In 2023, the small Riesling harvest in the Herrenweg area of Turckheim—primarily due to coulure during flowering and a prolonged dry spell in summer—necessitated blending Riesling Turckheim with the Roche Roulée cuvée, resulting in a single wine. As a result, the average vine age is significantly higher than 36 years. Unlike the limestone or granite hills, the gravelly soils of Turckheim would have benefited from increased rainfall throughout the summer. Despite a strong and fertile budbreak, the small berry size led to a considerable reduction in yield for this cuvée. However, this also contributed to the vintage’s ripe aromatic potential, as harvest was delayed longer than initially expected. Excellent vine health and optimal maturity allowed for a relatively fast fermentation, producing a fully dry wine with ease.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 'Turckheim' Riesling 2023
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.
