Wine, whisky & spirits: Eppli invites you to the auction - Master Sommelier gives surprising tips for an enjoyable Advent

It's that special time of year again, with cosy evenings, lots of indulgence and the search for gifts big and small. As every year, Eppli invites you to its wine, whisky & spirits auction at its Leinfelden-Echterdingen site: On 22 November 2024, around 250 exceptional champagnes and wines as well as port wines, rare whiskies and other spirits will be auctioned off from 2 pm. The offer is aimed at connoisseurs, but also at people looking for good wines for the Advent season. Master Sommelier Frank Kämmer is part of Eppli's team of experts who have put together and evaluated the wines and spirits for the auction. He introduces us to the highlights and has a few tips for an enjoyable Christmas season.

At the Wine, Whisky & Spirits auction, Eppli is offering wines from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa and California, with great wines from Bordeaux taking centre stage - but also some ‘very interesting Piedmontese’, as Frank Kämmer says. ‘Rarities from Burgundy, including wines from the legendary Collection Docteur Barolet from the 1930s, should also be of interest for the upcoming holidays.’ Kämmer also draws attention to the champagnes, such as Taittinger's artist collections. Over the years, various artists such as Roy Lichtenstein have been commissioned by the champagne house to design the bottles, turning them into true works of art. bottles over the years on behalf of the champagne house, turning them into true works of art that remain even after the champagne has been savoured. ‘Another focus is on globally sought-after malt whiskies such as the legendary 1980 Macallan Gran Reserva,’ says the Master Sommelier. ‘But I'm also very excited about some rarities that are rarely found at international auction houses: We have rare Vin Jaune from the Jura from the 1950s with us, for example.’

Top German wines are highly recognised worldwide - but rarely found at auction

German wines are also available at the auction. According to Kämmer, top German wines enjoy a high reputation among connoisseurs worldwide. However, this is not yet reflected in the international auction market, with the exception of rare noble sweet wines from top wine estates. However, this means that high-quality German wines can still be bought at auction quite cheaply - as will be the case on 22 November in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. The auction is certainly something for wine experts, but anyone looking for a well-matured wine for every day will also find what they are looking for. This is particularly suitable for the Advent season and also for the winter months, when you are invited to a goose dinner or are looking for a suitable gift for Christmas.

Good wines don't have to cost a fortune. Frank Kämmer believes: ‘Much more important than the price is the personal selection and the story that the wine tells. Maybe it's a drop that you discovered on your last holiday, maybe you associate a wine with a special experience.’ It is not about the monetary value of the bottle, but about the emotional value and the fact that you have made an effort in your selection.

Tips from the Master Sommelier for autumn, winter and Christmas

But how does a Master Sommelier actually get through the cold season with pleasure, and which wines does he keep at home? ‘It's time to bring out the powerful big red wines from the Rhone, which go so wonderfully with game cuisine,’ explains Frank Kämmer. ‘And yes, champagne too, of course, although I prefer the more vinous cuvées, such as the current champagnes from Henri Giraud, which are much more ‘wine’ than just excited ‘bubbles’.’ While people like to enjoy champagne as a refreshment in summer, champagne can now also be drunk as an accompaniment to food. Kämmer's tip: ‘Champagne with a richly garnished sauerkraut - a perfect combination in autumn!’ Incidentally, the expert also recommends the fine drink from France with a Christmas Eve classic: sausages with potato salad.

Champagne is still the measure of all things wine - but excellent sparkling wines have developed in recent years, for example Franciacorta from Italy, Cava from Spain or Crémant from France. ‘Recently, the top sparkling wines from England, such as Nyetimber, Sugrue or Gusbourne, have made a name for themselves, and the best German sparkling wines can also be excellent,’ explains Frank Kämmer. According to his advice, sparkling wines can be drunk throughout the entire meal, regardless of whether it is an appetiser, fish or meat. For dessert, however, the rule is never dry - neither dry sparkling wine nor dry wine. ‘The food should never be sweeter than the wine, otherwise the latter will taste sour and musty. So always have at least the same sweetness in the wine with sweet dishes, whether still or sparkling.’