Monster Mosel Bridge May Be on Hold!

May 16th, 2012

If ever there was a reason to invoke the hoo, this is it.

Wine Spectator reports that construction has been halted on the Hochmoselübergang, or High Mosel Crossway, a disastrous project that threatens some of the most precious vineyards in the Mosel Valley.

The May 3rd Wine Spectator article says:

The German government’s plan to build a bridge over some of the Mosel river valley’s most-prized vineyards has come to a halt. The regional government will not discuss the reason for the stoppage, but local sources say poor planning and engineering miscalculations are behind the construction freeze on the Hochmoselübergang, or High Mosel Crossway.

Despite the internationally acclaimed Rieslings produced from the steep slopes of the vineyards in the Mittelmosel, the Rhineland-Palatinate government has planned for some time to build a major highway and bridge on the spot. The project’s chief purpose would be to provide an easier route for heavy vehicles between Frankfurt’s airport and the busy markets of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The 4-lane, 525-foot-high, mile-long bridge would connect Ürzig and Rachtig. Originally conceived during the Cold War, the bridge was approved as a stimulus project during the global recession.

Many of the region’s key winemakers, including Ernst Loosen of Bernkastel’s Weingut Dr. Loosen and Manfred Prüm of Weingut Joh. Jos. Prüm, oppose the construction plans, fearing that unpredictable building effects could ruin the vineyards either through increased pollution, disturbing the microclimate of the vineyards and the forest above, heightened soil erosion or interfering with the watershed.

READ THE REST OF THE WINE SPECTATOR STORY

We’ll keep you posted on future developments as we learn them. Stay tuned and keep thinking good thoughts to save one of the world’s most precious wine regions!

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Join Us for a Dr. Loosen Dinner at Del Alma in Corvallis, Oregon

May 11th, 2012

If you’ll be in or near Corvallis, Oregon (USA) on May 19th, please join us for a fabulous evening of wine and food at Del Alma restaurant.

Del Alma is a New Latin restaurant inspired by the flavors and cuisines of Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain. Del Alma means literally “from the soul,” and owner/operators Kinn Edwards and Carolyn Krueger have created an experience that reflects their passion for excellent service, warm hospitality and great food.

Hope to see you there! Here are the deets:

Dr. Loosen Riesling Dinner
Saturday, May 19th
7 pm
$75 per person plus gratuity

First Course
Puget Sound Oysters
Roasted on the half shell in saffron bay shrimp butter, topped with blue corn tortilla crumb and queso cotija crust
(paired with NV Sparkling)

Second Course
Dungeness Crab Posole
Rich smoky tomato broth, fresh Dungeness crab, cilantro, scallions, creamed hominey, avocado, yuca crisps, and aji amarillo aioli
(paired with 2010 Blue Slate Kabinett)

Third Course
Duck Confit Tamale
Finished with ancho chile duck demi glace, jalapeño sweet corn coulis, and charred corn tomatillo salsa
(paired with 2009 Ürziger Würzgarten, Trocken)

Fourth Course
Queso Manchego Morel Mushroom Flan
Served with grilled asparagus, spicy micro greens, and piquillo vinaigrette
(paired with 2010 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese)

Fifth Course
Dessert (to be announced)
(paired with 2006 Beerenauslese)

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Love it With Loosen Friday: Erdener Treppchen Auslese

May 4th, 2012

If you’re friended with us on Facebook, you may already know that Eric Asimov of the New York Times did a story last week titled “Sweetness that Bites Back: Auslese Rieslings from the 2010 Vintage.”

The NYT Dining section wine panel tasted 20 of the vintage and guess which one came out #1 out of all 20? We’ll let Mr. Asimov tell you:

“Our No. 1 bottle was the Erdener Treppchen from Dr. Loosen, which had so many layers of flavor it seemed almost four-dimensional.”

We are honored to be chosen!

And to honor the choice, we dedicate this week’s Love It With Loosen Friday to foods that pair well with our Erdener Treppchen 2010.

Here are some pairing suggestions from our team:

ERNIE LOOSEN: “I like the Erdener Treppchen Auslese with a very traditional dessert here on the Mosel. My Grandma and also my Mum did this dessert always at communion. My Mum prepared it last Sunday again for the communion of my little niece, Julia. The dessert is a wine cream made with Riesling that you pour over local red peaches. The red peaches are from our own tree, which my Mum cans into preserving jars after harvest.”

