Hugel, Alsace AOC Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles

About Hugel

Founded in 1639 in the historic town of Riquewihr in Alsace, France, Hugel is one of the oldest family-owned wine producers in the region. For over twelve generations, the Hugel family has been dedicated to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir and traditions of Alsace. The family’s deep-rooted connection to the region is evident in their unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity, values that have been passed down through the centuries.

The Hugel vineyards span over 30 hectares, primarily located on the best slopes surrounding Riquewihr, with a focus on sustainable viticulture. The soils in this area, composed of clay, limestone, and marl, provide an ideal environment for the classic Alsatian grape varieties such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and Pinot Noir. Hugel also sources grapes from local growers who share their philosophy and commitment to excellence, further ensuring the consistency and character of their wines.

Hugel is particularly known for its mastery of white wines, especially Riesling and Gewurztraminer, which showcase the purity, minerality, and aromatic intensity typical of Alsace. The family has played a significant role in shaping the identity of Alsace wines, advocating for strict quality standards and the preservation of traditional winemaking methods. Their approach combines respect for the past with a forward-looking perspective, embracing innovation when it enhances the expression of terroir.

One of Hugel’s most significant contributions to the wine world is their role in establishing the Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles classifications for late-harvest and botrytized wines in Alsace. These categories, which recognize the region’s potential for producing complex, age-worthy sweet wines, owe much to the family’s advocacy and expertise. Hugel’s late-harvest wines are celebrated for their balance, depth, and longevity, standing as benchmarks for the style.

The Hugel cellars, some of which date back to the 16th century, provide an atmospheric setting for the slow maturation of their wines. The family’s philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the grapes and terroir to speak for themselves. Fermentation takes place in traditional oak foudres as well as modern stainless steel tanks, with careful temperature control and attention to detail at every stage of production.

Today, the Hugel estate is managed by the twelfth and thirteenth generations of the family, who continue to uphold the values and vision established by their ancestors. Their wines are distributed in over 100 countries, recognized for their precision, elegance, and ability to age gracefully. The iconic yellow label that adorns each bottle has become a symbol of Alsace’s viticultural heritage.

Visitors to Riquewihr can experience the Hugel legacy firsthand at their welcoming tasting room, set amidst the picturesque cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of the medieval town. Whether enjoyed young or cellared for decades, Hugel wines offer a true taste of Alsace, shaped by centuries of family tradition and an enduring passion for excellence.