Monday, October 31, 2022

Two Iconic Bordeaux Estates and an Iconic Chef: Wine Dinner at Bistro Provence in Washington DC with Chef Yannick Cam and the Wines of Chateau Rauzan-Segla in Margaux and Château Canon in Saint Emilion, Washington DC/ Bordeaux, 2022



 

Less than 2 weeks back from the 2022 Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller, Annette and I enjoyed an outstanding Bordeaux wine dinner at Bistro Provence with the food of legendary Chef Yannick Cam and the #worldclass wines of Chateau Rauzan-Segla in Margaux and Château Canon in Saint Emilion.

Adreane Cornard, Export Manager of the 2 estates, who arrived from Paris at Dulles Airport on the day of the dinner in the afternoon, presented the wines. 

The event was arranged by Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages.

The price was US$ 350 per person including tax and tip. Bordeaux does not come cheap as those who came with Annette Schiller on the recent Bordeaux Wine and Food Tour 2022 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours found out while they were there.

We had six outstanding wines and they are all available for US$109 to US$169 at MacArthur Beverages Phil Bernstein.

See also: 

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

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 




Invitation

We are thrilled that Andréane Gornard has agreed to travel all the way from St. Emilion to host an incredible dinner in collaboration with the incomparable French master chef Yannick Cam. The winery has air freighted six different wines all from great vintages for us to enjoy. These are direct from the Chateau so you cannot get any better provenance! We are sure Rauzan Segla and Canon need no introduction. Both have been receiving huge scores over the last few years thanks in part to the hard work of first John Kolasa and now Nicolas Audebert. Both Chateau are under the ownership of the CHANEL group who spare no expense in making sure that some of the best wine in all of Bordeaux is being produced at these two estates. This is a once in a lifetime experience so do not miss it!

Tuesday, October 11th 7:00 PM
Bistro Provence
4933 Fairmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814

Cost $350 per person (includes tax and tip)





Château Canon 

Château Canon is located southwest of the Saint-Émilion village, neighbouring Château Magdelaine, Château La Gaffelière and Château Ausone. It is a Premiers Grands Crus Classés B in the Classification of Saint-Émilion. 

In the late 1700s, the estate - named Clos St-Martin - was sold to Jacques Kanon, probably the source of the name Canon. A true clos, the original 12 hectare vineyard was encircled by a wall, which Jacques Kanon expanded by acquiring seven small surrounding vineyards. The estate went through several ownerships, until it was sold to the Wertheimer family in 1996. 

Today, the vineyard area totals 21.5 hectares, with Merlot accounting for 60% and Cabernet Franc for 40%. On average, the vines are 25 years old. Chateau Canon annually produces on average 7,500 cases of the Grand Vin Chateau Canon and the second wine Clos de Canon. 

Wine-searcher prices Château Canon

2021: US$ 120

2020: US$ 152

2015: US$ 346

2010: US$ 218

Château Rauzan Ségla 

Château Rauzan-Ségla is a Deuxièmes Crus in the Classification of 1855, located in the Margaux appellation. Château Rauzan-Ségla was once part of the vast Rausan estate owned by Pierre de Mesures de Rauzan in the mid-17th century. Over time, this estate was divided, and by the time of the 1855 Classification, had been separated into the estates of Château Rauzan-Gassies, Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Desmirail, and Château Marquis de Terme. 

After a long ownership by the Durand-Dasier family, the estate was acquired by Frédéric Cruse of the Cruse family in 1903 who held ownership until 1957. Liverpool shipping magnate John Holt and Brent Walker followed as owners, before the Wertheimer family bought the estate in 1994. 

The vineyard area totals 51 hectares, with Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for 61%, Merlot for 35% and Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for 2% each. The Grand Vin is Château Rauzan-Ségla, with an annual production of 8000 cases. The second wine is named Ségla. 

Wine-searcher prices Château Rauzan-Ségla

2021: US$ 076

2020: US$ 100

2015: US$ 119

2010: US$ 150



Chef Yannick Cam 

Few chefs in the Washington DC area can match the accomplishments of Yannick Cam.

Internationally acclaimed, this native of Concarneau, France has helped reinterpret classical French cooking in America since his arrival nearly 30 years ago. With rave reviews over the years from magazines across the country and internationally, Chef Cam continues to demonstrate his unique culinary vision. 

