Exploring the Pinot grapes of Germany: Red, White, Gray

Please plan to join the German Wine Society on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm for a presentation on the Pinot grapes of Germany, and tasting of nine wines to illustrate the varieties using these grapes, by our own Annette Schiller, who has brought some of these wines back from Germany just for us.  This is our first in-person event of 2024.  Registrations for this event are closed. 

The 13 wine-growing regions are spread across Germany like a picture. Only in these different regions can the different grape varieties find what they need: the right soils and sheltered locations facing the sun.

Germany has been known in the U.S. mostly for its delicious Rieslings. Yes, Riesling is the #1 grape produced in Germany and Germany is also the #1 producer of Riesling world-wide (40% of the global Riesling production is in Germany). However, because of Germany’s very different wine regions ranging from 48.5° latitude to 51° latitude, the Pinot grapes also discovered perfect growing conditions and feel very comfortable in Germany. The monks from Burgundy brought Pinot grapes to Germany as early as the 12th century (and this origin is reflected in the “Burgunder” part of each grape’s German name). Today Germany is the #1 producer of Pinot-Blanc (Weissburgunder), #2 producer of Pinot-Gris (Grauburgunder), and #3 producer of Pinot-Noir (Spätburgunder) world-wide.

We will take you on a discovery tour through 7 different wine regions (including at least one that is normally impossible to find in the U.S.) and taste 3 Pinot Noir, 

3 Pinot Gris, and 3 Pinot Blanc wines.  The wines we will enjoy are as follows:

                 The Spätburgunders

       1)    2018 Blauer Spätburgunder, Weingut Ziereisen, Baden

      2)    2020 Pinot Noir, Weingut Kloster Eberbach, Rheingau

      3)    2020 Spätburgunder, Simonroth, Weingut Schnaitmann, Württemberg

                  The Grauburgunders

      4)    2021 Pinot Gris, Asselheim, Weingut Gaul, Rheinhessen

      5)    2021 Grauburgunder, Schweigen, Weingut Jülg, Pfalz

      6)    2017 Grauburgunder, Reserve, Weingut Hunn, Baden

                  The Weissburgunders

      7)    2020 Weissburgunder, Weingut Wittmann, Rheinhessen

      8)    2021 Weissburgunder, Weingut Dönnhoff, Nahe

      9)    2022 Weissburgunder, Kloster Heilig Kreuz, 1.Lage Weingut Schloss Proschwitz,     Sachsen

A tasty buffet of cheeses, bread, crackers, charcuterie, grapes and veggies will be provided to accompany the wines.

Our tasting will begin at 7 p.m on Saturday, March 23, with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. to admit guests.  The location is the Van Ness Room that we have often used before for membership meetings and other events, including our New German Wine Law tasting in 2023, at 3001 Veazey Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008.  Enter through the main lobby of the apartment building on the 5th floor, and then go down to the 2nd floor by elevator and proceed down the hall to the clubroom.  While there is not off-street parking at this location, on-street parking is available (bear in mind DC parking restrictions and meters), and there is easy access to Metro, at the Van Ness Red Line station.

We are no longer requiring proof of covid-19 vaccination or masking to attend our in-person events, but do request that if you are experiencing symptoms of covid-19 or other contagious illness, or have tested positive for such an illness, you stay home and recover, and avoid putting other guests at risk.  Refunds can be provided in these circumstances if you notify us before the day of the event, to allow us time to find another guest to take your place.  Otherwise, refunds can only be made if you notify us before the deadline for registration.

All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication.   Members and guests should use public transportation to events, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them.

If you have questions about this event, you may contact the event organizer and presenter, Annette Schiller, at aschiller@ombiasypr.com , or by phone at 703-459-7513.  Annette’s website is www.ombiasypr.com . For questions about registration and membership, please contact Carl Willner, Capital Chapter President and Secretary, at  carl.willner1@verizon.net .

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