# Riesling Heimbourg 2023 (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Zind Humbrecht
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Alsace, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.8%
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** citrus, apple, anise, liquorice, menthol, fennel, smoke

## About this wine

Domaine Zind Humbrecht, a name synonymous with Alsatian excellence, presents its 2023 Riesling from the esteemed Heimbourg vineyard. The estate, with winemaking roots tracing back to 1620 and formally established in 1959, is helmed by Olivier Humbrecht, the first French Master of Wine and a pioneering figure in biodynamic viticulture. The Heimbourg vineyard, located in Turckheim, is a unique terroir characterized by its steep, southwest to west-facing slopes and shallow Oligocene marl-calcareous-sandstone soils rich in limestone pebbles and iron. This distinctive geological makeup, combined with late-evening sun exposure, imparts a remarkable aromatic openness and delicacy to the Riesling, even from such a powerful soil type. The 2023 vintage experienced "coulure," a viticultural challenge that resulted in significantly lower yields, concentrating the quality and intensity of the fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Olivier Humbrecht was the first French national to achieve the Master of Wine qualification in 1989.
- The Heimbourg vineyard's iron-rich calcareous soils contribute to the wine's distinctive aromatic profile.
- The 2023 vintage experienced significantly reduced yields due to 'coulure', concentrating the fruit's intensity.
- Domaine Zind Humbrecht has been a leading proponent of biodynamic viticulture for many years.

## Food pairing

This dry, high-acid Riesling with its pronounced minerality and complex aromatic profile is a versatile food companion. Its vibrant acidity cuts through rich textures, cleansing the palate and enhancing delicate flavors. The wine's aromatic notes of citrus, anise, and subtle smoke can complement a range of dishes, from seafood and poultry to lighter pork preparations and aged cheeses, without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The 2023 Riesling Heimbourg is a testament to Domaine Zind Humbrecht's unwavering commitment to biodynamic viticulture, a practice they have championed for decades. The vintage saw naturally low yields, specifically 30 hl/ha, primarily due to "coulure" affecting the Riesling vines. Following a meticulous harvest, the wine underwent a long fermentation process, allowing for the slow and complete development of its character. Crucially, this wine was produced without any oak aging, ensuring that the purity of the Riesling grape and the unique expression of the Heimbourg terroir shine through. Bottling for this vintage was scheduled for January 2025.