Austrian TNs: A tale of two muscats

WINE TALK
1

Time for some early evening, pre-Yankee game cocktails (assuming the weather cooperates). First up:

2007 Heidi Schrock Muscat
Light yellow-white in the glass, with an initially reticent nose that developed into a precise focus on what I sometimes describe as fruit cocktail served in a slate bowl. Very floral and seemingly full-bodied on the palate, with a short finish. I’m finding this wine somewhat disjointed right now, and it’s possible that the underlying fruit is not sufficient to carry it’s 13.5% alcohol. Although labeled as Muscat, it is actually a blend of 40% Gelber Muskateller, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Muskat Ottonel.

Next up:

2007 Weingut Schwarzbock Gelber Muskateller Trocken
Now we’re talking! Similar in color to the previous wine, but a much more pronounced nose that features hints of petrol, crisp apple and more of that slate - lovely nose! Viscous yet elegant on the palate, with acidity binding together the crisp fruit - nice finish here. Clearly superior at least tonight to the previous wine.

2

I generally don’t like Schrock’s wines too much. OTOH I do think there are a number of Muskatellers I enjoy.

3

John, I like her Weissburgunder a lot, which is the primary reason I gave the Muscat a try. My recollection also is that David Schildknect liked it quite a bit, and I find that he is a reasonable indicator of what I will like in Austria most times - just not this time [wink.gif] . I’m not even sure why I ended up with the 2nd wine, as I’ve never heard of the producer before - maybe just to try them side-by-side, although as I noted above, according to the Schrock label they are not the same wines varietally. I believe both wines are from Terry Theise, which again is also a pretty good indicator for me that the wines will be appealing, but the Schrock was just disjointed in some way.

4

Interesting stuff Bob. I enjoyed the Heidi Schrock 2007 Furmint. Agree that DS is typically reliable. Nice to see you branching out from that nasty Gruner habit.[grin.gif]

RT

5

Bobulus,

Looks as if we shall need an Austrian night IF there is to be a Phillies - Yankees series!

Alex

6

Alex, I would like that - and the Yankees have held serve so far. I’m actually taking two of my Austrian rieslings “out to play” this tuesday night, as I head to Blackfish for their lobster dinner.

Rich, I haven’t had a chance to check out her Furmint yet, but it’s on my list. And I drink a lot more riesling than gruner when it comes to Austrian wine, and even manage to sneak in a zierfandler or rotgipfler every once in a while.

7

So far Swarzbock has offered up some decent wines. I really have too little experience with them to make an informed opinion.

I guess I should also qualify my remarks about Schrock. In general I don’t like the wines. I have, however, enjoyed a few. But across the board I am not a big fan and don’t generally buy them. I have enjoyed a bottle or two of the Furmit as well as the On The Wings Of Dawn.

8

Had a chance to meet DS this summer while sipping an Austrian St. Laurent. We talked about odd Austrian varieties. Actually, it was a surprisingly lengthy one way conversation!

RT