Upcoming Trips

- Sommelier Trip, November 8-14

If interested in participating in upcoming 2011 Wines of Germany trips, contact Andrea Davidoff at Andrea.Davidoff@rfbinder.com.

Harvest in Germany Begins

The year 2010 was marked by extremely variable weather. Late budbreak at the end of April was followed by cool weather during flowering in June. An extremely hot July encouraged vigorous growth and the delay in vegetation became smaller. An unusually cool and wet August followed with the most precipitation ever recorded for that month. Fruit development advanced much slower than in the previous year and the ripening stage is now about average for the last ten years.

The cool temperatures during flowering led to diminished fruit-set in many regions. Poor weather further lowered fruit quantities in the vineyard. With estimates at hand from throughout the country, Norbert Weber, president of the German Vintner Association, expects a slightly lower than average yield volume of approximately 8.5 million hectolitres.

According to the German Wine Institute (GWI), harvesting of the first Müller-Thurgau and other early-ripening varieties is currently underway. Picking of the late ripening varieties such as Riesling, Silvaner or Pinot Noir is estimated to commence at the end of September. Just how the vintage will be in quality shall be seen during the next weeks. Vintners hope for continued development in ripening benefitted by sunny autumn weather and a golden October.

Campaign financed with aid from the European Union and the Deutscher Weinfonds

Boot Camp for Wine Queen Candidates

All regions are sending their local wine queen in as a candidate in the competition for the highest German wine crown. Some of the candidates attended a large wine-show last week, prior to the election.

The focus of the wine institute's preparation seminar is a camera and rhetoric training, executed by experienced PR-experts, and through which the young ladies are prepared for their on-stage moments in front of thousands of people in the "Neustadt Saalbau". A style consultation and photo shoot was also part of the program.

The public TV station, SWR, also informed the girls about how the election will take place. Sonja Christ, who is the current German Wine Queen from the Mosel-region, gave useful hints for the upcoming election. Holger Wienpahl, who will be the live-presenter of the pre-competition and the finals, also got to know the female candidates while drinking a glass of wine with all of them.

The mood among the competitors was superb. They are all looking forward to the semi-finals in the Saalbau of Neustadt on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010, which will be broadcasted the next day at 2 PM on the SWR TV channel. The finals will take place on Friday, October 8th, 2010, at 8:15 PM in the same place and will be broadcast at 10 PM, also via SWR. Additionally, a live-ticker on www.deutscheweinkoenigin.de will keep online-users informed during the finals.

TheKitchn.com
Who Loves German Riesling Wines?
September 16, 2010
By Mary Gorman

Mary Gorman shares her love affair with German Riesling with her readers while on a trip through the Mosel region. She recommends some great value German Rieslings, including the 2007 Sybille Kuntz Riesling Kabinett Trocken.

1 Wine Dude Blog
Weekly Twitter Wine Mini-Reviews Round-up for 2010-09-18
September 18, 2010
By Joe Roberts

Joe Roberts, who participates in Wines of Germany’s blogger mailing program, recently tasted the racy and spicy 2009 Kesselstatt Josephshofer Riesling Kabinett along with the “feminine but forward” 2009 Rheingraf Riesling Trocken.

NickOnWine.com
What I Drank Last Night: Actually, at a noon tasting followed by a most congenial…
September 19, 2010
By Nick Passmore

Nick Passmore wrote about his experience traveling through the German wine regions this month. He found the 2009 IMULSE Riesling QBA to be the “quintessential Mosel Riesling.”

Girl with a Glass blog
Tasting Notes
September 2, 2010
By Alana Gentry

Blogger Alana Gentry shared tasting notes from her recent trip through the German wine regions.

TimesUnion.com (Albany, NY)
Tricky Math: Picking my way through west coast Rieslings
September 3, 2010
By Alistair Highet

Alistair Highet believes that “a great German Riesling is truly one of the crowning glories of the wine world.”  The 2008 Selbach Riesling Kabinett has “an excellent balance of acidity and honeyed sweetness and a quick, complete resolve.”

Rockss and Fruit Blog
Germany 2010: Mosel - J.J. Prum
September 8, 2010
By Lyle Fass

On a recent trip to Germany, Lyle Fass tasted the 2009 Prum Rieslings including the elegant 2009 Bernkasteler Badstube Kabinett and the slatey 2009 Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese.

Cleveland.com
Sommelier George Zaboura recommends Blufeld Riesling: From the Sommelier
September 11, 2010
By Tara Quinn

George Saboura recommends Blufeld Riesling from the Mosel, which is regarded as one of the best regions to grow Riesling. The wine pairs well with spicy Asian food.

TheNewsStar.com (Monroe, LA)
There are Many Facets to Riesling
September 1, 2010
By Patrick Gerl

Patrick Gerl clarifies some misconceptions about Riesling and reviews the Marcus Molitor Trocken Riesling.  The crisp and refreshing wine has “tastes of grapefruit, pineapple, pear and Granny Smith apple.”

An Upper West Side outpost of the Atlantic Grill has opened. This one, at Lincoln Center, will boast a 12-seat sushi bar, as well as a menu offering many fruits of the sea. Chris Lim will oversee the kitchen. Atlantic Grill at Lincoln Center, 49 W. 64 St., New York, NY 10023, 212-787-4663.

