Wijnimport J. Bart, Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence.
Sixty years is more than a milestone—it’s a testament to vision, dedication, and passion. For Wijnimport J. Bart, it signifies six decades of building a legacy as one of the Netherlands’ most respected wine importers. With an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service and top-quality wines, the company has served as a vital bridge between winemakers and the Dutch hospitality industry. As we celebrate 2024, we honor an importer whose expertise spans the globe, bringing wines that are cherished across the Netherlands.
Last June, Wijnimport J. Bart hosted an anniversary tasting at the historic Fort Benoorden in Purmerend. This picturesque open-air venue provided the perfect setting for a festive and immersive celebration. Over the course of two days, winemakers, industry professionals, and wine enthusiasts came together to share tastings, presentations, and lively discussions. Attendees—including our own Inma Muñoz—had the privilege of exploring a diverse selection of wines while hearing firsthand from the producers about their craft, heritage, and vision for the future.
In this article, we delve into the highlights of this remarkable event, shining a spotlight on three exceptional wineries and the wines that made a lasting impression.
Sixty years of Excellence
From its inception, Wijnimport J. Bart has focused on cultivating meaningful relationships with both producers and clients, a cornerstone of its enduring success. Today, the company proudly offers a portfolio of over 700 wines from 200 winemakers spanning 16 countries. These include iconic European regions such as Spain, Italy, and France, alongside emerging New World leaders like South Africa and the United States.
As a member of the Koninklijke Vereniging van Nederlandse Wijnhandelaren (Royal Dutch Wine Merchants Association, or KVNW), Wijnimport J. Bart upholds the highest standards of quality, ensuring every bottle reaches its customers in pristine condition. The 60th-anniversary event was a fitting celebration of the company’s steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and its vital role in the Dutch wine landscape.
Van Volxem: A Symbol of Tradition and Innovation in Mosel-Saar, Germany
Set in the heart of the scenic Mosel-Saar region, Van Volxem represents the perfect balance between heritage and forward-thinking winemaking. The winery, originally founded in the mid-19th century by Gustav van Volxem, was rejuvenated in 1999 by Roman Niewodniczański. With its breathtaking location above the Saar River and its state-of-the-art facilities, Van Volxem is a beacon of sustainable and biodynamic winemaking practices.
The cool climate and slate-rich soils of the Mosel-Saar region are ideal for cultivating Riesling, a variety that thrives on expressing its terroir. Van Volxem’s wines are crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of their vineyards, with a focus on purity, complexity, and longevity.
Sebastiaan Boucher, the winery’s representative, emphasized the role of terroir in shaping Van Volxem’s wines, describing them as “moderate in alcohol, ripe in acidity, and complex in structure.”
Highlighting Three Wines
2022 Riesling “Rotschiefer” Kabinett
Named after the reddish slate (Rotschiefer) soil of the vineyard, this Riesling offers vibrant citrus notes, delicate peach aromas, and a subtle touch of pineapple. The minerality is pronounced, and the balance between its lively acidity and gentle sweetness makes it a versatile wine. At only 9.5% ABV, it’s an ideal companion for dishes ranging from spicy Asian cuisine to light salads.
DWA score: 92 Points
Riesling “Volz” VDP GG 2021
The Grosses Gewächs designation signifies its origin from a vineyard of exceptional quality. This wine impresses with its citrus-driven profile, hints of peach, and a floral bouquet. On the palate, the slate-driven minerality shines through, complemented by bright acidity and a medium body. With excellent aging potential, this wine promises to evolve beautifully over the years.
DWA score: 93 Points
Riesling “Scharzhofberger” VDP GG 2022
Hailing from the iconic Scharzhofberger vineyard, this Riesling is a masterpiece of balance and elegance. Green apple, peach, and citrus notes intertwine with its signature minerality, resulting in a refined and vibrant wine. Its moderate body and long finish make it a standout, and its aging potential is undeniable.
DWA score: 95 Points
Château Giscours: The Evolution of a Margaux Grand Cru
In the heart of Bordeaux’s renowned Margaux appellation lies Château Giscours, a winery steeped in history and tradition. Its origins trace back to the 14th century, and its classification as a Troisième Cru (Third Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification solidified its reputation for excellence.
The estate’s transformation began in 1995 when Dutch entrepreneur Eric Albada Jelgersma acquired it, bringing modern techniques to complement its historic roots. Today, his children continue the legacy, producing wines that reflect the elegance and harmony of the Margaux terroir.
Marc Verpaalen, from the winery, describes Château Giscours as a true embodiment of the elegance and harmony characteristic of the Margaux terroir in every one of its wines. We fully agree with his statement.
Highlighting Three Wines
2023 Le Rosé X Giscours
A rosé wine from a Bordeaux Chateau? This promised to be an interesting wine! Le Rose X is a fresh and lively 100% Cabernet Sauvignon rosé wine. Pale pink in color, it bursts with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and subtle floral notes. Its crisp acidity and refreshing finish make it a delightful addition to any occasion.
DWA score: 92 Points
2016 La Sirène de Giscours
This second wine showcases the charm of Margaux with a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Ripe black fruits, vanilla, and cocoa dominate the palate, with soft tannins and a velvety finish.
DWA score: 92 Points
2014 Château Giscours 3é Grand Cru Classé
A quintessential Margaux blend, this wine offers layers of black and red fruits, cedar, and spices. Velvety tannins, fresh acidity, and a robust structure make it a true reflection of its Grand Cru heritage. While enjoyable now, it will benefit from further aging.
DWA score: 95 Points
Bodegas Muga: A Pillar of Excellence in Rioja, Spain
Founded in 1932, Bodegas Muga has become synonymous with quality and tradition in Rioja. Located in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, the winery is still family-run, with a commitment to blending innovation with time-honored methods.
The Muga family’s dedication to craftsmanship is evident in their wines, which are aged in barrels made in their own cooperage—a rarity in modern winemaking. This attention to detail ensures their wines reflect both the terroir and the care with which they are made.
Highlighting Three Wines
2021 Muga Reserva “Flor de Muga” Blanco
A blend of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Maturana Blanca, this wine is a harmonious mix of white flowers, citrus, and a subtle toastiness from oak aging. Its creamy texture and refreshing acidity make it a joy to drink.
DWA score: 90 Points
2023 Muga Rosado
This rosé, crafted from Garnacha, Viura, and Tempranillo, stands out for its aromatic intensity, smooth texture, and vibrant palate. Its balance of structure and freshness is a testament to the winery’s expertise.
DWA score: 90 Points
2016 Muga Gran Reserva “Prado Enea”
One of the winery’s flagship wines, this Gran Reserva is made only in exceptional vintages. Rich aromas of black fruits, leather, and spices lead to a silky palate with ripe tannins and balanced acidity. It is a classic Rioja with elegance and depth. This iconic Muga wine is made only in the best vintages.
DWA score: 94 Points
Conclusion: A Celebration of Excellence
Wijnimport J. Bart’s 60th-anniversary celebration was more than an event—it was a journey through the world of wine, bringing together stories, traditions, and flavors from some of the finest wineries. Guests had the privilege of connecting directly with producers, deepening their appreciation for the artistry and dedication behind each bottle.
Here’s to 60 years of success and another 60 to come!
This article was written by our own Inma Muñoz (@eigenwijNs). We extend our gratitude to Wijnimport J. Bart for their invitation and to the featured wineries for their exceptional wines. All mentioned wines are available through select wholesale, retail, and hospitality partners in the Netherlands.
