Zind-Humbrecht | Alsace | Riesling Brand Grand Cru | 2022 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Brand Grand Cru 2022 (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 found in the dry wines.

Wine Information

The Brand Grand Cru is a vineyard with a long history and a fine reputation. Local poets and wine gourmets classified it as one of the three best vineyards in Alsace as early as the 17th century. The sun exposure, the barren but mineral-rich granite soil, and the location in the driest part of Alsace certainly contribute to the quality and originality of the wines. Exceptional wines, however, only emerge from low yields and when the vines are old enough (old winemakers say well over 30 years old). Zind-Humbrecht’s old vines are planted at high density and produce fabulous grapes, completely unfazed by drought or excessive rainfall. In 2022, just like in 2020, Brand experienced a good amount of rainfall in mid-August, which was crucial for grape ripening. The same storm that brought hail to the western part of the Brand vineyard, as well as to Sommerberg and Wineck-Schlossberg. Our vineyards are located in the central and eastern parts of Brand (Brand, Steinglitz, and Schneckelsburg). We were fortunate to be spared the hail, but still received the rain we so desperately needed to prevent hydrological stress. The grapes ripened quickly and without stress, and the foliage also retained good acidity. Brand means burning, hot… the same origin as the word brandy. This vineyard overlooks the deep Münstertal valley and enjoys long hours of late-evening sunshine. It is our earliest-ripening Riesling vineyard. The biotite granite changes rapidly under the influence of climate and microorganisms. The resulting finer elements (clay and minerals) migrate deep into the parent rock, and older vines are needed to reach them. The difference between young and old vines is important, as is the difference between biodynamic and conventionally farmed vineyards. The 2022 Brandy took a very long time to complete the fermentation of its rich grapes, and the entire cellar team was amazed that it finally made it to the end!

Color

Brilliant golden yellow.

Nose

The 2022 Riesling Brandy still has some potential, so it urgently needs to be poured into the carafe with plenty of energy. Then, the aroma unfolds, revealing a sea of blossoms, apricots, sugared lemon zest, and a distinct hint of ginger and lemon balm. This opulent fruit and floral abundance is shaped by the intense minerality of the granite rock on which it grew.

Palate

It bursts explosively on the palate, the taut fruit enveloping the tongue with intense acidity and saltiness. It practically challenges the taster with its youthfulness and intensity. For all its complexity, which at this stage is only hinted at and not yet accessible, it would be a shame not to allow it the necessary time to mature, as this truly magnificent wine will only develop its full potential in a few years. What a playfulness, what finesse. Anyone who wants 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 2022 bio Alsace France

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