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)
