Riesling Hengst Grand Cru 2021
The Riesling Hengst Grand Cru 2021 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is the first vintage from a Riesling plot replanted in 2016 on the red limestone of the Hengst.
CHF 79.50
Prices in CHF, including customs duty and all import charges, plus shipping CHF 15 (free from 12 bottles or CHF 300) — no further charges on delivery.
Available for Switzerland
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About this wine
Character
A dry single-vineyard Riesling that draws its power from acidity, salinity and spice rather than richness: 12.5% ABV keeps it lean, yet the texture feels dense and almost fleshy. A wine with outstanding ageing potential that only fully reveals itself after a few years, and continues to gain over several days once opened.
Terroir and origin
The plot lies in the east-facing part of the Hengst grand cru in Alsace, on red limestone. Gewürztraminer previously grew here, which Olivier Humbrecht gave up after thirty vintages. With the changing climate, the choice fell on Riesling, which consistently shows great acidity and precision on this limestone.
Grape variety and vinification
Single-varietal Riesling. In 2016 the domaine planted a large selection of its old Riesling vines from the Brand here; 2021 is the first vintage of this wine, vinified separately. The estate farms biodynamically, keeps yields to 30–40 hectolitres per hectare, gives the wines at least six months of lees contact and lets them mature in the cellar for one to two years.
On the palate
Pure minerality and deep concentration define the nose; with air, orange, orange zest and grapefruit segments emerge, alongside bergamot, dried oyster shell and soy sauce – umami already present in the aroma. The palate opens with piercing acidity that stimulates the saliva, overlaid by a saline imprint. The finish is long, spicy and framed by firm tannins.
Food pairing suggestions
Roasted tofu with porcini mushrooms, olive oil and soy sauce, oven-roasted shrimp with miso cauliflower, preserved lemon jus and dried tomatoes, or salmon fillet in mango leaf with mango sauce and basil quinoa.
Special features
Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to hold the title of Master of Wine, leads the domaine in its eleventh generation of family ownership. Be sure to decant this wine and serve it not too cold in a large glass.
