Famille Hugel

Domaine Hugel – A History of Excellence in Alsace

Domaine Hugel is a symbol of tradition, innovation, and passion in Alsace, an emblematic wine region of France. The Hugel family, settled in the picturesque village of Riquewihr since the 15th century, has built over the centuries a worldwide reputation thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines. From cultivating noble grape varieties to exporting to more than 100 countries, the estate embodies the pride and excellence of great Alsatian wines. Here is a journey to the heart of the history, expertise, and wines of Domaine Hugel.

History of Domaine Hugel

Origins and Family Heritage

Domaine Hugel dates back over 12 generations of winemakers, all of whom dedicated their lives to producing exceptional wines. The Hugel family, originally from Switzerland, settled in Alsace in the 15th century, but it was in 1639 that Ulrich Hugel took the lead of the winemakers' guild of Riquewihr. Since then, the Hugels have taken root in this region, shaping the reputation of Alsatian wines through centuries of passion and expertise.

Post-War Period and the Renaissance of Alsatian Wines

After World War I, Alsace, once in decline, experienced a viticultural renaissance, notably thanks to pioneers like Frédéric Hugel. He worked tirelessly to restore the quality of noble grape varieties, contributing to the worldwide recognition of Alsatian wines. By adopting rigorous cultivation and winemaking methods, Frédéric Hugel and his family demonstrated that these wines deserved their place among the world's greatest vintages.

The Hugel Generations: A Transmitted Passion

From generation to generation, the Hugel family has managed to preserve the excellence that characterizes its wines. The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Ulrich Hugel have each played a key role in continuing the family heritage. This continuity ensures that every bottle produced bears the seal of authenticity, respect for traditions, and a constant pursuit of quality.

The Wines of Domaine Hugel

Precision Viticulture

Domaine Hugel is renowned for its perfect mastery of viticultural techniques. Every step, from caring for the vines to bottling, is executed with great rigor. This attention to detail results in wines with a unique character, reflecting the pure expression of the Alsatian terroir.

The Noble Grape Varieties of Alsace: Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer

The Hugel vineyard is mainly planted with three emblematic grape varieties of the region: Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. These varieties are renowned for their ability to express all the complexity of Alsatian soils. Pinot Gris, with its ripe fruit aromas and generous texture; Riesling, lively and mineral; and Gewurztraminer, spicy and aromatic, constitute the foundation of Hugel's great vintages.

Hugel Grands Crus: Exceptional Wines

The estate also produces exceptional Grands Crus, notably from grapes sourced from the best parcels of Riquewihr. These wines are distinguished by their finesse, aromatic richness, and long aging potential. They are the result of meticulous attention at every stage of vinification, combining traditional expertise and modern techniques.

Traditional and Innovative Methods at Domaine Hugel

The Sainte-Catherine cellars, where Hugel wines are aged, date back to 1715 and are among the oldest still in operation. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records, they testify to Alsace's rich winemaking heritage. The wooden casks used for fermentation are carefully maintained, preserving the authenticity of the aromas and flavors.

Alongside this centuries-old tradition, Domaine Hugel has integrated modern technologies to improve the quality of its wines. Temperature control during fermentation preserves the freshness and purity of the aromas, while robotic bottling ensures optimal precision. This combination of old and new is one of the keys to the success of Hugel wines.

The use of controlled-temperature fermentation techniques and bottling under protective atmosphere ensures consistency in wine quality. Each vintage benefits from precise monitoring, guaranteeing that the wines reach maturity in the best conditions, with maximum protection against oxidation.

The Alsatian Terroir and Its Influence on Hugel Wines

Alsace is characterized by a continental climate, with harsh winters and hot summers. This unique climate allows Alsatian grape varieties to develop exceptional aromatic richness while maintaining good acidity. The vines of Domaine Hugel benefit from this alternation of warmth and cold to produce grapes of remarkable quality.

Alsace's soils are rich and varied, ranging from limestone to clay, including granitic soils. This diversity, coupled with microclimates specific to each parcel, contributes to the complexity and diversity of the wines produced. Each Hugel wine is thus a reflection of its terroir, offering a unique experience with every tasting.

At Domaine Hugel, harvesting is done by hand, ensuring rigorous selection of perfectly ripe grapes. This approach preserves the integrity of the clusters and avoids any alteration that could harm the quality of the wines.

International Reputation and Export

Despite relatively modest production, Domaine Hugel enjoys an exceptional international reputation. Indeed, more than 80% of Hugel wines are exported worldwide, reflecting the recognition they receive from great wine enthusiasts.

Hugel wines feature on the wine lists of the world's greatest restaurants. From Michelin-starred tables to renowned establishments in Asia, America, or Europe, chefs and sommeliers appreciate the finesse, complexity, and diversity of this Alsatian estate's wines.

