The great speciality of Alsace, it is only here that the piquant aromaticness and decadent richness of Gewurztraminer achieves such opulence. A long cool growing season is essential, the temperate yet sunny days and clear chilly nights of Riquewihr, ripen Gewurztraminer at a slow steady pace, infusing grapes with acrid florals, turkish delights and maghrebi spice. Pungent yet suave, it can be enjoyed on its own but makes a marvellous accompaniment to full flavoured cuisines, smoked meats and curries, tanjin or well spiced faire.
A backbone of estate grown Gewurztraminer is vinified alongside harvests from the best local growers. Fruit is picked by hand, off vines twenty five years of age, planted to clay and limestone soils in a dozen of the finest winegrowing precincts of Riquewihr. Grapes are taken in small tubs to a gravity filled press and filled without any pumping or mechanism to retain integrity of fruit. Juices are decanted for a few hours and fermented in temperature controlled barrels or vats at 18C to 24C. Upon completion, batches are racked and treated to a natural clarification throughout the course of winter. The assemblage is lightly filtered in spring, bottled and sent to the Hugel estate cellars for a term of ageing.
Deep lemon hue. A fresh, open bouquet, fruity and aromatic, agreeably perfumed but not excessively, mango and passion fruits, pineapple and floral botes, jasmine and rose petal, acacia blossom, almond and pistachio. A velvety palate, offering a generosity of fruit, citrus and spice characters, lifted by an aromatic freshness at the finish. Enjoy now alongside your favourite food for its exemplary varietal character and youthful charm.
