Friday, January 30, 2026

Tasting Weissburgunder/ Pinot Blanc from Germany, the #1 Producer of Pinot Blanc in the World (February 2026)

   

Germany has been known mostly for its Rieslings. Yes, Riesling is the #1 grape produced in Germany and Germany is also the #1 producer of Riesling world-wide (40% of the global Riesling production is in Germany). However, because of Germany’s very different wine regions ranging from 48.5° latitude to 51° latitude, the Pinot grapes also discovered perfect growing conditions and feel very comfortable in Germany. The monks from Burgundy brought Pinot grapes to Germany as early as the 12th century (and this origin is reflected in the “Burgunder” part of each grape’s German name). Today Germany is the #1 producer of Pinot-Blanc (Weissburgunder), #2 producer of Pinot-Gris (Grauburgunder), and #3 producer of Pinot-Noir (Spätburgunder) world-wide.
 
 
I had 2 German Pinot Blancs, an entry-level Pinot Blanc from the Mosel and an high-end (GG) Pinot Blanc from the Pfalz, both from outstanding producers, Weingut Selbach-Oster and Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz. The former sells at US$25 and the latter at US$145 in the American market currently. 
 
Pinot Blanc Globally
 
Germany is by far the largest Pinot Blanc producer in the world, followed by Italy, here mainly Alto Adige. 
 
5915 hectares Germany
2770 hectares Italy
1861 hectares Austria
1522 hectares Russia
1346 hectares France 
 
Weissburgunder/ Pinot Blanc 
 
In Germany Pinot Blanc is officially known as
Weissburgunder, which translates to "White Burgundian". It is a significant and widely planted grape variety in the country, currently ranking as Germany's 4th most widely planted white variety. 
 
It thrives in the warmer, more southerly regions, with the primary cultivation areas being: Baden: Known for producing bold, muscular wines. Rheinhessen: Produces pristine, fragrant expressions of the grape. Pfalz: Home to many acclaimed producers who grow the grape on prized limestone vineyards.
 
Flavor Profile: German Pinot Blanc is typically produced as a dry, light, and crisp wine with fresh acidity and a light to medium body. It features subtle aromas and delicate notes of: Orchard and stone fruits (pear, quince) and Feur de Sel and blanched almond. 
 
Versatility: Winemakers use the grape to produce a range of styles, from light, crisp wines to full-bodied versions, sparkling wines (Sekt), and even dessert wines. It can be vinified in stainless steel to maintain freshness or aged in oak for more complexity.

2022 Weingut Selbach-Oster, Weissburgunder, trocken, Mosel

The wine sells for around US$25 in the USA. 



Animating, elegant Pinot Blanc from the Selbach-Oster winery, the fine slate minerality suits it well as a Mosel Pinot Blanc. Juicy on the nose, yellow fruits like apples, pears and quince. Dry on the palate, with a touch of oak due to partial fermentation in two-year-old Fuder barrels and stainless steel.

Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)
 
 
Picture: Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach. See: 
Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)
 
2023 Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz, Im Sonnenschein, GG, Pinot Blanc, Dry, Pfalz 
 
The wine is available for US$ 145 on wine.com. 
 

James Suckling/ Stuart Pigott: Very cool and bright for such a concentrated dry pinot blanc from this rather warm region. Captivating aromas of fresh nuts, ripe pears and candied citrus. Fabulous combination of creaminess and precision on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Super-long chalky finish that’s self-confidently dry (one of this producer’s hallmarks). 

After-party (Following a Formal Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz at the German Embassy in Washington DC) with Hans Rebholz at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA (January  

 
Picture: After-party (Following a Formal Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz at the German Embassy in Washington DC) with Hans Rebholz at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA (January 2025) 

schiller-wine: Related Postings
 
Announcement: Small Group (12 people) Wine Tours to Europe (Italy and Germany) this Year (2026) by ombiasy WineTours with Annette Schiller 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Summary: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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

The 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly/ Virginia/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

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

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller

schiller-wine Blog of Christian Schiller Top Washington DC Alcohol Blog (December, 2024)

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Masterclass - The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference March 2024 

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Shifting from the Sugar Level at Harvest to the Wine's Geographic Origin

Dinner at JAN in Munich, Germany, with Jan Hartwig, one of the ten German 3-star Michelin Chefs (September 2024) 


