Zind-Humbrecht - Muscat Grand Cru Goldert 2016

For three decades, this estate—a model of Alsatian winemaking—has told the story of the Humbrecht family. Léonard, the founder, was a visionary who acquired the region’s finest terroirs, including the famous Rangen. Olivier, his son, brilliantly introduced the principles of biodynamics as early as the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who joined the estate during the very challenging 2021 vintage, is continuing their legacy, particularly with the latest acquisitions on the Sommerberg.

The 2016 Alsace Grand Cru Goldert Muscat is made from 90% Muscat d'Alsace and 10% Ottonel. Fermented like Rieslings—for one year, with an alcohol content of 12% and less than two grams of residual sugar—the 2016 offers a very clean, deep, and refined bouquet with delicate, refreshing mineral, floral, and herbaceous notes (cilantro, parsley). On the palate, it is a very refined, elegant, complex, and persistent Muscat, with a very long, salty, stimulating, and captivating finish. Beautiful bitter notes in the aftertaste make this Goldert an excellent wine for pairing with food.

An tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht—the first Frenchman to earn the Master of Wine designation—has long understood the importance of work in the vineyard. He converted the estate to biodynamic farming in 1999 and is one of its leading advocates, serving as president of the Biodyvin label. This approach to viticulture has allowed him to avoid botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now exhibit a decidedly dry style, while the large casks age them several meters underground. Like all great Alsatian wines, they reach their full potential after a few years or decades of aging. The Clos Windsbuhl is a must-try, and the Rangen de Thann really comes into its own with age. Pierre-Emile, Olivier’s son, has just joined the estate. The excellence of this production, respected by all, has earned this iconic estate a place in the pantheon of our guide with a fourth star.