Winemaker Sabrino Loffredo’s Pietracupa Wines and Chef Roberto Donna’s Food at a Winemaker Dinner at Alba Osteria in Washington DC, Italy/USA

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Winemaker Sabrino Loffredo Alba Osteria in Washington DC

Winemaker Sabrino Loffredo’s Pietracupa Wines presented his wines at Alba Osteria in Washington DC. Excecutvie Chef Roberto Donna and Chef de Cuisine Amy Brandwein prepared an excellent 5-course dinner.

Winemaker Sabrino Loffredo and his Pietracupa Wines

Maurizio Farro, from Cantiniere Imports and Distributing Company, introduced us to Sabino Loffredo and his wines: Sabino Loffredo is a young winemaker from the south of Italy. He has taken over the family winery and turned his talents as gifted wine taster and dedicated wanderer, not to mention his technical skills, to making it one of the most extraordinary Italian wine businesses of recent years. Pietracupa wines represent his style and his idea of the wine world. He is one of the most successful examples of how a small producer can produce great wines.

Pictures: Winemaker Sabrino Loffredo Alba Osteria in Washington DC

Pietracupa is situated near Avellino, in the hinterland of the Campania region. It is a mountainous terrain that has little to do with the usual idea of southern Italy, but at the same time it reflects its sunny, open nature. The limited production focuses on the grape varieties typical of the area: Fiano and Greco for the whites, and Aglianico for the red wines. The company’s wines are like its owner. They tend towards the original but are able to speak faithfully of their land. Elegant, deep, and highly mineral, they are immediately good, and make a striking impression at first taste. However, they also have wonderful ageing potential and become magnificently complex in the bottle.

The winery was established in 1993. The 3 hectares of vineyards are planted to Fiano, Greco, Falanghina and Aglianico. The soil in the vineyard contains a thin layer of clay and sand over a compact core of tufaceous rock, the legacy of the ancient volcanoes that made up the majority of inland Campania. The volcanic rock is responsible for the mineral and chalk elements that make up these incredibly pure, crystal clear wines.

Pictures: Chef Roberto Donna

The Gambero Rosso guide recognized the winery as the „up and coming‟ winery of the year in 2006, the first time it had been awarded to Campania. In 2007 Cupo was awarded best white of the year: the first time a Fiano had been recognized. The 2008 guide awarded „tre bicchiere‟ to the Greco di Tufo, the first time a standard non oaked Greco had taken the prize.

Alba Osteria

This is a brand-new restaurant. Executive Chef: Roberto Donna. Chef de Cuisine: Amy Brandwein.

Pictures: Christian G. E. Schiller with Executive Chef Roberto Donna and Chef de Cuisine Amy Brandwein

The restaurant will focus on the cuisine of Roberto Donna's heritage, the Piedmont region of Italy, with an emphasis on wine, cheeses, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas and salumi. Eventually, Roberto Donna will roll out a separate prix-fixe menu for a chef's table, as well as weekend brunch.

Picture: Alba Osteria

Charlene Giannetti from Woman Around Town

I was seated with Charlene Gianetti from "Woman Around Town", who already published a posting about the event: Campania Wine Dinner at Alba Osteria. I am copying her comments on the food that was served and a little paragraph about me (with a picture) that she included in her posting.

Charlene Giannetti, editor of Woman Around Town, is the recipient of five awards from the New York Press Club for articles that have appeared on the website. A graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Charlene began her career working for a newspaper in Pennsylvania, then wrote for several publications in Washington, covering environment and energy policy. In New York, she was an editor at Business Week magazine and her articles have appeared in many newspapers and magazines including the New York Times. She is the author of 11 non-fiction books, eight for parents of young adolescents written with Margaret Sagarese, including "The Roller-Coaster Years," "Cliques," and "Boy Crazy." She and Margaret have been keynote speakers at many events and have appeared on the Today Show, CBS Morning, FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and many others. Charlene divides her time between homes in Manhattan and Alexandria, Virginia.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller (Photo by Charlene Giannetti)

Charlene Giannetti (Woman Around Town): A bonus (for me) was sharing my table with an extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic group of diners who generously shared their opinions as well as made recommendations for other area restaurants whose wine dinners they enjoyed. Most well versed on the subject of wine was Dr. Christian G.E. Schiller (above), who divides his time between Washington and Frankfurt, but truly travels the world to taste and write about wine. His blog, schiller-wine, is must reading for oenophiles.

The Dinner and the Wines

Roasted Head-On Shrimp - Oven Roasted Tomato Bufala Mozzarella - Basil Dressing

Charlene Giannetti (Woman Around Town): Our first course was roasted head-on shrimp served with oven roasted tomato, Bufala mozzarella, and a basil dressing. The roasted tomatoes proved to be the key ingredient here, turning what is a popular summer dish into something warmer and more satisfying in cold weather.

2012 Fiano di Avellino, Pietracupa ($34.99) I put the regular retail prices, as communicated by Maurizio Farro, in parenthesis.

Callmewine: The Pietracupa project starts from the primary goal to provide an authentic and genuine expression of the great white wines that have always characterized the winemaking scene in Campania, among which the Fiano d'Avellino stands out. Several years have passed since Peppino Loffredo chose to return to country life, buying a property on the hill of Montefredano in the early 70s with the sole purpose of making wine for himself and his friends. Very soon his son Sabino succeeded to his father in the farm management, giving substance to a project that very soon would have measured with the scene of great wines linked to the territory. Today, the starting points have received a proper consolidation, paving the way towards the production of white wines with unmistakable aromas and impressively characterized, whose most striking example is Fiano d'Avellino. Planted around the house-cellar on an extension of just one hectare and a half, the rows of Fiano di Pietracupa lay on a clay and limestone soil that gives minerality to the great wines produced here. The vinification techniques used are inspired by a fundamental respect for the purity of the raw material, able to assist in its natural development towards a fresh and immediate result, played on a comparison between acidity and flavor. For this reason, Fiano Pietracupa is a perfect summary of the expressiveness of the Avellino area, with a highly distinctive imprint able to gain the most important national and international awards.

Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina - Eggplant

Charlene Giannetti (Woman Around Town): There were two pasta dishes included in this meal, and while they were different, they were enough alike that perhaps one would have been enough. The first was gnocchi alla Sorrentina with eggplant, the pasta light and the eggplant hearty. (I couldn’t help thinking, though, that an eggplant dish without the pasta would have been a better choice.)

2012 Greco di Tufo, Pietracupa ($34.99)

Paul Caputo: Greco di Tufo is one of the great white wines of Southern Italy. Best consumed a year or two from the vintage, Greco di Tufo is a wine capable of showing complex layers of tropical fruit and a fresh, mineral body rarely found this far south. Many wine makers emphasise Greco di Tufo’s peculiar nature by describing it as a red wine dressed as a white. The warm yellow colours, high acidity and sometimes oxidative flavour characteristics that come out of the villages of Santa Paolina, Tufo, Prata di Principato Ultra and Montefusco, are so intense that tasting them blindfolded can be very misleading.

On the whole 2012 seems to have produced a lighter style of wine, crisper and more refreshing than the typical, full bodied Greco. Acidity and mineral character seem to be more evident than the traditional floral and almond notes for which Greco has built its reputation.

Straw yellow with a green tint, the nose is lightly floral with white peach and lemongrass. In the mouth it is crisp and refreshing, slightly saline and well endowed with stone fruit.

Paccheri - Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Charlene Giannetti (Woman Around Town): The second pasta dish was paccheri with roasted pepper sauce. Paccheri are large pasta tubes. Even though I’m a big gnocchi fan, the paccheri won hands down. This was not a wimpy dish; the pasta was big and thick, the peppers meaty and sweet. A real winner and one I hope Chef Donna has on his regular menu since it’s one I would order again (and again).

2010 Aglianico “Quirico”, Pietracupa ($29.99)

Chain Bridge Cellars: Campagna's top red grape shows off a fun and easy-going side in this juicy bistro quafffer. The flavors and aromas are classic - black and sour red cherry with hints of roses and fruit blossoms. But, unlike most Aglianico, the texture is fresh, open, and juicy with loads of ripe fruit supported by bright acids and light tannins. Sort of a Pinot Noir take on Aglianico, but full of flavor and ready to sing with olives, peppers, or even lamb.

Slow Roasted Lamb - Roasted Portobello Mushroom - Broccoli Rabe

Charlene Giannetti (Woman Around Town): Our main course was slow roasted lamb with a roasted portobello mushroom and broccoli rabe. A few at my table complained that the meat was overcooked. Since I like my lamb true to its medium rare billing, mine was perfect. The meat was tender, the sauce tangy, and the accompanying vegetables a nice addition.

2007 Taurasi, Pietracupa ($68.99)

ViniItaliani: Warm & inviting complex aromas. Cooked berries, fruit cake, cloves and sweet spice. The palate is initially soft, warm & rounded; ripe berries, cassis, sweet spice with an almost creamy texture. Firm fine grain silky tannins with powerful length. Food Pairing: it goes well with meals of pasta flavoured with oil and red pepper, followed by roasts of beef, lamb and goat.

Sfogliatelle - Traditional Italian Layered Pastry

Charlene Giannetti (Woman Around Town): We enjoyed a traditional Italian dessert, sfogliatelle, a layered pastry.

2011 Moscato d’Asti “Ciombo”, Il Falchetto

Grape Occasions: 2011 Tenuata Il Falchetto Moscato d’Asti “Ciombo,” Piedmont, Italy, $17.99: As an Italian wine it is considered Frizzante, their main term for sparkling wines. This wine is made of 100% Moscato grapes and tank fermented. The grapes are grown in the Ciombo region on 25 year old vines. The results is a very intense, floral, honey wine with low alcohol. It’s a perfect after dinner offering.

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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Meeting Winemaker and Owner Massimo “Max” di Lenardo from Friuli, Italy and Tasting His di Lenardo Vineyards Wines

Kobrand’s Impressive Tour d'Italia 2011 in Washington DC, USA

Blogging, Wining and Dining at the European Wine Bloggers Conference (#EWBC) October 2011 in Brescia, Italy – A Tour D’ Horizont

Wining and Blogging in the Soave Region, Italy

Wining, Dining and Blogging in Chianti Classico (#EWBC), Tuscany, Italy

Dining and Wining where the Royals Eat: Dario Cecchini’s Solo Cicca Restaurant in Panzano – the Butcher of Chianti Classico

Meeting Wine Maker Paolo Cianferoni at his Caparsa Estate in Chianti Classico, Italy

Wining and Dining at Badia a Coltibuono in Tuscany with Wine Makers and Owners Roberto and Emanuela Stucchi Prinetti, Italy

Extraordinary Art and Wines at Castello di Ama in Chianti Classico, Italy

Tasting Wines where Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was Born – With Wine Maker and General Manager Francesco Nardi at Vignamaggio Estate in Chianti Classico, Italy

The Up and Coming Premium Sparklers of Franciacorta (#EWBC), Italy

The Premium Sparklers of il Mosnel, Franciacorta, Italy 

Visiting Barone Francesco Ricasoli and his Castello di Brolio in Chianti Classico, Italy

Pio Boffa and the Wines of Pio Cesare, Piedmont, Italy

The 1 Star Michelin Food of Chef Stefano Cerveni from the due colombe Ristorante and the Premium Sparklers of il Mosnel, Franciacorta - Wining and Dining at il Mosnel, Italy

Italy’s Top Wines and Winemakers - Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia 2014

Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (December 2013)

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Stuart Pigott in Washington DC

In the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung of December 2013, German wine journalist Stuart Pigott published his favorite German wines and favorite German wine makers of the year – in German. I am re-issuing his comments and have translated the parts that might be most interesting to an international reader into English – in the most cases the beginning and the end of the section.

