The Alsace cooperative, Cave de Hunawihr was founded in 1954 to help re-establish winemaking traditions in a region greatly affected by World War Two. The results have been overwhelmingly positive and Hunawihr now comprises 110 members. The cooperative has a newly renovated, modern winery and comprises 200 hectares of vineyards. 80% of these vines are in Hunawihr, with the remaining 20% in the neighbouring communes, Riquewihr and Zellenberg. They also have 13 hectares in Grand Cru holdings, including Rosacker, Froehn, Sporen, Schoenenbourg and Osterberg.
The Cave de Hunawihr winemaking philosophy is centred on showcasing varietal typicity through cool ferments in stainless steel and no oak influence. As a result, the final wines are fresh, dry and aromatic, with excellent balancing acidity.
Vineyards
Sheltered by the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace wine region has a semi-continental climate which stays sunny and dry throughout the growing season, which extends the ripening period for the grapes. The slopes surrounding Hunawihr, a picturesque village of half-timbered houses and a 14th century church, are some of the most celebrated in Alsace for grape-growing. Cave de Hunawihr’s fruit is sourced from 25 year-old vines grown in vineyards, located at 250-320 metres altitude, which run along the south and south-east facing hillside slopes around the village. The vineyards cover an area of 36 hectares, located on a geological fault line across Ribeauville, which gives soils composed of clay limestone and marl with overlying chalk gravel.
Vinification
Each parcel was individually selected to ensure the best quality for this Reserve wine. Fermentation took place at temperatures of 16-18°C for three weeks with local yeasts. The wine was then aged on its fine lees in stainless-steel tanks for three months before careful filtration. Malolactic fermentation was not allowed to take place.
Tasting Notes
The wine is a beautiful pale yellow in colour. The nose is elegant with pronounced aromas of lime, grapefruit and pear. A mouthwatering acidity on the palate carries the bright fruit aromas onto the lingering finish.
This is a versitile wine and is at home with European pork or chicken dishes as it is with East Asian cuisine.
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