Clos Windsbuhl is a respected vineyard site in the heart of Alsace's prime wine-growing district, between the towns of Colmar and Ribeauvillé. The monopole site, owned by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, is located on a hillside just above Hunawihr village.
The vineyard covers just over five hectares (13 acres) overlooking the village church at the western end of Hunawihr. It is one of the Alsace clos sites not covered by an Alsace Grand Cru appellation, although it is regularly mentioned in the same breath as such sites.
The closest Grand Cru vineyard is the highly respected Rosacker, just to the northeast. The clos is separated from it by a few hundred meters and a small cluster of houses.
The equally well-regarded Schoenenbourg Grand Cru is located just over the hillside to the south, less than a kilometre away.
The proximity of the Vosges Mountains contributes to the terroir of Clos Windsbuhl in several ways. It provides protection from the northern winds keeping the mesoclimate warmer than surrounding regions.
The vineyard can also attribute its altitude and higher than average rainfall of 650mm per year to the wider geology of the Vosges.
As might be expected, the topography of Clos Windsbuhl are very similar to that of nearby Rosacker. The steep, terraced site faces southeast, an aspect which makes the most of the gentle morning sunshine.
The vines here grow in limestone-rich soils with a certain percentage of clay, which aids moisture retention in the famously dry Alsace climate. The soil is very thin in certain areas with rocky outcrops appearing often throughout the landscape.
The site is planted with Alsace's three key grape varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht produces rich, mineral-scented varietal wines from each of these, labeled with the Clos Windsbuhl name.
Dry wines and sweet Vendanges Tardives and Selection de Grains Nobles wines are produced from the site.
