Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Monopole 2021
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France / Alsace
This property changed ownership a few times in the past, but it is the Wurtembergs who mention for the first time the Tokayer (Pinot-Gris) on the Clos Windbsuhl in 1760. The rocky Muschelkalk limestone soil, facing east/south-east on a steep slope imposes small yields and gives a firm structure to the Pinot Gris. This vineyard used to be harvested much later in the past, often producing late harvest style wines which were very sweet. The evolution of the climate is today much more favorable to the production of drier wines in the past few vintages, as seen in the 2021.
Harvest Note
2021 was a challenging vintage which resulted in small volumes of extraordinary wines. The frost of April 6th significantly reduced the final harvest volumes. June & July saw heavy rains leading to rapid growth but unfortunately mildew also. August and September were sunny and dry, with harvest from September 15th to October 2nd. The small crop fermented quickly, alcohols were below usual levels, and all wines fermented completely dry.
Tasting Note
Pale yellow color. The nose shows fresh citrus fruit driven aromatics, giving clues on the structure and style of the palate: tight, firm mouthfeel with lots of tension. If it wouldn’t be for a certain brightness and richness, this wine could easily be confused with the Riesling of the same vineyard. It possesses a typical limestone Windsbuhl vertebrae that makes it so elegant with a long intense finish, supported by a ripe acidity. This very dry wine and the mineral rich palate also bring a certain noble bitterness that will allow this wine to age and evolve nicely for a long time.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Gris
APPELLATION: Alsace AOC
PH: 3.3
ACIDITY: 3.8 g/l
ABV: 12.80%
AGING: 12 months in large foudres
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 1.9 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Certified Organic and Biodynamic
- 96 points James Suckling 3.29.23
- Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht M.W., Winemaker
About the Grape
Pinot Grigio
This grape makes fresh, crisp, charming wines with apple, pear, almond and acacia flower aromas and clean, stone fruit flavors, or creamy, honeyed wines with spice, blossom and mineral aromas.
