Vinum Weinguide Deutschland, which is considered the leading German-speaking wine guide, was published on November 7. In the beginning of each chapter, they list their top producers per region. Below are their five-star producers in the Mosel, Nahe, Pfalz, and Rheinhessen:
Mosel
Clemens Busch
Falkenstein
Schloss Lieser
Joh. Jos. Prüm
Egon Müller was formerly a five-star producer but is no longer listed in the guide over the last couple of years. For whatever reason, he chose not to partake in the review.
Willi Schaefer and another 15 producers have four and a half stars.
It should be noted that the guides Eichelmann and Falstaff require producers to pay a fee for reviewing the wines. That’s why many producers don’t offer these guides samples.
Knipser is a large VDP estate in Laumersheim, north of Kallstadt. The Knipsers are best known for their red wines, especially Spätburgunder. On a side note, Werner Knipser is good friends with Ulli Stein and Helmut Dönnhoff.
Rings is a relatively new VDP estate in Freinsheim, close to Kallstadt. The Rings are also two brothers who are known for their Spätburgunder but also for Riesling, including from Kallstadter Saumagen.
Below are the Mosel producers rated four and a half stars:
Mosel
Ansgar Clüsserath
Franz-Josef Eifel
Fritz Haag
Julian Haart
Dr. Hermann
Heymann-Löwenstein
Knebel
Carl Loewen
Melsheimer
Markus Molitor
von Othegraven
Max Ferd. Richter
Willi Schaefer
Selbach-Oster
Thanisch Erben Thanisch
Van Volxem
As you know, the Knipsers also make, like the Steins in the Mosel Valley, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend. But they are best known for their Riesling and Spätburgunder.
Last (or second to last? magical Saumagen Pinots were reported but not yet sighted) joint project between Knipser and B. Philippi, Mr. Saumagen, RIP. Liquid chalk, if there is such a thing.
By the way, I saw an Instagram post of that 2016 Kallstadter Saumagen Riesling Spätlese trocken from the late Bernd Philippi. He sold Koehler-Ruprecht, which is in good hands, in 2009. I double-checked the year.
