weingut Fritz Haag

Second, the Fritz Haag, 2014, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel, was presented at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Compass Wines: $37.99

Loosen Bros. USA: The Juffer Sonnenuhr is the choicest center cut of the Brauneberg — the steepest and most south-facing part of the hillside. This Grosse Lage (grand cru) site produces profound, distinctive wines with great purity and concentration.

Jancis Robinson: Quite tense and sleek on the nose. Exuberantly ripe and pure. Much, much richer than the Kabinett. One for traditionalists. Beautifully sculpted. Very precise. Clean with a strong citrus-peel element. (09-Sep-2015)

Pictures: Fritz Haag, 2014, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel, and Owner/ Winemaker Oliver Haag

Leitz

Weingut Leitz is a 43 hectares 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Rheingau. It is owned and run by Johannes Leitz. In the US, it is in the Schatzi Wines portfolio. Schatzi Wines presented the wines of Weingut Leitz at the Grand Tasting.

The wines of Weingut Leitz were poured only at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Ms. and Mr. Pike from Schatzi Wines.

Picture: Mr. and Ms. Pike of Schatzi Wines Pouring the Wines of Weingut Leitz, see also: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, with Johannes Leitz – Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Maximin Grünhaus

Weingut Maximin Grünhaus is a 31 hectares 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Mosel. It is owned and run by Carl von Schubert. In the US, it is in the Loosen Bros. US portfolio.

First, the wines of Weingut Maximin Grünhaus were poured at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Carl von Schubert.

Picture: Carl von Schubert of Maximin Grünhaus, see also: Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Joins VDP, the Association of Germany’s Elite Winemakers

Second, the Carl von Schubert, 2014 Maximin Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett, Ruwer, Mosel, was presented at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Cafe: $32

Loosen Bros. USA: The delicate Kabinett style from the estate’s very best vineyard. Always impressive with its explosive fruit, layered complexity and fine mineral structure.

See also: Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Joins VDP, the Association of Germany’s Elite Winemakers

Pictures: Carl von Schubert, 2014 Maximin Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett, Ruwer, Mosel and Owner Carl von Schubert

Ökonomierat Rebholz

Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz is a 22 hectares 5/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Pfalz. It is owned and run by Hansjörg Rebholz. In the US, it is in the Rudi Wiest portfolio.

First, the wines of Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz were poured at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Hansjörg Rebholz.

Picture: Hansjörg Rebholz of Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, see also: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Second, the Ökonomierat Rebholz, 2014, Kastanienbusch Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage, Pfalz, Germany, was presented at: International Tasting: Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

K&L: US$90

K&L: The nose is pungently assaulted by orange and lemon rinds, bruised apple, lavender and peat-like smokiness. Firmer in feel than its two immediate Grosses Gewächs siblings, this takes a stony, rather austere turn in its undeniably gripping and formidably piquant finish. The sense of palpable extract richness with buoyancy borne of modest alcohol is especially striking here. This definitely needs time. (DS) (5/2016)

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

Picture: Ökonomierat Rebholz, 2014, Kastanienbusch Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage, Pfalz, Germany and Hansjörg Rebholz

Robert Weil

Weingut Robert Weil is a 90 hectares 5/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in the Rheingau. It is owned by Suntory and Wilhelm Weil and run by Wilhelm Weil. In the US, it is in the Loosen Bros. US portfolio.

First, the wines of Weingut Robert Weil were poured at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Wilhelm Weil and Export Director Nicolas Pfaff.

Picture: Wilhelm Weil and Export Director Nicolas Pfaff Pouring the Wines of Weingut Robert Weil, see also: Kiedrich: Visit of the Basilica of Saint Valentine and of Weingut Robert Weil - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Second, the Robert Weil, 2010, Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Beerenauslese, Rheingau, Germany, was presented at the International Tasting Beyond Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Fine and Rare Wines: $363

The word “Beerenauslese” means “berry-selected.” The harvest workers pick individual grapes that have shriveled down about halfway, due to botrytis or the dessicating effect of the winds that flow though the Kiedrich side valley down into the larger Rhine valley. 

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

Pictures: Robert Weil, 2010, Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Beerenauslese, Rheingau, Germany, and Wilhelm Weil

Wittmann

Weingut Wittmann is a 25 hectares 4/5 grapes Gault Millau producer in Rheinhessen. It is owned and run by Philipp Wittmann. In the US, it is in the Loosen Bros. US portfolio.

First, the wines of Weingut Wittmann were poured at:  5. Riesling Rendezvous: Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, by Philipp Wittmann.

Picture: Wilhelm Wittmann of Weingut Wittmann, see also: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann at Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Second,  the Wittmann, 2014 Morstein Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage, Rheinhessen, Germany, was presented at: International Tasting: Dry Riesling – 5. Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, Washington State

Hi-Time Wine Cellars: US82

Loosen Bros. USA: This wine grips you with its ripe yellow fruit notes. It is elegant and multifaceted with a firm mineral-rich finish. The Morstein vineyard is situated on a south-facing slope that dates from 1282. Wittmann owns about 10 acres in the best, southeast-facing parcel. The vines are well supplied with nutrients and minerals, and accounts for the mineral character of Morstein wines.

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

Pictures: Wittmann, 2014 Morstein Riesling GG VDP.Grosse Lage, Rheinhessen, Germany and Philipp Wittmann

schiller-wine - Related Postings

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

Heads up for the 2017 Tours - to Germany and France - by ombiasy WineTours

Germany-East Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture and History

Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

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

The Dry and Ultra-premium Dry GG and GG Reserve Rieslings of Weingut Dr. Loosen – Ernie Loosen in Washington DC

Wine Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen in Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel – Germany-North by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

A New Dr. Loosen Project Setting the Standard for Dry German Rieslings

Ernst Loosen Presented his Wines at Weingut Dr. Loosen, Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel Valley, Germany

Wine ratings: Two American/German wines - Eroica and Poet's Leap - on Top 100 Wines from Washington State list for 2009

Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Joins VDP, the Association of Germany’s Elite Winemakers

Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Dönnhoff with Christina Dönnhoff – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

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

The Focus on Dry German Riesling – Daniel Hubbard Presents the German DSWE Portfolio to the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter)

Tasting at Weingut Balthasar Ress, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Stefan Ress, Germany

Wine Tasting at Weingut Kühling-Gillot in Bodenheim: Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines – Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

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

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