Résidence Bottles & Bites: A Global Wine Experience.

Bottles & Bites, an event hosted by Résidence Wijnen, was a highlight in this year’s calendar, which is now coming to an end. Our Inma and Hermen had the opportunity to participate and taste an interesting selection of wines already present in the portfolio of this renowned Dutch wine importer, while discovering new additions that were really captivating.

Résidence Wijnen imports quality wines from all over the world for restaurants and retailers in the Netherlands. Their selection ranges from big brands to those exclusive wines that are real gems. Residence offers the best, with a service that makes the difference, always looking for new ways to innovate and improve.

The meeting place was the exclusive Miele Experience Center in Vianen. There, 19 producers from all over the world presented their wines paired with small portions of freshly prepared food, characteristic of their place of origin, giving us a taste of the gastronomic roots of the countries from which their wines come.

Besides the wide selection of open wines, we were lucky enough to attend three Masterclasses, featuring some of the best producers at hand. In this article we take you along to Spain’s Rioja, Germany’s Pfalz and South Africa’s Cape Region.

Bodegas Artadi, Rioja – Spain

Bodegas Artadi is one of the most renowned wineries in Spain, known for its focus on precision viticulture and the production of high-quality wines. In his masterclass Carlos López de Lacalle of Artadi shared their vision with us and took us through the vineyards tasting some of their excellent wines.

Founded in 1985 in Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, by a group of local winegrowers and a few years later with the Lacalle family at the helm of this project, Artadi has evolved to become a world reference in the production of terroir wines.

Its philosophy is based on respect for the environment and sustainable viticulture, focusing on the production of wines that reflect the character of the terroir, with special attention to ecological practices. Artadi has 56 hectares of vineyards settled on soils of wide geological diversity.

To learn more about Artadi, their philosophy and the wines of their 2022 vintage check out our latest report on the winery.

The Wines

Below an overview of the wines tasted at the Masterclass.

2022 Viñas de Gain Blanco

A white wine in Rioja? Yes, a wine made from the Viura variety that reflects the vibrant character of the Rioja terroir. In the glass it shows refined aromas with notes of white fruit. It is energetic throughout with a fresh minerality, crisp and round, with perfectly integrated acidity and a creamy texture that adds length.  

We award this wine with a 93-point DWA score. 

2021 Cuerdamayor

Single Vineyard | 100% Tempranillo

This red wine, made from Tempranillo grape and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, stands out for its structure and elegance. It comes from plots located at 500 meters above sea level and with sandy soils. The aromas are a combination of ripe black fruits such as blackberry and black currant with notes of licorice and oak. The palate is ample and smooth with polished and elegant tannins. A long finish.

We award this wine with a 94-point DWA score. 

2012 El Carretil

Single Vineyard | 100% Tempranillo

A single vineyard wine that embodies the excellence of Artadi. We can see that despite its age it still has a lively color. On the nose, it offers great complexity: aromas of black fruits such as blackberry and blueberry are complemented by notes of licorice and a touch of aromatic herbs along with bitter cocoa and toast notes. Velvety texture on the palate with acidity that adds freshness and balance. This wine shows the aging potential and elegance that characterises this winery. 

We award this wine with a 96-point DWA score. 

2015 Viña El Pisón

Single Vineyard | 100% Tempranillo

Undoubtedly, this is Bodegas Artadi’s most emblematic wine. Made from 100% Tempranillo and from a single vineyard planted in 1945, Viña El Pisón 2015 is a pure expression of the symbiosis between soil, vine and man, capturing the essence of the terroir of Laguardia. It stands out for its extraordinary complexity, finesse and ageing capacity. On the nose and in the palate, it shows notes of ripe fruit such as plums and blackberries, with delicate spicy nuances, floral touches and a marked minerality that reflects the character of the chalky soil from where it comes. A balanced wine with elegant tannins. A wine that invites to be discovered with calm and admiration.

A truly unique gem that we had the immense pleasure to taste that afternoon.  

We award this wine with a 98-point DWA score. 

Ökonomierat Rebholz, Pfalz – Germany 

Hansjörg Rebholz is seen as one of Germany’s most talented winemakers. His grandfather and father were pioneers on nature and terroir-oriented wines. After the sudden death of his father, Hansjörg continues the philosophy. He transforms the family winery into biodynamic agriculture. Together with his sons Hans and Valentin he produces Germany’s most coveted wines. The twins they gained experience by none other than Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Weingut Wittmann and Weingut Rudolf Fürst.

Ökonomierat Rebholz features twenty-five hectares of vineyards, mostly planted with Riesling and the Burgunder-varieties. There is Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Chardonnay. Rebholz: ’we are aiming for the highest possible quality without compromise.’ Grapes are grown without pesticides, handpicked and strictly selected. They undergo a 24 hour during cold maceration and a natural fermentation. 