For last years' lists, see:
Best German Wines and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (2012)
Best German Wine and Winemakers – Stuart Pigott’s Favorites (2011)

Stuart Pigott

Stuart Pigott was born in the UK and has lived in Berlin since 1993. Stuart mostly writes in German, and focuses on German wine. Notably, he writes for the specialist magazines Feinschmecker and Weingourmet as well as the Sunday edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. He currently spends a lot of time in New York City. If you wan to follow him: Stuart Pigott Riesling Global

See also:
Late Night German Riesling Tasting with Riesling Gurus Paul Grieco and Stuart Pigott in Washington DC on the 2013 Riesling Road Trip, USA

Stuart Pigott’s Favorites of 2013

Winemaker of the Year

Hans-Joseph Becker, Weingut J.B. Becker, Walluf/Rheingau

It is a paradox: In the wine scene, Hajo Becker is sometimes dismissed as old-fashioned winery, but a community of young, dynamic sommeliers and retailers adore his wines. For them, his wines belong to the most original wines in Germany – and they are right. Hajo Becker is a traditionalist - in comparison with many colleagues in the Rheingau, who run after each wine-cellar fashion. One of his most important resource is time. His Rieslings all remain a whole year in old oak barrels on the lees, which is neither nostalgia nor wanted, but simply his method. So they mature into a great harmony, regardless whether the vintage is rather lush and rich in alcohol or lean and acidic. The Becker wines are delicate and subtle. They always improve through aging in the bottle.

Picture: German Wine Journalist Manfred Klimek and Christian G.E. Schiller with a Bottle of Weingut Becker Riesling (on the right side) in Berlin

Those, who are only interested in the newly bottled 2012 Becker wines, miss an important dimension of Becker's flavor universe! Of course, dry wines are the focus, since Hajo Becker took over the family estate from his father in 1971. But he also produces impressive Riesling Spätlese wines with some residual sweetness, which also goes against the trend.

Der 2011er Wallufer Walkenberg Riesling Spätlese trocken „Alte Reben“ (feine Kräuterwürze und geschliffene Rasse) und der 2009er Wallufer Oberberg Riesling Spätlese (spannendes Spiel und feine Eleganz) sind ziemlich perfekte Beispiele dieser zwei Stilrichtungen. Dazu kommen Spätburgunder, die zu den besten deutschen Rotweinen gehören, obwohl sie ganz ohne die Rauch- und Vanillearomen neuer Holzfässer auskommen. Der sehr kraftvolle und samtige 2009er Wallufer Walkenberg Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken ist ein Paradebeispiel dafür. Im heutigen Kontext sind es lediglich die Preise zwischen 15 und zwanzig Euro, die man als ein wenig altmodisch bezeichnen könnte.

Sommelier of the Year

André Macionga, Restaurant „Tim Raue“ in Berlin.

André Macionga fällt auf, weil er eine der schwierigsten Aufgaben der Republik meisterlich löst, nämlich die Weinbegleitung der Küche von Tim Raue. Der Grund ist, dass Raue mit sehr viel asiatischen Aromen und manchmal auch einer ziemlichen Schärfe arbeitet. Macionga hat sich an den Stil seines Chefs allerdings auch gründlich gewöhnen können. Gleich zu Beginn seiner Laufbahn kam er im Jahre 2006 ins Raues Berliner Restaurant „44“ unter die Fittiche von Marie-Anne Raue und folgte Raue auch ins „Ma“ und „Uma“. Im „Restaurant Tim Raue“ in Kreuzberg wurde er dann Oberkellner und Sommelier. Macionga verfügt über eine Weinkarte mit 1400 Posten und einem besonders hohen Champagneranteil. Die Begleitung der Küche Tim Raues mit von Macionga ausgewählten Champagnern gehört zum Besten, was man in puncto Weinbegleitung in Deutschland im Moment bekommen kann.

Picture: Markus Schneider, Tim Raue and Wife, Joachim Dreissigacker in Front of Schloss Charlottenburg (Source: Belvini.de Weinversand)

See:
The Wines Chancelor Merkel Served President Obama and Michelle Obama in Berlin (and the Wines she did not Serve), Germany

Rising Star of the Year

Karsten Peter, Gut Hermannsberg, ehemalige Weinbaudomäne Niederhausen/Nahe

When the young winemaker from the Pfalz, Karsten Peter, drew attention to himself with a dry Riesling from the 2001 vintage called "fingerprint", no one could have guessed that a decade later, he would make a splash with extraordinary wines from the Nahe Valley, a very different wine region. Weingut Hermannsberg (named after its monopoly vineyard Hermannsberg) was founded in 1901 as a Prussian state-owned enterprise and is since 2009 owned by Jens Reidel and Dr. Christiane Dinse. Peter Karsten is since that time General Manager and Winemaker. The winery was substantially restructured with a view of producing premium wines. Right from the beginning, the wines of Pater Karsten have impressed the wine experts.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Karsten Peter in Wiesbaden

Es sind enorm mineralische, ausdrucksstarke Weine, deren rassige Art die extrem steinigen Böden der Spitzenlagen von Niederhausen und Schlossböckelheim widerspiegeln. Die 2011er und 2012er Großen Gewächse bilden die Krönung des Sortiments, aber auch der 2012er „Von den Steinterrassen“ trocken ist ein markanter Wein, der nirgendwo hätte wachsen können. Karsten Peter hat den Mut zu dieser gewagten Eigenständigkeit, aber auch das Können, um sie in die Flasche zu übersetzen.

Discovery of the Year

Julian Haart, Weingut Julian Haart, Piesport/Mosel

Julian Haart originally wanted to become a Michelin Star Chef and had already started this career (including at the 3 Michelin Star restaurant Gästehaus Erfort in Saarbrücken), but fortunately did not follow through and instead became a winemaker. He learnt a lot from top winemakers such as Werner Schönleber, Weingut Emrich-Schönleber in Monzingen/Nahe, and Klaus-Peter Keller, Weingut Keller in Flörsheim-Dalsheim/Rheinhessen and is now using this knowledge in his home region, the Mosel Valley. His mini-winery (only 1.4 hectares and about 10 000 bottles per year) was founded only in 2010.

