Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

Picture: Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

The "Weinfeder e.V." is the association of German wine journalists: "Ein Zusammenschluss von Journalisten, Redakteuren, Autoren, Fotografen, Moderatoren, Lektoren, Textern, Grafikern, Dozenten, Bloggern sowie Personen aller Berufszweige in Sachen Wein, die in den Bereichen Print und/oder Online publizistisch tätig sind".

It had its Annual Membership Meeting a few weeks ago, at which a new board was elected.

I am happy to report that I was re-elected to the board, as the "Kassenprüfer"/ cash auditor.

The Weinfeder e.V. is a member of the FIJEV (Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains des Vin et Spiritueux/ International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers).

Weinfeder e.V.: "Wir lieben und schreiben Weingeschichten – zu lesen im Weinfeder Journal. Wir verkosten Weine und bieten faire Weinkritik. Wir besuchen führende Weinmessen ebenso wie regionale Weinevents. Wir rezensieren Weinliteratur und spiegeln Weinkultur. Wir begleiten Weinernten, Weinkellerarbeit und informieren über neueste önologische Trends. Wir reisen in bekannte und unbekannte Weinregionen, entdecken Winzertalente, portraitieren Weinpersönlichkeiten.“

Picture: Weinfeder Award Ceremony at Weingut Spreitzer, September 2020: Wine Personality of the Year/ Georg Prinz zur Lippe, Weingut Schloss Proschwitz and German Wine Critics' Prize/ EINHEIT, Michael Apitz, Weingut Josef Spreitzer (Rheingau) and Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut), Germany 

schiller-wine: Related Postings  

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

Christmas Party 2018 of the Weinfeder - the Association of German-speaking Wine Journalists - in the Remstal in Württemberg, with the Wine Estates Jürgen Ellwanger, Bernhard Ellwanger, Doreas and Karl Haidle, Germany  

Weinfeder Award Ceremony at Weingut Spreitzer, September 2020: Wine Personality of the Year/ Georg Prinz zur Lippe, Weingut Schloss Proschwitz and German Wine Critics' Prize/ EINHEIT, Michael Apitz, Weingut Josef Spreitzer (Rheingau) and Weingut Pawis (Saale Unstrut), Germany

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

 

German Wine Institute: Ahr Winemakers Concerned about less Vineyards and Structural Change, Germany

Picture: Tasting at Weingut H.J. Kreuzberg in Dernau, Ahr, with Ludwig Kreuzberg and Frank Josten – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

 

The German Wine Institute issued a press release with regard to the Ahr wine region on December 1, 2021, which I am re-issueing here, coupled with pictures from visits of Ahr producers during recent ombiasy wine tours. The Ahr region is up in the North of Germany and part of the Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours, which also includes the Mosel and the Nahe.

 

Press Release, German Wine Institute, December 1, 2021

The flood disaster in mid-July in the Ahr region hit the local winegrowers hard. A few weeks before the upcoming harvest, most of the 50 or so wine producers were left with nothing. Now the harvest has been successfully brought in from the 562 hectares that make up the fourth smallest wine-growing region in western Germany. Nevertheless, it will take years before the situation returns to normal and the infrastructure in the valley is restored. The narrow Ahr river valley is responsible for the region's favored mesoclimate.

 

Pictures: Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr, with Dörte Näkel – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Total of 110 million euros damage

Dr Knut Schubert of the Rhineland-Nassau Farmers' and Winegrowers' Association reported to AGRA-EUROPE on November 11th that the total damage that has affected the wine-growing businesses is estimated at around 110 million euros. The damage calculated for each winery ranges from 50,000 to five million euros, with most businesses suffering damage of well over 500,000 euros.

The winegrowers affected by the flood are particularly concerned about the worsening scarcity of land for cultivation in the area. Ten percent of the vineyards were destroyed or badly damaged, amounting to a total loss of around 40 hectares. The partial damage in areas mainly on steep slopes and foothills, which will not be able to produce any yield in the next few years, is about 17 hectares.

"The issue will take a longer period of time until solutions are found," is the assessment given by the district association manager. The background to this is the reclassification of flood plains, which will eliminate several hectares of vineyards in the lowlands. In the future, winegrowing will only be possible to a limited extent and under certain conditions in the adjoining locations. Moreover, possible new designations for replacement areas would be in competition with sites for housing construction and for retention areas as potential flood plains.

 

Pictures: Tasting with Alexander Stodden, Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr, with Alexander Stodden - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Structural change brought forward

Furthermore, land consolidation procedures are necessary in the floodplain in order to be able to operate sensibly in the future. In some districts, the region is particularly characterised by small plots. Of the 50 or so winegrowers who produce their own grapes and the 15 businesses that primarily supply grapes, two will probably go out of business. Some of the grape growers supplying the cooperatives, who had been severely damaged by the flood, are likely to bring forward the closure of their businesses by a few years. This would speed up the structural change.

