News

Exciting wine and culinary evening at the Mandelring Manor: The grand winemaker battle between Müller-Catoir and Seeger

Last Saturday, an extraordinary event took place at the Mandelring Manor, delighting wine lovers and gourmets alike. Together with renowned Michelin-starred chef Hedi Rink from the Urgestein* restaurant, the VDP.Weingüter Müller-Catoir and Seeger competed in a thrilling battle to present the perfect wine pairing for an exquisite 5-course menu.

The evening began with a stylish reception, where guests had the opportunity to enjoy the creative atmosphere and prepare for an enjoyable evening. During the event, the wines from both wineries were served in a direct comparison, accompanied by culinary highlights that left nothing to be desired.

The menu at a glance:

Olive bread / aioli / olive gremolata

***

Cured char / asparagus mousse and salad

Müller-Catoir: 2020 Haardter Bürgergarten Riesling 1G | VDP.Erste Lage dry
vs.
Seeger: 2023 Sauvignon Blanc "S" | VDP.Erste Lage dry

***

White tomato soup / pickled tomatoes / tomato grisini / raviolo

Müller-Catoir: 2021 Haardt Scheurebe | VDP.Ortswein dry
vs.
Seeger: 2024 Auxerrois | VDP.Erste Lage dry

***

Crustacean risotto / bisque / quenelle

Müller-Catoir: 2024 Neustadt „V“ Chardonnay | VDP.Ortswein dry
vs.
Seeher: 2024 Weißer Burgunder AS | VDP.Erste Lage dry

***

Marshmellow with Campari and Calamansi

***

Lamb ragout / sweet potato mash

Müller-Catoir: 2020 Haardter Herzog Spätburgunder 1G | VDP.Erste Lage dry
vs.
Seeger: 2022 Spätburgunder S | VDP.Erste Lage dry

***

Rhubarb / white chocolate / almonds

Müller-Catoir: 2017 Herzog Rieslaner Auslese | VDP.Erste Lage edelsüß
vs.
Seeger: Blanc de Blanc Sekt | VDP.Erste Lage brut

After enjoying the diverse dishes and wines, the question arose as to who would win the evening. While taste remains subjective, all guests agreed: There were no losers this evening, only winners – the shared experience and the joy of good food and wine.

The lively atmosphere and the lively interaction between winemakers, chefs, and guests made the evening an unforgettable experience. The event impressively demonstrated the passion and craftsmanship that lies within the Palatinate's wine and culinary scene.

We thank everyone involved for an inspiring evening and are already looking forward to the next major culinary event!

What a weekend! "Liquid HISTORY" – rare & legendary! Our "BÜRGERGARTEN" RARE WINES TASTING (Friday, 28 & Saturday, 29 March 2025) was a true experience! From young, distinctive wines to aged treasures – each flight a journey through time for the palate. Particularly unforgettable: the 1999 Bürgergarten Riesling Beerenauslese – pure elegance! Plus, culinary "perfect matches" from Meinolf Sachse (Restaurant Mandelhof) – because great wines deserve great food! Thanks to everyone who joined us and celebrated these liquid treasures with us!

The vineyards are awakening! Mild light, clear air, and the first warm days herald the arrival of spring. Exceptional GRAND CRUS ripen here year after year on shell limestone soils – characterized by finesse, depth, and terroir.

The path leads along the historic dry-stone walls to the Deidesheim Temple. This iconic building towers above the vines and offers spectacular views of Neustadt, the Rhine plain, and the Palatinate Forest. A place of tranquility – and the perfect inspiration for great wines.

Those who continue their hike delve deeper into history: The path leads through the protected natural area up to Wolfsburg Castle, once the seat of the Vice-Dominus and later the scene of revolutionary events. Today, the castle ruins offer impressive panoramic views of the town and countryside – a place steeped in history and vision.

On Monday, March 3, 2025, the eagerly awaited GRAND TOUR BOLOGNA took place, which was organized by our importer Vino & Design. The following colleagues from Germany were with us at this wine presentation: Horst Sauer (Franconia), Dr. Loosen (Mosel), Fritz Haag (Mosel), J.J.Prüm (Mosel), Egon Müller (Saar), Maximin Grünhaus (Saar), Ökonomierat Rebholz (Palatinate), Künstler (Rheingau) and Dönnhoff (Nahe).

The participants had the opportunity to taste exquisite wines from the Vino & Design portfolio and to exchange ideas with the winemakers. The atmosphere was characterized by passion for wine and culinary delights, which made the event an extraordinary experience. A big thank you to everyone involved for their support. We look forward to the next GRAND TOUR!

