Winemaker Notes
Germany’s (and thus among the world’s) greatest Muscat has been divided into two wines this year. This one’s zingy and primordial; ludicrous “green” flavors; solid and direct, minty and mizuna; a clamorous yet crystalline beauty.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Wonderful pink-grapefruit and muscat nose that bowls you over. So joyful and really rather subtle for a seriously aromatic grape variety. Very bright finish. From organically grown grapes.
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Wine Spectator
A delicate, elegant style, showing compact and racy aromas and flavors of almond and citrus. On the leaner side for the appellation, with good energy from the racy acidity and mineral elements. Long and balanced. Drink now through 2025.
While Muscat comes in a wide range of styles from dry to sweet, still to sparkling and even fortified, it's safe to say it is always alluringly aromatic and delightful. The two most important versions are the noble, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, making wines of considerable quality and Muscat of Alexandria, thought to be a progeny of the former. Somm Secret—Pliny the Elder wrote in the 13th century of a sweet, perfumed grape variety so attractive to bees that he referred to it as uva apiana, or “grape of the bees.” Most likely, he was describing Muscat.
This sunny and relatively dry region served for many years as a German tourist mecca and was associated with low cost, cheerful wines. But since the 1980s, it has gained a reputation as one of Germany’s more innovative regions, which has led to increased international demand.