Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl 2023

A bone-dry Pinot Gris with real drive: viscous and dense in build, carried by pronounced inner tension and a saline backbone. Nothing traditionally baroque here, but a clear, fresh-drawn style.

The Clos Windsbuhl in Hunawihr is a monopole of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. The shell-limestone-rich soil, south to south-east exposure and moderate slope yield low yields, fine acidity and deep structure. Pinot Gris has a long history here: as early as 1759, the cultivation of this variety, then called "Tokayer," was documented in the clos.

The grapes come from 54-year-old vines, with a yield of 53 hl/ha. In 2023 the harvest remained healthy and concentrated, the botrytis-free musts fermented fully dry, and the wine now stands at 13.0% ABV with no residual sugar. It then rested on full lees in large oak foudres, and was bottled only in January 2025. Olivier Humbrecht farms the domaine's 42 hectares biodynamically, Demeter-certified since 2002.

The nose needs air. At first barely more than wet stone, then red-cheeked apples, chestnut and acacia blossom, green almonds and delicate mace emerge. On the palate, viscous and dense, with high acidity, a saline edge and great aromatic balance.

Grilled turbot with butter sauce, veal sweetbreads and scallops with cauliflower purée. With cheese, an aged Munster; without meat or fish, a truffle risotto.

Olivier Humbrecht was the first Frenchman to hold the title Master of Wine, and the Humbrecht family has been growing wine since 1620. Since 2019, Pierre Émile Humbrecht has joined the estate as its eleventh generation. This wine will continue to develop over the next 15 years.