Gewürztraminer Clos Windsbuhl 2018

Wine Description for Gewürztraminer Clos Windsbuhl 2018 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, intense golden yellow – a visual promise of concentration and maturity.

Nose

A masterclass in Gewürztraminer elegance: rose petals, grapefruit and grapefruit zest meld with elderflower, liquorice, cardamom and ginger into an intoxicating aromatic interplay. Surprisingly, there is a citric freshness that lends vibrancy and finesse to this aromatic fireworks display – far removed from clumsy opulence.

Palate

Here the true class of Clos Windsbuhl reveals itself: the fine sweetness is counterbalanced by precise acidity and saline minerality, the structure shows grip and definition. Light-footed and yet impressively complex – a Gewürztraminer that invites continued enjoyment rather than fatigue after a single glass. The balance between fruit, spice and mineral depth is masterful.

Finish

Long, cool and refreshing. Minerality dominates the aftertaste, whilst spicy notes linger – a lively, vibrant finish that tempts you to take the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The Clos Windsbuhl with its south/south-east exposure and light, rocky limestone soil is predestined for late ripening. The old vines (planted in the 1960s or earlier) consistently deliver the finest, most perfumed Gewürztraminers from the house – never the most powerful, but the most intense.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The warm, dry 2018 vintage blessed ideally ripened, beautifully coloured grapes. Characteristic of this vineyard: a long, slow fermentation and a higher residual sweetness, which is here perfectly integrated. Olivier Humbrecht recommends those lacking patience to decant the wine at least a day beforehand and serve it from large Burgundy glasses not too cold.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Foie gras terrine with caramelised kumquats, venison shoulder with curry cream and caramelised apples or pear and ginger cake with brittle ice cream – the wine showcases its strengths particularly well with spicy, fruit-forward and lightly sweet dishes.

Special Features

A Gewürztraminer that dispels the cliché of heavy, perfumed sweet wines. This is precision over pomp, elegance over excess – a wine that demonstrates Gewürztraminer can also brilliantly accompany food.