Our second day at Mythos Mosel was a perfect continuation of the #Winelover Mosel Riesling Marathon. Even when it is a marathon tasting, being in the place of origin, adds richness and depth to the experience. Attending this event was not just tasting the uniqueness of different Riesling styles, but also it really was about discovering the place, the faces, and the stories behind the wines. Each wine vintage has a unique story to tell. A first-hand understanding of a sense of place, and knowing the wine's story, helps me to better understand the wines. This is why my Spaswinefood travels are so important to me. Perhaps it is time to share some of Day Two highlights.
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| #Winelovers, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
First, my Mosel Valley travels helped me to better understand why Riesling comes in many interesting styles. Riesling wines are made in dry, semisweet, sweet and sparkling styles. While Riesling wines are often consumed young, their high acidity and fruit flavors, gives it aging potential. The aging potential for Riesling is 5-15 years for dry, 10-20 years for semi-sweet, and 10-30+ years for sweet. I suspect those earlier introductions to Riesling helped to prepare me for the Mosel Valley's unique expressions of those styles.
Mosel Valley Vignettes: Day Two
After concluding Day One, with an evening at a Dr. Loosen and Friends event, the second day was another rich vine-filled day. The day would end with a Gala Dinner at Weingut Dr. Melsheimer Restaurant. Yes, I tasted mostly Riesling wines but there were a few other Mosel Valley wines as well.
1. Weingut Dr. Loosen
Our morning began with a return visit to Weingut Dr. Loosen, a family winery, that has existed for over 200 years. Since 1988 Ernst Loosen, winemaker and owner, has managed the winery. Ernst, who was fascinated by the Roman ruins on the family estate, originally began his university studies in archeology. Later, his passion shifted to wine making, he then threw himself into studying oenology, and visiting wine regions around the world. His philosophy of wine making is a balance between old and new. Overall, he takes a minimalist intervention approach to wine making.
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| Dr. Loosen, Mosel Valley © Spaswinefood |
When we returned to the winery next day, out came Ernst Loosen to greet us. We were most fortunate to meet him when we return to the winery.
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| Meeting Ernst Loosen © Spaswinefood |
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| A #Winelover Moment, Dr. Loosen © Spaswinefood |
Of course, it was the perfect opportunity to spend some moments with the winemaker.
Before leaving I could not resist taking another look at the courtyard.
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| Courtyard, Dr. Loosen © Spaswinefood |
Yes, it was just yesterday when we spent time there with Dr. Loosen and Friends.
2. Weingut Willi Schaeffer
From Dr. Loosen winery we took the bus to Weingut Willi Schaeffer. Here, I began with tasting Weingut Willi Schaeffer wines.
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| Weingut Willi Schaeffer © Spaswinefood |
The Mosel Valley is a place where you will be greeted by welcoming hosts, who just love to share their wines.
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| Wine Conversations, Weingut Willi Schaeffer © Spaswinefood |
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| Weingut Willi Schaeffer Wines © Spaswinefood |
Smiles and welcoming conversations about wines always makes my day.
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| Tasting Weingut Willi Schaeffer Wines © Spaswinefood |
Weingut Willi Schaeffer also hosted Weingut Joh. Jos. Prüf, Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstratt, and Weingut Weiser-Künstler. It was such a delight to discover these wines.
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| Weingut Joh. Jos. Prüf © Spaswinefood |
I soon discovered that Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Riesling is grown in three areas Mosel, Saul, and Ruwer.
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| Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt © Spaswinefood |
Indeed, to taste the wines and share time with those pouring the wines is priceless. Great wines and smiles are hard to beat.
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| Smiles, Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt © Spaswinefood |
Weingut Weiser-Künstler was a most delightful encounter.
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| Weingut Weiser-Künstler © Spaswinefood |
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| Weingut Weiser-Künstler Wines © Spaswinefood |
This team (Konstantin Weise (above left) and Alexandra Künster (above right)) farm their vineyard organically and biodynamically. Clearly their passion for wine making shows in their wines.
When I left Weingut Willi Schaeffer, I left with rich taste memories of the wines from each of the four wineries. I also left with the beginnings of the stories behind the wines.
