When visiting the Rheingau area in Germany a few months ago I had the opportunity to visit Schloss Schonborn, the oldest estate in Germany and one of the oldest in the world being run by the founding family (the 27th generation).  The roots of the family can be traced to the times of the crusades with the first mention of viticulture being in 1349. 

Documentation proves them purchasing hand-blown bottles in 1725, revealing the Schonborns were among the first to actually bottle their wines!

They also claim to have the oldest known drinkable wine in existence; a 1735 Johannisberger Riesling.  One bottle from the library cellars was auctioned in 1987.  NO.................I didn't buy it!

The bottle was auctioned in 1987, selling for $29,000 U.S. dollars!

The wine was tasted during recorking and resealing.  "The color was golden yellow, clear with minor deposit.  Fragrance was delicate and aromatic, reminiscent of sherry.  The flavor revealed a full-bodied, well matured (no kidding!) wine with dominate fruity notes."

Marie Griffin, Wine Supervisor

North West Coast Florida

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