Gewürztraminer Hengst Grand Cru 2012
Trade Tools
France / Alsace
The Hengst Grand Cru, with its 60-year-old vines, enjoys a long-standing reputation for being the place to grow Gewürztraminer. The combination of a high lime content calcareous soil, some marl, a warm and dry setting, but not too precocious, provide the best conditions possible for this difficult grape variety. Zind-Humbrecht's dedication to terroir expression guides all winemaking practices, which include extended pressing cycles, abbreviated clarification cycles (to retain natural yeasts and proteins in the must), natural malolactic fermentation and extended aging on the lees. The wine is aged 18 months in 40-year-old French barrels.
Harvest Note
Early summer saw above average rainfall which require great attention in the vineyards. August was warm and dry, and the vines responded slowly to this improvement finally being harvested in late September.
Tasting Note
Pale gold color with aromas of citrus and smoke plus wet stones, bold and expansive structure, the natural sweetnes seems to disappear in the intense flavor array and long finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Gewürztraminer
APPELLATION: Vin d'Alsace
PH: 3.90
ACIDITY: 2.70 g/l
ABV: 15%
AGING: In neutral wood cask
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 41 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Hengst Vineyard's combination of a high lime content, calcareous soil, some marl and warm, dry climate provide the best conditions possible for difficult-to-grow Gewürztraminer
- 60-year-old vines produce grapes with concentrated flavor and complex character
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht MW, Winemaker
About the Grape
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer has unmistakably heady intensity of fragrance, with pungent aromas of litchis, tropical fruits and rose petals. Its flavors are ample, fruity and spicy rather than complex.
