Marc André Hugel, representing the 13th generation of Famille Hugel, recently visited Gozo to host a dinner at Ta’ Frenċ Restaurant. Head chef Mario Schembri prepared an eight-course menu that was paired perfectly by maître d’ Joseph Tabone.
Known today for their passion and modern outlook, the dynamic Hugel family, located in the village of Riquewihr, has earned a worldwide reputation for its Alsace wines. Exported in over 100 countries worldwide, most of the time ‘Alsace’ is synonymous with ‘Hugel’. Emblematic of the Hugels’ abilities to combine tradition and innovation, the family has recently introduced new wines and bold, more inclusive labelling to call greater attention to the entire family and its unique vineyard holdings.
Marc André believes that Gentil is the perfect way to delve into the Hugel world, so the dinner kicked off with their 2015 vintage.
A kaleidoscope of grapiness, it allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of both Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner.
Next up was the Gerwürtztraminer Estate coming from a new selection ‘parcellaire’ of carefully chosen plots of the Famille Hugel estate in Riquewihr. Most of the plots chosen for this new wine are being converted into organic viticulture.
Marc André also wanted to highlight the ageing potential and improvement of his wines by showcasing a Riesling Jubilee 2008. He explained that it is their own interpretation of the expected quality of a great Schoenenbourg, a vineyard famous since the 17th century for the quality of its Riesling.
While presenting his family’s Grossi Laüe Pinot Noir 2010, Marc André explained that more than half Hugel’s 61 acres are in what the Hugel family now calls Grossi Laüe vineyards. This nomenclature change underscores the family’s proud ownership of these finest estate vineyards.
Famille Hugel’s specialties include late harvest Vendange Tardive 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 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. A Gerwürtztraminer Vendange Tardive 2000 from Ta’ Frenċ’s extensive cellar was selected to cap off the dinner.
Farsons Beverage Imports Company (FBIC) Limited imports and distributes Famille Hugel wines locally.