Pinot Noir Heimbourg 2018
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France / Vins D'Alsace
The west side of the little Heimbourg vineyard enjoys a relatively cooler climate and is more exposed to the winds that run between the Brand and Heimbourg hills. The deep rich marl limestone soil is also capable to give great structure and acidity to the wines. When we had this little vineyard available in the mid-nineties, we thought that Pinot Noir would be interesting. In 2014 it performed very well, the wind kept the fruit flies away and the grapes were harvested healthy. Vinification is classic in an open-top wood vat fermenter (2/3 destemmed) and the wine is then matured in barriques (3 years old or more) for 18 months. No fining/filtration.
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
Nice dark ruby red color and intense nose. The palate comes as a surprise because this grape is usually harvested at higher alcohol level in Alsace. Here in the Heimbourg, the natural higher acidity and lower alcohol make the palate quite austere and tight when the wine is young. There is no exception with the 2014. This wine deserves some ageing and also aeration before drinking.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot noir
APPELLATION: Vins D'Alsace
PH: 3.82
ACIDITY: 2.93
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: In neutral wood cask
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: <0.5 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- A fine unique red wine among the range of distinguished whites produced here
- The Heimbourg terroir bears certain similarities to vineyards in Burgundy
- This wine is seldom seen in the US and sought by knowledgeable collectors
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.
