Ambre Blanc Muscat Maceration AOC 2022

A Muscat that doesn't put its varietal aromatics on display, but gathers them in. Skin fermentation gives it tannin and texture without weighing it down: at 11.0% vol., the Ambre Blanc stays light-footed despite the intensity of its aromatics.

The grapes grow in the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg near Riquewihr, whose marl soils are known for complex, age-worthy wines. Domaine Trapet Alsace farms 15 hectares across four Grand Crus — besides Schoenenbourg also Schlossberg, Sonnenglanz and Sporen — following biodynamic principles. In the vineyards, échalas support each vine individually, the soils are covered with greenery, and copper and sulphur are kept to a minimum.

Pure Muscat, fermented on the skins and vinified in a relatively dry style. The length of maceration is precisely judged: the tannin carries the wine without drying it out.

On the nose, linden blossom, peonies and roses, along with citron, grapefruit and kumquat, candied ginger and orange peel, nutmeg, a touch of amaro herbs and aromatic hops. On the palate, the acidity keeps the wine fresh, the tannin is present but fine like fine-grit sandpaper. Flowers, citrus and spice remain highly intense, the texture stays fine-grained, with mineral depth beneath.

With the Ambre series, Pierre and Louis Trapet craft macerated white wines: alongside the Ambre Blanc from Muscat, there's the Ambre Jaune from Riesling and the Ambre Rouge from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Fermenting a Muscat from a Grand Cru site on its skins remains a rare decision, and here it pays off.