2011 Kurt Darting, Muskateller Trocken “Durkheimer Hochbenn” Pfalz, Germany.
One of the best kept secrets of the wine world is certainly Muskateller from the Pfalz, where is produces a fresh and mineral laced white wine with stunning aromatics of jasmine and tropical flowers. Muskateller is Muscat, but it picks up a totally unique character here, and of course we’d call it a terroir thing, with the climate and soils creating a special combination of elements that add to the wine being what it is. My two favorite Muskatellers come from Muller-Catoir and this one from Darting, both of which are dry and crisp with vibrant acidity and slate like mineral tones. The 2011 Darting Muskateller Trocken shines brightly and gives lots of pleasure with perfume like jasmine and white citrus blossoms, verbena and zesty lime and honeydew melon while liquid mineral and chalk notes flitter in the background. Hints of green apple and tropical fruits lingers, but the wine keeps vividly tangy and crisp on the finish making it super refreshing and light, a perfect summer and picnic wine.
($17 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