Thanks to a well-executed export strategy, Domaine Hugel distributes its wines in over 100 countries. This openness to the international market allows the estate to showcase Alsace's wine heritage on the global stage and reach a diverse and demanding clientele.

Visiting Domaine Hugel in Riquewihr

Located in the heart of the medieval village of Riquewihr, Domaine Hugel is a jewel of traditional Alsatian architecture. Its colorful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets offer an enchanting setting to discover the secrets of Hugel wines and their production.

A visit to Domaine Hugel is an essential experience for wine lovers. Tastings are offered within the estate itself, allowing visitors to discover a selection of their best vintages while enjoying the warm atmosphere of the village.

Domaine Hugel actively contributes to the development of wine tourism in Alsace. By opening its doors to visitors, it allows everyone to understand the winemaking process, discover the subtleties of Alsatian grape varieties, and better appreciate the richness of this wine region.

Must-Try Vintages of Domaine Hugel

Each year, Domaine Hugel produces wines with unique characteristics influenced by climatic conditions and specific terroirs. Among the most appreciated vintages are those from exceptional years like 2015, 2017, and 2019, where conditions were ideal for producing wines of great finesse.

Each vintage at Domaine Hugel reflects the specifics of the year, with variations in aromatic intensity, structure, and aging potential. Wine enthusiasts particularly appreciate this diversity, which makes each tasting unique.

When choosing a Hugel wine, it is essential to consider both the vintage, the grape variety, and the tasting occasion. Young wines often offer vivacity and aromatic freshness, while older vintages gain complexity and depth over time.

The Philosophy and Values of the Hugel Family

For centuries, the Hugel family has been committed to respecting the fundamental principles of Alsatian viticulture. Every action, every decision is made with the aim of preserving the heritage of the terroir while offering wines of exceptional quality.

The transmission of know-how is at the heart of the Hugel family's values. From generation to generation, the secrets of viticulture and winemaking are perpetuated, thus ensuring the continuity and excellence of the estate's production.

Aware of current environmental issues, the Hugel family is actively committed to sustainable viticulture practices. Respect for the soils, biodiversity, and the environment has become a priority to ensure the longevity of the vineyard and the quality of wines for future generations.

Domaine Hugel and Wine Tourism

Domaine Hugel offers guided tours through its vineyards, giving visitors a unique opportunity to discover the environment in which some of Alsace's best wines are produced. These tours help better understand the links between the terroir, grape varieties, and wine quality.

Throughout the year, Domaine Hugel organizes events and special tastings. These moments are an opportunity for wine lovers to gather in a friendly setting to exchange and discover new vintages.

By visiting Domaine Hugel, visitors dive into the rich and fascinating history of Alsatian wine. From cultivating noble grape varieties to international export, every step of the viticultural process is explained, offering a comprehensive view of the wine world in Alsace.

International Distinctions and Awards of Domaine Hugel

Domaine Hugel has received numerous distinctions and awards for the quality of its wines. These prizes reward the hard work of the Hugel family and its teams, who strive daily to produce wines of unmatched finesse.

Thanks to its international renown, Domaine Hugel has influenced the wine market worldwide. Its wines have become a reference for lovers of Alsatian wines, thus helping to elevate the status of this region on the global stage.

Wine experts regularly praise the quality and elegance of Hugel wines. Positive reviews and laudatory testimonials allow the estate to maintain its place among the world's best wine producers.

FAQ – Domaine Hugel

What is the history of Domaine Hugel? Domaine Hugel was founded in the 15th century by the Hugel family, who settled in Riquewihr in 1639. Since then, it has spanned generations by producing high-quality wines, contributing to the renaissance of Alsatian wines after World War I.

What are the main grape varieties cultivated at Domaine Hugel? The main grape varieties cultivated are Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer, noble varieties typical of Alsace, renowned for their ability to express all the richness of the Alsatian terroir.

Where can I buy Domaine Hugel wines? You can order them directly on 12bouteilles.com.

Can you visit Domaine Hugel? Yes, Domaine Hugel opens its doors to visitors for guided tours and tastings. It's an excellent opportunity to discover the history and secrets of Hugel wines' production.

What is the ideal climate for Domaine Hugel's vineyards? Alsace's continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers, is ideal for vines. This climate allows grape varieties to express all their aromatic richness while preserving good acidity.

How many countries import Hugel wines? Wines from Domaine Hugel are exported to over 100 countries, representing more than 80% of their annual production.

Conclusion

Domaine Hugel is much more than a wine producer: it is a living legend of Alsace, a global reference in fine wines. Combining tradition and innovation, the Hugel family continues to showcase Alsace's wine heritage through characterful wines to taste and savor. If you pass through Alsace, a visit to the estate is a must to discover the passion and excellence that inhabit every bottle.