{"product_id":"zind-humbrecht-alsace-gewurztraminer-clos-windsbuhl-1998","title":"Zind-Humbrecht Alsace Gewurztraminer “Clos Windsbuhl” 1998","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is one of Alsace's most distinguished estates, with the Humbrecht family's winemaking history extending back to the seventeenth century. The modern domaine was established in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1959\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e through the union of the Zind and Humbrecht families, combining important vineyard holdings across Alsace. Under Léonard Humbrecht and later his son, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlivier Humbrecht MW\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the estate developed an international reputation for its meticulous vineyard management, naturally concentrated wines, and commitment to expressing individual terroirs. Olivier became the first French Master of Wine and has been instrumental in advancing the domaine's biodynamic approach to viticulture. The estate is particularly celebrated for its Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer, with Clos Windsbuhl occupying an important position among its individual vineyard bottlings. The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1998 Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e reflects the domaine's emphasis on fully mature fruit, natural fermentation, and wines capable of developing complexity over extended periods in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eClos Windsbuhl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a historic hillside vineyard overlooking \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHunawihr\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, near Riquewihr in Alsace's Haut-Rhin department. Its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esouth to southeast exposure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and relatively elevated position create a cooler, later-ripening environment than many vineyards farther south around Turckheim. The vineyard is planted on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMuschelkalk limestone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a geological formation that contributes to its distinctive mineral structure and ability to retain acidity even when the grapes reach considerable ripeness. The combination of altitude, limestone, and a long growing season gives Clos Windsbuhl Gewurztraminer a characteristic balance of aromatic intensity, concentration, and freshness. In \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1998\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the grapes reached \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e122° Oechsle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with very little botrytis and exceptionally healthy fruit. These conditions allowed the vineyard to produce a wine of considerable aromatic complexity and natural richness. Yields were approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e48 hectoliters per hectare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and the resulting wine was among the more concentrated expressions of Clos Windsbuhl from the late 1990s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1998 Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was produced from exceptionally ripe, healthy grapes with minimal influence from noble rot. Fermentation developed a substantial body and rich texture while retaining enough residual sugar to create a distinctly medium-sweet style. The finished wine reached \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15.1% alcohol\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e39 grams per liter of residual sugar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, combining considerable concentration with the mineral structure and acidity associated with Clos Windsbuhl. Olivier Humbrecht's original vintage notes describe a richly textured, harmonious wine with persistent flavors that move between spice and ripe fruit. Despite the elevated alcohol, the wine maintains a balanced impression on the palate, with its natural richness supported by the vineyard's freshness. It was \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebottled in September 1999\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Unlike the almost completely dry 1997 Clos Windsbuhl, the 1998 presents a fuller, sweeter expression of the same vineyard, demonstrating the considerable stylistic differences that can emerge between successive vintages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e1998 vintage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Gewurztraminer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15.1% ABV\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e39 g\/L residual sugar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4.2 g\/L total acidity expressed as tartaric acid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH 3.9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e122° Oechsle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e must weight at harvest; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e48 hl\/ha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e vineyard yield; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esweetness index 4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e on the domaine's five-point scale; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedium-sweet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e classification; bottled \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeptember 1999\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The domaine originally suggested a drinking window beginning in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2005\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and extending beyond \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2015\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Foie gras terrine, duck pâté, roast duck with orange glaze, pork belly with ginger, chicken tagine with dried apricots, aromatic Thai curries, Indian dishes featuring cardamom and saffron, and aged Munster cheese are excellent partners for this richly textured Gewurztraminer. The wine's \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e39 g\/L residual sugar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, pronounced spice character, and substantial body allow it to complement dishes that combine richness, aromatic seasoning, and moderate sweetness. Its natural acidity helps provide balance alongside fatty preparations, while the wine's floral and fruit-driven qualities work particularly well with ginger, coriander, and other fragrant spices. For a traditional Alsatian pairing, serve with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMunster cheese and caraway seeds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, allowing the wine's sweetness and aromatic intensity to contrast with the cheese's pungency. Given its maturity, the wine may also be enjoyed on its own, allowing its developed aromas and complex texture to unfold gradually.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forbes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51426133344495,"sku":"102674","price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0707\/7140\/9135\/files\/humbrecht_closwindsbuhlGewurztraminer-LBL.png?v=1794004787","url":"https:\/\/vinsrare.com\/products\/zind-humbrecht-alsace-gewurztraminer-clos-windsbuhl-1998","provider":"Vins Rare","version":"1.0","type":"link"}