Famille Hugel

While outstanding growers bask in today’s media limelight, the global fame of France’s leading wine regions has historically been built by significant merchant families – such as the Hugel family in Alsace. Arriving in Riquewihr in 1639, in the middle of the devastation of the Thirty Years’ War, 12 successive generations have built the company into a significant global presence, exporting to over 100 markets.

Most of its fruit is purchased, with 110 ha under contract, but its own 30-ha estate is increasingly important for prestige wines such as those in the Grossi Laüe range (the phrase means ‘great growth’ in Alsace dialect) and from the Schoelhammer Riesling site within the Grand Cru of Schoenenbourg, towering over Riquewihr. The rest of the range is stratified into Jubilee (from the finest vineyards and vintages only), Tradition (top-tier Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat), Estate (for Riquewihr-sourced wines from Hugel’s own vineyards) and Classic (limpid varietals based on purchased fruit).

Sweet wines, a Hugel speciality, are sold as a separate range. Hugel’s Gentil (a subtle blend of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner) has been a huge success: a tender but intriguing introduction to the region for the Alsace newcomer.