2025 Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner in New York City, Sky Loft, 32nd Floor of 50 Hudson Yard, with 15 #worldclass Winemakers from Germany + Austria and Estimated 300 Wines, many 20, 30, 40 Years old, many Larger Format and almost all Ultra-premium 

German Wine Society (Capital Chapter) Membership Meeting 2025: Carl Willner Re-elected President and Christian Schiller Re-elected Vice-president, USA/ Germany
 
 

 

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Invitation: Tasting at the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar led by Annette Schiller on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - Signature Single Red Variety Wines from their "Homeland" (Washington DC)



Dear wine friends,

I invite you to join me on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7.45 pm for a tasting of 5 red wines from around the world at St. Patricks Episcopal Church, 4700 Whitehaven Pky, Washington DC, between Foxhall Road and MacArthur Blvd. 

Each wine is from a single grape variety. These wines show their distinctive, unique character best when coming from their homeland. 

2014 Malbec, Valle de Uco 1300, Bodega Andeluna, Argentina (Malbec originated in the Cahors region in France, but the grape's poor resistance to weather, diseases, pests let many growers replace this grape with other varieties that were easier to manage. The Malbec grape was rescued when a French agronomist introduced Malbec to Argentina in the 1850s. The grape thrived in the high altitude climate and found its new home in Argentina.)

2023 Cabernet-Franc, Trezellières, Saumur Champigny, Domaine Vadé, Loire, France

2023 Syrah, Les Vignes d’a Côté, Collines Rhodaniennes, Yves Cuilleron, Rhône, France

2021 Tempranillo, Viña Real, Compañía Vinícola del Norte España (CVNE), Rioja, Spain

2021 Sangiovese, Le Tre Vigne, Chianti Classico, Terreno, Greve, Tuscany, Italy

It will be interesting to compare the trademark flavors of these five grape varieties side by side.

We will have two cheeses and of course delicious baguette from Calvert & Woodley to accompany the wines. This is a 30 $ class.

 

Please join me for this tasting adventure. 

Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday

Annette x


WHERE & WHEN WE MEET: The Seminar meets at 7:45 PM every Tuesday (except for July, August and the weeks of December 25th and January 1st) at St. Patricks Episcopal Church at 4700 Whitehaven Pky, between Foxhall Road and MacArthur Blvd. 

No reservations are required.

SNOW DAYS: Classes may be cancelled due to inclement weather based on the decision of St. Patricks Church and Day School. Cancellations will be announced in the Mailing List as soon as St. Patricks make the decision. 
 
schiller-wine: Related Postings
 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Summary: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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

The 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly/ Virginia/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

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

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller

schiller-wine Blog of Christian Schiller Top Washington DC Alcohol Blog (December, 2024)

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Masterclass - The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference March 2024 

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Shifting from the Sugar Level at Harvest to the Wine's Geographic Origin

Dinner at JAN in Munich, Germany, with Jan Hartwig, one of the ten German 3-star Michelin Chefs (September 2024) 


2025 Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner in New York City, Sky Loft, 32nd Floor of 50 Hudson Yard, with 15 #worldclass Winemakers from Germany + Austria and Estimated 300 Wines, many 20, 30, 40 Years old, many Larger Format and almost all Ultra-premium 

German Wine Society (Capital Chapter) Membership Meeting 2025: Carl Willner Re-elected President and Christian Schiller Re-elected Vice-president, USA/ Germany
 
 


Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Germany's 34 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der "Feinschmecker" 2026: The 4 Climbers

Picture: Annette Schiller and Fritz Keller at Weingut Franz Keller, October 2019. See: Best German Red Wine - Meininger Rotweinpreis 2019, Germany 


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

 
Picture: Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann, with Annette and Christian Schiller at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

 
Picture: Celebrating at Weingut Gunderloch, with Paul Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Jochen Becker-Köhn, Weingut Robert Weil and Roy Metzdorf, Owner of the Legendary Winebar Weinstein in Berlin. See: Anniversary Celebration: 125 Years Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, Rheinhessen, Germany

Germany's leading gourmet magazine "Feinschmecker" just published its annual list of Germany's best 500 wine producers ("Die 500 besten Weingüter in Deutschland 2025"). 34 producers received the perfect score of 5/5 F's.  
 
New in this prestigious class:

@weingut_ziereisen (Baden), @f.keller_oberbergen (Baden), @ansgarcluesserath (Mosel) and @weingut.gunderloch (Rheinhessen). Congratulations!
 