Chef Cam was just 15 years old when he first entered a professional kitchen as an apprentice in a restaurant near his boyhood home. The aspiring young chef spent the next decade cooking in several of the top restaurants and hotels in France, including the five-star Royale Hotel in Deauville and the three-star Michelin restaurant Lasserre in Paris. In 1973, Chef Cam moved to America, heading straight for the nation’s epicurean capital – New York City. For the next four years, he worked at the world-famous Four Seasons restaurant, which led to his opening of Le Coup De Fusil in 1977, one of the country’s first contemporary French restaurants. There, Chef Cam built a reputation as a talented and engaging French chef. 





In 1978, Chef Cam accepted an offer to become Executive Chef at Le Pavillon in Washington, D.C. Over the next 12 years, he elevated the restaurant to one of the best restaurants in the Washington area and the United States, earning the Wine Spectator’s 1985 Grand Award. Chef Cam also opened Yannick’s in the Radisson Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. The restaurant and Cam’s highly honed skills earned the chef a James Beard nomination as Best Mid-Atlantic Chef in 1993 and 1997. In 1994, Esquire magazine recognized Yannick’s as one of the nation’s 25 Best New Restaurants, and in 1995, Washingtonian magazine named Cam as Restaurateur of the Year. He followed with critical and culinary successes at Provence and Coco Loco in Washington, D.C. 

In 2004, Yannick Cam and partner Michael Klein opened a restaurant that combined the highest-quality service with Chef Cam’s signature French cuisine and provided a showcase for his considerable culinary talents. With the opening of Le Paradou, Cam’s dream became a reality. Since its debut, Le Paradou was recognized by Esquire magazine as one of the nation’s 25 Best New Restaurants in 2004. And in 2005, Le Paradou earned the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence.

The Dinner at Bistro Provence 

Passed Hors D'oeuvres 

NV Delamotte Brut

Crab cake aioli sauce/ Zucchini tarte, Smoke salmon parmesan/ Fried Shrimps, Apple Chutney 




Courses 

Lobster Purse, Carrot Ginger Emulsion pairing 

2021 Domaine de L'ile - Cotes de Provence, Porquerolles


Stuffed Quail, Chesnut, Foie Gras 

Paired with Château Rauzan Segla 2010 and Chateau Canon 2014



Saddle of Lamb with Puree of Cepes and Eggplant 

Paired with Château Rauzan Segla 2001 and Chateau Canon 2005



Dessert 

Chocolate Molten Cake with Crème Chantilly  

Paired with Château Rauzan Segla 2016 and Chateau Canon 2016




schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Announcement: 3 Ombiasy Wine Tours in 2022 - Rhône Valley Tour: June 20 - June 29, Germany South - Alsace: July 01 - July 10, Bordeaux: September 20 - September 29

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

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

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

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

Christian Stahl, Winzerhof Stahl, Franken, Germany back in the USA - Winemaker Dinner at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Northern Virginia

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

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

Wine Dinner with Legendary Chef Roberto Donna and the Wines of Amastuola in Puglia/ Italy at Roberto's Ristorante Italiano in Vienna/ Virginia, 2022 

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

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 

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

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



The Bordaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours typically begins in Bordeaux City in the afternoon. We meet at the hotel, visit an estate in the viccinity of Bordeaux City and a negociant house and finish the day with dinner in Bordeaux city.

This year, on the Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, we went to Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, toured the Millésima Negociant House and had dinner at Restaurant L’Estacade in Bordeaux City, which literally sits on the Garonne river opposite of Bordeaux City center.

At Millésima over two million bottles of top Bordeaux wines are stored and waiting to be shipped. In Bordeaux wine merchants have always played a decisive part in the wine world. The buying and selling of wine, the setting of a price of a bottle of wine from a specific chateau for a specific vintage, the entire conduct of business is described as „La Place de Bordeaux“. 

Millésima is conveniently located just on the other side of the street of our hotel.

This was a fitting introduction to “Bordeaux”.

See also:

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

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








Place de Bordeaux and En Primeur

The way the top producers of Bordeaux sell their wines to their customers all around the world differs strikingly from the way their colleagues in other countries or even in Bordeaux do.

