I used to study at the Hotelschool in the Hague and I remember partaking in several wine-tasting classes. We learned a whole lot; like what kind of soil results in which tastes, what impact climate has on the wine, which grape variety comes from where, and how each grape can be recognized. Interesting stuff to say the least. However, once it came down to tasting the wines themselves, I was completely hopeless. You could tell me that a wine held a note of ripe apple or a hint of burning rubber, I would probably believe it and convince myself I could taste it. No wonder I failed that class.
No, my future would not entail me being a sommelier or vintner. Yet, I do still really like wine, and all those lessons wasted on my disappointing palette left me with a lingering curiosity. The classes taught me a lot about wines from Loire, Rhône, Burgundy, the Rhine region, Burgenland, Emilia-Romagna, South Africa, Australia, the New World, and so forth. Still, to my great surprise, I realized I knew nothing about the wines grown in my own backyard. Since the 90s, Limburg has silently crept onto the world stage as a small wine region. Yet, small as the region may be, their wines are quite something! Just a few kilometers southeast of Parc Maasresidence Thorn, a number of grape varieties prosper and flourish in the cold Dutch soils! Therefore, I would like to introduce you to several wines I had the pleasure of drinking in Limburg last summer:
In one of the most arid places of the Luxemburg, in the old riverbed of the Maas, lie 7 hectares of Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir Rosé, Dornfelder, Frühburgunder, Pinot Noir Barrique, Pinot Brut, and Pinot Gris Late Harvest. Back in 2001, Harry and Mieke started planting these various grape varieties and since then they have successfully produced 9 different wines; each unique and delicious! Their tasting venue and shop are in Thorn. Should you go visit, I would suggest planning a day trip as the picturesque white houses, the cobbled streets with boutique shops, and the old town square are definitely worth exploring as well! You can go for a tasting every wednesday, thursday, and friday between 13:00 and 16:00
Wijngoed de Deelgaarderberg is one of the newest vintners on the block, although nothing really points to it. The first grapes were planted here in 2007, but recently, they have started to yield a wide range of exceptional wines with a variety of grapes. The vineyards are filled with Solaris from Freiburg, Rondo from Geisenheim, Dorngelder from Weinsberg, Auxerois from Auxerre, and Pinot Blanc from Burgundy. In combination with the rich soils of Limburg, these grape varieties have brought forth a set of unique taste profiles that are worth exploring. Luckily, the vintner is open for exploration in April, May, and June. Once you have signed, you will receive an extensive tour of the winery, followed by a delicious tasting paired with asparagus.
A total of 2.5 hectares of crisp Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes embellish the southern hills of Stokhem and Wijlre. These grape varieties have fully embraced the deep marl soils and the top layer of loess silt and flintstone. Wijndomein Stokhem, situated in Wijnandsrade Castle, takes advantage of these great soil conditions by turning the grapes grown there into a tasty selection of whites, reds, and rosé. The charming old castle dating from 1554 is quite an eye-catcher. However, from Thursday to Sunday, you can enhance your sightseeing experience with a tour and a unique tasting of 4 wines for €20,00 per person. The combined experience is definitely worthwhile!
On the steepest hill in Limburg, facing the south perfectly, you will find Wijngoed Fromberg. Here, the earth is rich and full of minerals, with a layer of sand limestone that perfectly suits the Muller Thurgau and Auxerrois grape varieties grown here. In 1991, Wijngoed Fromberg produced its first flat wines, to which they added their renowned sparkling wines in 1996. The wines are well known for their fruity aromas, which makes them highly suitable for long evenings on a warm terrace. Every Saturday at 11:30 for €15.95 per person, the vineyard and cellars are open for tours. Of course, the tour includes a tasting with some nibbles and bites.
In one of the highest places in all of Limburg, and thus in all of The Netherlands, lie the rolling vineyards of Domein Holset. The rich taste of the sparkly white wine that is cultivated in these soils perfectly matches the stunning view across the countryside of Limburg. With a whole range of different grape varieties, including Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Blanc, Johanniter, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Domein Holset dabbles in a broad range of tastes, from fresh and fruity to elegant and complex. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 14:00, tours are given for €26,50 per person. Taste the distinct profiles of the various sparkling wines and learn all there is to know about the vineyard, the production, and the winery just down the road in Lemiers.
Wijndomein St. Martinus proudly holds the title of oldest red wine vintner of The Netherlands and sits perched upon the hills surrounding Vijlen, a mere stone’s throw away from the Three-Country Point. Almost all wines produced at St Martinus have been given some prize or another, and this success is largely attributed to their sustainable processes. As the grapes grow, no pesticides are toxins are used, which, in return leaves the taste of the grapes untainted. Instead, they cause the earth to vibrate, preventing weeds and shrubs from taking root. Furthermore, Wijndomein St. Martinus uses relatively new grape varieties that are a little more resistant. The result? A delicious full-bodied wine that fits almost any occasion. The fascinating tour through the vineyard and the cellars is also highly recommended. It costs €33,50 per person and lasts 2 hours.
Apart from the abovementioned names, there are also a whole lot of smaller vintners that are worth discovering. Personally, I would suggest walking one of the many Routes des Vins. These routes are marked by various signs, arrows, and noticeboards, and will lead you past some of the most beautiful vineyards Limburg has to offer. At the start, you will feel confident about the journey but trust me, after having checked off several tastings, you will find yourself staggering down the mountain.
I must say, I really enjoyed tasting the various wines of Limburg, and to my great surprise, I could even taste a slight difference in the glass poured for me. My favorite, you ask? That will have to be the Prestige Brut Nature. Apparently and unfortunately, my abysmal wine-tasting palette has picked up a preference for expensive bottles.
