The first traces of the Hugel family in Alsace can be traced back to the XVth century. Some two centuries later, Hans Ulrich Hugel settled in Riquewihr, which had been devastated by the terrible Thirty Years War. In 1639 he was made a freeman of the city and soon took charge of the very powerful Corporation of Winegrowers. In 1672 his son built a fine house in the Rue des Cordiers, and over the doorway was carved the family crest which was the origin of the company’s logo still used today.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles         Hugel Pinot Gris Classic 2023
3 bottles         Hugel Pinot Blanc Classic 2023
3 bottles         Hugel Gewurztraminer Classic 2023
3 bottles         Hugel Riesling Classic 2023

Hugel Pinot Gris Classic 2023
A properly dry pinot gris that is a model of balance and harmony, the creaminess balanced by discreet freshness on the medium-bodied palate. I love the fresh melon and orange blossom aromas. Just a hint of tannin in the finish adds a bit of tension. Drink now. Rating: 92 Points; James Suckling

Hugel Pinot Blanc Classic 2023
An elegant dry white with delicate candied citrus, pomelo and fresh nut aromas on the silky, medium-bodied palate that is simultaneously full of character and very easy to enjoy. Its drinkability has a lot to do with the way the animating freshness and hint of tannin interlock so neatly in the beautifully balanced finish. A cuvee of almost two-thirds pinot blanc and slightly more than one-third auxerrois. Drink or hold. Rating: 91 Points; James Suckling

Hugel Gewurztraminer Classic 2023
Striking aromas of cardamom, cloves and dried flowers. Very good balance of restrained richness, fine-grained tannin and bitterness on the medium-bodied palate. Surprisingly dry finish. Drink now. Rating: 90 Points; James Suckling

Hugel Riesling Classic 2023
This is a wonderfully fresh and expressive dry riesling with a slew of citrus aromas, but also some spring flowers and meadows. The vivacity of the medium-bodied palate is as impressive as the depth in the long, crisp finish, where it bares its Alsace soul. Drink or hold. Rating: 92 Points; James Suckling