Muscat, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Muscat is a chameleon across the globe [sweet in Greece, sparkling in Italy, dry in Alsace], but here it shows off the clean, alpine-fresh side most people don’t even know exists. Dry Muscat is a rare bird — less than 2% of Alsace plantings — and isn’t shy — it’s one of the few grapes that tastes exactly like the fruit itself. It's the ultimate 'aha' wine for guests who swear they don’t get tasting notes.

Zind-Humbrecht is fragrant and lifted, with orange blossom, honeysuckle, and jasmine on the nose. The palate follows through with ripe apricot, peach, and a citrusy snap that keeps it refreshing rather than perfumed or heavy. This is Muscat with mountain-air clarity. 2015 brought warmth and sunshine to Alsace, giving this Muscat a rounder, juicier profile than in leaner years — more silk than chiffon. They farm biodynamically and work with gentle touch — native ferment, cool temperatures, stainless steel to preserve freshness. The result is perfume without heaviness.

The Humbrecht family has been making wine in Alsace since the 1600s and is one of the region’s biodynamic pioneers. Olivier Humbrecht MW is Alsace royalty — one of the first Masters of Wine in France, and a leader in biodynamic farming long before it was trendy.