 

Pictures: Wine Tasting at Weingut J.J. Adeneuer in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Ahr, with Marc Adeneuer - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Very good quality vintage

Despite all the difficulties, this year's grape harvest in the Ahr valley was successfully completed. The wine producers received broad support and assistance from all over Germany. The Ahrwein e.V. regional association supported the winegrowing businesses by coordinating the volunteer (harvest) helpers and fundraising as well as providing organisational support for the newly founded association "AHR - A wine region needs Help for Rebuilding e.V." and the #flutwein project. A central building block to enable the grape harvest was also the emergency aid paid out to the winegrowers from the donations of the foundations and funds of the farmers' associations, which were directly invested and used by the winegrowers.filtration are also important elements of our philosophy.

 

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut H.J. Kreuzberg in Dernau, Ahr, with Ludwig Kreuzberg and Frank Josten – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Varying harvest quantities

The grape harvest itself turned out to be very heterogeneous, depending on the vineyard location. Some winemakers reported significant losses while others, including the cooperatives, were satisfied with the results. According to Schubert, the poor weather conditions this year, the flood disaster and the plant protection measures that were not fully implemented have had a major impact on the harvest volumes.

Overall, he estimates that around 35,000 hectolitres were harvested in the Ahr region. The Ahr vintners are very satisfied with the quality of the grapes harvested. The late summer temperatures had enhanced the vintage, and the winemakers had no problems with the acidity this year. They expect strong, fruit-driven wines. In addition, there are enough grapes to produce one of the region’s specialties, ‘Blanc de Noir’ - the creation of a light wine from red grapes.

 

Pictures: Visit and Tasting at Winzergenossenschaft Mayschoss in Mayschoss, Ahr – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr, with Dörte Näkel – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Tasting with Alexander Stodden, Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr, with Alexander Stodden - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours 

Wine Tasting at Weingut J.J. Adeneuer in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Ahr, with Marc Adeneuer - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)   

Tasting at Weingut H.J. Kreuzberg in Dernau, Ahr, with Ludwig Kreuzberg and Frank Josten – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016 

Visit and Tasting at Winzergenossenschaft Mayschoss in Mayschoss, Ahr – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

 

Pictures: Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings - "All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle", "The Wines of Austria" and "Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux" - at the 2021 National Conference of the American Wine Society.

 

This posting covers "Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux". 

 

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the last in a series of 4 postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City.

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

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

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City  

 

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey with Executive Director David Falcheck

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux: The Event at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City   

 

Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner of Ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

 

Sponsors: MacArthur Beverages in Washington DC, Elite Wines Imports, Lorton, Virginia, Château Le Reysse, Ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

Picture: The Sponsors

 

Abstract: You hear “Bordeaux” and you think“expensive”! Bordeaux is the second-largest wine-producing area in the world, and there is much more to the appellation than the few famous, expensive Châteaux. There are 185 classified Châteaux, and it is this rarefied world of Crus Classés that springs to mind with the word “Bordeaux.” Yet, there are 7,215 other Châteaux, the so-called “Petits Châteaux,” that produce very good, sometimes phenomenal wines.

 

We will taste six Petits Châteaux wines from different regions withinthe Bordeaux appellation to show that delicious “Bordeaux” does not necessarily strain your wallet.

 

Pictures: Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City on November 3 to 6, 2021

Powerpoint Presentation

 

Pictures: Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the “Petits Châteaux” - Presentation by Annette Schiller at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City  

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 54th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

In the early days, AWS members were located primarily in the eastern part of the country. As the society grew , we established chapters throughout the eastern U.S., then into the south and Midwest, and finally into western states. Today, the American Wine Society has over 5,000 members in 45 states and 120 chapters across the U.S.

Each November the Society hosts a three-day national conference with two full days of nearly 50 educational seminars to choose from. Winery owners, wine educators, and renowned wine makers are selected to present sessions during this national event. In addition, a program educating members to become AWS certified wine judges is conducted on the day preceding the seminars. 

The 2021 American Wine Society National Conference at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on November 3 to 6, 2021

More than 600 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.

As in previous years, Thursday was the day of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions took place on Thursday.

Friday and Saturday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.

 

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette and I had had planned to attend the whole conference and spend several days at the Harrah`s Resort in Atlantic City. However, Annette and I did not feel comfortable with the health and safety rules of the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference and therefore did not attend the whole conference as we had done in the previous years. We only went for Annette`s 3 events and did not stay at the Harrah's Resort but at an airbnb in Atlantic City. Thus there is no "Seen Through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens" overview posting of the event, as I prepared in previous years. 

See for example: The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

All of the pictures in this posting are mine, except for a few that I downloaded from facebook.

 

Pictures: Arriving in Atlantic City and Delivering the Wines

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2019 in St. Pete Beach, Florida

The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller

Renaissance of the Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same? - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller

Dry Riesling from around the World - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Janie Brooks Heuck, President, International Riesling Foundation

Two American Icons: With Randall Grahm, Founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, and Joel Peterson, Founder of Ravenswood Vineyards, at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

schiller-wine: Related Postings

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