Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

One of Alsace's oldest winegrowing lineages

Although the Zind-Humbrecht estate only really came into being some sixty years ago, its roots go back to the 17th century. The Humbrecht family has been working the vines since 1620, and several generations followed before Léonard Humbrecht took over. Following his marriage to Geneviève Zind, the two family businesses merged: the Zind-Humbrecht estate was born.

At a time when Alsace wines were less popular than those from other vineyards, Léonard multiplied his initiatives and experiments to raise the quality and renown of his wines. He was instrumental in the INAO's recognition in 1975 of the AOC Alsace Grand Cru, to which 51 lieux-dits can now lay claim.

Wine-making adventures and experiences

In the cellars, Léonard Humbrecht imported innovative and often contested techniques to Alsace: thermoregulation and longer fermentations in oak barrels, more delicate pressing, longer ageing on lees, the banning of chaptalization and fining in favor of the use of gravity... In the vineyard, the estate is just as much a figure of innovation.

A pope of biodynamics

The vineyard is spread over ten terroirs. Totaling 40ha, the presence of very different soils explains the choice of grape varieties planted: the match between the vine and its environment is paramount. On this basis, successive generations have been keen to try out new viticultural techniques, always in tune with nature. As a result, since 1998, the estate has held the organic label and has embarked on its conversion to biodynamic viticulture, which was completed and recognized four years later by Biodyvin.

If you tend to think of Marcel Deiss rather than Zind-Humbrecht when you think of biodynamics in Alsace... you shouldn't! Deiss was one of the first in the region to introduce biodynamic principles, at the same time as Ehrhart and Josmeyer, for example. Olivier Humbrecht, current manager of the family estate, is also a resident of the SIVCBD union, which brings together over 175 estates and issues the Biodyvin label.

Grand Vins d'Alsace

In reconnecting with Nature, the estate has also moved closer to quality. The lower yields and efforts made in the vineyard and cellar are reflected in the glass, producing great wines. In fact, the domaine offers 5 different Grands Crus in its range, made from the local noble grape varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer... As you stroll through the vineyards, you may also come across one of the region's aliens: Chardonnay, which, as in Champagne or Chablis, expresses itself on very fresh, mineral notes. Yet further proof that with a great deal of attention, hard work and listening to the vines, the results can be exceptional... even when you're outside the confines of the appellation!