Riesling Roche Calcaire 2023

Wine Description for Riesling Roche Calcaire 2023 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Rich golden yellow with luminous reflections – a visual indicator of the full phenolic ripeness of the warm 2023 vintage.

Nose

Here the Riesling reveals its unconventional side: the fruit takes a back seat to a fascinating spice palette. Pickled ginger, beeswax and linseed oil dominate, underpinned by subtle spice notes. An aromatically fully expressed Riesling that uncompromisingly foregrounds the limestone-marked terroir – true to type, yet with its own character.

Palate

The decisive counterpoint to the opulent nose: taut, vertical, with meaty extract and firm grip. The ripe phenolics contour the wine with herbal and spicy notes on the tongue’s edge, whilst the limestone-typical acidity provides tension. Bone-dry character with a powerful attack that narrows in the finish with increased momentum. Young, it can seem almost austere – a clear statement of ageing potential.

Finish

Vertical and accelerating, with lingering spicy presence and mineral freshness.

Terroir & Origin

Several small parcels around Gueberschwihr, south of Colmar. East and south-facing vineyards on calcareous, partly marly, partly silicate soils. The deep soils ensured stable water supply even in the hot 2023 vintage. The limestone imparts power and volume, whilst the soil depth provides the taut, present acidity. Vines average 49 years old.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling. Difficult flowering due to heat reduced yields to just 30 hl/ha. Aged on full lees until January 2025 for additional structure and finesse. 12.5% alcohol.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The spicy structure and dry character make it ideal for pan-fried monkfish, scallops with ginger, calf’s sweetbreads in brown butter or aged Comté. Also an exciting companion to Asian dishes with lemongrass and ginger.

Special Features

A Riesling that prioritises terroir over fruit – a vertical type with enormous ageing potential. Exceptional value for money for Zind-Humbrecht’s quality. Patience will be rewarded.