Good news from Terry Theise | The World of Fine Wine:

"Just a quick note that your 2022 Spätburgunders establish you as an elite producer of this grape variety. More to come - but I had to tell you that immediately! One more thing - great improvement in the quality of the Sekts. :-)"

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the VDP.Wineries in the northern Palatinate were transformed into a true paradise for wine lovers. The VDP.KELLERNACHT offered guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of top wines and experience the diversity of Palatinate wine culture up close.

The renowned companies Philipp Kuhn, Knipser and Rings opened their doors at 5 p.m. and invited guests to an unforgettable evening full of enjoyment and conviviality. In atmospheric cellar light, visitors were not only able to explore the impressive wine press houses and barrel cellars, but also taste an exquisite selection of wines from all 27 VDP.Wineries in the region.

We are particularly proud that we were able to be present as guest winemakers at the VDP.Weingut Philipp Kuhn that evening. Our wines were very well received and the response from guests was consistently positive.

The event was quickly sold out and the enthusiasm of the participants was clearly noticeable. The VDP.KELLERNACHT was celebrated on Instagram with numerous pictures and impressions that captured the special atmosphere and the variety of wines.

We would like to thank the VDP, all guests, winemakers and partners who made this evening a special experience. A big thank you also goes to everyone who tried and appreciated our wines - we look forward to seeing you again at the next VDP.KELLERNACHT!

Our wine selection at Philipp Kuhn

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, an inspiring vernissage featuring conceptual sculptor Fiete Stolte from Berlin took place at Gutshaus am Mandelring. The event attracted numerous art enthusiasts who seized the opportunity to admire some of Stolte's most significant works and learn more about his creative engagement with temporal aspects.

Fiete Stolte, who has exhibited at renowned international venues such as the Venice Biennale and the Centre Pompidou Metz, showcased a selection of his relevant artworks. During the artist talk, which began at 4 PM, he shared fascinating insights into his creative process and the concepts behind his works. Attendees were captivated by Stolte's profound explanations and the passion he brings to his art.

Together with his wife, Julia Stolte, and the Müller-Catoir winery, the afternoon became a delightful experience that combined art and enjoyment. Guests had the chance to engage in relaxed conversations and discuss the artist's works in a convivial atmosphere.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this special event and look forward to future encounters in the realm of art and culture. Stay tuned for more exciting events and exhibitions!

Follow us on Instagram for impressions from the vernissage: @fietestolte @muellercatoir #haardt #vernissage #artisttalk #dream8daysaweek #smoke #fluorescent #neon #printingmysteps #8sunrises8sunsets #lowerslowerless #augenaufunddurch @kunstverein_villastreccius @kunstvereinludwigshafen @fabercastelldeutschland @wilhelmhackmuseum @crespofoundation @die_rheinpfalz @opuskulturmagazin.

List of works

Portfolio

From February 4th to 6th, 2025, we were in Oslo to visit our Norwegian importer Rebel Agency AS and make valuable contacts. The three-day stay included discussions with various customers from the catering and retail sectors as well as with influential journalists and multipliers in the wine industry. The crowning conclusion was our exclusive wine seminar at Aftenposten Scene on February 6th. The event attracted both beginners and advanced wine lovers who wanted to explore the fascinating world of Palatinate wine through a curated tasting experience. Led by Philipp David Catoir, participants had the opportunity to taste six representative wines from Müller-Catoir. The stimulating atmosphere enabled those present to deepen their knowledge of wine while enjoying the company of other wine lovers.

Our wine selection at the Aftenposten wine seminar: 2022 Haardt Riesling | 2022 Bürgergarten Riesling 1G | 2022 Herrenletten Riesling 1G | 2022 Mandelgarten Riesling 1G | 2022 Haardt Spätburgunder | 2021 Mussbach Riesling Kabinett

For those of you who want to share in the experience, follow us on Instagram for highlights: @rebelgroup.no @geireikeland #oslo #elisenberg #neustadtv #vogelsang #maillygrandcru @domperignon_official #domperrignon2008 #haardtriesling #bürgergartenriesling #herrenlettenriesling #mandelgartenriesling #breumel #rieslanerbeerenauslese #rieslanertrockenbeerenauslese #haardtspätburgunder @vin_tjuvholmen @vin_oslo @tjuvholmen.no @ledomaine_dhenri @drueclasen @rebzter @oslo.skiltmaler @p.a.larsen @vineriaventidue #snadderogvin #winetasting @muellercatoir @aftenposten #masterclass #oslooperahouse @operaen_ #otello #guiseppeverdi @danieljohanssontenor @posthallendrinkhub.

