Gewürztraminer Hengst Vendange Tardive Grand Cru 2011
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France / Alsace
The Hengst Grand Cru vineyard is located in a warm, dry and precocious area in Alsace, very close to Colmar and protected by the proximity of the Vosges mountain range. Its south-east facing increases the effect of the sun as the grapes are exposed to sun rays early in the morning. Hengst never suffers of drought because water reserves in the marl-limestone soil are sufficient, but it means that botrytis develops late if any. Often harvested very ripe, the Hengst is rarely a Vendange Tardive because of the increased resistance of the old vines to rot development. When noble rot develops sufficiently, it does allow for the production of magnificent late harvest wines like this 2011.
94 Points
2011 vintage
Harvest Note
A very dry winter and warm Spring accelerated the vines early in the growing season. Late summer brought much needed rains, and despite a cool August the harvest was remarkably early with a very large crop.
Tasting Note
The aromas are complex: spice, leather, mineral, wax / honey, mango, litchi while the palate is expansive and unctuous with great finesse & length.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Gewürztraminer
APPELLATION: Vin d'Alsace
PH: 3.8
ACIDITY: 32 g/l
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: In neutral wood cask
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 102 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Unique & rare late-harvest expression of the Hengst Grand Cru
- Intense concentration and ageing potential
- Ripeness due to limestone-marl soils, southeast exposure, 60 year old vines
- Sweetness is balanced by intense complexity and length
Winegrowing is a passion that has been passed down from father to son in the Humbrecht family since the 17th century.
Olivier Humbrecht MW, Winemaker
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.