Wine maker Doug Fabbioli from Fabbioli Cellars in Virginia, for example, sells the wine he produces during the course of the year to the consumers who show up at his winery and buy the wine directly from him. Wine maker Ernst Loosen from Dr. Loosen in the Mosel Valley in Germany, whose wines are available all over the world, works, I assume, with wholesalers in Germany as well as with importers from all over the world, who buy the wine from him during the course of the year. The wines of both Doug Fabbioli and Ernst Loosen are sold after the wines have been bottled and are ready to be consumed.

Picture: The Quai de Chartons (Painting at Millésima)

The way the system works for the premium Bordeaux wines is different. And it is unique in the world. The wines are sold well before they are bottled (en primeur system) and the wines are sold and distributed to the world through negociants (Place de Bordeaux).

Buying Bordeaux wines en primeur is like buying commodity futures, with cash laid down now for later delivery of something that does not yet exist as a finished product. The futures reach the consumer through a series of phases.

Today, there are 400 négociants on the Place de Bordeaux, and most labels are purchased by an average of 40. Each chateau works with a different number of negociants. Some properties work with 5 different negociants, others work with over 100.

I provided an overview of the system here: Bordeaux - En Primeur, Negociants, Courtiers, the Quai de Chartons and the Place de Bordeaux – A Short Introduction. Go there for more information.

Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France (Published and Forthcoming Postings)

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

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

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

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), France

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Wines and their Classifications: The Basics 

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

What is a Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois? France

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

Tour and Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2017, France

How does the Negociant System in Bordeaux work? Tour at the Negociant Millésima - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

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

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 La Conseillante, Appellation Pomerol - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

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

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

Tour and Tasting (including from Barrel) at Tertre Rôteboeuf, Saint Emilion, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile, France – Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2018) 

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion: Tour of Saint-Émilion and Dinner at Restaurant Le Bouchon on the main Square - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

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

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, with Dany Rolland, GM Benoit Prévot and Chef Frédéric Bozzo - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

Saint Emilion Wines and their Classification, Bordeaux, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

L’Herbe: Visit of an Oyster Farmer - Bordeaux Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Oysters in Bordeaux: Visiting the Oyster Farmer Raphael Doerfler and his Earl Ostrea Chanca Oyster Farm in Grand Piquey/ Bassin d'Arcachon - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Cos d’Estournel, Appellation Saint-Estèphe, 2ième Grand Cru Classé, with Managing Director Aymeric de Gironde - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016, France

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

Tour and Tasting at Château Phélan-Ségur in Saint-Éstèphe, with Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Phélan-Ségur, with General Manager Véronique Dausse and Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Ferrière, 3ième Grand Cru Classé, Appellation Margaux - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winery Tour and Dinner at Château Bouscaut, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Graves, with Owner Sophie Cogombles-Lurton and her Husband Laurent Cogombles - Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2019, France











 

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

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





Following our first stop on the Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours (July 1 to 10, 2022) at Weingut Wagner-Stempel in Siefersheim, in the far northwestern corner of the Rheinhessen wine region, we visited another Riesling Giant, Weingut Dönnhoff in Oberhausen, Nahe. 

From Wagner-Stempel to Dönnhoff, it was a short trip of just 45 minutes, although we moved from the Rheinhessen region to the Nahe region.

We were received by Sascha Johannes Schömel, who was a Sommelier at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Amador in Mannheim and L.A.Jordan Ketschauer Hof in Deidesheim before he joined Weingut Dönnhoff in 2017. 

Hellmuth Dönnhoff, the Grand Master of Riesling, was there for part of the tasting.

See also:
Top 10 Riesling Producers in the World – Snooth 2012 

The wines of Weingut Dönnhoff are available in the USA through Skurnik Wines. 

Weingut Dönnhoff

The Dönnhoff family has been making wines for more than 250 years, but a new era started when Helmut Dönnhoff began making wine in 1971. 

He started out with a vineyard of 10 acres, and through careful acquisition he now cultivates 60 acres of the best vineyards in the Nahe valley. 

Helmut Dönnhoff has become a living legend of German wine and is celebrated around the globe as one of Germany’s very best producers. His wines are from the world-famous Niederhausen and Schlossböckelheim vineyards as well as from lesser known vineyards in Norheim and Oberhausen. He is committed to making the most out of the terroir to attain the ultimate in quality. 

I quote Helmut Dönnhoff: “We make wines that represent their origin, we do not make brands. And I do not need to come up with stories, it is the vineyard that tells me the stories. The majority of the grapes planted are Riesling, but Dönnhoff also produces outstanding Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. His wines are exceptionally racy, rich and minerally. They are very delicious when drunk young, however they also have long ageing potential.




