Zind-Humbrecht | Alsace | Riesling Brand Grand Cru | 2019 | 1500ml | bio

Beschreibung

Product description for Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Brand Grand Cru 2019 (bio)

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was founded under this name in 1959 on the occasion of the wedding of Léonard Humbrecht to Geneviève Zind, and from the merger of the two vineyards, Humbrecht in Gueberschwihr and Zind in Wintzenheim. The Humbrecht family was already producing wine during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, which comprised less than five hectares in the early 1960s, grew to 40 hectares by the mid-1990s. This includes parcels in Grand Cru vineyards such as Rangen (Thann) and Brand (Turckheim). Olivier took over the estate in 1989. The first Master of Wine in the family, he converted the estate to biodynamic farming in 1999 and is also chairman of Biodyvin. Today, all wines are produced in large barrels with long lees ageing. Botrytis is not present in the dry wines.

Wine Information

The Grand Cru Brand lies just above the village of Turckheim on a succession of small biotite granite hills. It is visible from the great Munster Valley, which means that despite its southerly, southeastern exposure, the Brand also enjoys the wind that runs down the valley. The vines here grow in a very precocious climate, favored by the granite, which warms quickly and conducts the sun’s heat deep into the soil. However, it is a geology that allows the roots to grow deep in the soil, at an altitude where they can feed on the clay and minerals that come from the decomposition of the granite. These old vines were planted at a time when Selection Masall was the norm, so the grapes are small and the yields are naturally low, especially in 2019, when most of the Rieslings showed millerandage.

Information on vinification

Due to the ripeness of the grapes in 2019, fermentation was particularly slow for this wine. We couldn’t believe that the wine was finally fermented bone dry after 12 months.

Colour

Brilliant golden yellow.

Nose

The 2019 Riesling Brand is still a bit underwhelming, so it urgently needs to be poured into the carafe with plenty of energy. Then the aroma unfolds, a sea of blossoms, apricots, sugared lemon zest, and a distinct hint of ginger and lemon balm. Angular and precise, this opulent abundance of fruit and blossom is accompanied by the intensely pronounced minerality of the granite rock on which it grew.

Palate

It is explosive on the palate; the taut fruit drifts across the tongue with intense acidity and saltiness. Its youthfulness and intensity practically challenge the taster. Despite all the complexity already evident at this stage, it will still develop wonderfully, and it would be a shame not to allow it the necessary time to mature. This truly magnificent wine will only reach its full potential in a few years. Anyone who wishes to enjoy it now should definitely decant it over several hours and serve it in a sufficiently large glass. A few days of opening will allow it to gain more expression.

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Keywords: Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Brand Grand Cru 2019 bio Alsace France

Producer website: http://www.zindhumbrecht.fr/