Aus den Spitzenlagen von Piesport und Wintrich erzeugt er herbe und süße Rieslinge von einer beachtlichen Eleganz. Der mittelgewichtige, feinwürzige 2012er Wintricher Riesling für 19,90 Euro ab Hof ist ein Paradebeispiel der herben Richtung, während der 2012er Ohligsberg Riesling Spätlese für 19 Euro ab Hof durch frühlinghafte Heiterkeit, saftige Fruchtsüße und rassige Säure brilliert. Doch sämtliche 2011er und 2012er Weine von Julian Haart beeindrucken.

He is on his way towards becoming an elite winemaker and has added to the Mosel Valley a very convincing and new facette.

Dry White Wine of the Year

2012er Morstein Riesling „Großes Gewächs“, Weingut Wittmann, Westhofen/Rheinhessen.

It is not easy to choose a "winner" in this category, because there are now so many German winemakers who produce excellent dry white wines, especially the Grosses Gewaechs (GG) wines of the leading members of the Association of Prädikatsweingüter. In several vintages, Philipp Wittmann’s Riesling GG from the Morstein has already been one of the best dry wines of the country.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Philipp Wittmann in Mainz

Der 2012er Morstein GG ist trotz enormer Reife (Pfirsich, Maracuja und ein Hauch von Mango) ein kühler, distinguierter Wein, dessen Kraft und Tiefe ganz im Hintergrund bleiben, bis man ihn schluckt und der Wein eine fast atemberaubende salzig-mineralische und feinwürzige Spur hinterlässt. Aber eigentlich deutet sich im Moment nur an, welche Feinheiten er entfalten wird, wenn man ihn geduldig einige Jahre in den Keller packt. Er wird vermutlich noch besser reifen als frühere Jahrgänge und kann gut gelagert zweifellos zwanzig Jahre und länger reifen.

Red Wine of the Year

2011 Schlossberg Spätburgunder „Großes Gewächs“, Weingut Dr. Heger, Ihringen/Baden

Even before he took over the family estate in the Kaiserstuhl region in 1992, Joachim Heger had already produced ambitious reds, which were outside of the mainstream. But with his Pinot Noir from recent vintages he has reached a whole different level.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Joachim and Silvia Heger, Weingut Dr. Heger

See:
Joachim Heger, Weingut Dr. Heger: Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2013, Germany

Der 2011er Achkarrer Schlossberg „Großes Gewächs“ mit seinem enormen aromatischen Reichtum, reifen Kirschen, roten und schwarzen Beeren, Sandelholz und vielen Gewürzen sowie der Kombination von Kraft und Seidigkeit ist ein großer Rotwein. Er ist ohne jeden Zweifel dem Vergleich mit Spitzengewächsen aus dem Burgund (Heimat dieser Traube) gewachsen, die ein Vielfaches kosten, ohne eine Nachahmung davon zu sein. Die feinen Rauchund Kräuternoten im Finale machen ihn zu einem einzigartigen Wein, der auch vom vulkanischen Boden geprägt ist.

Joachim Heger has added another world class wine to the range of red wines produced in Germany.

Best Price Value Ratio Wine of the Year 

2012er Westhofener Riesling trocken, Weingut Katharina Wechsler

It is a coincidence that the wine with the best price value ratio is from Westhofen and thus from the same village in Rheinhessen, where the white wine of the year comes from. But of course, it speaks volumes about the creative spirit and the urge for high quality prevailing among the young winemakers in Rheinhessen. The last few years have already seen many awards going to young winemakers in Rheinhessen. Rheinhessen has long since become the dream factory for dry German white wine. What distinguishes this wine from others, is the combination of strength of character and a great harmony.

Hier ist die besondere Würze und Eigenart, die Kenner mit den Spitzenlagen von Westhofen assoziieren (er stammt aus der Spitzenlage Kirchspiel, auch wenn nur der Ortsname auf dem Etikett steht), doch er kommt etwas schlanker daher als die Spitzenweine aus diesen Lagen, zum Beispiel Katharina Wechslers eigener „Kirchspiel Riesling trocken“. Das Ergebnis ist ein großartiger Trinkspaß - vorausgesetzt, man steht auf trockene Weißweine mit einer gewissen Säure.
And that of a newcomer who was a television journalist in Berlin until 2009.

Best Sweet Wine of the Year

2011er Vintage Port, Niepoort Vinhos, Oporto/Portugal

Nach wie vor wird Portwein in Deutschland drastisch unterschätzt, nicht zuletzt, weil es sich um einen süßen Rotwein handelt und nach der allgemeinen Vorstellung Rotwein trocken zu sein hat. Wie engstirnig diese Haltung ist, zeigen die „Vintage Ports“ - ausgewählte Spitzenweine eines besonderen Jahrgangs, die früh auf die Flasche gezogen werden, um eine möglichst lange und langsame Entwicklung zu ermöglichen - die höchste Stufe der Portwein-Klassifizierung. Die kräftige Süße dieser Portweine ist natürlich und wird im Wein erhalten, weil die Gärung durch Zugabe von Branntwein unterbrochen wird, bevor die gesamte Traubensüße von der Gärhefe in Alkohol umgewandelt wurde. Im Gegensatz zu Weinmachern in anderen aufstrebenden Weinländern und -regionen hat der charmante, omnipräsente Dirk Niepoort aus dem portugiesischen Oporto nicht auf internationale Rebsorten und massenkompatiblen Einheitsgeschmack, sondern auf die historische Rebsortenvielfalt seiner Heimat gesetzt. Außerdem nutzt er den traditionellen Mischsatz: Weinberge, in denen die Traubensorten munter durcheinander gepflanzt sind. Solche Lagen bringen im Idealfall unverwechselbare Tropfen von ganz eigenem Charakter hervor, Weine von großer Komplexität und Individualität. Der 2011er Vintage Port von Niepoort Vinhos ist solch ein großartiger Vertreter der Kategorie Vintage Portos. Er duftet nach getrockneten Feigen und Datteln, besticht mit enorm konzentrierter Frucht, mächtigem Gerbstoff und einer satten, traubigen Süße. So extrem diese Beschreibung klingt, besitzt doch schon der ganz junge Wein eine sehr stimmige Harmonie, und im Finale entfaltet sich eine geniale Frische, die an Salz und Minze erinnert. Im dunklen Keller bei gleichmäßiger Temperatur gelagert kann er mindestens weitere 50 Jahre auf der Flasche reifen. Dies ist Dirk van der Niepoorts bisher größter Wein.

