Zind 2021
Trade Tools
France / Alsace
In 1989, 2 years after acquiring the Clos Windbuhl, we decided to plant Auxerrois and Chardonnay in the coolest part of the Clos, the closest to the forest. These two grape varieties were always blended together but in 2001 we were forced to release the wine as Zind ‘Vin de France’ because the chardonnay grape isn’t permitted in the AOC Alsace wine (only crémant d’Alsace). The muschelkalk limestone soil of the Clos Windsbuhl always brings a fantastic structure to this wine and quite an amazing longevity for the people with enough patience. The higher acidity commands long fermentation, but the wine finishes dry after a long aging on the full lees
93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2021 vintage
89 Points
VinousMedia.com
2021 vintage
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 completey dry.
Tasting Note
Pale yellow colour. Expressive and intensely mineral nose, already very developed and showing crisp citrus fruit aromas, mandarin skins, almost lightly exotic but with a firm presence of rock influence (wet stones, some flint). The texture on the palate combines power and crisp acidity. The mouthfeel is really beautiful, develops into a silky structure, which eventually finishes with a tight, dry and precise finish. The very low yield in 2021 explain this rare combination of intensity and elegance without needing to reach high ripeness levels. A Zind that shows the potential of the Windsbuhl and will improve greatly with time.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Auxerrois
APPELLATION: Vin de France
PH: 3.3
ACIDITY: 3.8 g/l
ABV: 12.80%
AGING: 12 months in large foudres
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 1.3 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Certified Organic and Biodynamic
- Uniquely creative white wine with surprising complexity
- Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
- 93 points Suckling
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht M.W., Winemaker
About the Grape
Auxerrois
Auxerrois is often used in blends with Pinot Blanc, with which is it often compared, to yield still wines as well as Crémants d'Alsace. It lends body and an herbaceous, citrus character.
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
