By Jamie Drummond
Olivier Humbrecht holding court at Splendido restaurant
A few months ago Alsatian Winemaker Olivier Humbrecht of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was in town to present a range of his wines to a select group of Sommeliers at Toronto’s Splendido restaurant in advance of their October Classics Catalogue release. Before this delicious luncheon Olivier sat down with Good Food Revolution for what was originally going to be a short chat and a quick tasting. This “chat” ended up lasting a little longer than first anticipated, running almost 35 minutes! In keeping with the respect we have for Olivier and his wines we have chosen to present this interview in its full uncut glory.
Wines available through LCBO Classics Catalogue:
2007 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Calcaire Pinot Gris Alsace France Classics Catalogue # 190413 $35
One of the best values in the Humbrecht range and something that many will be surprised to hear will age for a good decade. Alsace can exhibit great value when it comes to wines for laying down, and this wine proves that. Makes a great gift for that very reason. Stone fruits dominate on the nose. Delicious crisp acidity. The antithesis of mass produced Pinot Grigio.
2007 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Herrenweg de Turkheim Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive Alsace France Classics Catalogue # 182774 $32 (375ml)
A great little gem of a late-harvest Pinot Gris here. Intense, dense, and wonderfully spicy. Again this could age for one hell of a long time. I’m willing to bet almost 40 years or so. Despite the amazing extract displayed by this wine, the acidity stages the fruit excellently, showing us the true meaning of balance with each sip. I’ll be proudly pouring this alongside a cheese platter a few decades into the future!
2007 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Turkheim Gewurztraminer Alsace France Classics Catalogue # 199356 $37
Classic notes of lychee rub shoulders with a fascinating ripe cheese and spice profile. Humbrecht’s trademark minerality lifts and defines the wine, making for an impressive mouthful of Alsace.
2007 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Brand Riesling Alsace France Classics Catalogue # 182758 $69
A delicious example of what is possible with Riesling in Alsace. Structured and well-defined with glorious minerality. There is something other-worldly about this wine, something that lifts it well above the crowd… I’m guessing that A cellar dweller for sure, as it does need some time to show at its best.
Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… and he really has to brush up on his French pronunciation.
This video is made possible through the kind support of Fortessa Canada/Schott Zwiesel