Innovation of the Year 

2012 Blaufränkisch & 2012 Blaufränkisch „Reserve“, Weingut St. Antony, Nierstein/Rheinhessen

Blaufränkisch is the Austrian synonym for Lemberger (Germany) and Kékfrankos (Hungary), but a number of German winemakers have Austrian role models for their red wines from this grape and therefore also use the Austrian designation. Nowhere this is done with more authority than at Weingut St. Antony in Nierstein General Manger Felix Peters has planted vines with the genetics of old Austrian vineyards.

Eigentlich ist „gepflanzt“ nicht ganz zutreffend, weil Blaufränkisch-Holz in mehreren Weinbergen auf die bestehenden Reben anderer Traubensorten gepfropft wurde. Das ist in unseren Breitengraden ein gewagtes Spiel und kann sehr leicht scheitern, aber in diesem Fall ist das Wagnis bestens aufgegangen. Die noch größere Überraschung ist jedoch, welche Qualität die Trauben von diesen Reben innerhalb weniger Jahre erreicht haben. Die nächste große Leistung war und ist, aus ihnen charaktervolle und sehr originelle Weine zu erzeugen. Sie schmecken ganz anders als die üblichen deutschen Lemberger-Weine, hinter denen moderne, auf Ertragsmenge gezüchtete Klone stecken. Bereits der „normale“ 2012er Blaufränkisch von St. Antony zeigt die besondere Würze (schwarzer Pfeffer, Nelken) und die animierende herbe Frische der Sorte in Reinform, hat aber sanfte Gerbstoffe, die ihn keinesfalls schwer schmecken lassen. Die 2012er „Reserve“ fügt dem komplexe Kräuternoten, seidige Fülle und richtige Tiefe hinzu. Erst seit 2011 bringen diese Weinberge richtig Ertrag, zweifelsohne darf man auf die nächsten Jahrgänge sehr gespannt sein.

For many years, there has not been any comparable breakthrough red wine from Germany, and there are good reasons to believe that it will take some time until that might happen again.

Sparkling Wine of the Year

„1900“ Riesling Brut, Weingut van Volxem, Wiltingen/Mosel

Sparkling wines from the Riesling grape are usually animating and refreshing, but with the second glass, they often come across as a bit acid and thin. In this sense, the "1900" – this is a name, not the vintage (which is 2008) - by Roman Niewodniczanskis Weingut van Volxem is an excellent atypical Riesling Sekt, with notes of tangerines, many yellow fruits and honey on the nose.

Picture: Roman Niewodniczanski at Schloss Johannisberg

Winzer Niewodniczanski steckt viel Ehrgeiz in den Wiederaufbau vergessener Spitzenlagen, und der „1900“ wirkt reichhaltig und geschmeidig im Geschmack, aber ohne jegliche Schwere, und betont herb im Ausklang. Damit transportiert er auf wunderbare Weise die besondere Aromatik und Balance der Stillweine des in Wiltingen an der Saar gelegenen Guts in einem Schaumwein. Um die besondere Balance zwischen hoher Reife und Frische zu erzielen, werden gezielt die Trauben aus besonders kühlen Lagen spät gelesen und mit einer Reifezeit im Holzfass und auf der Flasche von knapp fünf Jahren gearbeitet. Auch wenn der „1900“ hervorragend als Aperitif schmeckt, hat er mehr als genug Kraft, um zum Essen serviert zu werden, etwa zu einem Huhn mit Pilzen.

At 26 Euros, this Sekt is not cheap for a German sparkling wine, but offers a taste experience that beats many Champagnes, which can easily cost several times the price of this Sekt.

schiller-wine - Related Postings

Late Night German Riesling Tasting with Riesling Gurus Paul Grieco and Stuart Pigott in Washington DC on the 2013 Riesling Road Trip, USA

German Wine Basics: Sugar in the Grape - Alcohol and Sweetness in the Wine

Stepping up: From 3 … to 4 Quality Levels - The New Classification of the VDP, Germany

Approaches to Classifying German Wine: The Standard Approach (the Law of 1971), the VDP Approach and the Zero Classification Approach

Joachim Heger, Weingut Dr. Heger: Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2013, Germany

Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany

Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Visiting Weingut Josef Leitz in Ruedesheim – Johannes Leitz is Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide 2011

With Wine Maker Clemens Busch in Puenderich at his Winery in the Mosel Valley, Germany

Kuenstler, Meyer-Naekel, Wirsching – Winemaker Dinner at Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany 

One of the Fathers of the German Red Wine Revolution: Weingut Huber in Baden

With Wine Maker Clemens Busch in Puenderich at his Winery in the Mosel Valley, Germany 

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

Weingut Dautel in Wuerttemberg – A Profile, Germany

Schiller’s Favorites at the 2013 Riesling and Co Tasting in New York City, USA

The Wines Chancelor Merkel Served President Obama and Michelle Obama in Berlin (and the Wines she did not Serve), Germany

Schiller’s Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France

Pictures: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller at L' Embarcadere with a Plateau des Fruits de Mer (for 2)

Bordeaux City

The city of Bordeaux is a jewel, with vestiges from the Roman era and medieval town gates. However, the 18th century was its golden age. Victor Hugo once said: “Take Versailles, add Antwerp, and you have Bordeaux.”

Bordeaux is often referred to as "Little Paris". Baron Haussmann, a long-time prefect of Bordeaux, used Bordeaux’s 18th century, big-scale rebuilding as a model when he was asked by Emperor Napoleon III to transform a then still quasimedieval Paris into a “modern” capital that would make France proud.

The city was ruled by the English for a long time, which is why Bordeaux seems to have an "English flair". After the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Bordeaux came under English rule between 1152 and 1453. It was then that the British first developed their taste for Claret, as the red Bordeaux wine is called in the UK.

