Hugel Classic Riesling

Top quality from an iconic winery from Alsace

Wow, what a fresh start! Lively aromas of flowers, citrus, and apple come together in perfect harmony, while the vibrant acidity immediately sharpens your taste buds. The Hugel Classic Riesling is pure delight in a bottle – 100% Riesling from the fairytale Alsace-area. Be sure to also try the Gentil blend van Hugel!

This grape demands a lot of attention and is complex, but that is precisely what makes it unique. Riesling reaches its peak on the steep slopes of Alsace. Dry, grassy, ​​and elegant – entirely typical of this region. And do you see those famous yellow labels? A true Alsatian tradition. For lovers of dry white wine with character, this is an absolute must-try!

The taste of this refined Riesling

Citrus and apple predominate, with subtle floral nuances in the background. The wine is light-footed yet rich in aromas, with a finesse characteristic of the best Alsatian wines. The minerality of the clay-limestone soils around Riquewihr and south of Colmar is clearly discernible.

The finish is tight and long-lasting, with a lively tension that makes the Hugel Classic Riesling so energetic. This wine is completely dry, without oak aging or residual sugars – pure grape expression. It pairs well with both Western and Eastern dishes. Perfect to combine with:

• Asian dishes with ginger and coriander
• Fresh fish such as halibut or sea bass
• Sushi and Thai curries
• Shellfish and oysters
• Fresh goat and sheep cheeses
• Light vegetarian dishes

The story of the legendary familie Hugel

For over 380 years and 13 generations, Hugel has been synonymous with top quality in Alsace. The family business was founded in 1639 by Hans Ulrich Hugel in Riquewihr. His initials still adorn the family coat of arms. Today, the family owns 30 hectares of vineyards on the best terroirs of Riquewihr, largely with Grand Cru status.

The vineyards are planted exclusively with noble grape varieties and have vines averaging 35 years old. Hugel produces approximately 60,000 cases of wine per year, 90% of which is exported to more than 100 countries. The family is part of Primum Familiae Vini, an exclusive alliance of the world's most prestigious wine families.

Craftsmanship in centuries-old cellars

Vinification takes place in their own cellars, situated beneath 16th-century buildings in the heart of Riquewihr. Hugel adheres to the Golden Rule: quality begins in the vineyard. Therefore, grapes are harvested exclusively by hand and carefully transported in small crates to remain perfectly intact. Pressing is performed by gravity, without pumps or manipulation.

After a few hours of natural clarification, the musts are transferred to wooden vats or stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Thanks to temperature control between 18 and 24 °C, the aromas are optimally preserved. In winter, the wine clarifies naturally, without artificial intervention. Light filtration follows before bottling in the spring, after which further aging takes place in the cellars.

A special vintage

This vintage was characterized by drought, resulting in healthy grapes of exceptional quality. From April 18 to July 23, there was almost no rain following a cold and late spring. Because there were no heatwaves, the year remained dry but not hot – ideal for Alsace. The harvest started on September 18 and proceeded without a single drop of rain.

The low yields, particularly for the Riesling, resulted in high concentration and intensity. This makes this vintage one of the memorable years at Hugel.

Alsatian tradition meets modern precision

In the historic cellars lie enormous oak barrels, some of which are older than a century. The most famous barrel, the “S. Caterine” from 1715, is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest still active wine barrel. Moreover, the Hugel family were pioneers of the late harvest in Alsace: Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles.

They were the ones who drew up the official production rules – the strictest in all AOCs. Alsace has had a flourishing wine culture for over 2,000 years. Thanks to the dry climate – the region is the second driest in France – grapes ripen slowly here and develop intense aromas.