Heinrich Muscat Freyheit 2022

Weingut Heinrich farms in Burgenland, in eastern Austria, with this cuvée drawn from the eastern slopes of the Leitha hills. The soils are calcareous sandstone and mica schist, with sandy loam and gravel on the south-facing Parndorf plateau, a warm, well-drained setting near the Neusiedlersee that ripens the aromatic grapes fully while the lake moderates the climate. Muscat Freyheit blends Muskat Ottonel and Weissburgunder, or Pinot Blanc, with the Muskat lending a grapey, floral aromatic lift. The grapes are hand-picked and made with light skin contact, a gentle maceration that gives the wine its cloudy golden colour and a touch of phenolic texture without the firm tannin of a long maceration, keeping it fresh and aromatic at 12.5 percent alcohol. The colour is cloudy gold. The nose shows orange peel, white peach, white flowers and a spiced, gingery lift, with a rose-petal note from the Muscat. The palate is dry, fresh and lightly textured, the gentle grip giving structure to a clean, saline finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white-wine glass. It pairs with white fish, roast chicken and lightly spiced dishes.