Hugel Et Fils – Riesling Grossi Laüe 2010 – Alsace

Very bright colour, straw-light, approaching light golden. The nose is very pure, quite precise. To me this is just-about-barely ripe stone fruit, no over-ripeness, just finely ripe grapes. With hints of white peach, yellow plum, some apricot. On top of that a lot of zesty and spicy notes. I think a little bit like Asian spices, lemongrass and ginger that gives a zest to it all. Really good bite on the palate. I really like this freshness. This is a wine I feel it is once again, we talk about ripe grapes, high degree of ripeness, but it is vinified into complete dryness. Even if there is a slight hint of fruity sweetness. Most people would approach this as dry, otherwise, I think that slight balance of sugar can be very user-friendly particularly with spicy Asian style food. Anyhow back to the taste. I really like it, it is has a broad texture. It is quite bold. With abundant stone fruit on the palate. But the acidity is really there all along. Really bright and poised. Long pure and lingering finish. I think really a fine example that can combine quite exuberant fruit with a strict dryness. A positive austerity I would say.

Tasted by the Best Sommelier of the World, Andreas Larsson.