As a wine producing region, Alsace is both complicated and diverse. This is not least because, as much as the terroir, recent history has had quite an impact on the wines produced in this particular part of northeast France.
Etienne Hugel is the commercial director of Famille Hugel, one of the region’s top end producers. Staking his claim for a reassessment of Alsace’s output, he says: “Many people think it is a very simple region – just eight grape types and eight different kinds of wine. Actually, though, there is a greater diversity of Riesling in Alsace than there is of Chablis in Burgundy.
“Alsace is a mosaic of soils, with volcanic, slate, granite, schist and red sandstone all to be found. Around us in Riquewihr, on two fault lines, there is also marly soil – a clay and limestone mix, the result of centuries of sea deposits. In fact, the village has at least 10 different types of soil, within the space of just one and a half kilometres.”
The Hugel family can trace its history in Alsace back to 1639. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is also a member of the highly exclusive Primum Familiae Vini association. This body is limited to 12 winemaking families and includes such notable surnames as the Antinoris, the Rothschilds and the Symingtons.
Set close to the River Rhine, Alsace has long been the subject of historical territory disputes. Over the centuries, its ownership has regularly alternated between Germany and France. The region formally became part of France under the Peace of Westphalia, a series of treaties that brought the Thirty Years War to a final settlement. This, though, was not the end of the story.
Explaining the shifting sands that have shaped the region, Hugel says: “We were French from 1648 onwards, but then the Germans won the Franco-Prussian War. Alsace was the price France had to pay.
“Back in 1871, the name of the company was Hügel & Söhne, the brand during the German time. Then, in 1918, we were French again. During the Second World War, of course, we were back to being German.”
Alsace is home to a number of notable producers, including Maison Trimbach in Ribeauville, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Turckheim, and Marcel Deiss in Bergheim. All of them – including Hugel – make wines that, while being distinctively Alsacien, embody both French and Germanic elements.
Etienne Hugel’s father and uncle were both wartime conscripts in the German army. The memory of their experiences is fresh enough for the German aspects of the house to be seldom acknowledged. Hügel – meaning “hill” – is a German name. The absence of the umlaut from the family’s wine labels, though, is no accident.
Tellingly, there are no signatures in the estate visitor’s book from 1940 to 1945. Bluntly explaining this apparent omission, Hugel says: “Nobody was considered decent enough to be allowed to sign.” A further sign of the family’s allegiance can be found in the company’s files, where a thank you letter from Winston Churchill for a 12-bottle case of wine takes pride of place.
Jean Hugel, Etienne’s uncle, was a hugely influential figure in the development of Alsace as a wine region after the end of the World War II. It is no coincidence that it was only after his death that the family reintroduced a recognisably German element to the wine’s packaging.
On a recent visit to Hong Kong, Etienne Hugel was keen to introduce the marque’s new range of wines, the successors to its Jubilee Collection, launched in 1989 to celebrate the family’s 350th anniversary. This latest range rejoices under the title of Grossi Laüe “Great Growth” in the Alsacien dialect. The term might actually have been introduced earlier had Jean Hugel felt able to countenance an umlaut on a Hugel label.
Quoting Robert Parker’s description of the family’s 2010 Pinot Noir Grossi Laüe, Etienne Hugel said: “Grossi Laüe signifies the finest vineyards … and represents an equivalent to the German Grosses Gewächs or the Burgundian Grand Cru.
“This is a Pinot Noir with real minerality, profound and deep that every year comes closer to the quality of a Côte d’Or. It is a truly profound and complex red wine, one that is aged for eight to 10 months in partially-renewed oak barriques.”
While the wine certainly tasted more like a Burgundian Pinot Noir than a German Spätburgunder, there was a degree of strategy behind the inclusion of that symbolic umlaut. In truth, the family is looking to edge Alsace’s finest into the spotlight hogged by German wines since the beginning of the Riesling revival, a phenomenon particularly notable in the United States. Making this bid more explicit still, a superb 2010 Riesling Grossi Laüe was also among the wines Hugel sought to introduce to Asia’s more discerning wine drinkers.
Clearly making his pitch to such connoisseurs, Hugel said: “Riesling is back after 30 years of hell, but now it is dry Riesling. We, of course, believe that we know how to make these particular wines much better than the Germans do.”
As well as introducing Grossi Laüe, Hugel was in Hong Kong to highlight coming changes to the style and branding of all Hugel wines. The range now features redesigned labels and a number of new bottles. The occasion also marked the introduction of several new wines in the Famille Hugel range, wines principally derived from Muscat and Pinot Gris.
While Hugel’s wines are now distributed in Hong Kong and China by Summergate Fine Wines and Spirits, this does not mark their debut. Back in 1950, they were originally introduced by Jardine Matheson.
