Hugel Classic Riesling (375ML half-bottle) 2015
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James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The bouquet is still a bit discreet and fresh, not too arrogant, it is harmonious, clear and well-stated yet quite dense and fruity with hints of lime, fresh kiwi, lemon-grass, 'Mirabelle', greengage and a slightly mineral edge.
This is a dry wine that is also fresh and lovingly thirst-quenching on the palate, it is well-balanced with a generous and well-formed structure underlined by the wonderful freshness and vigour which is so typical to this grape variety's elegant temperament. The grapes are perfectly ripe.
This is a wine which can be consumed immediately but would benefit from being laid down for up to 5 years which would intensify the density and minerality of its aroma.
Would make an excellent aperitif. Best served with turbot, sea bass, monk-fish, lobster, king prawns, seafood, sander, pike, salmon, scallops, marinated or raw fish carpaccio, goat's cheese.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Great intensity to this riesling, which shows elderflower, white rocks, dried citrus and green paprika. Very driven and minerally on the palate and the acidity balances the only slightly sweet core of fruit. Quite full-bodied and long on the finish. Drink now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sold as Riesling Tradition until vintage 2012, the 2015 Riesling Classic shows a perfectly ripe, elegant and intense nose. Full-bodied, round and creamy on the palate, due to 20+ percent of botrytis, this is an intense, complex and salty Riesling with good grip, tension and freshness. A really gorgeous entry into the family that was sourced 60% in the Schoenenbourg.
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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.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
With its fairytale aesthetic, Germanic influence and strong emphasis on white wines, Alsace is one of France’s most unique viticultural regions. This hotly contested stretch of land running north to south on France’s northeastern border has spent much of its existence as German territory. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains, it is one of the driest regions of France but enjoys a long and cool growing season. Autumn humidity facilitates the development of “noble rot” for the production of late-picked sweet wines, Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles.
The best wines of Alsace can be described as aromatic and honeyed, even when completely dry. The region’s “noble” varieties, the only ones permitted within Alsace’s 51 Grands Crus vineyards, are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Gris.
Riesling is Alsace’s main specialty. In its youth, Alsace Riesling is dry, fresh and floral, but develops complex mineral and flint character with age. Gewurztraminer is known for its signature spice and lychee aromatics, and is often utilized for late harvest wines. Pinot Gris is prized for its combination of crisp acidity and savory spice as well as ripe stone fruit flavors. Muscat, vinified dry, tastes of ripe green grapes and fresh rose petal.
Other varieties grown here include Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Chasselas, Sylvaner and Pinot Noir—the only red grape permitted in Alsace and mainly used for sparkling rosé known as Crémant d’Alsace. Most Alsace wines are single-varietal bottlings and unlike other French regions, are also labeled with the variety name.