Riesling Clos Häuserer 2017 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Riesling Clos Häuserer 2017 1500ml Magnum from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Pale straw yellow with brilliant clarity – a wine that already announces visually the precision and purity of this extraordinary vintage.

Nose

Classic limestone terroir in perfection: smoky-mineral notes dominate, underpinned by grapefruit and hop. Fascinating hints of beeswax and honey join in – almost like an unsulphured Chenin Blanc, although moderately sulphured. The nose promises power and concentration.

Palate

The announced power unfolds forcefully, yet elegantly wrapped in silk. Grapefruit and lime define the aromatics with razor-sharp precision. What distinguishes this 2017 is its extraordinary transparency – every nuance of the terroir is communicated crystal-clear. Smoky minerality runs through the concentrated, vibrant body, which despite its power never feels heavy. The tension between fresh fruit and stony minerality is electrifying.

Finish

Impressively long and vibrant, with lingering mineral echoes. The 7.8 g/l residual sugar at 4.5 g acidity is perfectly integrated and lends the finale additional depth without any perception of sweetness.

Terroir & Origin

The Clos Häuserer lies at the foot of the Grand Cru Hengst on deep marl and limestone soil from the Oligocene. The sheltered basin creates an extreme microclimate – hot summers, cold winters. In 2017, the parcel survived the devastating frost events largely unscathed thanks to late pruning technique, whilst vineyards all around froze.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling from perfectly healthy, small bunches. Slow fermentation to dryness (technically speaking). Minimal yields of just 38 hl/ha due to frost damage – concentration in its purest form. Olivier Humbrecht counts 2017 among the three finest vintages since the estate’s founding in 1959.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Salmon grilled on the skin with beurre blanc, turbot with porcini mushrooms and saffron beurre blanc, or surprisingly Indian biryani rice with yoghurt and curry – the mineral structure harmonises brilliantly with creamy sauces and spicy aromas.

Special Features

Magnum format for optimal ageing. Ageing potential of 15+ years. One of the three finest vintages in the estate’s 60-year history – despite or precisely because of the dramatic harvest conditions. A masterclass in precision and terroir expression.