Rebholz owns spots in the best vineyards in the German Pfalz, such as the VDP Grosse Lagen (Grand Cru’s) Im Sonnenschein, Ganz Horn and Kastanienbusch. His wines are highly apricated by wine critics. Most recently the 2023 Kastanienbusch GG was awarded by James Suckling with 99 points. Hansjörg however states his estate wines are as important as has top level wines. ‘The estate wines are our business card. They show the quality and philosophy of our estate.’

The Wines

Below an overview of the wines tasted at the Masterclass.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Weisser Burgunder trocken

Estate Wine

Pure and honest expression of Weissburgunder in a Burgundian-like style. White fruits, white peach, pronounced herbal. On the palate open en pure white fruits, herbal, feather-light, digestible and slightly salty. 

We reward this wine with 91-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Riesling trocken

Estate Wine

Expressive and citric Riesling with an oily touch. Pristine tree fruits, juicy apple, ripe citrus, crispy acids, pleasurable fruit bitterness and grip.

We reward this wine with 92-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Mandelberg Weisser Burgunder GG

Grand Cru

Pinot Blanc from a fossil-bearing limestone soil. Compact and stony bouquet. Round and elegant attack with youthful yet ripe tree fruits like juicy pear. Compact and juvenile at this stage, with aging potential. Hidden power, grippy, salty, long lasting mineral aftertaste.

We reward this wine with 95-point DWA score.

Hansjörg Rebholz – R Chardonnay 2021

Estate Wine

Burgundian minded German Chardonnay. Touch of wood, vanilla and herbs. Intense acids and pure fruits. The wine is dominated by its elegance and Riesling-like acids, with a gripping texture and a touch of roundness, dissolving in a long-lasting aftertaste.

We reward this wine with 93-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2022 Birkweiler Riesling Vom Rotliegender

Village Wine

Riesling on fine ferrous red sediments. Spicy and citric bouquet, flint, citrus, coriander and pepper. Nice balance between juicy fruits, beautiful acids and a savory texture. Linear and long.

We reward this wine with 93-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Birkweiler Riesling Vom Rotliegender

Village Wine

Comparable profile to the 2022 vintage, except that the 2023 vintage seems to be slightly more expressive. Young, yeasty, pure and mineral. Herbaceous and structured, incredible spirit. 

We reward this wine with 93-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Frankweiler Biengarten Riesling 1G

Premier Cru

Riesling on limestone. Citric and floral. Soft, charming and lovely fruits. Graceful, tailored, great length.

We reward this wine with 94-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Ganz Horn Riesling GG

Grand Cru

Modest and calm. Reserved in terms of fruit, green tree fruits, yellow citrus fruit. Clean and honest, controlled and elegant, slightly salty. Crystalline acids, a touch of herbs, incredible depth and length. This Ganz Horn Riesling GG 2023 is in the bud now, give it time to flower. 

We reward this wine with 96-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Im Sonnenschein Riesling GG

Grand Cru

Riesling on west facing limestone hill. Ripe fruit, tropical, slightly smoky. Rich and filling start, velvet yellow fruits, beautiful underlaying acids, refined bitterness, incredible length. 

We reward this wine with 95-point DWA score.

Ökonomierat Rebholz – 2023 Kastanienbusch Riesling GG

Grand Cru

Riesling on red slate, mostly upper parcels in Grosse Lage Kastanienbusch. Highest vineyards in the German Pfalz, high diurnal range. Intense and complex aroma profile with clean lemon fruit intense green herbs. On the palate the wine so ripe and rich, the fruit feels almost sweetish, although it will not get anywhere close to sweet. Kastanienbusch seems to be the broadest wine in the range, tamed and tailored by crystalline acids and an iron minerality. Unprecedentedly powerful and concentrated, infinite aftertaste.

We reward this wine with 97-point DWA score.

After the 2023 vintage of Kastanienbusch, we tasted the 2022, 2019, 2015 and 2010 vintages. These wines proof Kastanienbusch GG could be drunk in its early days, but its true face is shown with time. 2022 still is a spring chicken, although slightly more open than 2023. 2019 shows off in balance between open ripe fruit, freshness and minerality. 2015 is calm and steady and 2010 truly is on fire now.

Crystallum, Western Cape – South Africa

South African winery Crystallum is run by the Finlayson-brothers Andrew and Peter-Allan. The Finlayson family is deeply involved in the South African wine scene. The grandparents of Andrew and Peter-Allan were the founders of Hartenberg Wine Estate, their father was the first winemaker of Hamilton Russel Vineyards, their uncle founded Glen Carlou and their niece is the driving force behind Creation Wines. There must be wine flowing through the veins of the Finlaysons.

