Technical presentation
| Bottling : | August 2023 |
|---|---|
| Acquired alcohol : | 13.1° |
| Residual sugar : | 39.8 g/l |
| Total acidity : | 3.3 g/l H2SO4 (5.1 g/l Acide Tartrique) |
| pH : | 3.45 |
| Yield : | 41 hl/ha |
| Optimum tasting : | 2027-2047+ |
| Average age of vines : | 52 years |
| Terroir : | Clos Windsbuhl |
| Sweetness index : | 4 |
| Available for sale : | Yes |
| Soil : | Calcaire Oligocène, Medium slope, Muschelkalk calcareous, Oolithic calcareous |
Description of the wine Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl 2022
The Clos Windsbuhl is located on a small 7ha little hill that turns from the east to the south, on relatively steep slopes, above the village of Hunawihr. Right against the forest, it dominates all other vineyards and offer a fabulous view on the Alsace valley floor. The Muschelkalk limestone is rich in seashells and is also described as Dolomitic limestone, particularly rich in magnesium. A recent very interesting tasting of minerals including magnesium was highly instructive in understanding why all the Windsbuhl wines have a natural elegance and bright acid driven structure. Obviously, the later ripening climate there can explain higher acidity, but the soil and its mineral composition must be responsible for that bright and vibrant structure. In 2022, the Windsbuhl enjoyed perfect ripening conditions. The cooling effect of the altitude and nearby forest compensated the warmth of the vintage. The Gewurztraminer ripened very well to a classic sweet balance. The grapes were harvested very healthy.
Tasting notes
01/2024: pale yellow colour. The nose develops discreetly showing beautiful, elegant floral notes going crescendo with time. This is not a powerful aromatic wine, but very complex and persistent. The limestone of Windsbuhl produces a subdued style, never overpowering. On the palate, the sweetness is balanced by a fresh acidity and ripe tannins. The wine finishes on a citrus like structure, enhanced by the salinity of this vineyard. This will be a very slow developing wine and worth hiding in the cellar for some time.
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.