Our first evening in the Mosel Valley began with a trip to the Staffelter Hof Vineyard, followed by a BBQ, and a BYOB. Even from first glance Mosel Valley vineyards are impressive. Indeed it is captivating to see vineyards stretching for miles on both sides of the Mosel River. When #winelovers met for the 3rd Annual Riesling Marathon, we had come to one of Germany's most beautiful river valleys. We had come to the Mosel, where over a weekend, we would experience some of the best Riesling in the world.
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| #Winelover Moments, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
After seeing first-hand the beauty of this special river valley landscape we returned Staffelter Hof guesthouse, Kröv where we were in for awesome evening.
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| #Winelovers, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
When we returned to the guesthouse out came the vintage Riesling.
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| Staffelter Hof, Riesling 1976 © Spaswinefood |
This was my first time tasting vintage Riesling. There is no better start to a #winelover adventure in the Mosel Valley, than to begin with some of the best Riesling.
BBQ & BYOB Dinner at Staffelter Hof
Our BBQ dinner at Staffelter Hof was a family affair. The warmth, and hospitality of this place certainly added that special touch to our #winelover event.
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| Starting Up the BBQ, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| BBQ Time, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
A table was setup with tasty salads and more.
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| Table Ready, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
Now let's take a peek at what was on the table.
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| Salad, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| Colorful Salad, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
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| Baked Potatoes, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
There were also delicious German breads to go along with the BBQ.
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| Bread, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
This gathering of #winelovers was accompanied with great food, wine, and conversations.
#Winelover BYOB
Here are some of the wines that I tasted during the BYOB.
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| Sharing Romanian Wine, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
Those who know about my Spaswinefood travels in Romania, know that I enjoy tasting Romanian wines. Coming together for the 3rd Annual Riesling Marathon was a delightful reunion with four Romanian friends. Two of the Romanian wines shared that evening were:
1. Stefanesti Truda Fanny Red 2017
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| Stefanesti Truda Fanny Red 2017 © Spaswinefood |
This Stefanesti Truda Fanny Red 2017 is a good expression of the Fetească Neagră grape.
2. Crama Basilescu Golem Red 2011
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| Crama Basilescu Golem Red 2011 © Spaswinefood |
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| Crama Basilescu Golem Red 2011 (backlabel) © Spaswinefood |
This Crama Basilescu Golem Red 2011 is indeed a most delightful cuvée from the Dealu Mare. It is a blend of Fetească Neagră, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
There was a Greek wine from Alpha Estate.
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| Sharing Greek Wine, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
Alpha Estate, Syrah Turtles Vineyard 2011
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| Alpha Estate, Syrah Turtles Vineyard 2011 © Spaswinefood |
I am a great admirer of Greek wines, like Xinomavro and other amazing Greek wines. This was a good expression of Syrah however, given I know the winery well I would have preferred another Alpha Estate wine.
There was an Orange Riesling shared that evening. I must admit I enjoyed this expression of Riesling. It was the first Orange Riesling that I have tasted.
Weingut Kloster Ebernach, Orange Riesling 2015
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| Weingrut Kloster Ebernach, Orange Riesling 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Orange Riesling in the Glass © Spaswinefood |
Yes, sharing wines over conversations with #winelover friends is priceless.
The next two wines that I will share from that evening are also Romanian wines.
SERVE, Charlotte Cuvée 2011
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| SERVE, Charlotte Cuvée 2011 © Spaswinefood |
Not my first time tasting this Charlotte Cuvée, a blend of Fetească Neagră, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. I must admit that I like it.
Corcova Reserve, Cuvée Racoveanu 2011
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| Corcova Reserve, Cuvée Racoveanu 2011 © Spaswinefood |
This cuvée is a Romanian premium wine that I totally appreciate.
Our first evening was a great evening discovering/rediscovering wines. What is so very special about our #winelover gatherings is that it not only brings #winelovers together, but also it gives them the opportunity to share their passion for wine.
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| #Winelover Conversations, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood |
What is a #winelover evening without a fabulous desert wine. Perhaps, there is no better way to end a #winelover evening in the Mosel Valley than with some of the best Riesling. Two well aged Riesling dessert wines were shared.
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| Staffelter Hof, Riesling © Spaswinefood |
Staffelter Hof, Eiswein Riesling 2002
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| Staffelter Hof, Eiswein Riesling 2002 © Spaswinefood |
Staffelter Hof, Dhroner Hofberger Riesling 199298
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Staffelter Hof, Dhroner Hofberger Riesling 199298 © Spaswinefood |
Of course there was some discussion about the date on the Hofberger Riesling 199298. Also, there was some discussion about which dessert Riesling did you prefer. My preference was for the Staffelter Hof, Eiswein Riesling 2002. The important point to note is that both were quite excellent.
What a perfect ending to a wonderful day it was!
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| Staffelter Hof Riesling and Dessert © Spaswinefood |
Yes, I did hear that some #winelovers continued after I left. I believe there was also some dancing.
Next morning, we shared some Champagne at breakfast.
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Breakfast, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood
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| A Staffelter Hof Breakfast © Spaswinefood |
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My friend and I brought some Pinot Meunier Champagne to share. This was an easy decision, given we had arrived in the Mosel Valley, after spending a week in Champagne.
Louis Casters & Piot-Sévillano Champagne, Pinot Meunier NV
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| Louis Casters & Piot-Sévillano Champagne © Spaswinefood |
Yes, these were delightful breakfasts at Staffelter Hof.
Over our Riesling Marathon weekend #winelovers participated in the Mythos Mosel annual wine tasting event celebrating Mosel Riesling. The Mythos Mosel was held May 26-27, 2018 along the middle part of the Mosel. There were thirty locations, which hosted 120 wineries from other parts of the region. I look forward to writing about Spaswinefood’s adventures in the Mosel Valley. I would like to thank Jan Matthias Klein and his family for hosting us for this awesome #winelover event. I invite you to join me in my travels in the Mosel Valley, Germany and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
Mosel Valley, Germany
May 2018
© Spaswinefood
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| Staffelter Hof, Kröv © Spaswinefood |
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