Chardonnay Clos Windsbuhl 2022
Trade Tools
France / Alsace
Some vintages, when the Chardonnay grapes from the Clos Windsbuhl show excellent ripeness and perfect health, we decide to put aside a small amount, usually from the middle part of the vineyard and vinify it in small barrels (demi-muids of 500 litres). There is no new oak at all in this wine, but the smaller vessel brings a different texture to the wine. The fermentation is very slow, so the lees influence is also quite strong. Chardonnay is aften perceived as a grape variety producing a softer style of wine. This is not the case on the Clos Windsbuhl. The later ripening climate associated with the limestone soil allows for a great acidity and ripeness combination, even in warm vintages like 2022.
Harvest Note
2022 avoided the severe frost conditions of the prior year and the vines grew rapidly in the Spring months. The dry and hot conditions kept disease to a minimum but adversely affected flowering and caused a significant reduction in the overall crop size. A few late storms brought needed moisture but also some isolated hail damage. Harvest occured from August 22 to September 20 according to each vineyard's situation.
Tasting Note
Clear pale-yellow colour. Precise open nose of lime, white fruits, honey. Very attractive at this early stage. The small barrel maturation also brings some classic nutty/toasty aromas. The mouthfeel is velvety and has great depth. Nice length, dry finish with a saline bitterness. Quite impressive wine on the palate with a strong vineyard influence.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Chardonnay 100%
APPELLATION: Vin de France
PH: 3.14
ACIDITY: 4.3 g/l
ABV: 12.95%
AGING: 12 months in 500 litre casks
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 1.4 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Certified Organic and Biodynamic
- Uniquely creative white wine produced in contravention of the region regulations
- Very small quantities positioned under the radar in one key market
- Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht M.W., Winemaker
