Glorious Rheingau Days 2009

Whether or not "Balthasar Ress" has achieved immortality a la Stravinsky remains to be seen.
However, one can say with certainty that the annual, fireside rarities tasting at Balthasar Ress has long become a regional tradition. This year, a top Baden wine estate-Salway-will be our guest.
In addition to the estate's Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) red wines as a complement to our Rieslings, Salway will also present Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder wines (Pino Blanc and Pinot Gris, respectively) that are full-bodied and powerful, yet agreeable and mellow. "Baden" is not only the name of the wine region, but also means "to bathe"- and seen from that point of view, you can look forward to an evening of complete relaxtion as you "bathe in the pleasure" of Baden and Rheingau wines.

At the same time, "Baden in the Rheingau" is not unlike pairing David with Goliath: Baden's 15,000 ha (37,000 acres) of vines and Germanys third largest wine region vs. the Rheingau's 3,000 ha (7,500 acres). An interesting, entertaining encounter that has been fine-tuned to complement a five-course menu jointly prepared by Patrik Kimple/Hattenheim and guest chef Thomas Merkel/Endingen-both are members of the elite association of young restaurateurs "Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe".

Should you need overnight accommodations, we are pleased to recommend a top-notch hotel that is practically next door to the Balthasar Ress menor:

Hotel Kronenschlösschen
Rheinallee, 65347 Eltville
Tel: +049 (0)6723/640
www.kronenschloesschen.de

P.S.: Please see glorreiche-rheingau-tage for more information about the event as well as a form to order tickets.