Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg 2020
$80.00 USD
*** SPECIAL ORDER ITEM ***
Please allow extra time for this limited-quantity wine to be hand-picked and packed from our secure, temperature-controlled cellar.
Description
How To Say It
Vino Joe Says...
Description
The Grand Cru Sommerberg extends its very steep slopes above the village of Niedermorschwihr. This biotite granite terroir faces due south. The domaine Zind-Humbrecht was able to acquire a very beautiful little plot in the lieu-dit Dudenstein within this Grand Cru. This small 0.32ha vineyard was replanted with our massal Riesling selection (from old Brand vines) in 2013 and at high density (9500 vines/ha). Zind-Humbrecht also rebuilt a large stone wall in the middle of the slope to facilitate the work with the winch and above all to limit erosion. Indeed, it is impossible to work this steep vineyard otherwise. Biotite granite decomposes with the microbiological activity of the soil and produces very interesting clays. Unlike the Brand, where the bedrock is more outcropping, it would seem that the soil of the Sommerberg has more depth. The 2020 was the first Riesling from the estate to have finished its fermentation with a dry wine balance. A BIODYNAMIC wine.
How To Say It
ZIND oom-BREKT REEZ-ling GRAHN CREW SOHM-mer-berg
Vino Joe Says...
2020 vintage is the first release of Zind-Humbrecht Sommerberg for the US market — a whole 120 bottles! There are 18 bottles left that can be found only here — this vintage is no longer available anywhere else. Grab some and put it in your cellar.
About the wine
REGION: France | Alsace
GRAPES: 100% Riesling
SOIL: Biotite Granit, South facing, Very steep slope YIELD: 29 hl/ha PH: 3.2
TOTAL ACIDITY: 3.8 g/l H2SO4 (5.9 g/l Tartrique)
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.9 g/L
ABV: 12.4%
SWEETNESS INDEX: 1
GRAPES: 100% Riesling
SOIL: Biotite Granit, South facing, Very steep slope YIELD: 29 hl/ha PH: 3.2
TOTAL ACIDITY: 3.8 g/l H2SO4 (5.9 g/l Tartrique)
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.9 g/L
ABV: 12.4%
SWEETNESS INDEX: 1
1/2022: Bright pale yellow color. On the nose, we find the precocity of granite and all the aromatic breadth of wines from a warm and luminous terroir. The nose is intense, expressive and reveals a superb aromatic palette of ripe white fruits (vineyard peach, pear, etc.) but also verbena, acacia flower, and even aromas of honey. This wine has a delicate, very elegant touch on the palate and takes up the aromas present on the nose as well. As it opens, the wine becomes intense and persistent while retaining a form of airy lightness. The finish reveals a salivating minerality with the firmness expected on a dry wine. Although this wine is already tasting very well today, this Sommerberg shows a great capacity for evolution by evolving very slowly during the tasting. A great wine for laying down!
food pairing
Optimum tasting 2024 – 2034+
Harvest notes
What The Critics Say...
Who could resist this full-throttle expression of summer with its wide spectrum of yellow fruit aromas, most importantly ripe pineapple? Stunning mineral freshness that effortlessly balances all the ripeness. Surprisingly sleek and very focused, this already has a wonderful elegance, but is just beginning to give its golden best at the imposing finish. From the Dudenstein section of this very steep, granitic site. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
— JamesSuckling.com
