2020 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Turckheim

Modern day Domaine Zind Humbrecht started with the 1959 amalgamation of the Humbrecht family vineyards in Gueberschwihr and the Zind family vineyards in Wintzenheim. However current custodian Olivier Humbrecht MW is the latest generation of Humbrecht winemakers dating back to 1620. Olivier is a legend among modern French winemakers, becoming France’s first Master of Wine at the age of 29, before returning to the family Domaine and beginning a journey to revitalise the vineyards after years of chemical treatment common at the time. Today the Domaine comprises 41.1 hectares of vines spread throughout a range of Grand Cru and single-vineyard sites, all cultivated organically and according to biodynamic principles.
This Gewurztraminer was made from relatively old vineyards located on the warmest part of the gravelly valley floor near the village of Turckheim. Gewurztraminer is a variety that needs a lot of sunshine, and some warmth, during the few weeks before harvest. Like a red grape, Gewurztraminer requires perfect skin ripeness, in order to avoid vulgar aromatics but also green tannins. Phenolic ripeness is paramount for Gewurztraminer. It can be achieved by waiting a long time to harvest the grapes (that is usually done on the richer marl soils, producing sweeter wines) or by planting this grape on a geology allowing for precocious ripeness, like gravelly and sandy soils. Being able to harvest earlier also helps to control the potential richness of the wines. After a very fast fermentation, this wine ended up bone dry. It was kept on its full lees until bottling.
Bright straw colour with a watery hue. Intoxicating aromatics of rose water, lychee, Turkish delight, honeysuckle and distinct ginger spice notes flood the nostrils. Rich, lusciously textured flavours of lychee, spicy pear, musk, subtle honeysuckle and ginger are delivered with terrific intensity. Dry finish with nicely balanced acidity and a long exotic aftertaste that shows plenty of spice.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5%