The city has recently been classified by UNESCO as an “outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”.Bordeaux has a million inhabitants, including a lively university community of over 60,000.

Pictures: Visiting Bordeaux City

Bordeaux is a flat city, built on the left banks of the Garonne. The Garonne merges a dozen kilometers below the city with the Dordogne to form the Gironde, which is biggest estuary in France. The two main entertainment spots are: (1) Formerly inhabited by wine merchant warehouses, the docks (les quais) are now home to gardens, bike and skate paths, boutiques, museums, cafés, bars and restaurants. (2) La Victoire is the other area for entertainment: Historical monuments meet student life and bars. Most of the pubs and bars of the town are here. Virtually, all the shops in the surroundings of this area are bars.

See:
In the Wine Capital of the World: the City of Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy 

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City

L' Embarcadere

3 Rue de Pas Saint Georges

The decor is reminiscent of a pub or brasserie, with wood paneling and rich velvet seating, but the cuisine is seafood all the way. The menu is vast and can suit any seafood tastes and budgets. Known in town as a restaurant serving high-quality dishes at reasonable prices.

Picture: L' Embarcadere

Le Petit Commerce

Restaurant et Pecherie
Chai du Petit Commerce

18, 19- 22 Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre

Jim Drohman: The Petit Commerce, a bistro specializing in seafood, reminds me of two points regarding the city of Bordeaux that are not necessarily the first that come to mind when I think of this capital of wine.

First, Bordeaux is a port city and as such, has a rich culinary tradition surrounding fish and shellfish. Although officially located on the river Garonne, it is very near the river’s mouth and therefore close the rich fishing of the bay of Biscay. Bordeaux is also in the center of one of the most renowned oyster producing regions in France, very close to the famous oyster beds at Arcachon and around Oleron.

Second, Bordeaux is close enough to both Spain and the Basque countries that its cooking reflects some of these regions culinary traditions. In this case, I am thinking of cooking on a “plancha” or flat topped grill. Its a very simple, rustic way of cooking that adds a rich, caramelized, note to any ingredient. And one finds it often in Bordeaux.

The daily choices, which usually number 15-20 fish and an equal number of crustaceans, are listed on a chalk board.

The same owner has recently opened a shellfish bar directly across the street and diners at either restaurant can request dishes from the other…so you can start your meal with local oysters on the half shell or a plateau de fruites de mer that might include raw oysters, clams, mussels, crab, shrimp and sea snails.

Service can be brusk but I don’t take it personally…Le Petit Commerce seems always full and perpetually understaffed, although the staff that is there is working at full speed.

Recommended by Ray and Gisela Leon.

Fernand

7 Quai de la Douane

If you like your dining experiences to offer a feast for the eyes in addition to a feast for the stomach, this restaurant should be on your agenda. The antique-clad decor provides an authentic bistro atmosphere. The seafood platters and oysters are well known, but beef dishes are superb as well.

Chez Jean-Mi - Bistro à Huitres

Halle des Capucins

Go to the morning market at les Capucins around 11 am and stay for a little snack and glass of chilled white Bordeaux wine. There are just a few specialties, but all outstanding: the freshest of oysters, good bread, wine, and soupe des poissons with the traditional rouille and grated cheese.

From 7:00 am to 1:30 pm.

La Belle Epoque

109 Rue Pelleport

Not a specific seafood restaurant, but a typical French brasserie: waiters in long white aprons, art deco rooms and brasserie food , including seafood, as it should be served and eaten. The 2014 Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy will have dinner there.

Pinasse Café

2 bis ave Océan Cap Ferret,33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret

Not on Bordeaux City, but in Cap Ferret, about 45 miles from Bordeaux City.

Bottin Gourmand: Authentique et chaleureux, le Pinasse Café jouit d'une situation privilégiée. Les pieds dans l'eau du bassin d’Arcachon, vous pouvez déguster des moules aux aiguilles de pin, une blanquette de seiche, ou encore d'incroyables homards rôtis sauce sauternes, le tout préparé par le chef Emmanuel Goncalves. Généreux plateaux de fruits de mer. Vue imprenable sur la dune du Pilat. C'est assez magique.

Pictures: Pinasse Café

The 2013 Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy stopped there - and the 2014 Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy will stopp there - for lunch on a Sunday. Great, food and relaxed ambiance, with a gorgeous view over the bay, the oyster farms and the village of Arcachon and the Dunes de Pilat, the largest in Europe, in the distance. I like the Plateau des Fruits de Mer.

See also:
Visiting an Oyster Farm at Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux: Raphael Doerfler at Earl Ostrea Chanca , France

Schiller’s Favorites

This posting is part of the Schiller’s favorites series.

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France 

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Berlin, Germany

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

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle, USA

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Washington DC, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Restaurants, Brasseries, Bistros, Cafes and Wine Bars in Paris, France

Schiller’s Favorite Crab Houses in the Washington DC Region, USA

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

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in London, UK

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Wine Spots in Vienna, Austria

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in San Francisco, USA

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux (City), France (2012)

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Budapest, Hungary

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

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

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria (2011)

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Places Where You Can Have a Glass of Wine in Healdsburg, California

schiller-wine: Related Posting (Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy PR and WineTours 2013)

Ombiasy Wine Tours: Bordeaux Trip Coming up in September 2013

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

An Afternoon at Château Pape-Clément (in 2013), Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Visiting a “Holy” Construction Site: Château Angélus in Saint-Emilion, France

Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Organic Château Beausejour in AOC Puisseguin-St.Emilion, France

Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur with Winemaker/Owner Dany Rolland, Pomerol, France

Visit of an Ultra-premium Non-mainstream Bordeaux Producer: Tertre Rôteboeuf, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile

Visiting and Tasting at Château Climens, with Owner Bérénice Lurton, Bordeaux, France

Lunch, Tour and Tasting with Owner Catherine Thibault d'Halluin (nee Boyer) and Winemaker Julien Noel - Château du Cros, Château Mayne du Cros, Château Courbon and Clos Bourbon, Bordeaux, France