Looking back on the marque’s Asian connection, Hugel said: “In 65 years we have only had three importers working for us in Hong Kong. That tells you a lot. We’ve actually had the same importer in Thailand for 55 years, while we’ve only had two in Japan since 1950. Japan is now our third largest export market, something I think my grandfather might not entirely have approved of.”
The chief executive of the family firm is currently Jean Philippe, while the wines are made by Marc, his elder brother. Except for the United States, which comes under the auspices of his son, Jean Frederic, Etienne is the roving ambassador for the company’s wines. In this role, he has long had particular interest in Asia. His wife, Kaoru, after all, is Japanese and was formerly a sommelier at the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo .
Clearly emboldened as to the marque’s prospects across Asia, he said: “I believe my brother is responsible for the best wine my family has ever made. I also think we have the best distribution of any Alsace wine producer.
“Hugel is now the leading Alsace wine in every Asian country. That did not come about by itself. Japan was historically our biggest Asian market, while our wine have been sold in Hong Kong since 1950, as indeed they have in Singapore. We’re now the number one Alsace brand in every market in Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. We’ve also just visited Phnom Penh, so we will soon even have wines in Cambodia.
“All of this is the result of our real focus on Asia. You don’t have to be a genius when you are visiting Shanghai, Guangzhou or Shenzhen to see that Asia will be the centre of the world. You are all very lucky. Except, maybe, for the pollution, of course.”
While it certainly sounds impressive, the numbers associated with some of those countries may well not be very large. It could also be that, in some of them, Hugel is not only the leading Alsace brand, but also the only one. That aside, the wines certainly do suit Asian climates and cuisines.
Crisp and aromatic with ample depth and complexity, there is nothing in the Hugel range that wouldn’t be welcome on a hot summer’s day. When it comes to the dry Rieslings, they seem made for pairing with Cantonese dishes. Similarly, the spicier Gewürztraminers would stand up well with Sechuan or Thai cuisine, while the Pinot Noirs are a good alternative to classic red Burgundy and duck combinations.
In truth, you can’t go far wrong with anything in the Hugel Classic range. The very best introduction to the family’s wine – and indeed to those of Alsace in general – is the Hugel Gentil, a blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Sylvaner. Modestly acknowledging its quality, Etienne says: “We don’t make anything worse than this.” As an entry-level wine, the 2014 vintage sets the bar pretty high.
For many, though, the highpoint of the tasting was the Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive 2007 – luscious, elegant, perfumed and literally crying out to be paired with foie gras or Roquefort.
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist
with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some
targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.
If you know of any please share. Kudos! You can read similar art here:
Blankets
Whereas many people see the amber light as a sign that they should velocity as much as make it before the sunshine turns purple, it actually means you should prepare to stop.
Sugar Defender Official Website
Discovering Sugar Defender has actually been a game-changer for me, as I’ve always been vigilant about managing my blood
sugar level degrees. With this supplement, I
really feel equipped to take charge of my health and wellness,
and my most current medical exams have actually mirrored a substantial turnaround.
Having a credible ally in my corner provides me with a complacency and
confidence, and I’m deeply happy for the extensive
difference Sugar Defender has actually made in my
wellness.
sugar defender ingredients For many
years, I’ve fought unforeseeable blood glucose swings that
left me really feeling drained and inactive.
However because including Sugar my power levels are currently secure and constant, and I
no longer strike a wall in the afternoons.
I appreciate that it’s a mild, all-natural method that doesn’t come with any type
of undesirable side effects. It’s genuinely changed my daily life.
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Best wishes! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges. It was really informative. Your website is very useful. Many thanks for sharing.
bookmarked!!, I love your site.
That is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post.
The 1978-1979 Dodge Li’l Pink Truck did the standing quarter-mile in below 16 seconds, 0-a hundred mph in 20 seconds.
You’re so interesting! I don’t believe I have read anything like that before. So great to find somebody with original thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
Viviane Geppert (episodes 1-3) and Annemarie Carpendale (episode 4) had been the presenters of the present.
George Morgan was made an agent for Indian affairs within the Center Department in 1776, and commissioned on January 8, 1777, as colonel within the Continental Army through the American Revolutionary Conflict.
Darth Vader” of Russia: meet Igor Sechin, Putin’s right-hand man”.
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written much better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!
Your style is very unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this page.
This website truly has all the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
It’s hard to come by experienced people for this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
If you cannot afford the whole meeting, it’s an inspo to get the inexpensive individual items on Amazon and combine them yourself!
Very good blog post. I certainly love this website. Continue the good work!
