Zind Humbrecht Riesling Roche Calcaire – 2021

Bottling date: 1/2023; Alcohol: 12.3°alc; Residual sweetness: 3.3 g/l; Total Acidity 4,6 g/l H2SO4 (7.1 g/l Tartaric acid), pH:3.1; Yields: 26 hl/ha; Optimum drinking period 2029-2041; Average age of vines: 47 years; Terroir: Limestone/calcareous/siliceous, facing East and South. Indice 1/EU Dry wine.

“This wine was made from all the little vineyards scattered around the village of Gueberschwihr (where the Humbrecht family is originating from). Their facing would go from south to east, but they are all on a Oolithic based limestone soil, quite rich and deep in some areas. Being planted in the 60s and 70s, they are now very consistent in style and ripeness. The 2021 vintage was particularly difficult in this area, hence a much lower production than normal. This wine always has a racy acidity that makes the fermentation last for well over 12 months until the wine is dry. Extra time on the full lees in our traditional old oak casks allow the wine to further develop before bottling.

1/2023: pale yellow colour. Intense mineral wet stone nose, it takes a long time to open up and then shows ripe white fruits aromas. The palate is strict, dry, intense, salivating and opens up to a broad mouthfeel. The limestone geology often produces wines characterized by a crisp acidity but also a certain weight on the palate. Magnificent finish, tight, juicy and full of promise for the future as this wine will age extremely well.” Olivier Humbrecht

“This ample and vibrant dry riesling has an intensely chalky and flinty personality. Stacks of Amalfi lemon and ripe grapefruit character, too. Extremely stony finish with so much depth and energy. From biodynamically grown grapes.” 94pts Stuart Pigott for James Suckling