Hammel & Cie In The Mood for Müller-Thurgau dry

Müller-Thurgau has a tough time of it — undeservedly so. With this wine, Christoph Hammel shows what the grape variety is capable of when given time and oak aging.

The Hammel & Cie winery is located in Kirchheim an der Weinstraße, in the heart of the Palatinate region. The Hammel family has been making wine for generations, and Christoph Hammel is considered a maverick in their portfolio: he actively seeks out underrated grape varieties and unusual vinification methods. "The Mood for Müller-Thurgau" is one such experiment—fermented in large wooden barrels and aged on the lees for several weeks.

The result is fuller-bodied than a typical Müller-Thurgau: lees aging gives the wine texture and a slightly creamy finish. The nose offers aromas of mace, ripe pear, and a hint of beeswax. On the palate, subtle spice, medium acidity, and a longer finish than one would expect from this variety.

Serving temperature: 10–12 °C. Goes well with tarte flambée with crème fraîche, pasta with lemon sauce, or as an uncomplicated accompaniment to Asian summer rolls.