Domaine Zind-Humbrecht : Riesling "Clos Windsbuhl" 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Riesling "Clos Windsbuhl" 2023 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Tasting

Colour
A brilliant lemon-yellow hue, this wine reveals shimmering golden highlights and a beautiful luminosity.

Nose
Initially discreet and reserved, the nose opens onto a mineral, stony framework, punctuated by subtle herbaceous touches. With aeration, the bouquet gains complexity, releasing vibrant citrus aromas such as lemon and grapefruit, mingled with notes of white fruit and a saline dimension reminiscent of its geological origins.

Palate
The attack is delicate and smooth, carried by a refined mineral structure. The mid-palate is taut, built around a ripe, perfectly integrated acidity, evoking both the crunch of a juicy apple and the sweetness of lemon. The whole seduces with its fluidity and grace, evolving toward an intensely dry, saline finish with remarkable length.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with seafood, such as oysters or scallops, as well as with fatty fish like smoked salmon. It also enhances white meats (roasted poultry, pork fillet, veal, duck), dishes featuring roasted root vegetables, aged cheeses, and moderately spiced Asian cuisine.

Service and storage

For optimal enjoyment, this Riesling "Clos Windsbuhl" 2023 should be stored lying flat, in a dark place, at a constant temperature of between 10 and 15°C and a humidity level of 50 to 70%. Boasting exceptional aging potential, this wine can be enjoyed in its youth or cellared until around 2053.

The mineral elegance and precision of a white wine from Alsace

The estate

The Humbrecht family's history in winemaking dates back to 1620, but Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was officially founded in 1959, following the marriage of Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind. Located in Alsace, this prestigious forty-hectare estate is now run by Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to earn the title of Master of Wine. A pioneer and visionary, he led the estate to biodynamic certification in the early 2000s, elevating the property to the ranks of world references thanks to authentic wines deeply marked by their terroir.

The vineyard

Clos Windsbuhl is a 5.15-hectare monopole located on the heights of the village of Hunawihr, in Alsace. Facing south/southeast, this high-altitude terroir (350 metres) stands out for its steep slopes and cool microclimate, which favour a slow ripening of the berries. The vines thrive on very fine, rocky soils composed of Muschelkalk limestone rich in fossilised marine shells, clay, and chalky rock. The entire vineyard is farmed according to the strict principles of biodynamics, with manual soil work and the use of animal traction.

The vintage

2023 offered very favourable climatic conditions, standing out from previous vintages often marked by intense heat. The growing cycle produced berries with beautiful ripe acidity and a moderate alcohol level. Harvesting took place from late August to late September, with Clos Windsbuhl completing the harvest under favourable weather.

Winemaking and aging

The Riesling "Clos Windsbuhl" 2023 is vinified naturally, through the action of indigenous yeasts. Fermentation, extremely slow, continued until the summer following the harvest. The wine is then aged for a long time on full lees in large traditional wooden foudres for 12 to 18 months, during which it naturally undergoes malolactic fermentation. Bottling is done directly from the foudres, without any clarification or filtration.

Grape variety

Riesling (100%).