David Gradzik

For me, Viña Tondonia is one of Spain’s best red wines. It has absolute cult status because of its way of working. A long time in old oak barrels from the estate’s own cooperage gives the wines enormous elegance for a Rioja. Always very smooth on the palate. Never angular, alcoholic, or heavy, but shaped by maturity. Drink with plenty of air or lay it down for a few years/decades!

After receiving the absolute highest distinction from the Michelin Guide, this is definitely no longer an insider tip. Lamy belongs among the top wine estates of Burgundy. Especially his wines from Saint Aubin, like this one here. A Chardonnay shaped by limestone and altitude, with a gripping acidity paired with delicate bread aromas, pear, and subtle floral notes. Powerful yet elegant at the same time!

A great introduction to the world of this house from the southern Rhône. The wines are world-famous, and even the smaller wines are a great show. Here too, you find depth, spice, often a somewhat waxy character paired with floral but not irritating fruit, which tends to remain more in the background. In the foreground are the herbs, but also something citrusy. A pronounced complexity in the glass!

Currently one of the most interesting houses for sparkling wines in Germany, if you are looking for precise, clear, and not overly aggressive effervescence. The Riesling sparkling wine shows enormous clarity with very citrusy notes and is always very dry on the palate. Ideal as an aperitif or with seafood!

Riesling sparkling wine with 12 years on the lees - an absolute specialty from the house of Frank John! For a very special moment or when you simply want a German sparkling wine that can keep up with many top-tier champagnes. Incredible depth, richness, yet still elegance paired with super fine Riesling fruit in the background.

A wonderful introduction to the world of Leflaive. The winery, based in Puligny-Montrachet, is considered one of Burgundy's most esteemed producers and is especially known for its characterful Chardonnays. This Bourgogne Blanc is an elegant and expressive wine for all who appreciate versatility and precision. At the same time, it combines freshness with fine aromatic depth.

Whether as an aperitif, for special occasions, or as an accompaniment to a menu, Bollinger Special Cuvée is a top choice. Its combination of elegance and complexity makes it an absolute recommendation in this price category. It is multi-layered with notes of ripe yellow fruit with creamy nuances, brioche aromas, yet always super fresh with lots of tension on the palate.

Not another Pinot Gris. No, Ziereisen's wines are different, and that's what has made them world-famous. The Jura limestone soils in southern Baden give this wine its tension. Added to that is an incredible depth from the skin contact and aging in wood, which makes it very Burgundian. Assertive and powerful at the same time. This has nothing to do with ordinary run-of-the-mill Pinot Gris!

The warm conditions where the vines for the great “Das Kreuz” grow are ideal for the international grape varieties to achieve full ripeness. For Bordeaux lovers, this is a red wine that can certainly hold its own with its dark, powerful fruit and pronounced yet fine tannin structure. A must if you want to convince someone of German red wine.

A perfect introduction to the world of Egly-Ouriet’s powerful champagnes with great depth. The Brut Grand Cru reveals on the nose, alongside ripe citrus fruit, plenty of ripe apple, brioche, and nutty notes. On the palate, it is quite creamy with lots of spice and a long, complex finish. A characterful champagne with plenty of drive, yet always marked by elegance and acidity that balance everything out!

Egly-Ouriet stands for characterful champagnes with a powerful structure. The Grand Cru Brut Rosé shows aromas of red berries, brioche, and fine spices. On the palate, dense, creamy yet also taut, with ripe fruit and a long finish. A rosé with depth and a perfect sparkling wine companion to rich dishes. Once an insider tip, now often sold out!

Experience with Griesel & Compagnie Pinot Noir „Prestige“ Brut Nature 2020 an extraordinary example of German sparkling wine craftsmanship – versatile, precise, and memorable.Impressive perfection in the glass!Restrained fruit with clarity and intense minerality - perfect as an aperitif, with everything from the sea, or simply to enjoy on its own.