2022 Zind Humbrecht - Riesling Hengst (750ml)

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht carries a winemaking heritage in Alsace that stretches back to 1620, formalized under its present name in 1959 through the union of the Humbrecht and Zind family vineyards. Olivier Humbrecht, who became France's first Master of Wine at just twenty-nine, has led the estate since returning to the family domaine, converting its roughly forty-one hectares to organic and biodynamic farming. His holdings include some of Alsace's most storied Grand Cru parcels, cultivated with a light touch that favors patience over intervention.

This Riesling comes from the Hengst Grand Cru, on the southeastern face of the Rotenberg hill in Wintzenheim, a site historically prized for Gewurztraminer thanks to its red marl-limestone soil. The Riesling parcel sits on a cooler, east-facing stretch planted in 2016, where iron-rich rock slows ripening but builds fine tannin structure. A small 2022 harvest, reduced by hail, was fermented naturally through malolactic conversion and aged twelve months in large foudres before bottling.

The wine glows a deep golden yellow and opens with citrus blossom, ripe peach, green apple, and a touch of ginger over mineral depth. The palate is powerful and sinewy, juicy with exotic fruit and lifted by vibrant acidity into a long, structured finish. It suits grilled lobster, pan-seared red mullet, or richly spiced vegetable dishes with Asian accents.