A unique Gewürztraminer that captures the delicate structure that characterizes the Windsbuhl Vineyard. The Windsbuhl compensates for its cooler climate with a capacity to let the grapes ripen on the vines longer, allowing for a better physiological ripeness. Zind-Humbrecht’s dedication to terroir expression guides all winemaking practices, which include extended pressing cycles, abbreviated clarification cycles (to retain natural yeasts and proteins in the must), natural malolactic fermentation and extended aging on the lees. The wine is aged 18 months in 40-year-old French barrels.

Tasting Note

Shows strong terroir characteristics in its complex spicy, mineral aromas. Takes time to open up, but then reveals intense citrus fruits, ripe exotic fruits (pineapple, litchi) and more spices (coriander, cloves). The palate is delicate and integrates the sweetness which almost vanishes on the finish.

Food Pairing

Asian fare or soft cheeses.

Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Gewürztraminer
APPELLATION: Vin d'Alsace
AGING: 18 months in 40-year-old French barrels
Unique Selling Points
  • Organically and biodynamically farmed
  • Cooler site with limestone subsoils produces very fine and precise wines
  • Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
  • 95 points Vinous, 95 points Suckling

Vineyard Details

Clos Windsbuhl
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht's Clos Windsbuhl Vineyard faces south to south-east. With its average to steep slope (between 15 and 40%), the small Windsbuhl hill is at a high altitude for Alsace (around 350 m). The vines grow in a limestone substrata dense with shells (muschelkalk) and rich in clays and chalky rock. The soil is very thin in certain areas and the country rock often outcrops in the middle of the slope. It is well worth noting that the Windsbuhl Vineyard lies on a soil structure quite different from the rest of the commune. The altitude of the vineyard coupled with Hunawihr’s tardy climate means that the Clos Windsbuhl is often one of the last of our domaine’s vineyards to be harvested. This explains the aromatic quality of the Clos’ wines and the consistent balance of acidity, a guarantee of good aging. Although often harvested late, Windsbuhl Vineyard grapes are only rarely botryitized, doubtless due to the altitude of the vineyard, but nevertheless often reach high levels of maturity.

About the Grape

Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer has unmistakably heady intensity of fragrance, with pungent aromas of litchis, tropical fruits and rose petals. Its flavors are ample, fruity and spicy rather than complex.
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