Hugel, Riesling 'Grossi Laue,' AOC Alsace, France, 2014

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% Riesling

Origin
Alsace, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
“GROSSI LAÜE” (great terroirs in the Alsatian dialect). These wines are a true return to the cultural and timeless values of the family with a deep anchoring in its historical terroirs. Very great Riesling which is already expressed but which will further gain in complexity 8 years and more.

The young, almost juvenile color suggests a wine that defies the years. On the nose, the cursor is immediately placed on a marked, accomplished and mature expression of terroir. The years in the cellar have had their effect, the wine appears open, broad, deep. The Schoenenbourg expresses itself here as racy, musky, toasted with its typical notes of fresh almond, nuts mixed with a patina and butteriness that would almost make you believe it was aged on wood. It is not so. This is just the sign of a ripe wine and a fully ripe harvest. The broad, sapid, intensely saline palate is full and without softness, the vibrant acidity responds perfectly present, while no sugar shows through. The wine is powerful with relief and volume, the finish is long and salivating, serenity emerges from the glass. The terroir expresses itself. 

Pairs with white meats, noble fish and shell fish .

92 Points - Wine Spectator
Rich and concentrated, with an unctuous mix of peach and lime curd lined with warm hay and subtle honey, this is silky, almost oily, on the palate. Impressively fresh and pure, given its bottle age. Shows invigorating spices, acidity and mineral energy, which bring laser focus and form through the long, bitter-edged finish. Drink now through 2035.

91 Points - Vinous
Bright golden yellow. Fennel, licorice, orange oil and tangerine on the very complex, deep nose. Multilayered and dense; vibrant acidity nicely focuses the orchard and tropical fruit flavors on the long, mineral finish. “Grossi Laue” is the Alsatian-dialect equivalent of “great terroir.” 

Product size: 750ml