3. Weingut Josef Bernard-Kieren
Lunch on the second day we ate at Weingut Josef Bernard-Kieren Restaurant in Graachan Der Mosel. Graachan Der Mosel is a popular holiday and wine village.
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| Weingut Josef Bernard-Kieren, Graach © Spaswinefood |
It was Serban's birthday. The celebration started at breakfast, we would continue celebration over lunch, and later in the day.
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| Lunch, Josef Bernard-Kieren Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
After a tasty tarte flambée lunch I decided to checkout sparkling and rosé wines at Weingut Josef Bernard-Kieren. This Mythos Mosel stop also included wines from Weingut Lots, Weingut Reh, and Weingut Gerbrüder Simon.
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| Weingut Gerbrüder Simon © Spaswinefood |
Our #winelover group could not resist tasting those tempting sparkling wines on that hot May day.
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| #Winelovers, Weingut Gerbrüder Simon © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine Conversations, Weingut Gerbrüder Simon © Spaswinefood |
Without a doubt it was perfect timing to try a sparkling Riesling. The Weingut Gerbrüder Simon, Pinot Brut was such a treat on a hot spring day.
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| Weingut Gerbrüder Simon, Pinot Brut © Spaswinefood |
It was also refreshing to find a rosé wine to taste.
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| Welcome to Weingut Rey © Spaswinefood |
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| Weingut Rey, Rosé Feinherb 2017 © Spaswinefood |
After I sampled some sparkling and rosé wines at this location we were off to the next stop, Weingut Max Ferd Richter.
4. Weingut Max Ferd Richter
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| Weingut Max Ferd Richter © Spaswinefood |
As you walk into the winery you are soon impressed by its setting.
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| Off to Weingut Max Ferd Richter © Spaswinefood |
Once instead the courtyard area it is equally captivating with the vineyards in the distance.
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| #Winelovers, Weingut Max Ferd Richter © Spaswinefood |
I could not help but notice the beautiful vineyard backdrop at this winery.
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| Weingut Max Ferd Richter Courtyard © Spaswinefood |
It was the perfect setting, not only for tasting, but also sharing conversation with friends.
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| Mosel Valley Wine Country © Spaswinefood |
When we share time with friends over a glass of wine it lifts the spirit.
5. Weingut Fritz Haag
Our next stop was at Weingut Fritz Haag, Brauneberg who also hosted Weingut Later, Weingut Lothar Kettern & FIO. Wine, and Weingut Clemens Busch.
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| Weingut Fritz Haag © Spaswinefood |
Yes, it was a most delightful place to have more wine conversations.
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| Wine Tasting, Weingut Fritz Haag © Spaswinefood |
This time I enjoyed those Mosel Riesling Moments while viewing the vineyard through the open window.
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| Vineyard View, Weingut Fritz Haag © Spaswinefood |
Tasting Riesling with such vineyard views, over wine conversations, was Mythos Mosel at its best.
6. Dinner at Weingut Dr. Melsheimer
Our day ended with #winelovers gala dinner at Weingut Dr. Melsheimer Restaurant.
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| Weingut Dr. Melsheimer © Spaswinefood |
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| Weingut Dr. Melsheimer Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
It was an awesome dinner however, it was a bitter/sweet experience, for next day we would leave the Mosel Valley.
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| Gala Dinner, Weingut Dr. Melsheimer Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
It was the most delicious dinner with Dr. Melsheimer Ecovin wines. Where some 2015 Rieslings were amongst the wines we enjoyed.
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| Weingut Dr. Melsheimer, Riesling 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Weingut Dr. Melsheimer, Riesling 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine Moments, Weingut Dr. Melsheimer © Spaswinefood |
After our gala dinner at Weingut Dr. Melsheimer Restaurant we would return to Staffelter Hof, where we conclude the evening with some special wines. When we left Germany the next morning, I left with the most wonderful memories of the Mosel Valley. I would like to thank Jan Matthias Klein, Staffelter Hof for hosting and organizing this amazing #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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| Mythos Mosel © Spaswinefood |
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