Domaine Zind-Humbrecht : Riesling Grand cru "Brand" 2015

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Riesling Grand Cru "Brand" 2015 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Tasting

Color

The color shows a deep golden yellow hue with beautiful old-gold highlights.

Nose

The bouquet reveals an intense saline minerality alongside citrus notes (salted lemon, lime, bergamot). With aeration, aromas of toasted rice cakes, damp chalk and exotic spices (allspice, red peppercorn) emerge, rounded out by hints of tobacco leaf, pear compote and dried mandarin zest.

Palate

On the palate, this wine offers a viscous, enveloping texture. A delicate touch of residual sweetness coats the mineral core without giving a sugary impression. The inner tension and massive presence on the palate are remarkable, supported by a fine acidity that delivers a dominant saline minerality on the finish. Fruit flavors unfold with precision and youthful clarity, offering a pure balance between sweetness, acidity and mineral character.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with firm-fleshed fish such as turbot served with a ginger sweet potato purée and beurre blanc. It also matches well with pork roasted in milk with sage, as well as roasted vegetables (carrots, parsnips) with a basil velouté. Aged cheeses with a mineral profile also make an excellent pairing.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the Riesling Grand Cru "Brand" 2015 in large Burgundy-style glasses to allow for optimal aeration. This wine can be enjoyed now, while also offering aging potential through around 2030.

A powerful, mineral Alsace Riesling from Brand’s granitic terroir

The estate

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was created in 1959 following the union of Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind, whose families had been growing vines since 1620. Based in Turckheim in Alsace, the estate now spans 40 hectares, including four grands crus. Since 1989, Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to earn the prestigious Master of Wine title, has led the estate with a biodynamic philosophy certified since 2002. Internationally recognized, the estate is rated five stars by Bettane+Desseauve and four stars by the Revue du Vin de France. Since 2019, Pierre-Émile Humbrecht, Olivier’s son, has joined the family business, ensuring the continuity of this winemaking lineage.

The vineyard

Grand Cru Brand covers 57.95 hectares in Turckheim, of which 2.4 hectares belong to Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. The parcels lie between 250 and 380 meters in elevation, on slopes with a south to south-southeast exposure. The terroir is characterized by dry granitic soils with sandy and micaceous components, giving the wines a crystalline minerality and pronounced salinity. Its natural amphitheater layout, sheltered by the surrounding hills and the Vosges, creates a particularly favorable microclimate with a dry semi-continental climate (500 to 700 mm of annual rainfall). The estate practices biodynamic viticulture, with deliberately limited yields of 30–40 hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The 2015 vintage in Alsace began with a wet spring and significant pressure from downy mildew in May and June. Summer proved exceptionally hot and dry, with a heatwave in July exceeding 40°C. These conditions resulted in remarkable grape concentration with very high sugar levels. Harvest took place early, in September, to preserve acidity. The dry, sunny weather limited the development of botrytis, instead favoring the natural shriveling of the berries. This powerful vintage produced wines of great concentration.

Vinification and aging

The Riesling Grand Cru "Brand" 2015 is vinified with indigenous yeasts and without additives. Fermentation proceeds slowly, followed by aging for at least six months on total lees. Bottling takes place between twelve and twenty-four months after harvest, only after natural clarification. The estate applies gentle filtration exclusively to clear wines. This minimalist approach allows an authentic expression of Brand’s granitic terroir.

Grape variety

100% Riesling