Ambre Blanc Muscat Macere 2021

A dry orange wine from Alsace that is open and penetrating on the nose from the very first moment, yet stays bright and almost dancing on the palate. Muscat, blossom and citrus meet a fine texture and mineral depth.

The grapes grow in the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg, one of the four Grand Cru sites of Domaine Trapet Alsace in Riquewihr. Marl defines this site and produces complex, age-worthy wines. In the vineyards, échalas, traditional wooden stakes, support each vine individually, the soils are cover-cropped, and copper and sulphur are kept to a minimum. The estate works according to biodynamic principles.

Pure Muscat, harvested on 5 October and then fermented on the skins for around two weeks. The maceration time is precisely judged: the wine shows tannin, but not too much, and gains depth without becoming heavy.

Velvet and silk, full of vitality and freshness. Linden blossom, peonies and roses lead to citron and pomelo, followed by muscat and a touch of aromatic hops. The spice stays cool, the structure fine, the finish dry and mineral.

With a salad of marinated raw salmon with lime and coriander, with grilled sea bass with fennel herb and lemon zest and, for a vegetarian option, with green asparagus with kimizu and ajo blanco.

Andrée Trapet took over the family estate in 2002; since 2018, sons Pierre and Louis have run the day-to-day work. The Ambre series of macerated white wines, of which this Muscat is part, is their creation.