Interview with Cornelius Dönnhoff (from VDP website)

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Cornelius Dönnhoff: We have been at home here in Oberhausen an der Nahe for more than 250 years, in the scenic valley between Niederhausen and Schloßböckelheim. We are known worldwide for our elegant Rieslings, which reflect the geological diversity of our region's soils in an exciting way. We are very lucky to cultivate our Rieslings in some of the most famous locations of the Nahe. We take up this challenge with joy, in responsibility for nature and our homeland. With Niederhausen and Oberhausen, Schloßböckelheim, Norheim as well as Roxheim and Bad Kreuznach, our property diversifies widely and covers dozens of rock types and soil characteristics which are reflected in our wines. With us you have the whole white variety of the Nahe in one enterprise!

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Cornelius Dönnhoff: We love our historical roots and are responsible for the vineyards on the Middle Nahe, the senses of landscape and wine culture. In harmony with and out of respect for nature.

VDP: What wine style do you strive for? Do you have a favourite grape variety?

Cornelius Dönnhoff: Riesling is quite clear, with the focus here on very clear, complex, long-lived, mineral and refined wines that reflect their origins. But we also take the Burgundy varieties very seriously, which account for 20 percent of the area under cultivation.

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

Cornelius Dönnhoff: Just a sip of Tonschiefer Riesling is enough to get to know and understand our winery and our wines. This wine already has a clear terroir connection. The fragile black-grey slate is perfect for wonderfully elegant wines. A full-bodied, mineral wine with a fruit aroma rich in finesse and a fine acidity play, mainly from the VDP.GROSSEN LAGE® LEISTENBERG in Oberhausen. Drinks himself to every occasion with a lot of pleasure!

VDP: Which wine are you particularly proud of?

Cornelius Dönnhoff: To the VDP.GROSSE GEWÄCHS® from the location HERMANNSHÖHLE in Niederhausen. A wine from one of the most famous of all Nahe sites. A pure southern exposure, 130 to 175 meters above sea level. The soils are mostly black-grey slate, mixed with volcanic eruptive rock, porphyry and limestone. Here grow grandiose wines, both dry and noble sweet predicates, which with their complexity, strength, elegance and storability have contributed much to the good reputation of German wines worldwide. We won the German Riesling Cup four times with this extraordinary wine.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Cornelius Dönnhoff: After the harvest is before the harvest, so the new vintage should always be your next goal.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Cornelius Dönnhoff: The one does not exclude the other. The deep understanding for great vineyards in extraordinary locations has shaped our family. The love for the vines and the annual new dream of unmistakable wines have been passed on over the generations. Of course, innovations also flow into our business processes if they bring us a little closer to our goal.

VDP: Why should you still visit your winery?

Cornelius Dönnhoff: If you ever want to escape the hustle and bustle, you are in good hands with us. The region offers a variety of activities and culinary delights, far away from everyday stress. After an enjoyable, informative rehearsal in our winery, it is always worth taking a short trip to Lemberg, from where you can see the most beautiful side of the Nahe Valley. And some of our best locations such as the FELSENBERG in Schlossböckelheim, the HERMANNSHÖHLE in Niederhausen or our monopoly location BRÜCKE in Oberhausen can be explored and admired at a glance.








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

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

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

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wagner-Stempel in Siefersheim, Rheinhessen, with Winemaker Oliver Müller and Owner Cathrin Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

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

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

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

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

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

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

Wine Lunch at Weingut Jülg with Johannes Jülg – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

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

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

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour (and Lunch) with Robert Schätzle, Owner/ Winemaker, Weingut Schloss Neuweier in Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

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

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

The World Class Wines of Alsace

In the world class white wine region Alsace

Cellar Tour with Pierre Gassmann and Tasting at Domaine Rolly-Gassmann in Rorschwihr, Alsace - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours 

Cellar Tour and Massive Tasting at Domaine Rolly-Gassmann in Rorschwihr, Alsace, with Pierre Gassmann - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting Colette Faller at Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg in Alsace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wine-Pairing Lunch with Chef/Owner Swen and Sommeliere/Owner Sybille Bultmann at Restaurant Atable im Amtshaus (bib gourmand Michelin / 16 points Gault Millau) in Freinsheim, Pfalz

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