Viniou Reviews
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht’s 2016 Cuvée Goldert Grand Cru is a remarkable white wine from Alsace, crafted with meticulous precision and respect for both terroir and tradition. This cuvée hails from the revered Goldert Grand Cru vineyard, renowned for its marl-limestone soils which impart a distinctive minerality and depth to the wine. The exact grape variety is not specified, but considering Goldert’s historical prominence for Gewurztraminer and Muscat, it is likely one of these expressive Alsatian varietals, or possibly Riesling. The 2016 vintage was marked by favourable weather, yielding grapes of balanced ripeness and vibrant acidity. Biodynamic certification reflects the estate’s commitment to working in harmony with nature, enhancing both the vitality and purity of the wine. Vinification at Zind-Humbrecht is traditional yet precise: gentle pressing, slow fermentation with native yeasts, and prolonged ageing on fine lees contribute to the complexity, depth, and longevity of this Grand Cru wine.
The Alsace region sits in the North-East of France, bordered by the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine river to the east. This unique positioning creates a cool, semi-continental climate with sunny, dry autumns, ideal for ripening aromatic white varieties while preserving acidity. The soils in Goldert are predominantly calcareous and clay-marl, which promote complexity and aromatic finesse in the wines. Alsace has a long viticultural history, shaped by both French and German influences, with Grand Cru status reserved for vineyards demonstrating the greatest potential for expressive, age-worthy wines.
This 2016 Grand Cru, with its aromatic richness and tense minerality, will pair beautifully with refined dishes. Think of Alsatian classics such as choucroute garnie, pairing perfectly with the wine’s intensity, or a terrine of foie gras, where the wine’s freshness and subtle spice provide harmony. It would also shine alongside seafood risotto, roasted poultry with herbs, or lightly spiced Asian cuisine, highlighting its aromatic complexity and intrinsic balance.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Decanting for half an hour can help the wine open up and reveal its intricate bouquet. Enjoy it in generously sized white wine glasses to fully appreciate its aromatic profile and persistence. This is a wine that will reward careful cellaring, with its structure promising further evolution over the next decade.
