Zind-Humbrecht | Alsace | Riesling Clos Windsbuhl | 2021 | 1500ml | bio

Description

Product description for Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Clos Windsbuhl 2021 (bio)

Wine Information

Olivier Humbrecht: While Tokay (Pinot Gris) at Clos Windsbuhl entered history around 1760, Riesling may have emerged from this clos somewhat later. The Muschelkalk terroir—a dolomitic limestone from the Triassic period—known for its late ripening, warms up quite quickly. The surface soil layers are shallow, and the roots penetrate the limestone very quickly, benefiting from excellent drainage. The Riesling is planted in the upper part of the clos, which is stonier and faces southeast. Experience has also shown us that this terroir doesn’t need vigor to express itself. On the contrary, healthy grapes will fully express the delicacy and verticality of this terroir, which is able to maintain, in each vintage, the rigor and acidity that are its main characteristics.

Information on the Vineyard

In 2021, bud break on the Riesling occurred somewhat later than on the other grape varieties, which had a significant impact on frost damage. Thanks to the good drainage of the rocky soil, the Riesling here was also somewhat less affected by the rainy spring weather. Despite climate change, which is causing every vineyard to ripen earlier, the Windsbuhl remains one of the last to be harvested. It always retains a powerful but elegant acidity and manages to ferment very slowly until dry. We were worried about this wine because of its very high acidity, but fermentation was consistent and regular for a year. The grapes were healthy and beautiful, producing a precise and pure wine that will age amazingly well.

Colour

Bright golden yellow with silvery reflections.

Nose

The nose of the 2021 Riesling Clos Windsbuhl demands the carafe, for only with the necessary oxygen contact does this monument, clearly characterized by limestone, open up. The aroma emerging from the glass is dreamy and beautiful, with salted lemon, melon, red apple, lemongrass, and ginger dancing in unison. What precision already in the nose.

Palate

Striking, very dry, and incredibly taut with crystalline saltiness and razor-sharp acidity, it hits the tongue and immediately gets your saliva flowing. It also seems to float on the palate, creating a mouthwatering impression that makes you crave a second glass. Its style suggests Burgundy, and you’re tempted to surrender completely to it, taking advantage of its excellent aging potential—it will become even more beautiful and multifaceted with a little patience. Those who are impatient and would like to open it now are advised to decant it at least one day in advance and to enjoy it not too cold from large Burgundy glasses.

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Keywords: Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Clos Windsbuhl 2021 bio Alsace France

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