Domaine Zind-Humbrecht produces only one red wine from a very small plot of 0.32 hectares in the single vineyard Heimbourg, located in Turckheim. This west-facing site, situated on red Oligocene limestone soil rich in iron, allows Pinot Noir to ripen slowly, developing a delicate aromatic profile. The vines are planted at high density (10,000 vines per hectare) and pruned just above the soil, resulting in tiny grapes that grow close to the ground. Yields have always been low, and in recent years, the vineyard has been particularly susceptible to trunk diseases.
Harvested in small 15kg bins, the grapes are manually destemmed on a perforated wooden board before fermenting in an open vat, where only a few manual pigeages are carried out. The wine is then transferred to 228- and 350-liter barrels (not new) and bottled directly without filtration or fining. As a result, sediment may be present, varying in quantity depending on storage conditions. It is recommended to decant the wine after keeping the bottle upright for some time.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 'Heimbourg' Pinot Noir 2022
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is widely recognized as one of the finest—if not the best—producers of white wine in the world. Based in Alsace, France, the estate is renowned for its biodynamic viticulture and unwavering commitment to terroir expression. Established in 1959 through the merger of two historic winemaking families, it is led by Olivier Humbrecht, France’s first Master of Wine. The domaine cultivates exceptional vineyard sites, including several Grand Cru holdings, producing world-class Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, along with a rare Pinot Noir. With a philosophy of minimal intervention, extended lees aging, and natural fermentations, Zind-Humbrecht crafts wines of remarkable depth, complexity, and aging potential, consistently setting the benchmark for Alsace and beyond.
The Alsace wine region, located in northeastern France along the Rhine River, is renowned for its aromatic white wines and unique Franco-German heritage. Sheltered by the Vosges Mountains, the region benefits from a dry, sunny climate that enhances grape ripening and preserves acidity. Alsace is best known for its exceptional Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, often produced in a rich, expressive style with a strong sense of terroir. While traditionally a white wine stronghold, red wines—particularly Pinot Noir—are becoming increasingly important, offering fantastic alternatives to red Burgundy. The region's wines are classified under Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d’Alsace AOC for its sparkling wines. With a strong focus on single-varietal expressions and minimal intervention winemaking, Alsace produces some of the world’s most distinctive and age-worthy wines.
