Hugel et Fils Riesling Blend Alsace AOC The Wine Society's Vin D'Alsace 2004

Winemaker's Notes:

2004 VINTAGE: The years go by, but each is different from the last. After a 2003 vintage that was one of the earliest ever recorded, but with greatly reduced volumes and low acidity, 2004 was a much more "normal" vintage. The grapes were remarkably healthy to begin with, levels of acidity were excellent, and a comfortable volume was forecast. After a generally damp summer, exceptionally fine weather in September sealed the destiny of this vintage, before conditions deteriorated from mid-October onwards. A vintage without late-harvest VT or SGN wines for us, but with fine, classic wines of great aromatic purity. VINIFICATION: Classic "Hugel" wines are made exclusively from grapes purchased from winegrowers under long-term contract, in a dozen of the most favoured localities in and around Riquewihr. The grapes are taken in small tubs to the presses, which are filled by gravity, without any pumping or other mechanical intervention. After pressing, the must is decanted for a few hours, then fermented in temperature-controlled barrels or vats (at 18 to 24°C). The wine is racked just once, before natural clarification during the course of the winter. The following spring, the wine is lightly filtered just before bottling, and the bottles are then aged in our cellars until released for sale. TASTING NOTES: (by Serge Dubs, World's Best Sommelier 1989) What an attractive colour, very bright, with magnificent pistachio-green reflections. The bouquet quickly awakens and quickens the senses; it is lively with just a touch of that arrogance that is so characteristic of the Riesling variety when it is so full of youthful and carefree confidence. Very fruity and floral, frank and expressive, without too much concentration, it is agreeably elegant on the palate, an ideal example of a pure dry Riesling, clean, focused and true to the fresh and lively temperament of this grape. It finishes dry, fruity, fragrant yet refreshing and easy to enjoy. This is a wine to drink now, to fully appreciate its freshness and youth, a style of wine that one would like to see more often, and the 2004 vintage is the perfect illustration. Enjoy it at 8°C with fish (smoked, poached, meunière or with cream) and to start a meal. It will age well for 3 to 4 years. 16 May 2005