Muscat d'Alsace
Muscat is composed of two varieties in order to obtain this dry and aromatic wine, with the impression of biting into a fresh grape: Muscat d'Alsace, otherwise known as small grapes, and Muscat d'Ottonel. The Muscat will perfectly accompany light, natural and vegetarian dishes.
Its origin
2 varieties of Muscat are cultivated in Alsace and will be bottled: Muscat Ottonel (the most widespread) and Muscat à petits grains (one of the oldest grape varieties). They represent only 3% of the vineyard. They can be vinified alone or in a blend of the two varieties, like our Muscat Tradition or even our Muscat Vendanges Tardives, to get that impression of biting into fresh grapes.
The Muscat à petits grains à la grappe blanche, appeared in the 16th century with its juicy and very sweet berries with a slight acidity. It makes rather dry wines. The Muscat Ottonel, on the other hand, was born in Alsace in the 19th century. It brings floral notes to wines, always with the aroma of freshly picked grapes. It makes wines for ageing. These two varieties are favorable to noble rot (Botrytis), which allows the elaboration of great wines. This noble rot allows a higher concentration of residual sugar.
Muscat is part of the selective family of noble rot (Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer). It can have the appellation "Vendanges Tardives". This grape variety can give life to a wide range of wines: dry, aromatic, or even sweet and liquorous when harvested later.
What to pair Muscat d'Alsace with ?
The Muscat will accompany your festive aperitifs. A masterful match with asparagus, it will also be remarkable with lime sorbet. It will also suit fresh fruit desserts and exotic fruit salads.
Muscat Prestige and Vendanges Tardives will be perfect with a fine and fragrant foie gras. They can be enjoyed without anything, among friends, or after a digestive and country walk.
Making process of Muscat
Our Muscat is elaborated following the AOC Alsace Charter. The grapes come from the Bollenberg plot on the south side with grassed rows. A mechanical work is made under the row (cavailloné). The grapes are sorted by 3 passages and the grapes are harvested in over-ripeness for the elaboration of our Muscat Prestige and Vendanges Tardives. Maceration and fermentation are carried out at low temperature. Our Muscat is the perfect blend of two varieties: Muscat Ottonel and Muscat à petits grains.
Oenological analysis of Muscat d'Alsace
To the eye : Clear, sustained and brilliant color. Amber and brilliant reflections. Nice adherence and fluidity on the walls of the glass.
To the nose : Intense, open, complex and crisp nose. Typical of the grape variety, typical and expressive. Multiple floral aromas of good density. Notes of vine peaches, small touch of citrus fruits.
In the mouth : Fresh but soft attack. Mouth very marked by the fruity (white grape, peach), muscat aromas in finesse and elegance. Notes of elderflower. Crisp and muscatel finish. Beautiful structure, fresh. Ample and persistent texture. Rich and complex wine.
The terroir Bollenberg
The name "Bollenberg" comes from "Belen" or "Belenus" being the celtic god of sun.
Located south of Rouffach, this hill is very sunny and windy. This climate favors the growth of a rare flora and the proliferation of an exclusive fauna. This gives rise to a protected area.
The particularly chalky terroir of the Bollenberg (thin layer of soil and mother rock often outcropping) as well as this micro-climate are beneficial to the evolution of Muscat.