Weingut Muller Ruprecht "Orange" 2024

Despite releasing their first vintage in 2020, Müller-Ruprecht is already making waves in the Pfalz region of Germany. Started by Sabine Wöhrwag and her husband Philipp, they work vineyards that date back to the 1700s and have been in her family for generations. This particular wine is made of a two grapes, one you most certainly know (Chardonnay), and one that's more obscure. The Huxelrebe varietal is relatively new, having been developed in 1927 by crossing two equally unknown grapes, Gutedel and Muscat Précoce de Saumur. It is most often left on the vine for a late harvest, meaning more sugar and less acid, and made into a sweet dessert wine. While only accounting for about one half of one percent of all plantings in Germany, its impact on this wine is huge. While the Chardonnay provides richness and a certain savory quality, the Huxelrebe is really showing its parentage with the aromatics of Muscat shining through. Orange blossom, mandarin orange, jasmine, and overripe mango make