Gentil HUGEL 2012

Our only wine that is a blend of several varieties. The perfect introduction to Alsace wines. A wine that is almost universal as it is suited to great number of occasions.

Presentation

Quick View
This wine revives an ancient Alsace tradition that wines assembled from noble grape varieties were called "Gentil". Gentil "Hugel" allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of Sylvaner.
The vintage
12 days of bitter cold in February (-18°C), budburst early April, flowering spread over 3 weeks.
Damp early summer but superb August. Harvest began on 24 September. Superb grapes.
Patchy weather during part of the harvest then fine sunny intervals.
Fine well-balanced classic wines, similar to 2011 but richer and with more depth, yet already accessible.
Hugel did not make any SGN in 2012.
In the vineyard
A kaleidoscope of grapiness, produced exclusively from hand harvested grapes in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards, from a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. A cool and long growing season give this unique dry wine great finesse and unequalled drinkability.
Winemaking
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.
The whole production of this wine is closed with DIAM the cork without the risk of cork taint.
Presentation
Photos of bottles and labels, 3 definitions, max 300dpi
Varietals
Sylvaner & Pinot Blanc : 41%
Pinot gris : 23%
Riesling : 20%
Gewürztraminer : 14%
Muscat : 2%
Specifications
Alcohol content : : 12.8° % vol.
Residual Sugar : : 1,3 g/l
Tartaric acidity : : 6,11 g/l
pH : : 3.23
Age of vines : : 25 years old
Yield : : 65 hl/ha hL/ha

Advice

Video
Tasting notes by Serge Dubs, World's Best Sommelier 1989
Very bright young pale green colour with silvery hints, fresh and lively, it clings quite tightly to the glass.

Frank, open and crisply aromatic, it has blossomy floral tones (rose, jasmine, may, linden, acacia, almond), with fruit (white peach, pear, bitter orange) and spice (citron, cardamom, liquorice). Its bouquet is fresh, young and deeply fragrant.

Discreetly elegant and dry, with nice body and length, lightly opulent, its finish is crisply scented and aromatic.

Enjoy this wine young, for its frank, aromatic bouquet, reflecting the diversity of each Alsace grape variety.

Serve chilled at 8°C as an aperitif, with appetisers, tapas or fish: fresh, marinated, grilled or sushi, with tempura, lightly spicy dishes, Indian, Indonesian or Mexican. Try it too with paella, with lobster or crayfish "au gratin", with Munster cheese, or with oven-roasted game birds.

Reviews

Double thumbs up for the 2009 !
"Gary Vaynerchuk continues his travel through Norway with more well-priced wines, an interesting white blend from Alsace" [+]
, -
50 Wines You Can Always Trust
"Here are our picks for the most reliable, most readily available wines in the world - 50 wines that won't let you down.
This venerable Alsace producer makes a wide range of white wines, yet its best-known wine is also its most affordable.
" [+]

, -
"If you are looking for a wine that encapsulates Alsace, it is Gentil. It is Hugel's most accessible wine by price and quality. Hugel calls it "the perfect introduction to Alsace". It is a blend of the six classic varieties, sylvaner and pinot blanc being more dominant.

Crisp green apple, floral and citrus notes on the nose. Medium body with refreshing acidity and a clean finish. An approachable, easy to drink style. Perfect on its own, but will pair well with seafood-based dishes from sushi to steamed fish.
" [+]

, -

Find our wines

SAQ au Québec
Disponible avec un habillage légèrement différent dans la plupart des succursales de la Société des Alcools du Québec
› Voir le site