Technical presentation
| Bottling : | September 2012 |
|---|---|
| Acquired alcohol : | 14° |
| Residual sugar : | 52 g/l |
| Total acidity : | 3.2 g/l H2SO4 (4.9 g/l Acide Tartrique) |
| pH : | 3.7 |
| Yield : | 48 hl/ha |
| Optimum tasting : | 2015-2031 |
| Average age of vines : | 41 years |
| Terroir : | Clos Windsbuhl |
| Sweetness index : | 5 |
| Available for sale : | Yes |
| Soil : | Muschelkalk calcareous, South East facing, South facing |
Description of the wine Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl 2011
When we took the Clos Windsbuhl in 1987, we never imagined how successful the Gewurztraminer would become in this vineyard and how it would capture the delicate structure that characterizes the place. At the time when Alsace is defining what grape variety should be planted where (and which ones would be forbidden), this example shows how much one should be wary of preconceived ideas. Surely, Gewurztraminer needs more sunshine, but the Windsbuhl compensate a cooler climate by a capacity to let the grapes on the vines for longer time, eventually bringing also a better physiological ripeness.
Tasting notes
02/2013 : The first nose is still a little closed, dominated by spices, smoke and a light torrefaction that add a nice complexity. This is a Windsbuhl which is showing strong ‘Terroir’ characteristics and takes time to open up, but once that is done, it reveals intense citrus fruits, ripe exotic fruits (pineapple, litchi) and more spices (coriander, cloves). The palate is delicate and is capable to integrate the sweetness that almost vanishes on the finish. The tannic richness brings also a saline sensation. The wine almost doesn’t change even if the bottle is opened for days. Great ageing potential.
The Clos Windsbuhl of Hunawihr
The altitude of the vineyard coupled with Hunawihr’s tardy climate means that the Clos Windsbuhl is often one of the last of our vineyards to be harvested. This explains the aromatic quality of the Clos’ wines and the consistent balance of acidity, a guarantee of good ageing. Although often harvested late, the Windsbuhl grapes are only rarely botryitized, doubtless due to the altitude of the vineyard, but nevertheless often reach high levels of maturity.