Gewürztraminer Roche Calcaire 2023

Wine Description for Gewürztraminer Roche Calcaire 2023 by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Vibrant straw yellow with luminous reflections – visually already a hint at the concentration and ripeness of this unusual Gewürztraminer.

Nose

Here the limestone signature reveals itself: instead of the usual rose explosion, the Roche Calcaire 2023 initially presents itself with restraint, almost introverted. With air contact, nutmeg blossom, clove and subtle spice notes unfold – subtle, precise, without veering into the eccentric. A Gewürztraminer with cool understatement, reinterpreting the variety.

Palate

The texture surprises: taut, almost tannic in structure, with firm tension rather than the customary oily fullness. Despite just 7 g/l residual sugar, the wine tastes sensorially dry. The extract-sweet core reveals tropical fruit, cinnamon blossom, rose and pink guava – all embedded in a tight-knit, powerful structure. The 14% alcohol is perfectly integrated and lends the wine additional presence without heaviness.

Finish

Long, mineral-driven, with fine spice and lingering freshness. The limestone character shows itself particularly clearly here – cool, precise, vibrant.

Terroir & Origin

A fascinating assemblage from three vineyard sites: young vines from Grand Cru Hengst and Clos Windsbuhl as well as a small parcel near Gueberschwihr close to the Goldert. The soils – oolitic limestone mixed with silicate marls – are the key to this unconventional style. The terroir tames the variety and lends it a mineral elegance rarely found in Gewürztraminer.

Grape Variety & Vinification

41-year-old vines on average, moderate yield of 51 hl/ha. The slightly later 2023 harvest brought moderate sugar levels and a pleasingly dry style. Bottled in August 2024 – classic Zind-Humbrecht quality with biodynamic character.

Food Pairing Recommendations

This structured Gewürztraminer certainly pairs well with bold flavours: Asian cuisine with ginger and lemongrass, tandoori dishes, Thai curry with coconut milk, but also Munster cheese or foie gras with spiced pear. The taut structure also makes it interesting with pan-seared salmon or scallops with exotic spices.

Special Features

A contemporary Gewürztraminer that proves this variety can also be subtle and elegant. The limestone character makes it one of the most unusual and exciting representatives of its kind – a wine for enthusiasts seeking the unexpected.