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.

Gold Medal
TexSom
2018 vintage
92 Points
Wine Spectator
2018 vintage
Harvest Note
The weather patterns were unusual yet resulted in a fine high-quality crop in most locations. The winter was extremely cold, and total rainfall for January through July was more than twice the normal amount. This replenished the soil moisture while the vines growth cycle was largely undisturbed. The summer months brought more stable, warm and dry conditions. Harvest proceeded over a two-month period, which allowed a precise approach to each terroir.
Tasting Note
The aromas are quite complex with hints of exotic fruit, mango and lychee, plus rose petal and jasmine. The bright acidity maintains the sense of freshness and plays with the noticeable sweetness as this is classified Indice 4.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Gewürztraminer
APPELLATION: Alsace Grand Cru
PH: 3.88
ACIDITY: 2.49 g/l
ABV: 13.5%
AGING: In neutral wood cask
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
Unique Selling Points
  • Hengst produces one of the reference-point expressions of fine Gewurztraminer
  • Hengst wines require several years of aging to reveal their full complexity
  • Produced in small quantities, this wine is often sought by collectors

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.
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