Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles Hugel (Domaine) 1997

Lot presentation

Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles Hugel (Domaine) 1997

The wine

When this syrupy wine began to enjoy a renewed popularity, the Hugel family were instrumental in its revival, releasing a high-quality Gewürztraminer which was to be produced only in the best years. Wines carrying the classification ‘Sélections de Grains Nobles’ are reputed to be superior to Sauternais; refined and rarefied, they can be distinguished by a rich, concentrated and complex bouquet, appearing overripe on the nose. To taste they reveal sumptuous honeyed aromas of peach and a hint of spice making them some of the best dessert wines in the world. What’s more, their ageing potential is virtually unlimited.

About the Producer Hugel

Hugel is a family operation that has been making wines since 1639; production is currently managed by the eleventh and twelfth generations, in the form of Jean-Philippe, Marc and Étienne, who endeavour to uphold the Hugel style developed by their ancestors. Their activities are divided between a wine merchant business and production in their own name, from the 26 hectare vineyard, located entirely in Riquewihr in the most prestigious crus and planted with traditional varieties in the following proportions: 40% Riesling, 40% Gewurztraminer, 15% (Tokay) Pinot Gris and 5% Pinot Noir. The oldest vines (around 60 years old) are from the family nursery. Hugel produces wine with rigorous respect for the environment: no fertilizers, very low yields, and green harvests at the end of July. The wine merchant activity is supplied solely by the purchase of grapes, from 115 hectares that are managed by growers under contract. All of the harvests are manual and will remain so. Hugel produces 110,000 cases of wine every year, 85% of which are exported. In order to preserve the wines' freshness and character, Hugel starts bottling in the spring. The Jubilee, VT and SGN cuvées are only produced in the best years, from the Domaine Viticole Hugel's Grands Crus vines. It is largely the Hugel family who have instigated the revival of this kind of wine. ssert wines in the world. Furthermore they have an almost unlimited longevity.

Detailed characteristics