Yes, I am down!! I can bring what I have in my portfolio but also could bring some with me from Germany. I am going early February for a short visit to get some allocations.
If any of you can think of a German Chardonnay that I should bring, let me know. So yes, late February or March sounds great for that.
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Sparkling Riesling has a very different character than Champagne grapes when made in the traditional method. The ones I had tend to be more on the oxidative side and petrol notes when aged, of course. Or the exact opposite and taste more like a carbonated Riesling Kabinett.
I enjoy the more oxidative and yeasty style. I have a Riesling Brut from Griesel, 21 months on tirage, 10% Réserve Perpétuelle, 5 g/L dosage which it needs to balance, the acidity is high!! I also like the phenolic structure it has. 2022 was pretty warm and the granite soil the 30 year old vines grow on brings quite a lot of salinity.
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I would recommend you look into Seckinger. As far as I know they are without a U.S. Importer.
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This Seckinger: Seckinger - Regal Wine Imports
Cool. I know they had parted ways with their prior distributor. Hope they are more available in the U.S.
Does not look like they are bringing in much. No Chardonnays available on wine-searcher except a 2021 from the old importer.
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Funny you mention Griesel - Probably the best German sparkler Iâve ever had is their 2019 Höllberg Pinot Blanc. But I fear Iâm still going to get flagged for talking about this in a Chardonnay forum!
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Haha, we will ignore that you said Pinot Blanc⊠I am getting a small amount of their Höllberg and FĂŒrstenlager Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc this year. Where did you have it, in Germany? I should probably not ask this question here either!
@Robert_Dentice Seckinger is great! Thanks @Tom_G_l_a_s_g_o_w , looks like heâs imported over to the east coast with Regal, thatâs the one.
Letâs shoot for March! Given the chatter on Seckinger, maybe look for that when you go back. And/or just one you find interesting and not imported!
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Yes, I just texted Jonas if his Chardonnay is available in the US. Greiner from Baden has a higher-end single vineyard Chardonnay which I love but donât have in my portfolio yet, âonlyâ the Estate level.
And yes, March sounds great!
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Thereâs a shop in Munich called Weinfurore that we always hit up before having to drink beer with every meal. This year got a great mix of Griesel, Falkenstein, Schafer-Frohlich, Bertram-Baltes and even Seckinger! Though the Seckinger Savagnin I had was not a great example.
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Top top shop! Ordered from them many times over the years.
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In this case you can try to track down their Grande Cuvee (No. 001 and 002 so far). It is a typical Champ. blend, including Chardonnay.
Thread drift rectified!
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It really is an odd one out. I had one over three days, and on the first day I was not super impressed and it had some strange notes. One day three it felt both younger and more balanced and I liked it a lot better. Strange wine 
Thread drift back on track!
Agreed, they are my go-to as well!
100%
I am getting the 2019 Grand Cuvee (40%PN, 25%PB, 20%CH, 15%PM) this summer with my next order and I might get the Prestige Chardonnay as well. I really enjoy the Blanc de Blanc Tradition, itâs 50-50 Chard and Pinot Blanc. Just love Griesel haha
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I tried one of @LisaT Chardonnays. The 2024 Max Greiner (Baden) Estate - Very cool, clean crisp enjoyable wine. I think it has elements of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Riesling which I personally donât mind. The oak influence was minimal. A decent value for $40. Would be curious to taste the Domainâs higher end Chardonnay to see how it stacks up against the top Chardonnay producers from Baden (e.g., Huber, Wasenhaus, Ziereisen).
Nice work @LisaT finding a producer that I have not heard of before.
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Thank you @Robert_Dentice for the feedback and for trying it! I will add his higher end Chardonnay to my next order and let you know once I have it available.
Just announced a Master Class I am moderating with the Ziereisen family in NYC net week.
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That sounds so cool! Please share the wines youâre pouring, wish I could join