Eau de Vie de Vin 1996 500ml

Wine Description for Eau de Vie de Vin 1996 500ml by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Character

This is not wine in the classical sense – rather an Eau de Vie de Vin, a distilled wine spirit that embodies the artisanal philosophy of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in its most concentrated form. At 62% ABV, this rarity from 1996 is a silent testament to Alsatian distilling craft: clear, uncompromising and of an intensity that only reveals its true depth through decades of maturation in bottle. The 500ml bottling underscores the exclusive, artisanal character of this extraordinary distillate.

Terroir & Origin

Alsace is a region that, like few others in France, is characterised by an extraordinary geological diversity – granite, limestone, slate and loess alternate within the smallest of spaces. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, led by Olivier Humbrecht MW, one of Europe’s most consistent advocates of biodynamic viticulture, has drawn upon this terroir richness for generations. The vintage 1996 stood for cool, structure-driven ripeness in Alsace – foundations that are equally significant for a high-quality distillate.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The exact grape variety is not specified, yet in the context of Zind-Humbrecht, it is reasonable to assume one of the classic Alsatian varieties – possibly Pinot Blanc or a cuvée of vinified grapes. An Eau de Vie de Vin is created through the distillation of fermented wine and differs from pomace brandy (Marc) through its finer, more fruit-driven aromatics. The high alcohol strength of 62% ABV suggests a bottling without dilution – an expression of uncompromising craftsmanship.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A distillate of this calibre demands stillness and concentration – best enjoyed neat and at room temperature. As accompaniments, we recommend dark chocolate, aged hard cheese such as Comté or Bergkäse, or simply a quiet evening following a long meal. It is not a digestif for every day – rather, it is a moment.