Pinot Gris Rotenberg 2019

Wine Description for Pinot Gris Rotenberg 2019 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Radiant, intense golden yellow in the glass – a colour that already announces the concentration and power of this extraordinary Pinot Gris.

Nose

Powerful and multi-layered, the Rotenberg 2019 presents itself with remarkable complexity. Beetroot, box wood and walnuts form an earthy, spicy foundation, whilst juicy notes of oranges and mango provide fruitiness. With air contact, meadow herbs, gorse, subtle hints of anise and coriander as well as a fine peppery spice unfold – a complex, fascinating aromatic interplay.

Palate

Here the true greatness of this wine reveals itself: it glides across the tongue, elegant and yet of remarkable structure. A pronounced salinity and exceptionally invigorating acidity lend it an almost Riesling-like precision, without losing the Pinot Gris typicity. Fermented bone-dry, it displays a firm texture alongside finesse – a masterful balance that Olivier Humbrecht has achieved here.

Finish

Long, mineral and carried by vibrant freshness. The saline minerality and acidity structure carry far and leave a lasting, precise impression.

Terroir & Origin

The Rotenberg lies on the west to north-west flank of the Grand Cru Hengst in Wintzenheim on characteristic red-coloured limestone (Oligocene marl limestone). The extremely thin topsoil and steep hillside slope force the vines towards concentration and depth. The altitude and north-west exposure delay ripening and allow, despite the early-ripening grape variety, a slow, controlled sugar accumulation.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Gris from old, low-yielding vines that produce tiny, highly concentrated grapes. Slow, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts resulted in a completely dry wine (13% vol.) – a stylistic shift from the earlier late harvest character to today’s dry precision.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Tuna carpaccio with lime zest and soy sauce, guinea fowl breast in puff pastry with orange sauce or a red lentil and Hokkaido pumpkin stew with ginger harmonise beautifully with the structure and spice of this wine.

Special Characteristics

An excellent wine for cellaring with ageing potential over decades. Currently, decanting for several hours and the use of large glasses is recommended. The wine gains in expression even after several days of being open – a brilliant, unconventional Pinot Gris of world-class calibre.