Freemans owners Taavo Somer and William Tigertt have opened Peels, located in the developing Bowery section of the East Village. The interior is decked out in Victorian flair. Peels, 325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003, 646-602-7015.

The troubled West 10th Street spot that has housed several restaurants in the past five years (most recently Bar Blanc) will become a Virginia-themed restaurant called Lowcountry. It will open in the autumn. Lowcountry, 142 W. Tenth St., New York, NY 10014, no phone available yet.

San Francisco

Berkeley's upscale Fourth Street shopping district has a new Mediterranean restaurant called Zut! on Fourth. Housed in the space formerly occupied by Eccolo, Zut! on Fourth's menu features Med dishes such as fried squash blossoms, grilled whole fish, local squid stuffed with chorizo, tajines and wood-burning rotisserie lamb. The chef is Jim Wimborough, a veteran of Kokkari, Grand Café, Boulevard and Rubicon, as well as Home, where he was executive chef. Sidewalk patio seating, doors and windows that open onto the street, and a warm, comfortable dining room mark the people-watching-friendly restaurant. Lunch & Dinner daily. Zut! on Fourth, 1820 Fourth St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 510-644-0444.

The Velvet Room has opened in the Clift hotel, adjacent to the swank Redwood Room bar and lounge, known for attracting a hip, moneyed crowd of celebs and other VIPs. Formerly Asia de Cuba, the restaurant has maintained its plush, dramatic décor of velvet curtains, leather banquettes, Murano glass lamps and a centerpiece etched-mirror communal table shaped like a cross. The California cuisine under chef Ewart Wardhaugh (Wynn Las Vegas, Olives, Todd English's bluezoo) is seasonal and driven predominantly by local ingredients in dishes such as Marin Farms beef tenderloin with cauliflower purée, broccolini and fingerling potatoes, and line caught halibut with sunchokes, sea beans and verjus. The space is also used for private events and entertainment, and features live music with dinner every Monday evening from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. The Velvet Room, Clift, 495 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-775-4700.

Slow has opened in Berkeley, offering California cuisine with counter service at value prices. The name refers to the eatery's philosophy---chef-owner Kyle Anderson has cooked under Daniel Boulud and Charlie Trotter, and his preparations include fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Average prices are $6 for high quality lunchtime sandwiches, and $12 for dinner entrées such as free-range chicken confit with flageolet beans, roasted beets and haricots verts. All items are house-made, including beverages such as peach lemonade and seasonal desserts. Slow has inventive vegetarian options, affordable small plates, and room for 30 inside at reclaimed wood tables and 30 on an outdoor patio. Lunch & Dinner Mon.-Sat. Slow, 1966 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704, 510-647-3663.

Chicago

Focusing on modern Vietnamese fare, Sawtooth---a restau-lounge along Restaurant Row---serves small plates, like lotus stem salad, in swanky surroundings. There's a serious wine and craft beer list available, too. Sawtooth, 1350 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, 312-526-3320.

Craving Korean tacos? Wish the trend would make its way to Chicago? You're in luck---or at least you will be soon. Del Seoul, which will offer up versions like soy-soju-marinated kalbi, also will turn out dumplings and bánh mì in Lincoln Park. Del Seoul, 2568 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, 773-248-4227.

Arun Sampanthavivat (Arun's) is, in part, behind the upcoming Thai Town Center, a community center where he'll serve regional Thai cuisine in small-plate fashion about a year from now. Thai Town Center, 4461 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60630, no phone available yet.

Las Vegas

The après nightclub crowd now has a restaurant to satisfy their hunger in a colorful Lichtenstein-inspired decor. Munchbar from chef Bryan Ogden has opened at Caesars Palace. Ogden is the son of chef Bradley Ogden of the eponymous restaurant at Caesars Palace and a Culinary Institute of America grad. The menu features late-night snacks such as Philly cheesesteak sliders, Kobe beef chili, grilled cheese sandwiches, mini Maine lobster rolls, sweet potato french fries and chili cheese waffle fries. A specialty drink list includes soft serve ice cream cocktails and a pear ginger fizz made with Domaine Chandon. Beers on draft are $15 for a 60-ounce pitcher of domestic, or $23 for the same-size imported beer. The restaurant is open from noon-4 a.m. Friday through Sunday, and noon-2 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Munchbar, Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-731-7544.

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has announced its new culinary partners, including some top chefs from New York and Los Angeles entering the Vegas market for the first time. The roster includes Blue Ribbon by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg, Comme Ca by Los Angeles chef David Myers, New York City's Estiatorio Milos by restaurateur Costas Spiliadis (Estiatorio Milos), Scarpetta and a new wine bar by chef Scott Conant (Scarpetta in New York) and steakhouse STK from The One Group. In addition, chef José Andrés (The Bazaar by José Andrés in Beverly Hills, Jaleo in Washington D.C., among others) will open two restaurants: tapas spot Jaleo and a new as-yet-unnamed dining concept featuring his take on Mexican and Chinese cuisine. Cosmopolitan plans to open in late 2010. Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3700 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-651-2432.

Source: http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/news.html

Please keep the Wines of Germany bureau updated on any relevant news and business developments by writing to info@germanwineusa.com.