Olivier Humbrecht is a scientist and a Master of Wine so when a man with these credentials gets involved with biodynamics people tend to sit up and take notice. Biodynamic farming could be considered a bit ‘out there’ to put it mildly. Planting and farming according to lunar cycles doesn’t sit easily with some people but when you have noticed that some of the wines you admire are farmed this way, you can understand the inclination to investigate. Ignoring the how or why of the regime, Olivier set out to find out for himself what difference it made to his vineyards, his fruit and his wine. He designed an empirical experiment if you will. He was obviously impressed with the results as his entire domain is now biodynamic, he’s considered a leading figure in the field (he has been president of Biodyvin since 2002) and his wines have a fantastic reputation around the world.
The quality of Humbrecht wines is outstanding. They have superb varietal character, extraordinary texture and richness and (unusually for many of the varieties he grows) significant longevity. Alsace is a patchwork of soil types and terroirs and his wines have an unparalleled ability to express their site of origin. These are world class wines.
Humbrecht specialises in the aromatic white wines that Alsace is renowned for; Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Riesling are the important varieties in Alsace. The rich, textural quality of his wines means they are excellent with food and they’re incredibly satisfying to drink. Olivier also employs a very useful dryness scale from 1 – 5 where 1 is bone dry and 5 is dessert wine sweet. A ‘2’ on the scale is a wonderful thing with chilli – the sweetness tempers the heat and makes for a match made in heaven.
ZH Riesling d’Alsace 2013
Bottle Price: £17.50 / €24.95 Offer Price: £14.87 / €21.20
Mineral and stony with ripe, juicy acidity and the floral aromas develop over time. Fabulous food partner and very long lasting.
ZH ‘Zind’ 2013
Bottle Price: £19.50 / €25.99 Offer Price: £16.57 / €22.09
A blend of Auxerrois and Chardonnay, perfect with seafood with lovely citrus and herbal profile and delicate structure.
ZH Riesling Calcaire 2013
Bottle Price: £22.95 / €32.50 Offer Price: £19.50 / €27.62
Most of the fruit comes from village of Gueberschwihr and the wine exhibits all classic characters of limestone Riesling – ripe citrus and herbs. Will age magnificently.
ZH Riesling Turckheim 2010
Bottle Price: £22.75 / €29.95 Offer Price: £19.33 / €25.45
A beautifully rich and aromatic style of wine with a small amount of botrytis that means the finish is just off dry.
ZH Gewurztraminer Calcaire 2013
Bottle Price: £24.50 / €32.50 Offer Price: £20.82 / €27.62
From Gueberschwihr near Goldert. A ripe vintage so the wine naturally retained some sweetness which is perfectly balanced with the fine acidity. The wine is spicy, a little smoky and fruity and perfect with intense, spicy dishes.
ZH Gewurztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2013
Bottle Price: £24.50 / €32.50 Offer Price: £20.82 / €27.62
From a vineyard planted in 1947 by his grandfather in Wintzenheim. Powerful and aromatic. Pair with spicy/smoked food.
ZH Muscat Goldert Grand Cru 2013
Bottle Price: £25.95 / €35.95 Offer Price: £22.04 / €30.55
Develops wonderful complex and fruity Muscat aromas as it opens up in the glass and will continue to evolve over time. Dry on the palate and very elegant and pretty.
We have many more Zind Humbrecht wines available, please see website or visit shop for more details.
A selection of Zind Humbrecht wines will be open for tasting Saturday 26 September.