From the start in 2007 the Crystallum wines were made in various places. Since 2010 they are born in the cellars of Gabriëlskloof Wines in Bot Rivier. Peter-Allan Finlayson himself however would not use the word born, relating to his work in the cellar. ‘Our winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention. We do not see ourselves as natural wine producers, but we are remarkably close. We just do minimum necessary to make sure the wines end up pure. We want wines reflecting their origin.’

Crystallum started with Sauvignon Blanc, but nowadays the full focus is on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. ‘You can grow everything in South Africa, but not everything is everywhere at its best.’ Both the whites and reds come in vineyard blends and single vineyard wines. There are three Chardonnay based white wines: The Agnes, Clay Shales and Ferum. For the reds there are four Pinot Noir based wines: Peter Max, Cuvée Cinéma, Litigo and Mabalel. 

The exact vinification depends on the vintage, but the principals are the same. The whites are whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented and barrel aged for just under a year. For the red wines Finlayson relays on partly whole bunch fermentation in small stainless-steel tanks. Aging finds place in various size French oak for about one to one and a half year.

The Wines

Below an overview of the wines tasted at the Masterclass. Starting with the whites (Chardonnay), moving onto the reds (Pinot Noir).

Crystallum – 2023 The Agnes Chardonnay

Blend of Five Vineyards | Wine of Origin Western Cape | Hemel-en-Aarde and Overberg 

Pure and mere bouquet, melon, lime, tree fruits, touch of green herbs. The palate is quite textured and diverting, where pleasant acids provide sufficient preciseness. Soft mouthfeel and a medium long-lasting aftertaste. 

We reward this wine with 90-point DWA score.

Crystallum – 2023 Clay Shales Chardonnay

Single Vineyard | Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

Lush bouquet, showing tropical fruits like mango and ripe tree- and stone fruits like pear and white peach, accompanied by a touch of vanilla. Generous and soft on the palate, juicy, good concentration, crunchy texture, pristine, tailored by its acids, catchy fruit bitterness in the quite long-lasting aftertaste. 

We reward this wine with 93-point DWA score.

Crystallum – 2023 Ferum Chardonnay

Single Vineyard | Wine of Origin Overberg | Shaw’s Mountain

This wine stands out in its tension and energy. The wine is tremendously focused, bright and slightly salty. The dominated fruits are bright and pure, whereas electrifying acids lead into a long-lasting aftertaste. 

We reward this wine with 93-point DWA score.

Crystallum – 2022 Peter Max Pinot Noir

Wine of Origin Western Cape | Multi Vineyard Blend

Characteristic South African Pinot Noir, open, floral cherry fruits, strawberry, strawberry marmalade, slightly smoky. Clean palate, small red fruits, sour cherry, fresh strawberry, supporting tannin structure and sufficient length. 

We reward this wine with 92-point DWA score.

Crystallum – 2023 Peter Max Pinot Noir

Wine of Origin Western Cape | Multi Vineyard Blend

Floral, rose, clove, red fruits, touch of dark-coloured fruits. Youthful and ambitious, stimulating, clean, small red fruits, herbal, mint. Good potential. 

We reward this wine with 92-point DWA score.

Crystallum – 2022 Mabalel Pinot Noir

Wine of Origin Elandskloof

Serious, fresh, open fruits, spices, clove, touch of blood. Great concentration, clean juice, fresh, open. Great persistence and length.

We reward this wine with 93-point DWA score.

Crystallum – 2022 Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir

Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge | Single Vineyard, Barrel Selection.

Red cherry, ripe strawberry, wild herbs, exotic spices and incense. Lively, fresh and honest fruits. Vibrant and elegant. Well-structured and serious. Ripe, youthful tannins, great acids and a long-lasting aftertaste.

 

We reward this wine with 94-point DWA score.

A Symphony of Terroirs: Residence Autumn Tasting 2024

The Residence Autumn Tasting 2024 was more than just an event—it was a journey through some of the world’s most exceptional terroirs, united under one roof at the Miele Experience Center in Vianen. With wines that spanned continents, from the vibrancy of Rioja and the precision of the Pfalz to the elegance of Hemel-en-Aarde, each bottle told a unique story of place and passion. The carefully curated food pairings further elevated the experience, showcasing the deep cultural connection between wine and cuisine.

The masterclasses provided rare insights into the winemakers’ philosophies, while the diverse range of wines on offer highlighted both the innovation and tradition that drive today’s wine industry. From fresh and youthful expressions to aged and complex masterpieces, the tasting was a true celebration of excellence.

This article is written by our own Inma Muñoz (@eigenwijNs) and Hermen Janssen. We would like to thank Résidence Wijnen for their invitation and the wineries for their exceptional wines. All mentioned wines are available through select wholesale, retail (including De Gouden Ton wine stores) and hospitality partners in the Netherlands. Picture credits: Dutch Wine Apprentice and Nina Slagmolen.