A narrow, 75-mile-long strip of land that runs along the Gallic side of the Rhine River, Alsace is one of France’s foremost wine regions. Grapes have been grown wine has been produced here for centuries. Most wine experts refer to white wines from Alsace as “aromatic whites” because of the floral and spice notes in their bouquet that lead to stone and tropical fruit and vibrant citrus flavors. Generally speaking Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris from Alsace are dry, but even those with higher residual sugar exhibit vivid acidity that keeps them from seeming overly sweet. This brilliant acidity is also one of the reasons that these wines age so well; far from being easy-drinking whites meant to be consumed young, they will last a long time if stored properly and bring joy to your palate in years to come.
Zind Humbrecht is currently run by Olivier and Margaret Humbrecht along with their sons Pierre and Emile, but the family began planting vines and growing grapes as far back as 1620. Today their holdings amount to more than 100 acres of Grand Cru vineyards in Alsace from which they make highly coveted and collectable wines. Their 2023 Hengst Gewurztraminer has heady aromas of peach, pear, and crystallized ginger that pull you into the glass for flavors of lemon, honeysuckle, freesia, and apricot.
Excerpt Taken From: Robb Report
Author: Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