And, these simple outfits will be created on a gypsy’s price range.
The organizer of the shoot, Amelie D Wedding, makes a speciality of navy weddings and proposed the shoot be on the Chateau Du Mouillat for its sober and shiny reception room, as well as its condominium related to the character of the old and the charm of the trendy.
It’s nearly impossible to find experienced people in this particular topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Later in 1979, Clarke grew to become a presenter on the BBC2 arts programme Mainstream and the BBC Radio four programme Kaleidescope, conducting interviews with figures including Brassaï, Andy Warhol, John Lennon, and Elisabeth Lutyens.
Very good information. Lucky me I came across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
A motivating discussion is worth comment. I believe that you need to publish more on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but typically folks don’t discuss such subjects. To the next! Cheers.
Today, Houston destination administration firms make the most of the chance to develop their actions to a wider vary of providers, the occasion, transportation planning.
Bless you for this data I has been hunting all Yahoo in order to discover it!
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Well written.
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something relating to this.
Hello just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
There are certainly plenty of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice level to deliver up. I offer the thoughts above as basic inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up the place the most important thing shall be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, however I am positive that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Both girls and boys really feel the affect of just a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
This is the perfect website for anybody who wants to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for many years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.
Hello, I think your site may be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, excellent blog.
auto insurance is indeed very important, insurance can protect your property;
Can I simply say what a relief to uncover someone that genuinely knows what they’re discussing on the web. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people must check this out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you certainly have the gift.
Very good post. I will be going through some of these issues as well..
If you are viewing come up with alter in most of the living, starting point generally L . a . Weight reduction cutting down on calories platform are a wide stair as part of your attaining that most agenda. weight loss
So informative things are provided here,I really happy to read this post,I was just imagine about it and you provided me the correct information I really bookmark it,for further .
I am not afraid to find this but this is just insane.
very good post, i undoubtedly really like this site, keep on it
I entirely agree with the previous comment, the net is certainly with out a doubt growing into the main kind of communication worldwide and it is credited to sites such as this that thoughts are spreading so speedily.
After looking into a handful of the articles on your web site, I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and tell me what you think.
Excellent web site. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your effort!
This internet site can be a walk-through it really is the internet it suited you about it and didn’t know who to question. Glimpse here, and you’ll certainly discover it.
oh well, online promotion also takes a lot of work just like offline promotion of products and services“
plumbing can really be a hardwork specially if you are not very skillfull in doing home plumbing.,
It’s hard to find well-informed people for this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
my college books are mostly coming from amazon and i laso have some college books that were bought on ebay`
Hello! Wonderful post! Please when I could see a follow up!
I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any recommendations?
The ending, for me, was very unsatisfying, and there was no emotional payoff from the subplot involving Roy’s past, just an ineffective punch line.
Hey, nice post, really well written. You should write more about this. [Reply]
What would be your next topic next week on your blog.*:*’-
I love it whenever people come together and share views. Great site, continue the good work!
I discovered your blog web site on google and check a few of your early posts. Proceed to keep up the excellent operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for ahead to studying extra from you later on!…
There are certainly a great deal of details that adheres to that to take into consideration. That is the fantastic specify retrieve. I provide the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly you will find questions just like the one you raise up the location where the biggest factor might be employed in honest good faith. I don?t know if guidelines have emerged around items like that, but I am certain that a job is clearly known as a good game. Both little ones have the impact of merely a moment’s pleasure, through out their lives.
Thank you for some other informative blog. The place else could I am getting that type of info written in such a perfect method? I’ve a project that I’m just now operating on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such information.
Thanks for a very interesting web site. Where else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect method? I have a undertaking that I’m simply now operating on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
Keep up the good work , I read few posts on this web site and I conceive that your blog is very interesting and has sets of fantastic information.
Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have developed some nice practices and we are looking to trade solutions with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
An fascinating discussion may be worth comment. I do think that you can write much more about this topic, it will not certainly be a taboo subject but usually folks are not enough to speak on such topics. To a higher. Cheers
I real pleased to find this site on bing, just what I was looking for : D as well saved to my bookmarks .
This is certainly a awesome write-up. Thanks for bothering to describe all of this out for us. It is a great help!
The subsequent time you greet someone, don’t resort to this inefficient ghost of a greeting.
Hello, I do think your website may be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, great site!
A venue booking calendar, complete booking administration including setup resources, catering, beverage, and staffing necessities, budgeting, invoicing, and all the pieces else it’s worthwhile to handle your venue bookings.
If your panels will not be producing sufficient energy to energy the pool pump for long enough then you want to add more panels – the grid can not top up the vitality.
Very good post. I will be facing many of these issues as well..
