Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Wine Personalities in the World (Wikipedia List, July 2014)

Pictures: Ernst Loosen, Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, and Christian G.E.Schiller at  Weingut Dr. Loosen, Mosel Valley, Germany

This is an interesting list.

See also:

The 2013 Decanter Wine Power List
Top 100 Global Wine Tweeters - 2013
Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry – The 2013 IntoWine List,USA
The 100 Most Influential Wine Peeps on Social Media (Mid-2014)

Wikipedia List of Wine Personalities in the World (July 2014)
schiller-wine: Related Postings

The 100 Most Influential Wine Peeps on Social Media (Mid-2014)

The 2013 Decanter Wine Power List

Decanter 2011 Wine Power List: I am – With my Fellow Amateur Wine Bloggers Around the World – # 16 on the List

Global Wine Consumption and Production

Top 100 Global Wine Tweeters - 2013

Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry – The 2013 IntoWine List, USA

Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry – The 2012 IntoWine List

China's Wine Boom: Is Jeannie Cho Lee the New Robert Parker?

The Forbes List of Rich People and Wine

Trends in the global wine market: old world, new world, emerging wine countries

A Global View: Who Makes and who Drinks Wine?  

Wine Consumption by Country: Total and Per Capita

2014 Wine Blog Awards Finalists

Social Media Wine Influencers and #Winelover-s (2013)

Complete List of Wine Blogs in the World (April 2013)


    Monday, September 29, 2014

    New Vintage Tasting at Schlossgut Diel, with Armin and Caroline Diel, Germany, 2014

    Picture: Caroline and Armin Diel Presenting their New Wines

    Caroline and Armin Diel presented their new wines, followed by a fine luncheon, at Schlossgut Diel to 50 or so wine journalists, sommeliers and trade people. A reception in the garden of the estate preceded the tasting. Following the tasting and before the luncheon, Armin Diel showed us the Schlossgut Diel estate. Monika Diel (wife of Armin) and Silvain Taurisson Diel (husband of Caroline) led the kitchen grew and prepared a first class lunch, fitting the first class Diel wines. As usual, the presentation also included the wines of a guest winery; this year, it was Domaine Robert Chevillon from Nuits-Saint-Georges in the Bourgogne.

    Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller at Schlossgut Diel

    Also present were Caroline and Armin’s team, including Christoph Friedrich, who has been oenologist at Schlossgut Diel for the past 16 years, and Nathan Pettett, from Long Shadows Vintners in Washington State, were the Riesling Poet’s Leap is produced in a joint venture between Long Shadows Vintners and Schlossgut Diel.

    See also:
    Caroline and Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel (Nahe Valley), Presented their New Wines (Vintage 2012), Germany
    Visiting Armin and Caroline Diel and their Schlossgut Diel in Burg Layen in Germany
    President Obama Serves a “German” Riesling at State Dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao
    Visiting Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla, Washington State - Where Armin Diel’s Poet’s Leap Riesling is Made, USA
    Terry Theise: German 2013 Vintage Wines - Highlights and Superlatives, Germany

    Schlossgut Diel

    Schlossgut Diel is one of Germany’s leading wine producers. In the US, it is imported by Terry Theise (Michael Skurnik Collection).

    Schlossgut Diel is in the town of Rümmelsheim in the Nahe Valley. The old buildings of Schlossgut Diel comprise a tower and the walled remnants of castle Burg Layen. It was built prior to 1200 and changed hands numerous times. Over the course of time, three castle buildings were erected in the location, with different aristocratic owners, and with extensive holdings of vineyards and agricultural land. The Schlossgut in its present form was purchased by a forefather of Caroline and Armin Diel, in 1802, after the family had already leased the land for several decades. From 1792 to 1796 Napoleons troops conquered German territory on the left bank of the Rhine declaring it French.

    The vineyard area is 22 hectares and annual production 13,000 cases. Grape Varieties: 65% Riesling, 20% Grauburgunder, 10% Spätburgunder, 5% Weissburgunder. Bottle-fermented (and hand-riddled) sparkling wines are also produced.

    Schlossgut Diel is a member of the VDP. In terms of sales, Schlossgut Diel sells 25% to private clients, 25% to fine restaurants, 25% to the German wine trade and 25% is exported.