On Saturday, February 1st, our winery hosted an exclusive rarity tasting. Our guests had the opportunity to taste exceptional wines from past decades in five carefully selected flights.

Mature wines offer a fascinating interplay of aromas that tell stories of sunny days and the dedication of the winemakers. The terroir of the Haardt vineyards in particular, with its weathered sandstone and mineral-rich soils, gives the wines a unique identity.

Accompanied by culinary delights, we experienced an impressive journey through the variety of wines, which ranged from dry to residually sweet. Each wine was a masterpiece that reflected the passion and craftsmanship. The evening became a feast for the palate and a tribute to the beauty of Haardt wines.

Tasting list

Herzog Rieslaner Trockenbeerenauslese | 2023 VDP.Erste Lage noble sweet

100/100 | “Deep, multi-layered and very concentrated aroma of dried pome and stone fruit, citrus fruits, caramel, some coffee, dried citrus peel and nuts with hints of tobacco. Concentrated, juicy, very sweet and brilliantly pure fruit with yellow and ethereal spice, taut, almost vibrant acidity and candy notes, persistent and very complex on the palate, reminiscent of pickled apricots, some ginger and saffron, smoky traces, enormous depth, still very young, but already irresistible, delicate bacony hints in the background, lots of salt, candied citrus peel, noble aromatic bitterness, very long, multi-layered, juicy, again extremely concentrated finish with tension and finesse. A dream.”

Bürgergarten “Im Breumel” GG Riesling | 2023 VDP.Große Lage dry
92/100 | “Firm, quite complex and fine, somewhat smoky and nutty, also a little dried-vegetable to herbal scent of citrus fruits, citrus peel and a little peach. Ripe, firm, juicy fruit, initially citrus-accented again, but then also with peach and peach zest, taut, yet ripe acidity, some grip, good substance and persistence, a hint of red and black berries in the background, ethereal spice, slightly sweetish core, light tannic grip, tart, dark tobacco notes, still undeveloped, clear, predominantly salty minerality, nutty barrel tones, very good, juicy, spicy and mineral finish. Needs to mature.”

Neustadt “V” Riesling | 2023 VDP.Ortswein dry
92/100 | “Cool, firm and quite deep citrus stone fruit nose with fresh vegetal to herbaceous notes, hints of smoke, green curry and floral traces. Clear, cool and firm, rather tart, yet quite juicy fruit with herbal and delicately smoky notes, hints of dark berries in the background, lively acidity and grip, clear, chalky and somewhat stony minerality, good substance and depth, almost a little peppery spice, quite complex, very good, firm, juicy and mineral finish with planty to herbal notes and again rather dark background.”

Herrenletten Riesling | 2023 VDP.Erste Lage dry
91/100 | “Quite firm, very slightly warm, a little vegetal and a hint of smoky scent with relatively bright yellow-fruity and hinted nutty aromas. Ripe, tart-juicy, slightly melting fruit, quite lively, very fine acidity and some grip, nutty-yeasty hints, also planty to herbal aromas, cooling, light minerality, persistent on the palate, certain depth, firm structure, a hint of dark berries, very good, tart-juicy finish with bite, fine herbal spice and minerality again.”

Bürgergarten Riesling | 2023 VDP.Erste Lage dry
90/100 | “Rather tart, relatively cool, delicately yeasty and smoky citrus scent with peach notes, fine herbal aromas reminiscent of thyme, floral traces and a certain minerality. Quite juicy, ripe fruit with striking ethereal dried herb spice, nutty aromas and a little curry, lively, fine acidity and some grip, slightly sweetish core, smoky nuances in the background, a hint of candy, has a certain power, very good, juicy finish with dried herb notes and a little fat nuts.”

Bürgergarten Riesling Spätlese | 2023 VDP.Erste Lage off-dry
90/100 | “Slightly smoky, somewhat fine-vegetable and nutty pome and stone fruit scent with a hint of medicinal herbs. Polished, firm, sweet fruit with slightly black berry notes, a hint of beeswax and tobacco, lively, yet fine acidity, has a grip of ripe tannin, dense and persistent, hints of woodruff, has power, very good finish.”

Haardt Riesling | 2023 VDP.Ortswein dry
88/100 | “Cool, bright citrus nose with delicate vegetal notes and a hint of peach. Clear, polished, quite juicy fruit, very fine acidity and delicate grip, still traces of yeast on the palate, restrained herbal-vegetable nuances, cooling mineral tones, elegant style, still undeveloped, but already animating, very good, again juicy finish.”