Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Chardonnay 2018 Alsace, France

The Zind is classified as Vin de France (table wine) because it contains about 70% Chardonnay, blended with Auxerrois, which is not an allowed grape in AOP Alsace. My father Leonard Humbrecht chose to plant this grape on the coolest part of the Clos Windsbuhl, nearing the forest, because it has the ability to keep great structure and acidity, enhanced by the rocky limestone soil.

A small amount of Auxerrois allows to create the perfect balance. Windsbuhl produces elegant style wines, mostly characterized by a lacy and acidity driven structure. In 2018, these grapes performed superbly and made a wine that became dry after a very long fermentation, another characteristic from this vineyard.

In 1989, when we had to decide on the plantation of the south side of the Clos, nearest to the forest, we opted for the Chardonnay grape, with the clear intention to produce a still wine, blending it with Auxerrois grape also located near the Clos. The cooler climate and rocky limestone, rich in magnesium (the Windsbuhl limestone is of the dolomitic type) felt ideal for Chardonnay.

We were also looking for higher acidity, in a global warming context, and we met eventually all our expectations. Sadly, the Chardonnay is only allowed for sparkling wines in Alsace, hence the presentation as Vin de Table.