Famille Hugel: A Legacy of Alsace Wine Excellence Since 1639

For wine enthusiasts across the world, Hugel is a name that instantly calls to mind the finest white wines of Alsace. This family-run winery has been shaping the region’s reputation for centuries. Based in the historic village of Riquewihr in north-eastern France, Hugel has played a leading role in preserving, defining, and elevating the character of Alsace wines. Today, their Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and other varietals remain iconic, celebrated by critics and wine lovers alike for their purity, balance, and unmistakable style.

How Famille Hugel’s Story Began in 1639

The Hugel family established themselves in Riquewihr in 1639. Since then, 13 generations have continued the family’s winemaking legacy, navigating historical upheavals with resilience and vision. It is this continuity that sets Hugel apart. The family's mastery of their craft has evolved over the centuries, but their dedication to authenticity and terroir has remained constant.

A turning point came in the 20th century with Jean “Johnny” Hugel. His commitment to quality helped shape the modern identity of Alsace wine. Johnny was instrumental in re-establishing late harvest wine classifications, introducing the now-standard terms Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles into French law. His legacy is still felt today in every bottle of Hugel wine.

Terroir and Tradition

Famille Hugel’s vineyards surround Riquewihr, nestled along the Alsace Wine Route. The region enjoys a dry, sunny climate, ideal for slow grape ripening. Combined with varied soils, including clay, marl, and limestone, giving Hugel wines their trademark minerality and structure.

Over half of the estate’s vineyards are classified as Grand Cru, such as Schoenenbourg and Sporen. Vines average 30 to 35 years in age, and the family only works with Alsace’s noble grape varieties: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, and a small amount of Pinot Noir.

In the cellar, a minimal intervention approach is applied. Famille Hugel do not use new oak or add sugar, allowing each grape variety and vineyard site to speak clearly in the glass. This results in wines that are dry, elegant, and food-friendly, with excellent ageing potential.

Signature Famille Hugel Wines

Hugel Riesling

Dry, linear, and mineral, Hugel Riesling is a benchmark for the varietal. Expect aromas of citrus, apple, and slate, along with a mouthwatering acidity that makes it ideal for seafood and Asian inspired dishes. Their top vineyard Rieslings, such as those from Schoenenbourg, are known to age gracefully over decades.

Hugel Gewürztraminer

Intensely aromatic yet dry, Famille Hugel’s Gewürztraminer captures the bold personality of this grape. Notes of lychee, rose petal, and exotic spice make it a match for rich cheeses, spicy curries, and foie gras. Few producers strike the balance between richness and finesse as skilfully as Hugel.

Hugel Pinot Gris

Structured and textural, their Pinot Gris offers ripe pear, baked apple, and a gentle smokiness. This wine has enough body to pair well with roast poultry, mushroom risotto, and creamy dishes.

Hugel Gentil

Hugel revived the historical Gentil blend, which brings together Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Blanc. The result is a vibrant, easy-drinking wine that showcases the character of Alsace in a single glass.

Hugel Pinot Noir

One of Alsace’s rare red wines, Hugel’s Pinot Noir is delicate and fruit-driven, with red cherry and soft tannins. It can be served slightly chilled and pairs well with charcuterie, grilled meats, or soft cheeses.

Hugel Vendange Tardive and SGN

These late harvest wines, the famous Vendage Tardive,  are only made in exceptional vintages. Sweet, concentrated, and age-worthy, they reflect the height of Famille Hugel’s winemaking skill. Notes of candied citrus, honey, and dried apricot make these dessert wines both luxurious and complex.

Hugel Grossi Laüe

Grossi Laüe represents Hugel’s top dry white wines from Grand Cru vineyards. Rich, precise, and deeply mineral, these wines are crafted to age and reflect the full expression of Alsace’s best terroirs.

Schoelhammer Riesling

Hugel’s Schoelhammer Riesling is the flagship wine made from a single 0.3-hectare plot in the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg vineyard. It is Hugel’s most precise and age-worthy Riesling - bone-dry, layered, and complex, with razor-sharp acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Crémant d'Alsace Le Champ Libre Extra Brut
A méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine made primarily from Pinot Blanc, this Crémant is crisp and bone-dry with fine bubbles and bright citrus character. Perfect as an aperitif or to pair with oysters and light starters.

Why Famille Hugel Remains a Benchmark

What sets Famille Hugel apart is not just its long history, but its continued relevance and leadership in Alsace. The family’s commitment to dry winemaking, respect for terroir, and pursuit of quality over volume have kept them at the forefront of the industry.

Even their distinctive yellow, labelled bottles have become a visual shorthand for quality among wine drinkers. With 90 percent of their production exported to over 100 countries, Hugel continues to shape the world’s understanding of what Alsace wine can be.

Where to Find Hugel Wines

Famille Hugel wines are widely available through select wine merchants and specialist retailers. For those based in Malta, the full range,  from entry-level blends to rare late-harvest cuvées, can be found at Farsonsdirect.

Where is Hugel Winery located?

Famille Hugel is based in Riquewihr, a historic village in the Alsace wine region of France, near the Vosges Mountains and the German border.

What makes Hugel wines unique?

Hugel wines stand out for their dry, mineral-driven style that highlights Alsace’s noble grape varieties. The winery’s centuries-long commitment to family ownership and minimal intervention adds authenticity and character.

Which Hugel wine should beginners try first?

Start with Hugel Gentil — an approachable, well-balanced white blend that captures the spirit of Alsace in an affordable way.

Are Hugel wines sweet or dry?

Most Hugel wines are dry, especially those in the Classic and Estate ranges. However, Vendange Tardive (VT) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) are naturally sweet dessert wines made from late-harvested grapes.

What food pairs best with Hugel wines?

• Riesling: Seafood, shellfish, and sushi.
• Pinot Gris: Roast chicken, creamy pasta, and cheeses.
• Gewürztraminer: Spicy dishes, Thai curries, and foie gras.
• Gentil: Everyday pairings like salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.

Do Hugel wines age well?

Yes, particularly Riesling Schoelhammer and Gewürztraminer Grossi Laüe. Many Hugel wines can age gracefully for 10–30 years, developing complex aromas of honey, nuts and petrol (typical of mature Riesling).

What are “noble grapes” in Alsace wine?

Alsace recognises six noble grapes: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. These varieties form the core of Hugel’s production.

Is Famille Hugel a sustainable winery?

Yes. Hugel practices sustainable viticulture, limits chemical treatments, and uses traditional hand, harvesting to preserve vineyard biodiversity and wine purity.

What are the best Famille Hugel wines for collectors?

Look for Riesling Schoelhammer, the Grossi Laüe range and the Sélection de Grains Nobles, all of which offer exceptional ageing potential and limited availability.

Whether you are new to Alsace wines or a seasoned fan, Hugel offers a gateway into the complexity, charm, and character of one of France’s most unique wine regions.