2010 Domaine Ostertag, Muscat “Fronholz” Alsace, France.
Ostertag’s serious and seriously good dry Muscat is perfumed, but overly so and it has plenty of mineral, spice and even a saline/savory element that balances it out well. Funny, this grape along with Riesling doesn’t get the mainstream wine drinkers attention, mainly because they have only had poor examples or heard about them (told to stay away), though these are wonderful grapes, and this Muscat is a beautiful white wine that should have many fans. Sadly, it will be a tough sell at this price point, where it ironically competes with top Riesling wines. Regardless, I highly recommend trying this intriguing wine, it should go with most seafood, some Asian fare and light pork/ham dishes. The nose starts with jasmine, honeysuckle, orange flowers and hints of sea breezes leading to a palate of green apple, lemon/lime and tangerine with chalk, wet stones, white tea and tangy stone fruit pit.
($36 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