Visiting an Oyster Farm at Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux: Raphael Doerfler at Earl Ostrea Chanca , France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Léoville-Poyferré, with Didier Cuvelier and Anne Cuvelier, France   

Tour and Tasting at Château Pontet-Canet, with Owner Alfred Tesseron, Bordeaux

A Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, with Winemaker and Owner Basile Tesseron (2013), France

A Tour and Tasting at Château Coufran, Haut-Médoc, with Co-owner Frédéric Vicaire, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages in Bages, Bordeaux, France

Tour at Tonnellerie Berger et Fils: How is a Barrique Made? Bordeaux, France

Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé de Graves, France

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France

schiller-wine: Related Postings (Oysters)

Visiting an Oyster Farm at Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux: Raphael Doerfler at Earl Ostrea Chanca , France

Fine Wine and Fine Oysters in Madagascar: Oysters from Fort Dauphin and Wine from Clos Nomena

In the Glass: 2007 Rheinhessen with Oysters at the Ten Bells in the Lower East Side in Manhattan

New Hampshire, US: Cheese ... Lobster and Oysters ... and Wine!

Plateau des Fruits de Mer and a Pessac-Leognan Wine in Bordeaux City, France

Oysters and Wine

The Best Wines for US West Coast and Other Oysters

West Coast Oysters and Wine with Jon Rowley in Seattle, USA

Maryland Crabs and Wine, USA

Wine and Crab Cakes: Amy Brandwein from Casa Nonna and Chris Clime from PassionFish win the 6th Annual Crab Cake Competition in Washington DC, USA

In the Glass: A Rust en Vrede 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon With South African Oysters in Stellenbosch

A Plateau des Fruits de Mer and a Pessac-Leognan Wine in Bordeaux City, France

Schiller's World of Seafood

In the Glass: A Rust en Vrede 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon with South African Oysters in Stellenbosch

Oysters - and Wine - at Zuni Café in San Francisco, USA

The 2012 Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition - 10 Oyster Wines

Tasting Virginia Chesapeake Bay Oysters with Oyster Producer Travis Craxton at the Rappahannock River, USA

Rappahannock Oyster Bar at Union Station – Virginia Oysters in Washington DC, USA

America's Best Oyster Bars (2013)

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

 

Picture: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller - "Un Pot" in a Sidewalk Cafe in Bordeaux City

Bordeaux City

The city of Bordeaux is a jewel, with vestiges from the Roman era and medieval town gates. However, the 18th century was its golden age. Victor Hugo once said: “Take Versailles, add Antwerp, and you have Bordeaux.”

Bordeaux is often referred to as "Little Paris". Baron Haussmann, a long-time prefect of Bordeaux, used Bordeaux’s 18th century, big-scale rebuilding as a model when he was asked by Emperor Napoleon III to transform a then still quasimedieval Paris into a “modern” capital that would make France proud.

The city was ruled by the English for a long time, which is why Bordeaux seems to have an "English flair". After the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Bordeaux came under English rule between 1152 and 1453. It was then that the British first developed their taste for Claret, as the red Bordeaux wine is called in the UK.

The city has recently been classified by UNESCO as an “outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”.Bordeaux has a million inhabitants, including a lively university community of over 60,000.

Pictures: Visiting Bordeaux City

Bordeaux is a flat city, built on the left banks of the Garonne. The Garonne merges a dozen kilometers below the city with the Dordogne to form the Gironde, which is biggest estuary in France. The two main entertainment spots are: (1) Formerly inhabited by wine merchant warehouses, the docks (les quais) are now home to gardens, bike and skate paths, boutiques, museums, cafés, bars and restaurants. (2) La Victoire is the other area for entertainment: Historical monuments meet student life and bars. Most of the pubs and bars of the town are here. Virtually, all the shops in the surroundings of this area are bars.

See:
In the Wine Capital of the World: the City of Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars

Le Bar a Vin

3 Cours du 30 Juillet

Le Bar a Vin is located on the ground floor of the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, diagonally opposite the Grand Théatre. The Maison du Vin is the headquarters of the CIVB (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux), home of all the Bordeaux wine professionals, wine producers, brokers and négociants of the Gironde, the Wine School and the Bar a Vin.

Pictures: Le Bar a Vin

Le Bar a Vin is one of the few wine bars open all day. However, if you are interested in premium Bordeaux wines, this is not the place to go. Le Bar a Vin does not showcase the wines of the perhaps 400 producers people talk about in the world, but the wines of the 15.000 or so other producers that also make excellent wines. Most wines are around Euro 3 per glass including tax and service. The menu - updated every several weeks - includes about 20 Bordeaux wines, all served by the glass only. But Le Bar a Vin also serves one or two premium wines; we had the 4. Cru Classé en 1855 Château Lafon Rochet 2007 at €8. The food menu is plates of charcuterie, and cheeses for Euro 6.

Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery

14 Cours de l'Intendance

Not too far away from Le Bar a Vin is Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery, just the opposite of Le Bar a Vin. The enomatic system contains wines of the 400 producers or so that are known all over the world. For higher-end wines, Max Bordeaux is the place to go. If you have questions, a wall-mounted iPad offers fact sheets and wine critics’ tasting notes about every single wine, in English. However, no casual seating or food is available. Also, Max Bordeaux closes early in the evening (8 pm).

Pictures: Max Bordeaux

Aux Quatres Coins Du Vin

8 Rue de la Devise

Like Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery, wines are also dispensed with the enomatic system and, more like Le Bar a Vin, this cute wine bar offers more affordable wines. Unlike both Le Bar a Vin and Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery, its selection includes also non-Bordeaux wines - 32 different wines: 8 whites, 8 red from Bordeaux, 8 red from other parts of France and 8 red from abroad. In addition, you can always order a bottle from the 130 references wine list. Aux Quatres Coins Du Vin also serves cheese and charcuterie platters, but not a full meal. A hipp, young crowd.

Pictures: Aux Quatres Coins Du Vin

Wine and Soul

23 Rue du Couvent, in the Chartrons district

A cozy and funky wine bar that offers a large selection of wines, good food and music concerts once a week. The ramshackle furnishings belie owner Jeremy Renard’s serious industry connections.

