JOHANNES ZILLINGER NUMEN MUSKATELLER AUSTRIA 2021 750ml

ABOUT THE WINE

Biodynamically hand farming 18ha of Austrian vines an hour northeast of Vienna is a jubilant young man named Johannes Zillinger. As a 3rd generation vigneron, Johannes Zillinger inherited his cellars from his Father in 2013, though their winery reaches back 350 years. Johannes has lived in the organic mindset since he was born, his father being an early adopter of organic wine farming. On succeeding his Father, Johannes immediately converted to biodynamics, continuing in his Father’s footsteps to advance toward an agriculture of balance. His vineyards swarm with life, striving toward an ecological harmony with the environment at large.
The 2021 Johannes Zillinger Numen Muskateller is a 100% Gelber Muskateller from physiologically ripe grapes, hand-harvested on September 9, 2021, from selected Muscat à Petit Grains vines. It undergoes a 10-day intracellular maceration in Kvevri, followed by 14 months of lees aging in 600-liter tonneaux with 10% fresh berries. Bottled without fining in February 2023 with 35 mg/L sulfites, it has an alcohol content of 12%, a pH of 3.36, and 1 g/L residual sugar. Certified organic (AT-BIO-401), this unfiltered natural wine is produced in the Weinviertel region, emphasizing minimal intervention and sustainable viticulture.

TASTING NOTE:

The 2021 Numen Muskateller offers an intense yet refined nose, unveiling roses, grapefruit zest, bitter orange, and lime with hints of baked celery, garden herbs, and wet clay. On the palate, it’s silky yet grippy, with pronounced tannins and vibrant acidity that grows more prominent. Floral notes blend with zesty citrus and piquant herbal nuances, creating a dense yet sleek profile. Its salty, taut finish is long and harmonious, balancing clear Muskateller aromatics with complex, savory depth. Best paired with grilled tuna, spicy watermelon, or stuffed calamari, this wine shines with aeration, revealing its multidimensional character.