Gentil 2018
Famille Hugel
A kaleidoscope of grapiness, produced exclusively from hand harvested grapes in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards, from a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. Gentil “Hugel” allies the suave, spicy flavor of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of both Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner.
Terroir: The grapes used to produce Hugels “Classic” wines come exclusively from estate owned vineyards or from growers under long term contract surrounding the village of Riquewihr.
Vinification: Hugel Gentil is a traditional Alsace blend of varying amounts of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat and Sylvaner. Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled vats followed by natural clarification in neutral vessels over the winter. The wine is lightly fined and gently filtered prior to bottling in the spring.
Beginning with the 2009 vintage, Gentil is bottled exclusively with the DIAM closure to avoid any risk of cork taint.
From The Wine Advocate “You start into the Hugel world with the Gentil Hugel, a dry white assemblage of all noble Alsatian grape varieties except of Pinot Noir. The wine “revives an ancient Alsace tradition whereby a wine assembled from a range of noble grapes was called ‘Gentil.'” The Hugels communicate and further: “Perfectly dry, our Gentil brings together the elegance of Riesling, the richness of Pinot Gris, the fruit-driven aromas of Gewurztraminer and Muscat, and the freshness of Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner.”
Additional Information
“Gentil has become a joyous, convivial wine whose arrival the Hugel family always awaits with impatience in the spring following each vintage. Gentil shows pure, fresh aromas, very fruit-driven and floral, as well as expressive and flattering. On the palate, this dry wine has a lively, youthful fresh character that is refreshing, with a pleasant, scented finish. Gentil is a perfect wine to sip with friends or to enjoy with simple everyday meals. Gentil is best enjoyed chilled with saltwater and freshwater fish, shellfish, starters and hors d’oeuvres.” -Etienne Hugel
Technical Details
- Appellation: Alsace
- Winemaker: Marc Hugel
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Soil: Clay, Limestone
- Avg Vine Age: 25 years
- Yield: 65 hl/ha
- Alcohol: 13%
- Ttl Acidity: 6.03 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 4.5 g/l
- Pack Size: 12/750ml, 3/1.5L
- Varietals: 50% Sylvaner & Pinot Blanc, 15% Gewurztraminer, 22% Pinot Gris, 7% Riesling, 6% Muscat
Recent Press
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Score: 89 Points
Wine Enthusiast Author: Anne Krebiehl
Date: Friday, May 1, 2020"Slight notes of ripe yellow pear appear shyly on the nose of this wine. The palate comes in with freshness supported by very slight spritz. Lemony brightness dominates the dry finish of this slender wine." -
Score: 90 Points
JamesSuckling.com Author: James Suckling
Date: Monday, August 12, 2019"A very clean and citrusy white that shows green apples and lemons. Medium-bodied and very dry, this is sleek, tangy and fruity on the finish. Drink now."
