Pinot Gris Turckheim
2016
Olivier Humbrecht is one of the world's most renowned winegrowers. He is a Master of Wine and has been described by Robert Parker as the greatest white winemaker on earth. Yet he is very soft spoken, humble, and self-deprecating, which makes him perfectly suited to his assumed role as a global ambassador of wine. He is a champion of terroir, biodynamic farming principles, and non-interventionist winemaking, whose family have been winegrowers in Alsace for 12 generations (since 1620). He is...
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At the exception of two very old vines (used for the winery's massal selections), most of these vineyards were planted in the early 1990s in the Herrenweg area in Turckheim, mostly in the light gravelly/sandy part of the area. These are extremely early developing vineyards, and they often produce the first grapes to be harvested on the estate. In 2016 it was an easy task as the ripeness progressed slowly. Of all the vineyards, this is the one that needs to be watched the closest in order to avoid unnecessary ripeness that could lead to a richer/sweeter style.
The grapes were in beautiful condition and contained a healthy presence of natural yeast. This allowed for a quick fermentation which left leaving no sugar in the wine. The wine almost feels as though it saw some fresh oak, but it actually spent 12 months in classic old foudres.
The nose shows ripe honeyed, slightly toasted aromatics. The palate is velvety, elegant, almost soft, and it finishes very dry. It is actually rare to be able to make such a delicate style of Pinot Gris that still has such aromatic presence. There is a slight presence of skin tannins that add to the structure to the wine but nothing that would create any difficulty to enjoy this wine now. Extremely food friendly.
Fantastic, classic pinot gris with spices, almonds and dried fruits. Peaches and apricots, too. Full body and a fresh and crisp finish. Oily yet bone dry. Nice bitter and licorice aftertaste.
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Earth, white currant and dried pear notes make for an intriguing nose. A touch of flint creates a smoky edge that carries onto the dry, concentrated palate where pear and currant are joined by bright, tart lemon. The finish is superclean, lip-smacking and dry.
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Fragrant with lychee and spice accents, this has a silky mix of melon, pink grapefruit sorbet, stone and smoke flavors enlivened by snappy acidity and a lightly chalky texture. Drink now through 2028. 200 cases imported.
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Aromatic hints of baked Cox Orange apple and ripe pear are accented by aromatic overtones of ripe quince. Quince also shimmer on the dry, even slender palate that shows uncommon spice and and clarity. A pure expression of Pinot Gris, this is shaped by freshness and zest.
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This is an excellent introduction to the new, drier-style pinot gris of Alsace, thanks to its full, caramelized-pear character. Moderate richness (just 13% alcohol), plus restrained creaminess at the dry and clean finish. Mostly from the alluvial Herrenweg vineyard of Turckheim. From biodynamically grown grapes.
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A very aromatic nose of uncommon complexity offers spices, toffee and baked apple. Then lighter than the rich nose suggests, delivering fresh apple and pear flavors complemented by sweet spices. Long, clean and very fresh, this is almost – dare I say it - Pinot Grigio-like. The wine is made from young vines planted around the new winery building in 1992, and from vines planted in the 80s (save for two parcels from the late 1940s that are normally used to make the estate’s Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes.)
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Medium-dark yellow. Rich archetypal Pinot Gris aromas and flavors: honeyed baked apple, pear and truffle, but lifted by a refreshing note of white flowers. Smooth, round and ripe, then a little warm at the back, which features chewy tannins. Quite powerful for an entry-level Pinot Gris.
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An open-knit version, with a clean-cut mix of savory minerality, Gala apple, floral and clementine notes. The lovely balance and snappy acidity make this hard to stop sipping. Lightly smoky on the lingering finish.
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