Gentil Hugel Alsace is an interesting pale, lemony green in color in the glass. On the nose, aromas of stone fruit– yellow peach and apricot– are complemented by a veritable bouquet of floral notes– rose, acacia, and jasmine. Spicy cardamom also enters into the mix courtesy of the Gewurztraminer. The palate is rewarded with a dry, light-bodied, fresh, and refreshing quaff. The “Hugel” blend is nicely balanced between a lively acidity and a bit of sweetness found on the finish. The Alsace region is generally sunny and warm, with relatively low rainfall, and is protected from the Atlantic by the Vosges mountain range. The grapes from this particular harvest endured a harsh winter and a very cool summer without any rain from bud to harvest. Which is very good! Stressed out grapes are tasty, concentrated grapes (let’s keep making sugar to ensure our survival!).
Gentil Hugel Alsace
The limestone and clay soils of the Alsace provide the minerally structure on which the fruit and flowers hang. “Gentil” indeed, but with a good stony backbone. This designation refers to an ancient Alsace tradition of requiring that at least half of the blend be made from the “noble grapes” of the Alsace AOP (Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris). Each grape variety brings its own personality to the party: spice from the Gewurtz, body from the Pinot Gris, “grapiness” from the Muscat, and a fine finesse from the suave Riesling. The Hugel squeaks by being 52% noble, the remainder of the blend is the local Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc. Something for everyone and for nearly every dish. A good party or concert wine, as it is as easy to serve as it is to drink. This wine pairs beautifully (and economically) with Greg’s citrus spiced peel and eat shrimp.
Ken Eskenazi
Pairs With Peel and Eat Shrimp
Price $12
Also pairs well with appetizers, fish, spicy Asian, Indian, or Mexican food, sushi, sauerkraut, charcuterie, and heavy cheese
- Category White Wine
- Varietal Gewurztraminer
- Region Alsace France
