Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois
75cl * Biodynamic * 12.5% ABV * Alsace, France
The Zind-Humbrecht winery was established in 1959 by the merging of two prestigious winemaking families. Since, the combined effort has propelled this producer into the top league and it is now producing some of region's finest biodynamic wines.
The 2021 Pinot-Blanc is made exclusively from the gravelly valley floor of Turckheim. The proportion of the grape varieties is therefore slightly different compared to previous vintages, the Pinot Blanc being now 60% of the blend and the Auxerrois only 40%. Pinot-Blanc has recently proven to be more adapted to the drier and warmer climate of this vineyard. The classic balance of this wine allowed for a fast fermentation in Zind Humbrecht's classic old oak foudres and was kept on full lees until bottling.
Pinot Blanc is typically full-bodied and expresses itself with crisp pear, peach and lemon aromas, as well as crushed stones, beeswax and white flowers. Rather full in body with a creamy mouthfeel, and yet at the same time fresh acidity, given 10-20 years to develop it will bring out notes of honey and toasted nuts.
We'd pair this with typically Alsatian fare, such as choucrout or onion tart, but it would also suit mixed salads and poultry dishes. Serve between 6-8°C.