30 June – 3 July 2015
Two sun-blessed regions, a star-studded list of producers and a fascinating mix of French and Germanic cultures make this tour one that is very hard to beat.
Our “duet” opens in Freiburg at the Baden Winegrower´s Association with a perfect introduction to the region´s terroir and wines, followed by a special invitation to the State Viticultural Institute, specialists in fungus-resistant varieties, for an insight into current research. Our attention then turns to the Kaiserstuhl, the island of hills in the Rhine valley renowned for its dry, full-bodied wines from the Pinot family (Grauburgunder – or Pinot gris – is a local speciality). We will visit the pioneers behind the quality-drive in the region with their French-inspired techniques: Franz Keller (legendary figurehead in food and wine) and 2012 Vintner of the Year, Dr. Heger (“full-bodied, yet elegant”).
We then move on to Alsace just across the River Rhine to some of the prettiest wine villages in the world (Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé). Awaiting us is a dazzling array of wine styles, including world-class examples of Riesling, Pinot gris and Gewuerztraminer (Germanic grapes, French wines), from such illustrious names as Hugel & Fils and Trimbach (two historic estates and THE reference for fine wine in Alsace), the beautiful walled property of Domaine Weinbach and – “terroirist” par excellence and master of blends, Marcel Deiss. The finale comes in the form of an exclusive tasting of older vintages at the renowned Confrérie St. Etienne, one of the oldest wine brotherhoods in France.
Back to Baden (Breisgau) and the small family estate of Reinhold & Cornelia Schneider, where everything – from vine selection to the finished product – is personally hand-crafted. From there, it is just a short drive to the brilliant Bernhard Huber estate for a tasting of some of the country´s finest Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
A captivating duet where the performers at times strike a different chord but are in complete harmony when it comes to their quest for perfection and exceptionally fine wines.
