Auxerrois Rotenberg 2022

Wine Description for Auxerrois Rotenberg 2022 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Radiant golden yellow in the glass – a visual promise of ripeness and concentration.

Nose

Fascinatingly multi-layered and invigorating. Quince, pear and fresh grapes meet lemon and grapefruit. These are joined by buttery notes of salted butter and dry biscuits, complemented by mineral hints of oyster shell and almonds. A subtle chalky note lends depth and complexity to the bouquet, whilst lemon zest provides playful freshness.

Palate

Surprisingly cool and precise. The wine glides across the palate with saline minerality and invigorating acidity – a texture reminiscent of the finest dry Rieslings, yet with Auxerrois’s own personality. Fine tannins in the finish lend structure and leave you wanting more. Despite 13.5% alcohol, the wine feels remarkably light-footed and elegant.

Finish

Long, saline-mineral with lingering freshness. The fine tannins leave a pleasantly appetising impression.

Terroir & Origin

The Rotenberg lies on the western slope of the Grand Cru Hengst on barren, rocky red limestone. The oldest vines date from the early 1950s. The exposed location opposite a forest creates a sheltered microclimate and slow, concentrated grape growth – a favourite spot of Olivier Humbrecht’s grandfather Emile Zind.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Since 2021, the Auxerrois from Rotenberg has been vinified separately – a wise decision. Fermentation in 2022 was very slow, with the wine vinified completely dry. The result fully justifies the single-vineyard bottling.

Food Pairing Suggestions

An extraordinarily versatile food companion. Perfect with asparagus with grapefruit butter sauce, roasted miso cauliflower or smoked trout with apple and celery salad. The saline minerality and fine acidity make it an ideal partner for vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Special Features

First separate bottling of a vineyard site that disappeared into blends for decades. A wine that proves Auxerrois can do far more than serve as an uncomplicated everyday wine – here the grape variety shows its true class.