Domaine Zind Humbrecht produces some of the best Rieslings, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris that Alsace has to offer.  Best of all, these are wines that can when purchased young can still be enjoyed or laid down, the best for 20+ years.   First a little background about the region and grapes.

Alsace, located in the far northeast region of France, is cut off from the rest of country by the imposing Vosges Mountains to the west while separated to the east from its neighboring Germany by the mighty Rhine.  As you might imagine, the region sports a blend of German and French wines with Riesling and Gewurztraminer representing Germany and Pinot Gris, France as the primary grapes.  Unique to the French Pinot Gris versus alternative regions, is the spicy character of the grape and wine.  The climate of the region offers abundant sunshine and little rainfall and the soils a complex blend of siliceous earth, limestone and hydrous alluvial plains.

As a general guide, Gewurztraminers are the most full bodied of the primary grapes, sporting aromas of honey, apple, apricot, lychee, star fruit, rose petal, cream, white pepper, menthol, meat, smoke and some floral elements.  When young, the wine can emit a banana like scent.  Entry level wines can age from 3-10 years and the best for up to 30 under proper storage conditions (see part III and part IV of wine collecting).  The Alsace version of Pinot Gris is spicy, full bodied and dry with superb acidity.  Aromas associated with a young wine are banana and citrus.  As the wine ages, the acidity softens, replaced by a honey, toasty-creamy richness, pear and almond.   These wines are age worthy from 3-10 years in general.  Riesling is the most susceptible in expression to soil variations.  Clay results in a fat and rich wine, granite is less rich but with more finesse, limestone is even less rich and with added acidity while volcanic soil produced a well rounded and more spicy version.

If you collect Alsatian Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris or Riesling, then there’s a good chance that you have some Domaine Zind Humbrecht (Z-H) in your cellar.  Z-H produces stellar wines from each of these grape varietals that range from entry level to the highly coveted and collectible.  Their entry level wines usually run in the $30’s-$40 and have the potential to age from 3-10 years while the sweet, Vendage Tardive (late harvest) version can run $200 or more and age for 20-30 years.   If you can keep your hands off of a few bottles, it’s fun to watch how these wines evolve in the bottle over time.  They tend to deepen in color and soften around the edges to produce a magnificent wine.  Here are a few choices to consider.

Gewurztraminer:

Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Alsace, 2007:

Steely dry and zesty; citrus scents of orange and grapefruit; rose petal, cream and spiciness give way to a delightful smokiness;  great
spine of acidity.  Enjoy now or over the next 7-8 years.  Runs $mid 20’s-$35

Unfortunately, trying to access the Grand Cru in the US is a very challenging task.  The volume produced was small, often less than 150 cases.  If you’re lucky enough to stumble across some, it would be worth the $$ to pick up a few.  They can run $200 or more but are
sumptuous and have a potential life of 20+ years.

Pinot Gris:

Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Alsace Calcaire, 2007:

Peach and citrus fruits contribute a zesty spine of acidity; waves of spice roll over the nose teased with a hint of classic lychee and honey.  This has it all and runs around $40…………enjoy it now but put a few away……..they should last another 15 years.

Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Alsace Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos St.-Urbain, 2007:

This is a monster of a wine with deep gold color and aromas of honeysuckle, orange peel and apricot intertwined with a smoky scent and earth.  Simultaneously, a spine of acidity retains its presence, the finish a kaleidoscope of fruit, floral elements, earth and smoke.  This wine seems to have it all and best yet, can offer a unique drinking experience now or laid down for the next 15-20 years.  You going to have to search this one out but it is accessible…..at least for now………runs ~$105.

Riesling:

Zind Humbrecht Riesling Alsace Gueberschwihr, 2004:

While limited in access, this wine is nearly impossible to beat for the price and quality.  Waves of tropical and floral notes everywhere yet right underneath lies an intense spine of acidity and minerality.  Runs ~$35 and is ready for drinking now or over the next five years.

Zind Humbrecht Riesling Alsace, 2007:

More citrus character to this one with lively lemon, apple and peach attended by an undertone of smoke; a touch of honey or fig.  Zesty and refreshing finish and can be enjoyed now or over the next few years.

Zind Humbrecht Riesling Alsace Wintzenheim Clos Hauserer, 2007:

Another piercing wine with intense citrus notes of grapefruit and peach;  lovely star fruit, some honey and white peppery spice.  Great wine for now or over the next 15 years.  Runs ~$55.

Gewurztraminers are famous for pairing with spicy Asian cuisine, Indian foods, smoked foods, roasted pork and ham, and cheeses such as Muenster and Roquefort.  The wine also play well off of tropical fruits such as mango, guava, papaya and passion fruit.  (Alsatian) Pinot Gris works off of smoked goat or sheep based cheese, chicken, white fish, pasta, pork, salmon and shellfish.  If you happened to get a hold of a late harvest (sweet) wine, try it with fruit and nut based desserts.  Riesling, as I had said before, is one of the most food friendly wines out there.  With exception of heavy, earthy beef dishes, Riesling can work its magic with poultry, seafood, shellfish, cheeses, ham, duck, spicy dishes such as Thai, Foie Gras and fruit based desserts.  To read more about Rieslings, type the word into the search box.

Tags: Alsace, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Zind-Humbrecht