Famille Hugel

FRANCE, Alsace

For over 380 years and with 13 generations…

Hugel is a name synonymous with Alsace. Founded in 1639 in Riquewihr by Hans Ulrich Hugel, the family estate, whose initials are still on the family crest, is today known as one of the most important family businesses in the wine world. The Hugel family’s vineyards cover more than 30 hectares in Riquewihr, almost half of which are located in the Grand Cru area. The Hugel family stands for passion, quality and consistency; values that have made the authentic winery famous all over the world with its famous bottles bearing the striking yellow label. The Hugel are often referred to as the ambassadors of Alsace wine.

Winemakers & owners

Marc Hugel, Marc-André and Jean-Frédéric

“Hugel has pioneered much advancement in Alsace, including the early creation and classification of the appellation’s Grand Cru vineyards. House specialties include late harvest Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles wines, made with selected botrytis-affected grapes. Vendange Tardive or late harvest wines are the sweet jewels of the Alsace region and in particular, the Hugel family. It was Jean “Johnny” Hugel who first used the term following the 1976 vintage and who personally drafted the guidelines to producing vendange tardive (late harvest) that would become law in 1984. The law is strict and details several variables that must be considered including sugar and alcohol levels, vintage declaration, and vinification techniques.

Under the inspiring leadership of Marc Hugel (12th generation), Marc-Andre and Jean-Frederic, the 13th generation, follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.”

Visit website

“Our principles: From Hugel’s Grossi Laüe to Vendange Tardive, our wines are released only when our family agrees they’re ready; the focus is ultimate quality. A first-time taste of these wines is a revelation”.

Winemaking

Our philosophy

From Hugel’s Grossi Laüe to Vendange Tardive, their wines are released only when the family agrees they’re ready; the focus is ultimate quality. A first-time taste of these wines is a revelation.

  • Family business since 1639

  • Benchmark reference for Alsace wine

  • Pioneered in early creation and classification of Alsace Grand Cru Vineyards

  • Worldwide reputation for Alsace wines

  • Tradition and innovation

Collection

Our wines

Benchmark reference for Alsace wine

FAMILLE HUGEL GENTILFAMILLE HUGEL GROSSI LAÜE RIESLING

GENTIL 2018

FAMILLE HUGEL

This is Hugel’s only wine that is not produced from a single grape variety and revives an ancient Alsace tradition whereby a wine that was assembled from a range of noble grapes was called “Gentil”. Perfectly dry, it brings together the elegance of Riesling, the richness of Pinot Gris, the fruit-driven aromas of Gewurztraminer and Muscat, and the freshness of Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner.

Slight notes of ripe yellow pear appear shyly on the nose of this wine. The palate comes in with freshness supported by very slight spritz. Lemony brightness dominates the dry finish of this slender wine.

89 points Wine Enthusiast

GROSSI LAÜE RIESLING 2013

FAMILLE HUGEL

Grossi Laüe signifies the finest vineyards in Alsace dialect and represents an equivalent to the German Grosses Gewächs or the Burgundian Grand Cru. Great classic Riesling which is ready to drink but will gain in complexity for 8 years or more. Its minerality and long complex aftertaste will make it the ideal partner to fish or seafood dishes.

On the palate it is clearly a dry Riesling of the highest quality with a full, broad, juicy and strong structure, complimented with a wonderful astringency which adds length and character to the flavour. There is also a remarkably harmonious after-taste. This is a wine which is fine for immediate consumption but which would benefit from a little patience to allow it to develop the specific regional qualities and minerality that will give it an added aroma of white piedmont truffle in 2 to 5 years.

96 points Wine Enthusiast

“The lifted, ethereal herbality of dried hayflowers dominates the nose of this wine and suggests evolution. Similar heady aromas emanate from the slender, concentrated palate that has almost elixir-like consistency. The fruity, fresh wine is full of dried apple and lemon peel rounded with peach. It’s ready now but will continue to evolve. Drink until 2045.”

94 points James Suckling

“Tons of floral honey, candied citrus, papaya and pineapple, making this an unusual Alsace riesling. But it has a great balance and a very long, almost-silky finish. Impressive now, but will surely develop further in bottle.”