    Caroline Diel

    Caroline conducted the wine tasting. She told me at an earlier occasion that she spent the last 2 high school years in a boarding school in California, south of San Francisco. Initially, Caroline wanted to study hotel management but ended up going to the famous Geisenheim college and study winemaking. She also interned quite a bit and at well-known wineries, for almost a decade: In 1998 for 3 months at Chateau Pichon-Lalande in Bordeaux; then at the German Weingueter Jost (Mittelrhein) and von Winningen (Pfalz); then at the Champagne House Ruinart; in 2004 in South Africa at Vergelegen and at Romanee Conti in the Bourgogne; in 2004, after she got her Diploma at Long Shadow Vintners in Walla Walla in Washington State, where Diel’s Poet’s Leap Riesling is being made; for a whole year at Schloss Halbturn in the Burgenland in Austria and finally at Rippon Vineyard in New Zealand. With this huge experience, she returned home to make wine at Schlossgut Diel. For a number of years now, Caroline has been in charge of the wines of Schlossgut Diel.

    Caroline is married (to Sylvain Taurisson Diel, a Frenchman) and is the proud mother of 3 little children.


    Pictures: Caroline Diel

    Armin Diel

    Armin welcomed the guests, but let Caroline talk when it came to the wines. Armin Diel took over the estate from his father in 1987. A few years ago, he handed over to his daughter Caroline. Her brother Victor is working on the marketing side, based in Hamburg in the northern part of Germany.

    Armin Diel carries several hats. First, he is the senior boss of Schlossgut Diel. Second, he is VDP President of the Nahe region. Third, until very recently he was the co-editor, jointly with Joel B. Payne of the Gault Millau WeinGuide, Germany’s leading wine guide. Fourth, more generally, Armin Diel has built up a reputation as gastronomic and wine journalist since the early 1980’s, and is a member of numerous national and international tasting panels. He has moderated gastronomic TV series, written accompanying books and accompanied culinary wine tours.


    Pictures: Armin Diel

    Reception

    Sekt, Cuvee Mo

    Gerstl: Pinot Noir und Pinot Blanc. In 10–20 Jahre alten Barriques vergoren, 6 Monate im Fass auf der Hefe gereift, 61 Monate Hefelager, unfiltriert abgestochen und auf die Flasche gezogen, brut nature, null Dosage. Dieser Duft betört die Nase, erinnert mich mit seinen nussigen Aromen stark an Krug (ich hatte im Januar in Davos das Vergnügen einer ausgiebigen Krug-Probe, bei der alles dabei war bis zum Clos du Mesnil). Ich gebe zu, nicht der grosse ChampagnerKenner zu sein, aber dieser Sekt von Diel begeistert mich restlos, er übertrifft an Feinheit die meisten Champagner, die ich kenne. Was für ein köstliches Aromenbündel, die Extraktsüsse ist ein Traum, kommt noch schöner zur Geltung als bei einem Sekt mit Dosage. 19+/20

    Terry Theise: This is quite an achievement, and I don’t remember a more ambitious sparkling German wine. Named for Armin’s lovely wife Monika, it’s 70-30 PN-P-Blanc, disgorged 1/11, and if you can imagine Krug minus the chalk and Meunier, you can imagine this singular and striking wine, all the way to its impeccable integration of wood, and the masculine birch-smoke finish. It trumps many zero-dosage Champagnes, in fact (having exactly 0.8g RS), and I can’t recall another thing like it.





    Pictures: Reception

    Portfolio Presentation: 4 Rieslings and 3 Pinots

    2013 Eierfels Riesling 

    50% Goldloch, 50% Burgberg, made from the best grapes of these vineyards that did not go into the Grosses Gewaechs wines, kind of a second wine, fermented and aged in a (large) “Stueckfass”, mineral notes and excellent fruit.

    2013 Pittermännchen Riesling GG

    A lot of cassis notes that hang on for a long time. This year, the Pittermännchen is the most powerful of the GGs.

    Terry Theise: Schlossgut Diel owns 2,5 acres (1 ha) of this prestigious site, making it the smallest member in the exclusive circle of top vineyards of the estate. The name dates back to the 16th century when a Pittermännchen was a small silver coin and implies that the wines made here were significant in value. The soil of the southward aligned site consists of slate with a lots of quartzite and gravel.

    Caroline: 2013 was a vintage with relatively high acidity. Thus, there was an argument to counter the acidity with higher remaining sweetness. We at Schlossgut Diel did not go this route. We prefer less remaini sweetness in the 2013 Rieslings to keep the mineral, earthy notes. All our wines are in the 2 to 4 grams remaining sweetness range.

