Chardonnay and Auxerrois grapes come from Clos Windsbuhl Vineyard. The altitude of the vineyard coupled with the town of Hunawihr’s cooler climate means that the Clos Windsbuhl is often one of the last estate vineyards to be harvested. This explains the aromatic quality of the Clos’ wines and the consistent balance of acidity, a guarantee of good aging. 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 8 months in 40-year-old French barrels.

Harvest Note
Winter 2014/2015 started with a lot of rain and mild temperatures. As usual, February and March were very dry and in May and early June we enjoyed some fair weather but also some decent rainfalls. After a cooler second half of August, temperatures were high again early September. Harvest started on the 2nd of September and finished on the 1st of October, but 80% of our vineyards were harvested before September 16th. Thanks to earlier harvest, we are very satisfied with the level of acidities in the 2015 wines. This year’s wines shows the potential of the really great vineyards that have acquired excellent ageing potential. 2015 has produced some very exciting wines!
Tasting Note
Fresh fruity, citrus nose with medium intensity. The palate is pure and clean, not marked by the long lees contact. Nicely balanced. The limestone soil is obvious on the finish. The acidity and stony flavours are a characteristic of the vineyard, with strong fruit tannins that give a long finish and a dry firm structure.
Food Pairing
Hard cheeses, white meat or pasta in cream-based sauce.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Chardonnay and Auxerrois
APPELLATION: Vins D'Alsace
PH: 3.24
ACIDITY: 3.7 g/l
ABV: 13%
AGING: 8 months in 40-year-old French barrels
Unique Selling Points
  • Exclusively from Clos Windsbuhl Vineyard, one of Zind-Humbrecht's top vineyards
  • Easy-to-pair and ready-to-drink upon release
  • Certified organic and biodynamic

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.
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