Riesling Roche Calcaire 2020

Wine Description for Riesling Roche Calcaire 2020 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Intense golden yellow in the glass – a colour depth that already hints at the physiological ripeness and concentrated character of this Riesling.

Nose

Here the full precision of the limestone terroir reveals itself: vineyard peach and citrus fruit meet earthy, mineral notes that are positively stony in character. A playful yet focused aromatic profile that balances perfectly between fruit and terroir – classic Alsatian Riesling with depth.

Palate

Dense, juicy, refreshing – this wine effortlessly unites seemingly contradictory qualities. The chalky minerality runs through the entire palate, whilst the juicy fruit provides drinking flow. Despite 13% alcohol, the wine never feels heavy, but remains precise and elegant. The structure is remarkable for a dry Riesling from this warm vintage.

Finish

Long, mineral, with a fine saline note – the limestone doesn’t relent even in the finale. The freshness persists, the wine invites you to take another sip.

Terroir & Origin

A blend of several small parcels in Gueberschwihr, south of Colmar, all planted on limestone-sandstone marl. The east and south-facing aspect on gentle slopes ensures optimal ripeness without heat stress – an ideal terroir for the warm 2020 vintage. The vines planted by Léonard Humbrecht in the 1960s and 1970s display remarkable consistency.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling, picked early and healthy. Slow fermentation – typical for 2020 – resulting in a completely dry wine. Maturation in large old oak barrels on the full lees until bottling, which gives the wine additional texture and complexity.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Sea bass carpaccio with lime oil, pumpkin gnocchi with grapefruit sauce or lamb skewers with pomelo yoghurt sauce – the minerality and freshness of the wine harmonise perfectly with citrus notes and delicate aromas.

Special Features

Decanting recommended – this wine needs air to show its full complexity. Large Burgundy glasses are ideal. Considerable ageing potential for the next 10-15 years.