{"title":"Hugel","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"hugel-gewurztraminer","title":"Hugel Gewurztraminer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHugel Gewurztraminer\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry, aromatic Alsatian white wine made from 100% Gewürztraminer grapes, bottled at approximately 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Famille Hugel — one of Alsace's most storied houses, founded in 1639 — this expression earned 89 points from James Suckling for the 2023 Classic vintage and a Gold medal at the Sakura Awards for the 2016 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~14%  |  Origin: Alsace, France  |  Style: Dry Aromatic White  |  Producer: Famille Hugel (Hugel \u0026amp; Fils)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHugel \u0026amp; Fils has operated continuously in the village of Riquewihr in Alsace since 1639, making it one of the oldest family-owned wine estates in France. The Gewürztraminer grapes are hand-harvested and processed through gravity-fed pressing without mechanical pumping, preserving the delicate aromatics that define the varietal. Fermentation takes place under controlled temperatures between 18–24°C, after which the wine is racked once, clarified naturally over winter, and given only a light filtration before bottling under DIAM cork closure — a technology that eliminates the risk of TCA cork taint and ensures bottle-to-bottle consistency for this highly aromatic wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rose petal and jasmine open the nose, followed by ripe lychee and Mirabelle plum. Deeper breathing reveals layers of ginger, Szechuan pepper, and a subtle hawthorn blossom note that signals the wine's Alsatian pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and supple, with yellow peach and tropical mango giving way to tangerine peel and green mango at the mid-palate. A phenolic grip provides structure, while mineral undertones and a touch of honey add complexity without sweetness — this is a definitively dry Gewürztraminer, far removed from the sugary versions that crowd the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long, with lychee and Turkish delight character emerging only at the close. Lingering notes of anise, chamomile, and a faint smokiness leave a spiced, textured impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hugel Gewürztraminer\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe lightly chilled between 10–12°C to let the aromatics bloom without muting the wine's structural dryness. This is a wine built for the table, but it rewards contemplative sipping on its own as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn cocktails and wine-based drinks, the aromatic intensity of this Gewürztraminer offers real versatility: a \u003cstrong\u003eGewürztraminer Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e (with elderflower liqueur and sparkling water) plays up the floral character; a \u003cstrong\u003eHugo Cocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the wine's rose and lychee profile in place of a neutral Prosecco; and an \u003cstrong\u003eAlsatian Kir\u003c\/strong\u003e made with a small measure of crème de pêche amplifies the stone-fruit dimension beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with Southeast Asian or Indian cuisine where aromatic spice demands a wine with equal intensity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Alsatian producers with multi-century heritage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a dinner party where a single white needs to carry dishes from charcuterie through to spiced mains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to dry Gewürztraminer as an alternative to off-dry or sweet styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hugel Gewürztraminer taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a dry, medium-bodied white wine dominated by lychee, rose petal, ripe peach, and warm ginger spice, with a textured finish that carries notes of Turkish delight and chamomile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hugel Gewürztraminer compare to Trimbach Gewürztraminer?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmark dry Alsatian Gewürztraminers from elite family estates, sharing a crisp, dry finish and signature Alsace character. Hugel tends toward a slightly more exuberant floral and tropical profile, while Trimbach is often cited for its leaner mineral precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hugel Gewürztraminer good for pairing with food?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its aromatic intensity and dry structure make it one of the most food-versatile white wines available, particularly effective alongside spiced, aromatic, or rich dishes that would overwhelm a subtler white.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hugel Gewürztraminer made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Famille Hugel (Hugel \u0026amp; Fils) in Riquewihr, a village in the Alsace wine region of northeastern France, where the family has made wine since 1639.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hugel Gewürztraminer?\u003c\/strong\u003e Thai green curry benefits from the wine's floral lift against coconut and lemongrass. Munster cheese — a classic Alsatian match — mirrors the wine's richness. Pork belly with five-spice finds harmony with the ginger and anise notes. Seared duck breast with stone-fruit chutney bridges the peach and lychee character. Dim sum, especially shrimp har gow, is elevated by the wine's aromatic spice and acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hugel Gewürztraminer come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hugel Gewürztraminer worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range Alsatian Gewürztraminer from one of the region's most respected heritage producers, offering a level of aromatic complexity and production integrity — including hand-harvesting and gravity-fed pressing — that punches well above its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hugel Gewürztraminer?