IAN DICK: “I’d drink this wine in like 30 years and enjoy it with with Ernie’s mom’s sauerbraten.”

KIRK WILLE: “Auslese is pretty sweet, but the 2010 has raging acidity, keeping it racy and balanced. It’s not a big sticky like BA, though, and would work well with richer things like Indian curries, a country pâté, or chicken liver mousse. Also sharp, rich cheeses, like gorgonzola or bleu. It also can work well with fruit-based desserts that aren’t too sweet. And, of course, it is fantastic on its own as a juicy, cleansing interlude – liquid sorbet!”

What would you like to pair it with?

Learn more about Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Auslese.

Learn more about the Erdener Treppchen vineyard.

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Summer of Riesling is Nearly Here!

April 25th, 2012

Acidhounds get ready! With June just around the corner, hundreds of the finest restaurants and wine bars in the Northern Hemisphere are getting ready to celebrate “Summer of Riesling,” from June 20 to Sept. 21 by offering Riesling by the glass and bottle.

In 2011, the original goal was to get participation by 75 restaurants. The final tally: 222,
or triple the goal. For 2012, the goal is 500.

“The enthusiasm was incredible,” says our pal Manhattan restaurateur, acidhound and Riesling fanatic of Terroir Wine Bars Paul Grieco, who created the Summer of Riesling concept and orchestrated the 2011 national program.

“This was not a hard sell at all,” Grieco says. “So many of my colleagues love Riesling and know
how versatile it is with many foods, and they just said sure, we’re in.”

If you love Riesling–or if you want to love Riesling: you’ve got a lot to look forward to. Restaurants and bars will be offering special flights of Rieslings, tastings, Riesling dinners, and filling their wine lists with very special bottles.

If you’re in the wine trade: get in on the action! Participants get publicity and support, including special “Summer of Riesling” t-shirts, temporary Riesling tattoos, buttons, window stickers, and lots of information about Riesling.

Our Operations Manager, Clifford Robben, was so excited about Summer of Riesling that he couldn't wait for his temporary tattoo and went for the real thing.

Loosen Bros. USA is Here to Help You Celebrate

And, of course, we hope you’ll include Rieslings from Dr. Loosen, J.L. Wolf, Weingut Robert Weil, and Von Schubert/Maximin Grünhaus in your celebration, all available from Loosen Bros. USA. And, of course, don’t forget the excellent wines of our Eroica Riesling partner, Chateau Ste. Michelle.

SPECIAL in JULY:31 DAYS OF GERMAN RIESLING

And for those of you with a particular affection for 60 percent of the world’s Riesling vineyards, don’t forget that July brings a special event within Summer of Riesling: 31 Days of German Riesling. In July, participants will highlight their passion for the wines of the Mosel, the Pfalz and beyond.

To learn all about Summer of Riesling, visit www.summerofriesling.com, or follow the fun on Facebook and Twitter. Information also is available on the International Riesling Foundation’s web site, www.drinkriesling.com.

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Wine Trade: See You at Weinbörse 2012!

April 17th, 2012

The Dr. Loosen team is looking forward to this year’s Weinbörse, April 29-30.

Weinbörse is the world’s largest trade fair for top German wines. An event of the Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP), the event gives members of the wholesale/retail trade, hospitality industry and exporters their first comprehensive presentation of the new 2011 vintage.

In the Rheingoldhalle in Mainz, 168 VDP estate vintners will personally present their complete selection for 2011, with more than 1000 wines available for tasting.

Ernst Loosen will be there with members of his team, and we’re looking forward to giving everyone a taste of our 2011 “peaceful and self-assured” picture-book vintage. If you’re a member of the trade, we hope to see you there!

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Photos from the High Museum of Atlanta Wine Auction Weekend

April 11th, 2012

J. Christopher Winemaker Jay Somers with Loosen Bros. USA Southeast Region Sales Manager Sarah Noble.

J. Christopher Winemaker Jay Somers and Loosen Bros. Southeastern Sales Manager Sarah Noble had a wonderful time at the High Museum Auction weekend in Atlanta in March. Here are a few pics of the events.

