In the village of Hattenheim there is a wonderful hotel – Hotel Zum Krug – with a superb restaurant serving traditional German specialities for lunch and dinner, and a more ambitious Michelin-style menu available in the evenings.
Eccentric, bow-tied Josef Laufer is the owner. He is passionate about Rheingau wine and is an authority on the subject. His winelist is staggering : two inches thick with wines only from the region. He also has some vines of his own and makes delicious Sekt. German sparkling wine, although popular on the home market, can sometimes be a bracing, rather harsh experience, but not here. Beautifully made Brut and Extra Brut with bottle fermentation – dry, full of character with layers of flavour, and makes a wonderful change from Champagne.