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNearly four centuries of continuous family winemaking in Riquewihr give Hugel a depth of viticultural knowledge that few Alsatian houses can match. The gravity-fed pressing and natural winter clarification preserve a purity of fruit and floral character that mechanical processing can strip away. The use of DIAM cork closure — eliminating any possibility of TCA cork taint — is a quiet but meaningful commitment to consistency, especially important for a varietal whose appeal rests on aromatic precision. With critical recognition from James Suckling and a Gold at the Sakura Awards, this is a Gewürztraminer that earns its reputation through specifics rather than marketing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hugel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836942413993,"sku":"21111","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Hugel-Gewurztraminer-2013__15372.jpg?v=1730475016"},{"product_id":"hugel-riesling","title":"Hugel Riesling","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHugel Riesling\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry Alsace Riesling from one of France's oldest wine families, bottled at approximately 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Regarded as the Famille Hugel signature wine, this classic expression earned 92 points from James Suckling, who praised its \"wonderfully fresh and expressive\" character, and a Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge for the 2016 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~12-12.99%  |  Origin: Alsace, France  |  100% Riesling, Classic Range  |  Producer: Hugel \u0026amp; Fils (est. 1639)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHugel \u0026amp; Fils was founded in 1639 in the medieval town of Riquewihr in Alsace, making it one of the oldest wine-producing families in France. For this Riesling, grapes are transported in small tubs and loaded into presses by gravity—no pumps are used—before fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats held between 18°C and 24°C. The wine is racked once, then allowed to clarify naturally over winter before a light filtration and bottling under DIAM technical corks, which eliminate the risk of cork taint and ensure bottle-to-bottle consistency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with well-stated florals—lily of the valley and elderflower—before giving way to lively citrus zest. Spring flowers and a subtle beeswax undertone add complexity as the wine breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is crisp and immediate, led by green apple and lime that expand into vineyard peach at mid-palate. A fine mineral backbone runs through the fruit, layered with delicate notes of almond, basil, and mint. The structure is agreeably dry with an elegant, well-bred poise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and lingering, echoing the same freshness and fruit-driven character found on the palate. Star fruit and lemon zest persist alongside a subtle mineral edge that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hugel Riesling\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe chilled to around 10-12°C in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to concentrate the floral aromatics. This Riesling drinks beautifully on its own as an aperitif or alongside food. A \u003cstrong\u003eSpritz\u003c\/strong\u003e made with a splash of sparkling water and a lemon twist showcases the wine's citrus brightness. A \u003cstrong\u003eRiesling Kir\u003c\/strong\u003e—substituting Riesling for the traditional white wine with a touch of elderflower liqueur—plays directly into the wine's floral profile. For warmer months, a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e using this Riesling in place of Champagne delivers a crisp, mineral-driven take on the classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a seafood dinner featuring oysters, crab, or grilled fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to quality dry Alsatian Riesling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates heritage producers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather entertaining where a refreshing, food-friendly white is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hugel Riesling taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a crisp, dry white wine dominated by green apple, lime, and vineyard peach with a fine mineral backbone. Floral notes of elderflower and lily of the valley lift the nose, while the finish is clean and citrus-driven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hugel Riesling compare to Trimbach Riesling?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both Hugel and Trimbach are historic Alsatian merchant houses—Hugel founded in 1639 and Trimbach in 1626—and each produces benchmark dry Riesling. Trimbach draws from a larger estate of approximately 61 hectares of its own vineyards, while Hugel is often noted for a slightly more fruit-forward, floral style in its Classic range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hugel Riesling good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, its balance of crisp acidity, fruit, and mineral character makes it an excellent aperitif wine, especially when served well chilled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hugel Riesling made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hugel Riesling is produced by Hugel \u0026amp; Fils in Riquewihr, a village in the Alsace wine region of northeastern France. The family has been making wine in this same location since 1639.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hugel Riesling?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh oysters and shellfish benefit from the wine's bright acidity. Grilled white fish like sole or sea bass mirrors its clean minerality. Sushi and sashimi pair naturally with the citrus and floral notes. Alsatian classics like choucroute garnie or tarte flambée complement the wine's regional roots. Mild goat cheese amplifies the wine's freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hugel Riesling come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hugel Riesling worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hugel Riesling positions as an accessible, entry-level expression within the Hugel portfolio, yet it reflects nearly four centuries of winemaking heritage and consistently earns strong critical praise, including 92 points from James Suckling—strong value in the quality Alsatian Riesling category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hugel Riesling?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew wine families anywhere in the world can claim an unbroken lineage stretching back to 1639, and the Hugel Classic Riesling distills that heritage into every bottle. The gravity-fed pressing and natural winter clarification preserve the purity of the fruit, while the use of DIAM corks—eliminating cork taint entirely—demonstrates a commitment to consistency that many traditional producers have been slow to adopt. A 92-point score from James Suckling and an International Wine Challenge Gold medal confirm this is not merely a legacy label resting on its name. For anyone seeking a dry, mineral-driven Alsatian Riesling that balances tradition with meticulous modern technique, Hugel remains a benchmark.