Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl 2018

Wine Description for Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl 2018 by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Dense, slightly muted golden yellow – a colour that already announces the concentration and maturity of this extraordinary Pinot Gris.

Nose

An impressively multi-layered nose that moves between mineral and fruity spheres: limestone, malt and a hint of wood smoke form the mineral foundation. Above this float apple, vineyard peach and kumquat, accompanied by gorse, fresh ginger, honey and a fascinating note of soy sauce. A true umami wine that already reveals its gastronomic complexity in its bouquet.

Palate

Monumental and gripping. The 2018 Clos Windsbuhl presents itself as a powerful Pinot Gris with impressive fruit fullness and spicy depth. The multi-layered, racy acidity lends the wine, despite its richness, a remarkable vibrancy and drinking flow. A fascinating tension between opulence and elegance, which Olivier Humbrecht has masterfully captured here.

Finish

Long, mineral and characterised by persistent freshness. The salty spice of the muschelkalk lingers and leaves a lasting impression.

Terroir & Origin

The Clos Windsbuhl sits at the summit of Hunawihr on pure muschelkalk with extremely thin humus layer. The south to south-east exposure and the warmth of the limestone soil compensate for the cool altitude and proximity to the Vosges forest. Old vines from the 1950s to early 1970s characterise this wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Gris from the estate’s most challenging vineyard – in 2018 the perfect harvest was achieved at optimal sugar ripeness. Dry weather and healthy wild yeasts enabled complete fermentation to a dry, complex wine with 13.5% alcohol.

Food Pairing Recommendations

This umami wine demands corresponding cuisine: burrata with mango and Thai basil, carabiniero with dim sum and fermented pepper or lamb curry with basmati rice, almonds and dried apricots. Also a revelation with Asian dishes featuring soy and ginger.

Special Features

Decant at least one day before enjoying and serve not too cold from large Burgundy glasses. A wine with considerable ageing potential that bears the hallmark of one of Alsace’s finest producers.