n 1989, a few years after acquiring the Clos Windsbuhl in Hunawihr, some of the vines had to be removed due to incorrect rootstocks and clonal selection. Part of the vineyard's southern exposure lies close to the imposing Vosges forest, causing it to fall into shadow earlier than most other sites. To adapt, early-ripening grape varieties were chosen, with Chardonnay proving to be an ideal match for the rocky limestone soil. Muschelkalk, a calcareous soil rich in ancient seashell deposits, is similar to that found in Burgundy, making it well-suited for this variety. Interestingly, no verification was made at the time regarding whether Chardonnay was permitted for still wine production in Alsace—had it been checked, the decision to plant it might have been reconsidered. However, the variety has thrived in this vineyard, capturing the unique character of Clos Windsbuhl while maintaining elegance and structure. The Zind is vinified in large traditional oak foudres and remains on full lees until bottling.
