2024 Weingut Müller-Ruprecht Pfalz Orange Wine

A bold pivot into skin-contact territory: this 2024 “Orange” from Müller-Ruprecht in Germany’s Pfalz region is quietly electrifying. Built on a base of Huxelrebe (yes — rare), with traces of Weissburgunder, Kerner, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, it spends ten days on skins, gets minimal intervention (no fining/filtration) and emerges as a light-body, textured wine with depth and personality. There’s purity and clarity, but also intrigue. A fresh face of orange-wine style that invites you in rather than overwhelms. 

Nose: Bright scent of mandarin rind, orange blossom and jasmine, followed by subtle dried cantaloupe and grapefruit pith.

Palate: Crisp, vivid acidity meets delicate skin-contact texture; layers of apricot, citrus zest and a whisper of spice. Clean, yet distinct.

Finish: Dry and lifted — the finish carries a lean minerality, a trace of tea-leaf tannin and a refreshing clarity that lingers with precision.

This orange wine is fantastic with dishes that straddle country and finesse: grilled sea bream with lemon and herbs, or spicy Szechuan tofu with peanuts and coriander. Try it with mild goat cheese and walnut salad — the texture and energy will sing alongside the dish. It’s also a fun match for funky aged cheeses or bitter greens dressed lightly.