Want to see more pics of the weekend? Visit the Dr. Loosen Facebook page.

Jay gets his mojo on for the tasting.

Jay with benefactors and J. Christopher enthusiasts Jeb and Karen Hughes.

High Museum Tasting. Quite a crowd!

PEI mussels. ESS yogurt, spring herbs, pickled shallots, sourdough and miner’s lettuce paired with J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc 2010. At Hugh Acheson's restaurant, Empire State South, in Atlanta.

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Now You Can Enjoy Our Wines at Sofitel Hotels in Asia

April 7th, 2012

Exciting news for travelers in Asia!

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Loosen wines now will be available in all of the Sofitel hotels in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, China and Macau. Dr. Loosen will be the only German wine and the only Riesling to be part of Sofitel’s “Voyage du Vin” program.

Sofitel creates unique contemporary luxury hotels & resorts by artfully blending its French origins with the very best of local cultures.

The Voyage du Vin program gathers vineyards of the world to bring customers an exquisite collection of wines from wine-producing regions around the world. Customers embark upon a vinicultural journey that spans Bordeaux, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and more – all offering a taste of the finest examples of terroir and winemaking.

Next time you’re traveling in Asia, be sure to visit a Sofitel and have a glass of Dr. Loosen!

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Come Fly With Us!

March 31st, 2012

If you enjoy tasting a flight of Dr. Loosen wines, imagine how much fun it can be to taste Dr. Loosen while you’re in flight.

We are very pleased to announce that the following airlines now serve Dr. Loosen. So if you’re flying with any of them, be sure to ask for glass.

And remember, most Rieslings have a lower alcohol content than other types of wines, so you can enjoy your in-flight beverage with fewer jet-laggy side effects. Wheels up!

Oman Air serves 2006 Dr. Loosen Beerenauslese in first class.

Qatar Airways serves Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese in business class.

Malaysia Airlines serves Dr. L Riesling Kabinett.

EVA Air serves Dr. Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Kabinett.

EVA Air

Singapore Airlines serves Dr. L Riesling.

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Here Comes the Loosen Bros. USA Portfolio Tour 2012!

March 30th, 2012

For the Wine Trade in Chicago, Boston & New York City — We are happy to announce that Loosen Bros. USA, the national importer for Dr. Loosen, will be taking our small but growing band of top-drawer winemakers to your cities, April 16-18.

In each city, we’ll have an extensive selection of our wines for you to taste, and you can get the real dirt straight from these winemakers who, like Ernie Loosen, are committed to the idea that terroir is real and a wine’s place of origin matters.

We look forward to showing you our current range of wines from:

CHICAGO
Monday, April 16, from 11 am to 4 pm
Tenzing Basecamp, 165 North Morgan, Chicago
(We will be part of Tenzing Wine & Spirits’ annual portfolio tasting.)

Attending Winemakers:

  • Ernst Loosen, Dr. Loosen (Mosel) & Villa Wolf (Pfalz)
  • Wilhelm Weil, Robert Weil (Rheingau)
  • Nicolas Potel, Domaine de Bellene & Maison Roche de Bellene (Burgundy)

To attend the tasting, or for more information, please contact: Doug Krenik, Director of Sales, Loosen Bros. USA 720-237-8170 or doug.krenik@drloosen.com.

BOSTON
Tuesday, April 17, from 11 am to 4 pm
Catalyst Restaurant, 300 Technology Square, Cambridge

Attending Winemakers:

  • Ernst Loosen, Dr. Loosen (Mosel) & Villa Wolf (Pfalz)
  • Wilhelm Weil, Robert Weil (Rheingau)
  • Carl von Schubert, Maximin Grünhaus (Ruwer)
  • Nicolas Potel, Domaine de Bellene & Maison Roche de Bellene (Burgundy)
  • Jay Somers, J. Christopher Wines (Oregon)

To attend the tasting, or for more information, please contact Ian Dick, NE Region Sales Manager, Loosen Bros. USA 413-429-7063 or ian.dick@drloosen.com.

