Paula Maia's Wine blog

In the Pfalz is where I realized the trip had just begun. As breath taking as all the regions we had been thus far were, the Pfalz was magic. More like a fairy tale than a real place, the second largest wine growing region in Germany, the Pfalz is strikingly distinctive.

Cellar master Gunther Deeters hosted us at Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht, which turned out to be one of the most electrifying wine talks of the entire trip. Extremely passionate about the craft of wine making, Gunther showed us the estate full line, explaining one by one their individual style and characteristics.

The wines of Bernd Philippi, the owner of Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht, is said to be one of the most traditional of the Pfalz; true magnificient masterpieces. If Gunther didn’t have to pick up his girl from kindergarten, chances are we would still be there, talking and sipping that small barrel aged 1998 Kallstadter Sekt.

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We were looking forward to visiting Weingut Keller. With so many golden medals and no wines under 90 points, who wouldn’t? Now in its 8th generation, the Keller family has been making wine since 1789 and in 2002 they received the Vinitaly Award, previously given to Chateau Margaux, Penfolds and Vega Sicilia.

Too much excitement, too little thinking: I failed to schedule a visit to the winery and upon arrival I was told they had no time to show me around. Sad but understandable. So off I go with just one bottle of wine purchased. I supposed this was never meant to be because that bottle was broken unloading the car.

Weingut Wagner-Stempel made up for it- big time. Their picturesque courtyard with an old chestnut tree was so relaxing. I seriously felt like I was part of the family while sipping a Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling GG under their beautifully restored cross-vaulted cellar in the company of  Mrs.Wagner’s weimaraner.

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From Trier we drove to Bad Kreuznach, passing by Weingut Hexamer in Meddersheim and Weingut Donnhoff in Oberhausen. We couldn’t make it to Schlossgut Diel, which probably would have been an overkill, since I don’t think I can handle this much wine at once.

While we were having breakfast at the hotel, we met Joseph.  A restauranteur himself, Joseph took us to Weingut Sitzius, where I had one of the most amazing roasted vegetables of my life. Such a simple dish , but with unbelievable complexity of flavors. Or maybe it was just the wine that was drinking specially well that evening.

The next day we visited Weingut Dr.Crusius- another recommendation of Joseph. Pardon my ignorance, but I must admit that I hadn’t heard of Crusius wines until then.  We were pleasantly surprised with the new discovery, and sad that we missed their annual Jazz Festival amidst the vineyards. I’ll save this as a good excuse to go back.

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