Muscatel – 2023

2023 Muskateller from Weingut Rings is scented with blossoms and nutmeg

The 2023 Muskateller from Weingut Rings is a dry, fragrant white wine from the vineyards of Freinsheim in the Palatinate. A portion was fermented in steel tanks, preserving its floral freshness, while the rest was aged in large, traditional barrels made of local Palatinate oak, adding depth.

2023 Muskateller is a dry estate wine from Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, pressed from pure Yellow Muscat grapes grown in organically farmed vineyards. At 11.0 percent alcohol, it is the lightest white wine in the winery's portfolio, yet it is by no means a lightweight in terms of flavor, as the grape variety is naturally very aromatic.

Nutmeg, elderflower, and lime zest

As soon as the glass is poured, the characteristic Muscat scent fills the room, accompanied by elderflower and a hint of fresh lime zest.

That sounds sweet, and that is precisely the misconception with this variety. On the palate, the wine is dry, with clear acidity and a short, clean finish. The oak portion adds a subtle spice underneath, which grounds the scent and prevents the wine from feeling merely perfumed.

Yellow Muscat is one of the oldest cultivated grape varieties in Europe and is one of the few varieties whose grapes smell like the finished wine while still on the vine. Capturing this fragrance in a bottle without it turning cloyingly sweet is the real challenge, and it is achieved only through lively acidity.

As an aperitif, with Asian cuisine, and on the garden lounger

A fragrant, light white wine like this makes its best appearance before the meal even begins.

As an aperitif, it needs no accompaniment—perhaps just a few olives or almonds. At the table, it pairs well with Thai curry, steamed dim sum, and anything involving ginger, cilantro, or lemongrass, as it is a case of fragrance meeting fragrance. It is also perfect for an afternoon with a book on a garden lounger.

It also works as a summer drink with less alcohol when diluted with mineral water and a sprig of mint, as its aroma survives the dilution without issue. Served at six to eight degrees Celsius is just right; any warmer and the aromatics quickly become overpowering. If you prefer something more tart in your glass, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc with its green spice is a great alternative.

Forty percent in large Palatinate oak barrels

In Germany, Muskateller is almost always vinified in steel tanks for fear of losing its perfume. Here, a portion still goes into wood.

Sixty percent of the harvest remained in stainless steel, preserving its floral freshness. The remaining forty percent fermented and matured in "Stückfass" barrels made of Palatinate oak—casks from the local region rather than from France. This gives the wine a second dimension and removes the one-dimensionality that many Muskatellers have.

The grapes come from Freinsheim vineyards and were hand-harvested, selected, and gently pressed. Andreas and Steffen Rings manage these sites themselves from pruning to harvest, certified under DE-ÖKO-022. Everything else from Freinsheim can be found in the Weingut Rings hub.

2023 Muskateller – A white wine and its specifications

• Origin: Germany
• Growing Region: Palatinate
• Winery: Weingut Rings
• Grape Variety: Muskateller
• Screw cap
• 11.0% vol alcohol
• 0.2 g/l residual sugar
• 6.3 g/l acidity

Organic control number – DE-ÖKO-022 German Agriculture