Zind Humbrecht, Pinot Noir, Heimbourg, 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 domaine Zind-Humbrecht produces only one red wine, on a very small plot of 0.32ha in the single vineyard Heimbourg in Turckheim. Facing west, on red Oligocene limestone soil (rich in iron), the Pinot Noir ripens slowly and develops a delicate aromatic profile. Planted in high density (10,000 vines/ha) and pruned just above the soil, the grapes are tiny and grow almost at ground level. Yields have always been low, but in recent years this vineyard has been particularly susceptible to trunk diseases.

Winemaking

The grapes are picked in small 15kg bins then manually destemmed on a perforated wooden board, to ferment in an open vat where we only carry out a few manual pigeages. The wine is transferred in 228 and 350 liter barrels (not new) and bottled directly without filtration or fining. It is therefore possible to find deposits in this wine, more or less important depending on the storage conditions. It is recommended to decant the wine after keeping the bottle upright for some time.

Tasting Note

Ruby red colour. The nose is very expressive with aromas of small red fruits (blackberry, currant, wild strawberry, etc.). The mouthfeel is supple, all in velvet, almost caressing and evolves with a little more rigor on the finish. This red Heimbourg is not a powerful red but it has a nice intensity and bright flavour. An extremely slow evolution in the glass also suggests a good evolution over time.

Food Matching

Pairs well with a range of dishes due to its delicate fruit flavours and earthy undertones. Works particularly well with poultry, duck, and game, as well as certain fish and cheese varieties.