Hugel, Classic Gewurztraminer, AOC Alsace, France, 2022

Overview of the Wine
In the cellars, the oldest of which dates back to 1551, can be seen rows of oak wine casks, over one hundred years old, crafted by the forefathers of the present generation of Hugels now running the company. Near them is the oldest cask in the world still in use: the Sainte Caterine, which has a capacity of 8,800 litres. It was built in 1715, the year in which Louis XIV died.

The company has always maintained its family character and is determined to keep it that way. The vineyards are owned and farmed by individual members of the family whereas the company owns the buildings and machinery.

Winemakers
Jean-Frédéric Hugel and Marc Hugel

Grape / Blend
100% Gewurztraminer

Origin
Alsace, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The spice of Alsace and one of Famille Hugel’s signature wines. It is both aromatic and extroverted through its floral and spicy notes. Gewurztraminer is an invitation to accompany a variety of spicy dishes. Originally from northern Italy, this is the emblematic grape of our region due to its slow maturation with cool nights giving its full varietal expression. Dry but intensely aromatic.

A bright colour with clear legs that herald what is to come, the aromas rapidly announcing that this is a very charming and almost heady wine. Delicate floral notes of rose and jasmine interact with hints of yellow fruit: peach, Mirabelle and tropical fruit: lychee, mango, dragon fruit. The bouquet is expressive but not overly so; it retains a sense of refinement and nuance, a true Hugel wine. On the palate it is fine and delicate, not too weak; it invites you to travel afar and enjoy it with strong flavoured dishes. The precision of the final note could even lead some of its detractors to become reconciled with this strong-headed grape variety.

Gewurztraminer is an invitation to accompany a variety of spicy Asian dishes as well as smoked salmon and strong cheeses.

92 Points - Ian d'Agata Wine Reviews
Bright full yellow. Very nice aromas and flavours of mango, tangerine, rose and grapefruit, with hints of cloves and cinnamon, black olives. Clean long and bright, with excellent sweetness/acid balance, this is not over the top at all and will prove a very easy to like Gewurz. Bring on the Cantonese-styled sweet and sour pork and the orange chicken! Drinking window: 2024-2030.

90 Points - Wine Advocate
The 2022 Gewurztraminer Classic is very clear, fresh and precise on the pure and even coolish nose, although it comes from a super sunny and warm year. Peach, stones and in a rather discreet way also classical Gewürztraminer aromas on the nose lead to a round, lush and fresh, very elegant and balanced wine with a very long and salivating, even tensioned finish. It's quite complex and tastes dry, even though there are 12 grams of well-hidden residual sugar. 14.5% stated alcohol.

Product size: 750ml