2022 Hugel & Fils Gewurztraminer, Alsace

The 2022 Gewurztraminer Classic is very clear, fresh and precise on the pure and even coolish nose, although it comes from a super sunny and warm year. Peach, stones and in a rather discreet way also classical Gewürztraminer aromas on the nose lead to a round, lush and fresh, very elegant and balanced wine with a very long and salivating, even tensioned finish. It's quite complex and tastes dry, even though there are 12 grams of well-hidden residual sugar. 14.5% stated alcohol. Diam cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2024.

As always, the Hugel tasting with Jean Frédéric Hugel includes a range of vintages, with the 2022 being the youngest and the 2014, 2016 and sweet 2015 the oldest. The 2014 Schoelhammer from Schoenenbourg, which is not marketed as grand cru, is an outstanding Riesling from the vintage and even surpasses the estate's own still-very-superb grand cru Schoenenbourg, of which the 2014 and 2016 vintages are available for purchase. The 2016 Sporen is once again a great Gewürztraminer, and the generic Vendange Tardive also shows once more that Hugel is one of the best producers of this variety in Alsace. The same applies to the 2016 Pinot Gris, particularly from the Clos du Pflostig and the grand cru Sporen. Hugel is also contributing to the rapid upswing of the Alsace Pinot Noir, because the 2016 Clos du Pflostig is remarkably fine and elegant but also intense and has an irresistible umami flavor.

90+ points Stephan Reinhardt robertparker.com

Hugel & Fils Gewurztraminer from Alsace is a benchmark expression of this intensely aromatic variety, crafted by winemaker Jean-Frédéric Hugel. As one of Alsace’s most historic and respected family-run estates, Hugel & Fils has been producing wines since 1639, with a focus on purity, balance, and terroir-driven expression. Their Gewurztraminer is sourced from prime vineyards across Alsace, where the region’s limestone and marl soils contribute to the wine’s complexity, richness, and age-worthiness.

Golden in color with a radiant hue, this Gewurztraminer bursts with exotic aromas of lychee, rose petal, and jasmine, layered with notes of ripe peach, citrus zest, and a touch of honeyed spice. The palate is full-bodied and silky, offering flavors of tropical fruit, candied ginger, and orange blossom, supported by a fine mineral backbone and a long, lingering finish with hints of white pepper and floral undertones.

This wine pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, aromatic Indian curries, and rich, creamy cheeses like Munster and Époisses. It also complements roasted duck with an orange glaze and fruit-based desserts. While delicious upon release, this Gewurztraminer has the structure to develop further complexity over the next 8–12 years, revealing deeper honeyed and nutty nuances.

Hugel & Fils, under the guidance of Jean-Frédéric Hugel, continues to set the standard for Alsace wines, with this Gewurztraminer offering a perfect balance of opulence, freshness, and regional authenticity.