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything such as this prior to. So nice to get somebody by original thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this amazing site is one thing that is required on the net, someone with some originality. beneficial job for bringing a new challenge towards net!
You have made quality elements in that respect there. Used to do a search on the subject issue and located most of us is going to agree to on your web site. My family and I already went through a your site and even seek out your posts.
Is your webdesigner looking for a job. I think your site is great.
Usually there are some fascinating time limits in this post however I don’t determine if these center to heart. There’s some validity however I am going to take hold opinion until I take a look at it further. Good article , thanks and now we want extra! Included with FeedBurner as properly
I am typically to blogging and that i actually appreciate your content regularly. The article has truly peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and maintain checking achievable data.
After study a few of the content on your internet site now, and i genuinely appreciate your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my web page likewise and let me know what you believe.
bookmarked!!, I love your site.
I just wanted to compose a quick message so as to express gratitude to you for all the wonderful tricks you are showing on this site. My prolonged internet research has at the end of the day been honored with reasonable know-how to share with my companions. I ‘d say that we website visitors actually are undeniably fortunate to be in a superb community with so many perfect people with helpful techniques. I feel very lucky to have used your entire webpage and look forward to plenty of more cool minutes reading here. Thank you once more for all the details.
Have you already setup a fan page on Facebook ?,”`”-
I gotta favorite this website it seems invaluable extremely helpful
I think other web-site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and great user genial style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!
You’ll need to put these individuals collectively within the event that requires a stability of expertise and teamwork to elevate their potential to collaborate.
A motivating discussion is worth comment. I think that you ought to publish more about this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people do not talk about these subjects. To the next! Best wishes.
Howdy! This article could not be written any better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this article to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!
The hospitality trade is a several billion dollar industry that principally depends on the availability of leisure time and disposable income.
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve book-marked it for later.
Thankyou for this post, I am a big big fan of this site would like to go along updated.
of course, diamond rings would always be the best type of wedding rings that you can give your wife;;
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this post is amazing, great written and come with almost all important infos. I would like to see more posts like this .
Merci beaucoup pour ce jeu. Perso je préfère les games de pistolets, et vous?
I’m impressed, I must say. Actually rarely can i encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you could have hit the nail to the head. Your concept is outstanding; the thing is an issue that inadequate consumers are speaking intelligently about. We’re very happy which i came across this inside my search for something concerning this.
Can I simply say what a relief to seek out somebody who actually knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know tips on how to deliver a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant consider youre no more in style since you undoubtedly have the gift.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always useful to read content from other writers and practice a little something from other web sites.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be helpful to read through content from other writers and use a little something from their sites.
bookmarked!!, I like your site.
I love it when individuals get together and share thoughts. Great blog, keep it up.
Hi, I do believe this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to revisit yet again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
Fortunate i discovered this phenomenal website, Another good website is Dbol will be sure to save it in order to check-out frequently.
it is of course wise to always use recycled products because you can always help the environment,.
Great blog you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Very good post and definitely aids with becoming familiar with the topic better.
In August 2020, Governor Wolf set forth criteria to reopen faculties for the 2020-2021 school 12 months based mostly on neighborhood transmission of COVID-19.
Apollo Matrix offers custom web development services to help your company establish the exceptional online presence it deserves.
Anthony John Roberts, Chairman, South Thames Coaching and Enterprise Council; Managing Director, Publish Workplace Counters.
This is a good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise information… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read post.
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service? Cheers.
A French bulldog’s nails usually want trimmed 2 instances per week when they’re pups.
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I really hope to see the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now 😉
I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I have you book marked to check out new things you post…
This web site certainly has all the information and facts I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
As of 2010, the overall inhabitants of Higher Pittston is 48,020.
You are so awesome! I don’t believe I have read through something like that before. So wonderful to discover another person with a few unique thoughts on this subject. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
Good write-up. I certainly appreciate this site. Keep it up!
In the ensuing penalty shootout which India received 5-4, Chhetri went as the second kick-taker from India and scored.
They’ve enough details about every destination and can use this to help you plan your next journey.
You’ve made some really good points there. I checked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
Great post. I will be facing many of these issues as well..
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you should write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people do not talk about these topics. To the next! Kind regards!
You should take part in a contest for one of the greatest blogs on the web. I most certainly will recommend this website!
I like it whenever people get together and share views. Great site, continue the good work.
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be helpful to read articles from other writers and use something from their sites.
I really like reading through an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment.
Good web site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
I really love your website.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal site and want to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Thank you.
May I just say what a comfort to discover a person that truly understands what they’re talking about on the net. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people have to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular because you surely have the gift.
Hi there! This post could not be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a great read. Thanks for sharing!