Riesling Brand Grand Cru 2018
Trade Tools
France / Alsace
The Brand Vineyard is always the earliest-ripening Riesling vineyard (first to bud-break, flowering, etc.); the growth of a vine is directly related to the temperature at root level and Brand's granite soil warms up very quickly. 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.
97 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2018 vintage
95 Points
VinousMedia.com
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
Vibrant and intense with a long presence featuring wet stone and citrus skin elements, this is a dry wine of great complexity.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Riesling
APPELLATION: Vin d'Alsace
PH: 3.07
ACIDITY: 4.05 g/L
ABV: 13%
AGING: In neutral wood cask
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 5.6 g/L
Unique Selling Points
- Brand is one of the finest expressions of Grand Cru Riesling
- Granite subsoil produces a distinctive energetic character with great freshness
- Brand is a historic Alsace vineyard whose name means "land of fire"
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht MW, Winemaker
About the Grape
Riesling
Riesling shows sublime, refined, vibrant aromas and flavors of peaches, apricots and white fruit, with floral and citrus blossom notes. May show slate, earth, tar, smoke or kerosene notes.