Picture: Wine and Soul (Photo: Wine and Soul)

La Part des Anges

23 Rue des Pilliers de Tutelle

Vicky Wine: This small wine bar with a limited wine list is specialized in Bordeaux Wines but each month you have a focus on 4 regions so you're sure to always get something new. November, Greece and Beaujolais on the menu, and Vicky's wines. The perfect place for an afterwork with a good friend. Bonus: when you buy a bottle you get a saucisson free.

Pictures: At La Part des Anges, with Cecilia Dupuy and Mark J. Dryfoos

Owned and run by Cecilia Dupuy and her mother. Cecilia - who knows a lot about wine - has a number of wines "in tubes", which I found very interesting. Clear focus on Bordeaux wines. No kitchen, only small plates.

Le Wine Bar

19 Rue des Bahutiers, in the historic St. Pierre district

Run and owned by two charming Italians, the large wine list also includes many Italian wines. A cosy, small place. Depending on the time, you may be asked to have a full meal. Le Wine Bar is an excellent location to enjoy a glass on an outdoor terrace.

Pictures: Le Wine Bar

Vinome

13 Bis Rue Montbazon

Showroom and Bar a Vin

Vinome: Dans une ambiance conviviale et chaleureuse, Julien Rouzies convie les amateurs de vin à découvrir au verre toute une gamme de vins de Bordeaux dont de délicieux Sweet Bordeaux ! Le concept est simple et novateur : il vous suffit de recharger votre carte Vinôme pour vous servir librement le verre de Sweet Bordeaux votre choix parmi les bouteilles présentes en vitrine de dégustation. Pour couronner le tout, direction la cuisine pour accompagner votre verre de Sweet Bordeaux par une mise en bouche cuisinée sous vos yeux : toast de chèvre chaud, magret de canard, noix de saint-jacques…

Pictures: Vinome

Vinset

27 Rue des Bahutiers

Recommendation of Cecilia Dupuy from La Part des Anges. Looks very interesting on the web site.

Vinset: Largest choice of Bordeaux Wines by the glass. From 3€ & more. Unbeatable bottle prices. The reference of Bordeaux Wines in Bordeaux. Accompanied by carefully selected local producers of amongst others hams "Jambon de Bayonne" and the famous tasteful cheeses from the Pyrenées "Fromage de Brebis."

Picture: Vinset (Photo: Vinset)

Wine More Time

8 Rue St. James

Wine Shop and Wine Bar

Yelp comment: Calm, kind of groovy space to try some new wine. Sit at the bar, sit on the big sofas, or relax outside and people watch when the weather's right. Various small plates offered: aged ham, cheeses, olives, bread.

L’Univerre

40-42 Rue Lecocq

Bar - Restaurant

Bordeaux expert and Bordeaux City resident Jane Awson recommendation on twitter.

L’Univerre: Après le Verretigo, Fabrice Moisan ouvre l'Univerre à Bordeaux, un bistrot dédié à la découverte des vins. Dans un ancien bistrot de quartier entièrement repensé par LaSuite Atelier, Fabrice Moisan a ouvert début novembre l'Univerre, un lieu où déguster les vins de sa cave prolifique et manger généreusement, façon tapas ou à table. À deux pas de la caserne des pompiers, l'Univerre s'inscrit dans la lignée du Verretigo, dont il fut l'un des fondateurs : une carte des vins rare, curieuse, fournie (1300 références) à des prix d'amis, une cuisine sans chichi mais inspirée qui fait la part belle au produit.

L'Intendant

2 Allées deTourney

Wine Store

Not a wine bar., but an amazing wine store of 4 levels connected by a single spiral staircase, just next to the Grand Hotel. The collection includes over 15,000 bottles.

Pictures: At L'Intendant

Schiller’s Favorites

This posting is part of the Schiller’s favorites series.

Schiller Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Berlin, Germany

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

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Seattle, USA

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Washington DC, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Restaurants, Brasseries, Bistros, Cafes and Wine Bars in Paris, France

Schiller’s Favorite Crab Houses in the Washington DC Region, USA

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

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in New York City, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in London, UK

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Wine Spots in Vienna, Austria

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in San Francisco, USA

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux (City), France (2012)

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Budapest, Hungary

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

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

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria (2011)

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Taverns in Mainz, Germany

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars and Other Places Where You Can Have a Glass of Wine in Healdsburg, California

schiller-wine: Related Posting (Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy PR and WineTours 2013)

Ombiasy Wine Tours: Bordeaux Trip Coming up in September 2013

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

An Afternoon at Château Pape-Clément (in 2013), Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Visiting a “Holy” Construction Site: Château Angélus in Saint-Emilion, France

Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Organic Château Beausejour in AOC Puisseguin-St.Emilion, France

Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur with Winemaker/Owner Dany Rolland, Pomerol, France

Visit of an Ultra-premium Non-mainstream Bordeaux Producer: Tertre Rôteboeuf, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile

Visiting and Tasting at Château Climens, with Owner Bérénice Lurton, Bordeaux, France

Lunch, Tour and Tasting with Owner Catherine Thibault d'Halluin (nee Boyer) and Winemaker Julien Noel - Château du Cros, Château Mayne du Cros, Château Courbon and Clos Bourbon, Bordeaux, France

Visiting an Oyster Farm at Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux: Raphael Doerfler at Earl Ostrea Chanca , France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Léoville-Poyferré, with Didier Cuvelier and Anne Cuvelier, France   

Tour and Tasting at Château Pontet-Canet, with Owner Alfred Tesseron, Bordeaux

A Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, with Winemaker and Owner Basile Tesseron (2013), France

A Tour and Tasting at Château Coufran, Haut-Médoc, with Co-owner Frédéric Vicaire, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages in Bages, Bordeaux, France

Tour at Tonnellerie Berger et Fils: How is a Barrique Made? Bordeaux, France

Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé de Graves, France

Schiller's Favorite Wine Bars in Bordeaux City, France

Schiller's Favorite Seafood Places in Bordeaux City, France