For previous years see: 

Germany's 30 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der "Feinschmecker" 2025
Germany's 27 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2024
Germany's 25 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2023 
Germany’s 21 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2019/20
Germany’s Top 21 Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2018/2019
Germany’s Top 19 Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2017/2018
Germany’s Top 22 Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker 2016/2017
Germany’s Top 20 Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2015
Germany’s Top 19 Winemakers - Der Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2014
Germany's Top 18 Winemakers - Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2013
Germany's Top 16 Winemakers - Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2012
Germany's Top 16 Winemakers - Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2011
Germany's 15 Top Winemakers - The Feinschmecker WeinGuide 2010  
 

 
Germany's 34 Top (5/5) Winemakers - Der "Feinschmecker" 2026: The 4 Climbers

Franz Keller

Weingut Franz Keller
35 hectares
35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Gris, 15% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Blanc 
 
Picture: Annette Schiller and Fritz Keller at Weingut Franz Keller, October 2019. See: Best German Red Wine - Meininger Rotweinpreis 2019, Germany

Pictures: With Friedrich and Fritz sen. Keller, Weingut Franz Keller. See: Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Fritz Keller – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Pictures: Tasting with Fritz Keller at Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Baden. See: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Baden – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: Fritz Keller and Friedrich Keller, Weingut Franz Keller, with Annette and Christian Schiller  at Prowein. See: Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany – Schiller’s Impressions 
 
Ziereisen
 
Weingut Ziereisen
18 hectares
40% Spaetburgunder, 25 Gutedel 
 
Pictures: Massive Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen, with Hanspeter and Edeltraud Ziereisen. See: 2 Cellar Tours and 1 Tasting at Weingut Ziereisen in Efringen, Markgräfler Land, Baden, with Hanspeter and Edel Ziereisen - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

MOSEL
 
Ansgar Cluesserath 
 
Ansgar Cluesserath
5 hectares
98% Riesling 

 
Pictures: Philipp Wittmann and Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann, Weingut Wittmann, with Annette and Christian Schiller at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

Weingut Gunderloch
 
Weingut Gunderloch
26 hectares
80% Riesling 
 

 
Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim with the Parents of Johannes Hasslebach, Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger and the late Fritz Hasselbach. See: Wine Tasting at Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, with Owners and Winemaker Fritz Hasselbach and Agnes Hasselbach-Usinger – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)


 
Pictures: Celebrating at Weingut Gunderloch, with Paul Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Jochen Becker-Köhn, Weingut Robert Weil and Roy Metzdorf, Owner of the Legendary Winebar Weinstein in Berlin. See: Anniversary Celebration: 125 Years Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, Rheinhessen, Germany

 
Picture: Presenting the Wurzelwerk Project in Washington DC, USA - Johannes Hasselbach, Molly Sweeny, Alwin Jurtschitsch, Max von Kunow and Annette Schiller (Ombiasy PR and WineTours)

Picture: Annette Schiller, Max von Kunow, Johannes Hasselbach, Alwin Jurtschitsch and Christian G.E. Schiller at BToo in Washington DC. See: Weingut Gunderloch – The New Generation: Owner Johannes Hasselbach in Washington DC, US
 
schiller-wine: Related Postings
 

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Summary: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Summary: From Lyon to Paris - Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (July 02 - 13, 2023)

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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

The 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly/ Virginia/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

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

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Tasting at the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter), presented by Annette Schiller

schiller-wine Blog of Christian Schiller Top Washington DC Alcohol Blog (December, 2024)

2024 Annual Meeting of the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, a 45 Years Old Wine Brotherhood in the Famous Wine Village Hochheim, Rheingau, Germany, with Annette Schiller, Founding Member, and Christian Schiller

Masterclass - The Wines of Germany: Presentation by Annette Schiller at the German Embassy in Washington DC/ Consular Conference March 2024 

The New German Wine Law of 2021 - Shifting from the Sugar Level at Harvest to the Wine's Geographic Origin

Dinner at JAN in Munich, Germany, with Jan Hartwig, one of the ten German 3-star Michelin Chefs (September 2024) 


2025 Rieslingfeier Gala Dinner in New York City, Sky Loft, 32nd Floor of 50 Hudson Yard, with 15 #worldclass Winemakers from Germany + Austria and Estimated 300 Wines, many 20, 30, 40 Years old, many Larger Format and almost all Ultra-premium 

German Wine Society (Capital Chapter) Membership Meeting 2025: Carl Willner Re-elected President and Christian Schiller Re-elected Vice-president, USA/ Germany