    2013 Goldloch Riesling GG

    Still closed. Needs air and time to open up. Lots of mineral, earthy, smoky notes.

    Terry Theise: Goldloch - With nearly ten acres (4 ha) Schlossgut Diel is by far the largest owner of this legendary steep site. One explanation of the name is that miners searched for gold here in the 17th century. Another is that the wines made from this site are worth their weight in gold. The key to success is in the soil. A thin layer of clay over bedrock provides power, elegance and depth to the wines.

    2013 Burgberg Riesling GG

    Terry Theise: Burgberg - Since 1997 Schlossgut Diel has owned 4.3 acres (1.8 ha) exactly half of the surface of this unique steep vineyard site with its excellent microclimate. The name Burgberg refers to the castle Burg Layen. It emphasis on the particularity of the area. The clay soil with its slate and gravel deposits sets the stage for the production of elegant Riesling wines with both finesse and aging potential.

    2013 Pinot Blanc Reserve

    Bourgogne wines have established themselves as an important component of the Diel wine portfolio. Over the years, the barrique share has increased and the “Stueckfass” share decreased. Recently, there is a trend towards used barrique. Caroline: I try not to overpower the raciness and the minerality of the Pinot with too much wood. 3000 to 4000 bottles. Rarity.

    2013 Cuvee Victor

    This is a blend of Pinot Gris (30%) and Pinot Blanc (70%). The breakthrough of this wine was in 1990, when it was served in First Class of Lufthansa. Aged in old “Stueckfass”. Again, Caroline was talking about moving away from barrique. 3000 to 4000 bottles. Rarity.

    2012 Pinot Noir Caroline

    Caroline explained that this is a “back to the roots”, “minimal intervention” wine. Even the pressing was done by feet. No new wood. “Pure fruit approach” as Caroline said. The grapes were very small in 2012. Spontaneous fermentation in large Bourgogne barrels. Unfiltered.






    Pictures: Presentation

    Poet’s Leap Riesling from Washington State

    The Diels not only make wine in the Nahe Valley, but also in Washington State: The Poet’s Leap Riesling is one of the best American Rieslings currently on the market produced in a joint venture at Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla in Washington State. Long Shadows in Walla Walla has become, in a short time, one of the premier wineries in Washington State.

    Picture: The Poet's Leap Wines

    Picture: Christian G.E.Schiller with Gilles Nicault at Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla

    It is an unusual set up: Former Simson-Lane CEO Allen Shoup works with renowned winemakers from around the world for this venture. Each winemaker produces a single wine using Washington State fruit and resident winemaker Gilles Nicault assists them to shepherd all of the wines along at Long Shadows in Walla Walla.


    Pictures: Nathan Pettett from Long Shadows Vintners at Schlossgut Diel

    See also:
    Visiting Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla, Washington State - Where Armin Diel’s Poet’s Leap Riesling is Made, USA
    President Obama Serves a “German” Riesling at State Dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao

    4 Premiers Crus of Domaine Robert Chevillon

    Pictures: The Domaine Robert Chevillon Wines

    Wine Cellar Tour




    Pictures: Cellar Tour

    Luncheon

    2013 Schlossgut Diel, Riesling Kabinett, with an Asian Salad

    2011 Goldloch Riesling GG, with Tafelspitz

    1996 Chateau Batailley, Pauillac, with Cheese

    2007 Schlossgut Diel Dorsheimer Pittermännchen Riesling Auslese, with the Dessert






    Pictures: Luncheon

    Thanks Monika, Caroline, Armin and Silvain

    Picture: Annette Schiller and Armin Diel

    Schiller Wine - Related Postings

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

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

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

    President Obama Serves a “German” Riesling at State Dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao

    Visiting Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla, Washington State - Where Armin Diel’s Poet’s Leap Riesling is Made, USA

    Terry Theise: German 2013 Vintage Wines - Highlights and Superlatives, Germany

    3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

    German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013 

    Friday, September 26, 2014

    15 Gault Millau Points in Offenbach – Restaurant schauMahl, Germany



    Pictures: The schauMahl Team: Björn Andreas, Pit Punda, Esra Egner

    I have already posted twice about the trendy schauMahl restaurant in Offenbach, in the greater Frankfurt am Main area, which is one of the best restaurants in the region. Both postings were on winemaker dinners, one with Christian Stahl, Weingut Stahl in Franken, and one with Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf in the Nahe Valley. As to the winemaker dinner with Christian Stahl, Christoph Kublenz was the head of the kitchen team; he has since left and has become the chef at Biancalina. As to the winemaker dinner with Georg Rumpf, Björn Andreas was the head of the kitchen team; but it this was a BBQ dinner. Each course was prepared in the back court on the grill. Chef Björn Andreas und his team did an excellent job, although, obviously, a BBQ dinner did not offer the chef the opportunity to shine as a regular dinner does.

