Gewürztraminer Clos Windsbuhl 2019

Wine profile
An elegant gem from the quiet village of Hunawihr, Clos Windsbuhl finds its home in the unusual limestone geology that often forms the backdrop to the region's world-class vineyards. Its defining feature: shell limestone, a calcareous stone from the Triassic epoch, interspersed with shells and rich in magnesium. Here, in this terroir often referred to as 'dolomitic' limestone, it thrives on lean bedrock under a thin layer of soil, despite the normally 'cooler' climate conditions on limestone soils. However, the location on a sunny hill ensures that it gets enough warmth to ripen optimally.

Vinification
The natural coolness thanks to the elevated location and the nearby forest environment keeps the Clos Windsbuhl fresh and prevents excessive ripening. The Gewürztraminer therefore matures beautifully but slowly and retains its elegance and acidity. The 2019 vintage features a slow fermentation and leaves a slight residual sweetness, making it an excellent Moelleux.

Appearance
The eye is delighted by ravishingly radiant, deep golden yellow.

Bouquet
The 2019 Gewürztraminer Clos Windsbuhl seduces the nose with notes of sweet plums, pears, juicy pineapple and orange marmalade, with cool and chalky undertones flashing at the same time. Great elegance and mineral depth come to the fore after a while of decanting. The contact with oxygen also brings to light fine nuances of coriander, dried ginger and aniseed, all of which are discreet and well integrated.

Taste
It almost floats on the palate, the cool notes combining skilfully with a precise acidity, an impressive freshness and an abundance of liveliness. The fine sweetness recedes a little into the background, but brings an enticing seduction. Dominant are the aromas of fine pear and pineapple, complemented by a salty precision and a sweet and sour aromatic firework. A terrific wine to be enjoyed now or in a few years' time - a true embodiment of elegance and purest umami! Those who cannot wait should decant it at least a day in advance and enjoy it at a pleasant temperature from large Burgundy glasses.

Food suggestions
This Gewürztraminer is excellent with caramelised endive salad accompanied by grapefruit and pine nuts. Alternatively, it could complement a steak with caramelised parsnips. For those with a sweet tooth, it can also be paired with a spicy pineapple tart with a hint of Gewürztraminer foam and a refreshing basil sorbet.