Himmel auf Erden II “Maischevergoren” 2023 (meaning heaven on earth) is a natural wine crafted by Christian Tschida, in the Burgenland region in Austria. This orange wine is made with a variety of clones of Muskateller grapes as well as Chenin Blanc (for this vintage), so this macerated wine (the only orange wine Christian makes) differs from the Weiss Himmel auf Erden Grand Cuvee, made of other grapes.
Vinification of Himmel Auf Erden II Maischevergoren
Here, the Muskat and Chenin Blanc grapes are gently destemmed and then crushed by foot, before sitting on their skins for 2 weeks, before some are removed and the rest is left to macerate for a further 2 weeks.
This is not a super strong orange wine, instead the herbacious qualities and a slight saltiness shine through in this no added sulphur wine, which was aged in large neutral oak barrels for one year. SUCH A DELIGHT!
Tasting Notes
We found notes of pineapple, lychee and lemon pith amongst lively floral touches, soft vanilla elements and the Chenin this year adds a distinctive mineralic edge that was missing in 2022. This also provides less tannin than the previous year, and we prefer it to 2022.
Winemaker Notes
The fascination of a historic method transferred into future. Old vineyards planted with Yellow Muscat, Golden Muscat and Lemon Muscat: All of them varietals that boast with unique and concentrated flavour in their skins - a natural invitation to be macerated. Over the years we have elaborated several methods of maceration for a gentle extraction, just like treating a fragile leaf of green tea. In 2023 a power-shot of schist-driven Chenin Blanc boost the mineral corset of the aromatic Muscat-Triplet. A concept to continue exploring.
Making of: Grapes are hand harvested and left to macerate. Some of the skins are
left in contact with the juice for up to 4 months, making Christian’s only orange
wine. Pressed with the power of a handshake, the hyper-aromatic juice ages in
large barrel.
