White sweet
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal Sélection de Grains Nobles 2016 is an expressive, top-class example of Alsace sweet wines, born from the legendary Clos Jebsal Grand Cru terroir. This wine is a true symphony of biodynamic winemaking and exceptional natural conditions, perfectly revealing the full potential of the ‘Pinot Gris’ grape, when it naturally reaches a level of sweetness and concentration comparable to Sauternes.
The aromas intertwine notes of dried apricots, stewed peaches, honey, and silky nuances with subtle hints of spices, touches of saffron, and exotic floral accents. This aromatic palette stands out for its remarkable intensity and multi-layered complexity.
On the palate, the wine is complex and structured: sweet fruit tones are balanced by natural, vibrant acidity, which gives the wine harmony and a lively dynamic. The finish reveals concentrated dried fruit, gentle honey sweetness, citrus peel nuances, and subtle touches of mineral freshness, characteristic of the maritime influence and limestone soils of this Grand Cru site. The texture is smooth yet rich, with a long and persistent finish.
The origin of this wine is shaped by strict biodynamic winemaking principles. Grapes are harvested by hand, yields are deliberately limited, and full respect is given to natural processes in the vineyard. The vineyard holds the prestigious Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) designation. The berries are left to ripen for an extended period, allowing Botrytis cinerea to develop naturally and reach its optimal level. This provides not only sweetness but also exceptional aromatic depth. Fermentation takes place slowly using wild yeasts, preserving maximum authenticity and the true expression of the terroir character.
Serve at 10–12 °C. This wine pairs perfectly with foie gras and brioche, blue cheese platters, and crème brûlée.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is one of the most influential wine producers in Alsace, renowned for its precise expression of terroir and exceptionally high quality standards. The family’s winemaking traditions in Alsace date back to 1620, making this estate one of the oldest and most respected in the entire region.
Today, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht manages around 40 hectares of vineyards, more than 10 hectares of which belong to prestigious Grand Cru sites. The vineyards are located across various parts of Alsace, allowing the estate to work with a wide range of soils, microclimates, and vineyard exposures. This enables the production of highly precise, origin-driven wines from classic regional varieties: ‘Riesling’, ‘Gewürztraminer’, ‘Pinot Gris’, ‘Muscat’, and ‘Pinot Noir’.
In their pursuit of faithfully expressing local terroir, the winemakers of Zind-Humbrecht were among the first in Alsace to emphasize the importance of organic and biodynamic viticulture. The estate has held organic certification since 1997 and biodynamic certification since 2002. This philosophy is based on respect for nature, minimal intervention, and long-term work aimed at achieving natural balance in the vineyards.
Most vineyard work is carried out by hand, and constant attention ensures exceptionally high grape quality. Yields are deliberately kept low, so only perfectly ripe, concentrated, and balanced grapes reach the winery. In winemaking, the principles of minimal intervention are also applied: fermentations proceed slowly using natural wild yeasts, and wines are aged for extended periods – typically 12 to 24 months – until they reach full harmony.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht wines clearly reflect both the character of each vintage and the unique personality of individual vineyards. Thanks to consistent dedication and uncompromising standards, the estate is regarded as one of the leading ambassadors of Alsace winemaking worldwide, with wines recognized and highly praised by international critics.
