GENTIL "HUGEL" 2014

A kaleidoscope of grapiness, produced exclusively from hand harvested grapes in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards, from a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr.
Gentil "Hugel" allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of both Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner.

Presentation

Quick View
The perfect introduction to Alsace wines as it combines the qualities of all our white varietals.
This wine revives an ancient Alsace tradition that wines assembled from noble grape varieties were called "Gentil". Gentil "Hugel" allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner.
The vintage
Exceptionally mild winter, with practically no frost. Very early budburst around 21 March led to 2 months of anxiety but finally no spring frost. Flowering began very early, around 30 May, which usually means an extremely precocious harvest like 2003, but was uneven and spread over 2 weeks, giving a little coulure especially on Gewurztraminer. In July and early August, record rainfall (147mm) and cool temperatures finally delayed maturity. A very dry September (27mm) without excessive heat ensured slow maturation under ideal conditions. Harvest began on 16 September and ended on 16 October. Yields were very low, lower even than 2013 or 2010. Perfectly healthy grapes, high acidity and superb maturity mean 2014 will be a hallmark vintage, especially for Riesling. Very small yield of late harvest Gewurztraminer VT.
In the vineyard
A patchwork of the best terroirs around our family home, produced exclusively from hand harvested grapes in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards, from a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. A cool and long growing season give this unique dry wine great finesse and unequalled drinkability.
Winemaking
The grapes are taken in small tubs to the presses, which are filled by gravity, without any pumping or other mechanical intervention.
After pressing, the must is decanted for a few hours, then fermented in temperature-controlled barrels or vats (at 18 to 24°C). The wine is racked just once, before natural clarification during the course of the winter. The following spring, the wine is lightly filtered just before bottling, and the bottles are then aged in our cellars until released for sale.
The whole production of this wine is closed with DIAM the cork without the risk of cork taint.
Varietals
Sylvaner & Pinot Blanc : 45%
Riesling : 23%
Pinot gris : 16%
Gewürztraminer : 10%
Muscat : 6%
Specifications
Alcohol content : : 12.5° % vol.
Residual Sugar : : 3 g/l
Tartaric acidity : : 5.94 g/l
pH : : 3.34
Age of vines : : 25 years old
Yield : : 65 hl/ha hL/ha

Advice

Video
Tasting notes by Serge Dubs, World's Best Sommelier 1989
Youthful colour, lively, bright, crystal-clear, fresh pale green with silver hints and elegant silkiness.

Fresh, open bouquet, a frank and espressively aromatic perfume of fruit and flowers, cardamom, lemon balm, rose, jasmine, freesia, lime and cherry blossom, lychee, pear, cleanly defined and subtly spicy.

Dry on the palate, the wine is fresh and easy to enjoy, yet pleasantly rich and full of flavour, with an elegantly aromatic aftertaste. Nicely balanced in the mouth, it has a refreshing character and generous structure that gives it charm.

A wine to drink now and over the next 3 years, served at 8°C on its own, or with fish (baked, pan-fried or in cream sauce), red mullet, turbot, pike-perch, lobster, crab... and dishes with Oriental and Indian spices.

Reviews

87/100
"«A saline tang and refreshing acidity add snap to this light-bodied, open-knit white, with poached pear, pickled ginger and citrus notes. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported. AN»"