Domaine Zind-Humbrecht VT Gewurztraminer Herrenweg 2011, Vendange Tardive

Intense aromas of citrus zest and lychee which continue through to the palate. Well rounded in the mouth with excellent balance of sweetness and citrus acidity on the finish. An elegant wine.

Country: France Region: Turkheim, Alsace Grape: Gewurztraminer

ABV: 13% Bottle Size: 750ml Organic, Biodynamic

Additional Information: Has been bottle aged since 2012 and now is at optimum drinking time.

The family of Humbrecht have been cultivating vineyards in the Alsace region since 1620. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was created in 1959 by the amalgamation of the Humbrecht family vineyards in Gueberschwihr and the Zind family vineyards in Wintzenheim, both families had previously produced and sold their wines under their respective names. Today the Domaine is run by Olivier and Margaret Humbrecht, has 40 hectares across the Alsatian region over 6 communes with the cellars of offices located in the heart of the Herrenweg vineyard. They have been practicing organic and biodynamic farming techniques since 1992 and received certification in 1998 and 2002, respectively. The Domaine has a high ratio of viticultural workers to land (currently 22 staff) in order to have a high standard of care for the vines and enable as much as possible of the vineyard tasks to be conducted manually, e.g. using animal traction over machinery.

The Herrenweg vineyards are situated along the Roman pathway linking the mountain pass of Colmar to the Schluch; at the end of the Munster Valley. The valley floor has long hours of sunshine, low rainfall and high winds, drying the soil and vines out. The gravel soil is well draining and heats up quickly; all of which are factors in the early ripening of the grapes. The 65 year old vines used for this wine have a deep root system, contributing to the concentration and minerality of the wine. The grapes were harvested at a high level of ripeness and had a high proportion of noble rot (50%). Fermentation was one month before bottling in September 2012.