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hugel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836942643369,"sku":"21112","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Hugel-Riesling-2011__24625.jpg?v=1730475019"},{"product_id":"hugel-gentil","title":"Hugel Gentil","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHugel Gentil\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry Alsace white wine blending six grape varieties in a 750ml bottle at approximately 12.5–13% ABV. Scored 91 points by James Suckling, this expression revives an ancient Alsace tradition in which wines assembled from noble grape varieties earned the designation \"Gentil\" — a mark of quality that Hugel \u0026amp; Fils has championed since restoring the practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~12.5–13%  |  Origin: Alsace, France  |  Style: Multi-Varietal Dry White  |  Producer: Hugel \u0026amp; Fils, Riquewihr\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHugel \u0026amp; Fils was founded in 1639 in the medieval village of Riquewihr in the heart of Alsace, making it one of the region's oldest continuously operating wine families. Gentil is the house's sole blended wine, combining Gewürztraminer (32%), Pinot Gris (25%), Riesling (15%), Pinot Blanc (15%), Sylvaner (10%), and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (3%) based on the 2021 vintage composition. Grapes are transported in small tubs and filled into presses by gravity — without pumping or mechanical intervention — then fermented in temperature-controlled barrels or vats at 18–24°C. The finished wine is sealed with DIAM technical cork, eliminating the risk of cork taint.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with spring blossom, jasmine, and white rose before giving way to white peach, green apple, and a delicate undercurrent of elderflower. Traces of lemon balm and grapefruit zest add a bright, inviting lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is supple and fruit-forward, with sliced pear and yellow plum meeting crisp citrus zests at the mid-palate. A gentle creaminess balances the lively acidity, while subtle white pepper spice emerges as the wine builds toward its peak. The interplay of the six varieties creates a layered harmony that no single grape could achieve alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, clean and fresh, with lingering notes of chamomile, garden herbs, and a fine mineral thread. The finish stays dry and elegant without any residual sweetness weighing it down.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hugel Gentil\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled to around 10–12°C. Gentil is thoroughly enjoyable on its own as an aperitif, though a few minutes in the glass allow the aromatic complexity to fully unfold. Its dry, balanced profile also works in three cocktail directions: a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the floral aromatics shine through the soda; a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e substituting this blend for Champagne to add stone-fruit depth; and an \u003cstrong\u003eAlsatian Kir\u003c\/strong\u003e with a small measure of crème de pêche, which echoes the wine's natural white peach character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a curious drinker to the wines of Alsace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing across a multi-course dinner where a single bottle needs to be versatile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather afternoon sipping on a patio or terrace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone who enjoys aromatic European whites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hugel Gentil taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hugel Gentil is a dry, aromatic white wine with prominent flavors of white peach, pear, citrus zest, and subtle white pepper spice, backed by lively acidity and a clean, herb-tinged finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hugel Gentil compare to Hugel Classic Riesling?\u003c\/strong\u003e While both are dry Alsace whites from the same producer, Gentil blends six grape varieties — led by Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris — resulting in a rounder, more aromatically complex wine, whereas Hugel's Classic Riesling delivers a leaner, more mineral-driven single-varietal profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hugel Gentil good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — it is widely regarded as the ideal introduction to Alsace wines, offering approachable fruit and aromatic intensity without excessive sweetness or tannin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hugel Gentil made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hugel Gentil is produced by Hugel \u0026amp; Fils in Riquewihr, a historic village in the Alsace wine region of northeastern France. The family has been making wine there since 1639.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hugel Gentil?\u003c\/strong\u003e Thai green curry — the wine's subtle spice and acidity cut through coconut richness. Tarte flambée — a classic Alsatian match highlighting the blend's regional roots. Sushi and sashimi — the clean acidity and floral lift complement raw fish. Mild goat cheese — the creaminess of the palate mirrors the cheese without overwhelming it. Roast chicken with herbs — the garden-herb finish ties directly into the dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hugel Gentil come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hugel Gentil is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hugel Gentil worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hugel Gentil positions as an entry-level expression from one of Alsace's most respected and oldest estates, delivering six-grape complexity and a 91-point James Suckling score at a price point well below single-vineyard Alsace bottlings — strong value for the quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hugel Gentil?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew wines carry nearly four centuries of family winemaking heritage into an everyday bottle the way Gentil does. The blend format itself is a deliberate revival of an Alsace tradition that had largely disappeared, and Hugel is the producer most closely associated with bringing it back. Gravity-fed pressing and DIAM cork closure reflect a house that applies high-end care across every tier of its range. With consistent critical recognition — including 91 points from James Suckling for the 2023 vintage — Gentil demonstrates that a well-made blend of noble Alsace varieties can rival the focus of single-varietal wines while offering broader aromatic range and food-pairing versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hugel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837755551913,"sku":"31353","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Hugel-Gentil__79140.jpg?v=1730493460"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/hugel.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}