Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Turckheim – 2023

Olivier Humbrecht MW tasting notes

Bottling date: 8/2024; Alcohol: 13.1° alc; Residual sweetness: 1.8 g/l; Total Acidity 2.8 g/l H2SO4 (4.3 g/l Tartaric acid), pH: 3.8; Yields: 48 hl/ha; Optimum drinking period: 2025-2033; Average age of the vines: 54 years; Terroir: gravely soil and silt on valley floor; Indice 1/EU Dry wine.

Gewurztraminer has always been one of the emblematic grape varieties of the commune of Turckheim. Its warm, dry, and early climate allowed in the past to reach high alcoholic maturity and very often the grapes were affected by noble rot, thus producing sweet wines. The evolution of the climate has today resulted in an earlier ripening period which takes place between August and September, whereas in the past the ripening of Gewurztraminer was between September and October, sometimes even later. By ripening during longer days (therefore more light time) and more heat, the physiological ripening is ahead and paradoxically it is now possible to harvest these grapes with less alcohol. This wine ferments quickly and each year finishes dry. In 2023, we did not produce the Roche Roulée cuvée and therefore all the vines located in the Herrenweg sector are in the Gewurztraminer Turckheim.

Tasting note 8/2024: bright pale-yellow colour. Open nose of spices, pepper, truffle, cardamom, slightly smoky, precise, and far from the varietal floral cliché of this grape variety. This Gewurztraminer reveals a tight and dry but smooth palate. The surprising precision of this wine comes from a beautiful tannic influence that enhances the freshness of the 2023 vintage. Long finish that reveals more spices. Medium power with a welcome freshness on this sometimes too intense grape variety. This wine is truly intended to go with food.

“I love the juicy, exotic fruit and flower aromas of this rather succulent, medium-bodied Gewurz. The touches of bitterness and licorice are well integrated in the dry finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now.” 92/100 Stuart Pigott for jamessuckling.com