The Schloss Mühlenhof property is a large estate (nearly 20ha) spread across the slopes above Kettenheim, 3km south of Alzey. The estate was started in 1846 and is now hosting the 6th generation. It began as a rye and wheat mill until the 1920s , when the small vineyard attached became the focus for the family income. Now in the hands of Gabriele, Nicolas and Walter Michel, the farm operates ‘organically’ but not by any legal standard. They follow what they call, ‘ecologically healthy’ farming practices, with the intent on capturing the fruity expression of the Rheinhessen style.
Despite the title, this most definitely is an orange wine! 12 weeks of skin contact
25 year old vines in calcareous clay soils (3 ha plot)
energetic, the "orange Julius of skin contact wines", guava, Meyer lemon, a touch of a bready/yeasty note, wet river rocks, crisp finish,
region: Rheinhessen, Germany
varietal: 80% Muller Thurgau, 20% Sylvaner
style: skin contact white (orange)
farming/cellar: organic, whole cluster, ambient yeast, 12 week maceration and fermentation in steel, then 7 months maturing on the lees in steel, minimal added so2, unfiltered
pairing:
