Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Calcaire 2015

Pinot Gris is a grape variety that becomes complex and can age only if grown in vineyards that can retain good acidity balance and allow perfect physiological ripeness. Pinot-Gris is also a grape variety, like its cousin Pinot Noir, that loses a lot of its potential if over-cropped. As much that it is possible to find fine examples in different soil types, calcareous hillsides would be our preferred type of vineyards for Pinot Gris. At the exception of Herrenweg and Rangen (a notorious exception to the rule), we only planted this grape on marl or limestone. The Calcaire Pinot Gris can be a blend from multiple vineyards, however, in 2013, only younger vines from the Windsbuhl were used to produce this wine. Harvested earlier than the old vines, the grapes here were also very healthy.

still closed on the nose with classic limestone influence (nuts, spices, chalk…). Fresh and elegant mouth. The palate shows some discreet roundness which is quickly overpowered by a fine acidity. Smoke and herbal aromas develop on the finish which eventually also shows the classic toasty character of this vineyard. This wine does change for the better with air allowing the minerals and salinity to develop nicely, pairing with the extract and acidity. If you like this wine, imagine the old vines.