    See:
    Fabulous Dinner at schauMahl Restaurant with Winemaker Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Chef Björn Andreas and Sommelier Pit Punda, Germany
    The Bistronomics Cuisine of Chef Christoph Kubenz and the Wines of Winemaker Christian Stahl at Restaurant schauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany

    This time, it was just a dinner, without a winemaker introducing his wines, and it was not a BBQ dinner. It thus offered Chef Björn Andreas und his team the opportunity to shine and he grapped the opportunity.

    schauMahl

    Situated in a renovated Art Nouveau building, the interior of the restaurant schauMahl combines a cozy living room atmosphere with the world of One Thousand and One Nights, coupled with modern illumination. Intensive red light is coming out of a white corner. There are brick walls and furniture in a colonial style. In the window niche is a Buddha.

    Picture: schauMahl in Offenbach

    Host Pit Punda is well known in the Frankfurt gastro scene from his days at Emma Metzler, Cyrano and Zarges. He is ably assisted by his Deputy Esra Egner. Owner Stefan Lang is often in the restaurant. The excellent wine list contains about 100 items, mainly German and Spanish wines.

    Chef Björn Andreas is at the helm of the team in kitchen. He was promoted from Sous-chef to Chef about a year ago when former Chef Christoph Kubenz left. Chef Björn Andreas has worked for top chefs, including Alfred Friedrich.

    Gault and Millau: Es mag sich auf den ersten Bissen nicht viel verändert haben, und doch gibt es deutliche Unterschiede in der gesamten Stilistik. Kubenz war sensibel und leise, Andreas ist forsch, seine Gerichte sind muskulös. 15 Gault Millau points.



    Pictures: Aperitif - Esra Egner, Pit Punda, Stefan Lang

    Open Table: Eher steigen die Offenbacher Kickers in die erste Liga auf, als dass es in der Stadt ein gutes Lokal gibt. Dieser Spruch gilt nicht mehr, das Schaumahl lässt staunen: Küche, Keller, Service und Atmosphäre – hier stimmt alles. Das etwas windschiefe Jugendstilbau aus dem 18. Jahrhundert wurde nicht schick geschminkt, sondern behielt seinen Charakter und strahlt Landhauscharme aus. Dazu passt die natürliche und lebensfrohe Art von Gastgeber Pit Punda und seiner Vize Esra Egner.

    See also:

    The Best Restaurants in the Greater Frankfurt am Main Region, Germany
    The Bistronomics Cuisine of Chef Christoph Kubenz and the Wines of Winemaker Christian Stahl at Restaurant schauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany
    Fabulous Dinner at schauMahl Restaurant with Winemaker Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Chef Björn Andreas and Sommelier Pit Punda, Germany

    The Dinner

    We all had five courses for Euro 66. The menu prices range from Euro 48 (for 3 courses) to Euro 102 (for 9 courses).



    Picture: Gruss aus der Küche

    Picture: Königskrabbe, Jakobsmuschel Tozazu, Minigurke


    Picture: Rote Garnele, Bisque Süsskartoffel

    Picture: Rote Dorade, Minipaprika Basilikum, Walnüsse

    Picture: Lotte Kalbszunge, Pastinake Malz



    Picture: Lammrücken, Aubergine Paprika





    Picture: Brombeere, Rosmarin Nougat




    Picture: Bye-bye - The First Guests to Arrive and the Last to Leave

    schiller-wine: Related Postings

    3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

    German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

    Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    Schiller's Favorite Apple Wine Taverns in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    The Best Restaurants in the Greater Frankfurt am Main Region, Germany

    The Bistronomics Cuisine of Chef Christoph Kubenz and the Wines of Winemaker Christian Stahl at Restaurant schauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany

    Fabulous Dinner at schauMahl Restaurant with Winemaker Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Chef Björn Andreas and Sommelier Pit Punda, Germany

    Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Lunch with Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Nahe Valley, Germany