German wines, particularly Riesling, have long carried both prestige and misconceptions in the U.S. market. While sommeliers and trade professionals increasingly praise their elegance, precision, and age-worthiness, many consumers still view Riesling narrowly—often assuming it’s always sweet and one-dimensional. Against this backdrop, Schafer-Reichart Selections has delivered a powerful counterpoint: its 2024 Emma Reichart Dry Riesling not only earned a 95-point Gold Medal at the 2025 USA Wine Ratings, but also secured the titles of Riesling of the Year and Wine of the Year Germany. In our conversation with Schafer-Reichart Selections’  Director of Operations, Nermin Kurtesi, we uncover how this win is more than a personal triumph—it’s an opportunity to challenge perceptions, validate the quality of German Riesling on an international stage, and spark fresh interest in a category that’s quietly gaining momentum among younger, adventurous U.S. wine drinkers.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Congratulations on your win. Can you tell us what this recognition means for you personally and for Schafer-Reichart Selections as a business?

Winning a 95 Gold Medal, along with Riesling of the Year and Wine of the Year Germany, is deeply meaningful—not just personally, but for Schafer-Reichart Selections as a whole. On a personal level, it’s a moment of pride and affirmation, validating the passion and precision we’ve poured into every bottle. For the business, it’s a milestone that elevates our profile on the global stage and reinforces our commitment to quality. Most importantly, it’s a tribute to our growers, winemakers and partners whose craftsmanship makes achievements like this possible.

From a trade perspective, how do awards like these influence buyer confidence and open new opportunities?

Recognition at this level sends a clear and credible message about quality. It gives buyers a benchmark they can trust and reduces the guesswork in portfolio decisions. From a sales and marketing standpoint, it provides us with a compelling story to tell, sparking interest from new markets, strengthening relationships with existing partners, and driving visibility and demand.

You are already an established importer and distributor in the USA. What drove your decision to enter this particular Riesling into the competition?

We believed the 2024 Emma Reichart Riesling represented the pinnacle of what German winemaking can achieve: precise, expressive, and beautifully balanced. It’s a wine that tells a story—of place, of craftsmanship, and of dedication to quality. Entering it into the competition was about creating awareness and appreciation for the caliber of wines in our portfolio, not just winning awards.

How do you plan to leverage this win in the U.S. off-premise market (retail, wine shops, supermarkets)?

The award provides a strong platform to expand our footprint. We’ll work closely with retail partners to build presence in stores, using the recognition as a hook to engage wine shop staff, educate buyers, and connect with consumers. The goal is to make it easy for retailers to sell and for customers to feel confident choosing a bottle of Riesling.

Where is the 2024 Emma Reichart Dry Riesling currently available in the U.S.? Are there any new market expansions planned?

Currently, it’s available exclusively at Trader Joe’s as a private label brand. That said, we’re exploring strategic partnerships in regions where demand for premium European wines is growing. These awards give us a strong entry point for conversations with new distributors and retailers.

What are the biggest challenges in producing high-quality Riesling for the U.S. market?

German Riesling is nuanced—with layers of acidity and minerality—yet misconceptions persist in the U.S. that it’s overly sweet or one-dimensional. Educating both trade and consumers about its diversity is an ongoing effort. Another challenge is maintaining sustainable margins while staying competitive. When balanced correctly, though, Riesling delivers exceptional quality, creates loyalty, and stands out on the shelf.

Where do you see German wines positioned in the U.S. wine landscape today—both in trade perception and consumer demand?

German wines are gaining momentum in the U.S. market. Trade professionals increasingly appreciate their precision, elegance, and age-worthiness. On the consumer side, younger, adventurous drinkers are starting to explore German wines with curiosity, especially dry and off-dry styles. These resonate with a generation that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place.

How do you see the role of importers evolving in shaping wine trends in the coming years?

Importers are no longer just conduits—we’re curators, educators, and storytellers. As the market diversifies, we’re in a unique position to shape trends by introducing wines that reflect quality, sustainability, and authenticity. By highlighting producers who innovate, preserve tradition, or redefine value, we help set the tone for what’s possible in the U.S. market.

What’s next for Schafer-Reichart Selections following this major win?

This recognition marks an exciting new chapter. Our focus now is on sharing the story behind the wine and the people who created it with a wider U.S. audience. We’re expanding distribution, strengthening key market partnerships, and investing in strategic marketing to build awareness around the quality and character of our portfolio.