Alsace wine producer: Armand Hurst, Turckheim

Turckheim is a busy town, guarding the entrance to the Munster valley. Although the village boasts one of the most well known and largest Grand Cru, the historic Brand, only 8 wine growers can be found in the town.

Armand Hurst is a family domaine that goes back to 1928 when it was founded b Jean Babtiste Hurst. Following August, Armand Hurst took over the domaine in 1989. A few years later, he moved to modern premises in the outskirts of the town, on the road to Colmar. Approximately 30% of the production is exported.

The domaine has 9.5 ha of vineyards, including 0.6 ha of Riesling and 0.7 ha of Pinot Noir and parcels of Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer on the granitic Grand Cru Brand. Hurst also has land for Riesling on the calcareous Lieu-dit Heimburg in Ingersheim.

Most generic wines come from the alluvial soils of the river Fecht valley. These include the reputed Lieu-dit Herrenweg.

The average rendement of the Grand Crus wines from Brand is 45 hl/ha. This is well below the legal limit, but also a consequence of the fact that the vines are very old.

The range of Armand Hurst is quite large, including over 30 cuvées. Magnum bottles of the major varieties are sold, which is a very nice initiative. The wines show a consistent style, and the wines are very honest and typical of their terroir. As a visitor, you will feel comfortable with the wines as well as with the way you are received.

Facts

Armand Hurst 8, rue de la Chapelle, towards Colmar. +33 (0)389 27 40 22
+33 (0)389 27 47 67 (fax)
vinsahurst@wanadoo.fr
Riesling €5
Riesling Grand Cru Brand €11
Honest, well made wines with balance. Very welcoming. No English. Grands Crus: Brand
Lieux-dits: Heimbourg, Herrenweg

Selected representative wines 2006

Muscat Grand Cru Brand 2004 Cuvé Aurélie Exciting aroma of honey, crushed Muscat grapes and all kinds of citrus. Fleshy, seducive taste with hard acidity. Riesling 2005 Straight-forward aroma honey and caramel. Fresh, lovely medium-bodied taste with good acidity and backbone. Riesling Grand Cru Brand Vielle vignes 2005 Lovely aroma of flowers, peaches and lemon. Long, fresh taste with minerality and spicyness. Outstanding cellaring potential. Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2004 VT Golden color. Huge bouquet of botrytis, raisins and rubber. Complete and very concentrated taste of dried fruits, with white raisins on the finish. Super!