Zind Humbrecht, Riesling, Clos Hauserer, Alsace, France, 2021

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 Häuserer takes its name from the small road on the bottom of the Clos. It stands for the road to the houses, in reference to an old 6th century Romain settlement just above in the Hengst vineyard. The actual name of the lieu-dit is Unterersoedlen (under the South) which is one of the most important lieu-dit part of the Hengst Grand Cru. When Olivier's father planted this 1.16ha Clos in 1973, he named it Häuserer in order to avoid confusion. The Clos enjoys a protected warm climate and a gentle east facing on a deep rich marl limestone soil. The Oligocen mother rock is a good meter deep but these old vines have now reached it for some time. It is an extremely consistent vineyard, but prone to spring frosts because it is too protected by the surrounding hills.

Tasting Note

Pale yellow colour. Inviting wet rock, mineral driven nose. Despite being tight and almost austere, the aromatics are complex and precise: citrus fruits, sharp zesty lime, herbs. The palate is pure, precise, tight, very dry. The acidity is typical of the limestone geology. It will require some years of cellaring to fully express all its potential.

Food Matching

Its high acidity and mineral notes pair well with rich fish, pork, and spicy dishes. It can be a great match for seafood like salmon, tuna, and grilled shrimp.