Pinot Noir Heimbourg 2021
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France / Vins D'Alsace
The Pinot Gris is planted on the upper part of the Heimbourg vineyard in Turckheim. Facing west, on a steep slope, it enjoys a relatively cool climate being exposed to the valley winds. At the opposite of the Rotenberg vineyard located on the other side of the valley, the Heimbourg vineyard gets a few more hours of sunshine in the evening, which probably explains why the vineyard produces more aromatic style wines. The Oligocen limestone soil is here a complex combination of old Oolithic pebbles cemented in an aggressive calcareous limestone, rich in iron (red color). The influence on the wine is tremendous.
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
Intense yellow color. The nose is still quite discreet, showing delicate white fruit, pears, peach, a hint of smokiness and wax like most other Pinot Gris from that vintage. It really takes some time to open in the glass at this very early stage. The mouth is very dry, but supported by a velvety texture that brings a certain roundness on the middle palate. Medium long finish, supported by a salivating acidity and a very elegant structure. The longer full lees contact we do with the Pinot Gris wines bring a definite richness and intensity, but also makes the wine close more just after bottling. So, like for most of our wines, decantation, if opened young, is very helpful.
Technical Data
APPELLATION: Alsace AOC
PH: 3.3
ACIDITY: 4.0 g/l
ABV: 13%
AGING: 12 months in large foudres
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.6 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 Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
