Not much is known about the muller-thurgau grape, which is planted mostly in Europe. The inestimable Winegrape Glossary says it might be a one thing or it might be another, and the experts contend this and contend that. It's amazing how little attention the wine world pays to white grapes that aren't chardonnay, isn't it?
Fortunately, all we need to know is that muller-thurgau can make amazing wine, especially in this version from Oregon's Anne Amie Vineyards (about $14, purchased). In style, it's somewhere between an off-dry German riesling and an old-style gewurtztraminer -- sweetish but also spicy. You'll also find fresh acid and green apple in addition to the spice. Sweetish and spicy used to be a quite common combination, producing some peppery, clove-like flavors in the finish. But you don't see it much any more, even in European wines, as producers opt for more straight-forward styles.
Serve this chilled with shellfish, oysters and anything remotely similar. I wouldn't be surprised if it would pair with sausages, white beans and braised cabbage as well.
great
Posted by: yyhjghg | January 27, 2010 at 09:45 AM
What a wonderful post, beautifully written. It captures these wines so well.
Posted by: Hampers | January 28, 2010 at 10:02 PM
You are making the Wine Curmudgeon blush.
Posted by: Jeff Siegel | January 29, 2010 at 07:12 AM
Jeff,
Thanks for the kind words. Our 2009 Muller-Thurgau just won the Pacific Coast Oyster Festival Competition, so the pairing suggestion is spot on! I think that the 2009 is similar enough in vinification to the 2008 that either would be great. You have great oysters in the South. One of my favorite spots for oysters is the Capital Hotel in Little rock, AR. Anyhow, if you ever make it out our way, swing by the winery for a tour.
Cheers,
Thomas
Posted by: Thomas | April 30, 2010 at 06:32 PM
Noted and approved -- http://www.winecurmudgeon.com/my_weblog/2010/05/wine-of-the-week-acrobat-pinot-gris-2008.html
Posted by: Jeff Siegel | May 05, 2010 at 07:01 AM