Zind 2016
Trade Tools
France / Alsace
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
The 2016 vintage is extremely contrasted, combining the characteristics of both an early and late ripening vintage. A mild and wet winter and spring allowed for a fertile bud break but also caused a few disease problems. Summer, and the ripening period prior to the harvest, was arid and warm. The harvest began mid-September with perfect weather conditions. The grapes were very healthy, showing good balance and were both technically and physiologically ripe. The vineyards produced a crop that resulted in wines with great structure (acidity/ripeness) and complex textures. 2016 will be known as a delicate, complex vintage.
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 flavors are a characteristic of the vineyard, with strong fruit tannins that give a long finish and a dry firm structure.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Chardonnay, Auxerrois
APPELLATION: Vins D'Alsace
PH: 3.15
ACIDITY: 5.70 g/l
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: The wine is aged 8 months in 40-year-old French barrels
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.0 g/l
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
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht M.W., Winemaker
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.
