Two wines this month!

Renner ‘Thirsch’ Muscaris 2020. Südsteiermark, Austria

Highly aromatic with an expressive bouquet of floral notes—honeysuckle, orange blossom—alongside dried orange peel, grapefruit pith, ripe peach, nectarine, and melon. There’s a subtle herbal edge and a muscat-like character with a touch of gamey complexity.

Dry, with medium-plus acidity, medium alcohol, and a medium-plus body. The texture is creamy with a slight tang from skin contact, plus a hint of tannin. On the palate, it delivers slightly fresher fruit tones mingled with dried citrus peel and a nutty nuance. Long, lingering finish.

A really complex and intriguing wine.

Thirsch Souvignier Gris & Pinot Blanc Blend 2021. Südsteiermark, Austria

Slightly cloudy in the glass. Aromas of apple, pear, bruised apple, banana, marzipan, nuts, and a touch of smokiness and yeast.

The palate shows more fruit intensity, with a dry profile, medium-plus acidity, medium alcohol, and a full body. Textural and grippy with a bold mouthfeel. Finishes long, leaving notes of apricot, marzipan, and nuts.

Ric and intense both of these wines are great food wines with the body and texture to cope well with richer dishes whilst still providing plenty of freshness and lift.