Zind-Humbrecht, Gewürztraminer, Clos Windsbuhl, Alsace, France, 2020

Producer Profile

Olivier Humbrecht MW holds the notable achievement of being the first French national to earn the title of Master of Wine in 1989.

From a winemaking lineage that dates back to 1620, Olivier is the twelfth generation of his family working in viticulture. In 1959, his parents, Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind, merged their family vineyards to establish Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and Olivier assumed responsibility for the estate's winemaking in 1989, the same year he achieved his Master of Wine qualification. Under his guidance, Olivier's domaine has become renowned for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture, a practice he adopted in the early 1990s. He employs non-interventionist winemaking techniques, allowing the unique terroirs of Alsace to express themselves fully in the wines, and his dedication to quality and innovation in winemaking has earned him international acclaim, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the world of wine.

Viticulture

The Clos Windsbuhl is located on the top of the village of Hunawihr, enjoying a beautiful view over the Alsace valley floor and the famous church Saint-Jacques le Majeur. Its position close to the Vosges forest at an altitude of 300/350m makes this vineyard relatively late ripening, even though its facing turns from east to south on a steep slope. The little ‘windy hill’ lies on top of an old limestone rock ‘Muschelkalk’ from the Trias period. With little top soil, the vines aren’t very vigorous and are strongly influenced by the magnesium rich calcareous mother rock, and so are the wines! Gewurztraminer may seem to be a challenge in such a location, but being able to harvest them quite late every vintage, the wines are always harmoniously balanced and carry a certain sweetness extremely well.

Winemaking

Harvesting is typically among the last in the region, ensuring optimal ripeness. Grapes are handpicked and undergo gentle pressing. Fermentation is spontaneous, utilising native yeasts, and proceeds slowly to enhance complexity.

Tasting Note

Bright pale yellow colour. The nose shows intense and powerful spicy aromas (pepper, nutmeg) and a light toasty character, despite the absence of botrytis. It clearly needs some time to open up but the mineral influence of the Clos Windsbuhl limestone is clearly present. Eventually, delicate exotic fruit develops giving the wine a good sense of ripeness. The palate is intense, long, rich but with the typical Windsbuhl vibrancy and elegance. It clearly is a sweet wine that hides extremely well its residual sugars. Harmonious and capable to age well!

Food Matching

Pairs beautifully with rich, aromatic dishes such as Thai green curry, roasted duck with hoisin glaze, or aged blue cheese.