Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Saint Urbain 2010

Leonard and Olivier Humbrecht represent the pinnacle of winemaking in Alsace.

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was founded by the union of two wine producing families in 1959. The Humbrechts have upheld their winemaking tradition from father to son since 1620.  In the 18th century, they rented vineyards near Gueberschwihr, which they have since acquired. However, they did not  begin to bottle their own wines until 1947 and since then have only produced their own wine.   In 1992, they opened a new winery in Herrenweg and immediately introduced organic and biodynamic cultivation practices in the vineyards. This work culminated with the entire domaine obtaining biodynamic certification in 2002.

Their biodynamic philosophy has translated into wines of great purity, which transmit the terroir from which they come.

Appearance

Very bright, straw yellow color. Thick legs.

Nose

Fabulous! Dominated by ripe white fruit aromas along with mineral aromas of volcanic and flint stone against a honeyed backdrop. Subtle hydrocarbon aromas.

Palate

Delectable on entry, velvety but with good density.  Excellent balance between sweetness and acidity on the palate.  Superb depth.

Comment

The Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru vineyard is named after the Saint-Urbain chapel, which sits above the village of Thann. The vineyard is south-facing, very steep and graduated, grows on a mixture of light sandstone, volcanic rock and ash, and looks out over the River Tour.

This  2011 vintage has given us an almost perfect wine.   It is honeyed on the nose, with elegant smoky mineral notes and is harmonious on the palate, with concentration, good acidity and just the right amount of residual sugar. 

Recommended with creamy rice with wild mushrooms and gorgonzola cheese.

Glass by RIEDEL, SOMMELIERS collection, RIESLING GRAND CRU model.