Even though I regularly drink wines from Alsace, I recently realized it has been way too long since I enjoyed an Alsatian Pinot Gris. I decided to change that so I uncorked a bottle of 2012 Famille Hugel Pinot Gris. Hugel was founded in 1639 and is run by the 12th consecutive generation of the family. The Famille Hugel Pinot Gris is 100% hand-picked Pinot Gris fermented with native yeasts. Hugel aimed to allow the purest expression of the grapes and I think they did a great job of letting the fruit shine through.
Famille Hugel Pinot Gris opens with aromas of ripe pineapple, apricot, and hazelnut. The full-bodied wine has a rich mouthfeel with tastes of ripe pear, tangerine, and lemon zest. There is also healthy acidity that brings balance and brightness to the palate. Intense yet fresh and pure. This is a really nice Pinot Gris for a very reasonable price! ($20, 14% alcohol)
*media sample
