Pinot Gris Roche Volcanique
2018
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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When Leonard Humbrecht (father) acquired the Clos-Saint-Urbain in 1977, only half was actually planted. For about 10 years, the family worked hard to cut the shrubs, rebuilt walls and paths in order to be able to plant vines. These vines have today acquired a venerable age (35 years average) but some vintages are vinified separately and not classifed as Grand Cru. Most of the time, if it isn’t a ripeness difference (dry/sweet potential) it is a difference in yield. In 2018, that difference is very small! The vines behaved very well in 2018. The roots were able to reach the richer deeper layers in the volcanic rock, ensuring a better supply of water during the very dry and hot summer.
The fermentation was slightly slower than usual and the wine kept a small amount of sweetness.
The nose boasts smoky aromas, flint, crushed rocks. It also announces a long and powerful palate. There is a clear influence of the vineyard in this wine. The finish is bold, intense, long, showing a complex salivating acidity. There is lots of energy in this wine and lots of ageing potential!
Notes of raisin bread and cooked quince pour from the glass of this dry pinot gris with a level of concentration that makes most wines from this grape seem watery by comparison. Super elegant and clean at the long, mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.
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This pinot gris is not only the ripe and rich kind you can drink with foie gras, it has a texture that actually reminds me a bit of foie gras. Lots of salted-butter and salted-caramel character with some cooked quince, the hint of sweetness already beautifully integrated right through the long, ripe finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.
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There's a minty freshness to this that beautifully complements the smoky touch of this grape. The depth and length of the wine creep up on you gently. Made from biodynamically grown grapes.
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Dry and smoky, this structured Pinot Gris is well-knit and fresh, offering subtle flavors of melon and orange peel, with ample ground ginger, anise and white pepper spice lingering on the finish. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now through 2027. 175 cases made.
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