The Hengst Grand Cru, with its 60-year-old vines, enjoys a long-standing reputation for being the place to grow Gewürztraminer. The combination of a high lime content calcareous soil, some marl, a warm and dry setting, but not too precocious, provide the best conditions possible for this difficult grape variety. 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

The nose is extremely complex with faint floral aromas, more exotic fruits like litchi/mango and lots of spicy, bacon, toasted notes. The palate is concentrated, shows balanced acidity and the residual sweetness creates a harmonious finish.

Food Pairing

Enjoy as an aperitif or with fine cheeses.

Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Gewürztraminer
APPELLATION: Vin d'Alsace
AGING: 18 months in 40-year-old French barrels
Unique Selling Points
  • Certified Organic and Biodynamic
  • Unique wines from this historic Grand Cru site, treasured for powerful structure
  • Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
  • 97 points James Suckling, 94 points Vinous

Vineyard Details

Hengst Vineyard
Of great historic significance, this Grand Cru belonging to Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is first mentioned in the 9th century. Located in the commune of Wintzenheim, it lies on a steep slope at an altitude of 885 to 1215 Feet. This southeast facing vineyard benefits from a dry, warm microclimate with minimal rainfall limited to roughly 640 mm per year. The soil structure is comprised of Oligocene conglomerates, marl and limestone. Zind-Humbrecht crafts exclusively Gewurztraminer from this vineyard.

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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