NEW YORK
Wednesday, April 18 – noon to 4 pm
The Lamb’s Club, 132 West 44th Street, Manhattan

Attending Winemakers:

  • Ernst Loosen, Dr. Loosen (Mosel) & Villa Wolf (Pfalz)
  • Wilhelm Weil, Robert Weil (Rheingau)
  • Carl von Schubert, Maximin Grünhaus (Ruwer)
  • Nicolas Potel, Domaine de Bellene & Maison Roche de Bellene (Burgundy)
  • Jay Somers, J. Christopher Wines (Oregon)

To attend the tasting, or for more information, please contact: Ian Dick, NE Region Sales Manager, Loosen Bros. USA 413-429-7063 or ian.dick@drloosen.com.

Please feel free to pass the invitation on to your friends and colleagues in the wine trade.

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J. Christopher Donates Oregon Wine Country Weekend to High Museum Atlanta Auction

March 21st, 2012

Special to our Atlanta fans:

Please join Jay Somers, winemaker at our joint venture, J. Christopher Wines, and Loosen Bros. USA Southeast Region Sales Manager Sarah Noble on March 28-31 for the High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction.

The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction is the largest fundraising event for Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. The auction is the top charity fundraising event in Atlanta, the fifth largest charity wine auction in the U.S (according to Wine Spectator) and the #1 charity wine auction benefiting the arts.

With three days of dinners, wine classes and tastings, there’s an event for every foodie and wine lover. And on March 31, please join Jay and Sarah for the Ultimate Expression of The Art of Wine – The 20th High Museum Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction.

Under the tents at Atlantic Station 900 Wine Auction benefactors will bid in the Live Auction with the world’s leading wineries donating their finest in collectible vintages, large format bottles and wines unavailable at retail. Exclusive trips, dinners and wine-related art are also up for bid. Silent Auction bidding is available, too.

Bid to Win an Oregon Wine Country Weekend!

Don’t miss your chance to bid on the J. Christopher Wines donation. Here are the details:

AUCTION ITEM
J. Christopher Wines
Oregon Wine Country Weekend

Meet winemaker Jay Somers and learn the secrets of his handcrafted Oregon Pinot Noirs.

Join J. Christopher Wines, one of Oregon’s premier artisanal wineries, for a weekend of wine indulgence in the picturesque Willamette Valley.

J. Christopher Wines is a small winery located on Chehalem Mountain in Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. The wines are handcrafted in small lots, sourced from some of the best vineyards in Oregon.

In 2010, winemaker Jay Somers formed a partnership with Ernst Loosen, of Germany’s famed Dr. Loosen estate, to plant vineyards and build a new winery on a 40 acre hilltop in the Chehalem Mountains AVA.

Jay invites you come tour the new winery, walk the newly planted vineyards, and enjoy a fun-filled long weekend (Thursday to Sunday) in Oregon Wine Country.

You will be greeted upon arrival in Portland and transported to the small town of Dundee, in the heart of wine country, where stylish accommodations for two couples are reserved at The Inn at Red Hills. After settling in, stroll next door to enjoy the culinary creativity of renowned Oregon chef, Daniel Mondok, at Paulée, the Willamette Valley’s newest fine-dining restaurant, with a decadent selection of wine pairings by Master Sommelier Brandon Tebbe.

Day two of your wine country experience will begin with a tour of some of the most stunning vineyard sites in the region. You’ll visit a handful of exceptional small wineries for private tastings and grand views. For dinner you’ll join Jay Somers and a few friends at Paley’s Place, one of Portland’s finest restaurants. This small, intimate establishment has been pleasing Portlandia diners for many years, and was recently featured in Saveur magazine.

Visit our beautiful new caves!

The third day of your stay will be spent at J. Christopher Wines. Jay will take you on a personal tour of the property, the vineyards and the winery. In the cellar, you’ll taste Pinot Noirs from the barrel, in a special comparison of vineyard sites, clones and barrel makers. As the culmination of your wine country visit, you’ll enjoy a magnificent tasting of vintage wines and a delicious gourmet meal of Oregon specialities, specially prepared by a local private chef, and served in the cellars of J. Christopher Wines.

On Sunday you’ll return home refreshed, relaxed, and totally in love with Oregon and its wines.

For two couples.
Airfare, lodging, ground transportation and meals included.
Total value: $6,000

To be arranged on a mutually agreed weekend in summer, 2012.

Available weekends:
June 21-24
June 28-July 1
July 12-15
August 13-26
September 6-9

Hope to see you there!

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