Alsace From 1639 to Today: 13th Generation Jean-Frédéric Hugel on Terroir & Tradition

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Jean-Frédéric Hugel, 13th-generation vintner at Famille Hugel in Alsace, to explore one of France’s most historic wine families and regions. Founded in 1639, Famille Hugel is a benchmark producer known for its Rieslings, Gewürztraminer, and age-worthy late-harvest wines.

Jean-Frédéric discusses his family’s centuries-long legacy in Alsace, the evolution of Hugel’s winemaking, and the unique terroir and culture that define the region. He also shares what it means to represent Alsace in the Primum Familiae Vini (PFV), a group of 12 leading family-owned wine estates from across Europe.

Key topics include:

• The distinct profile of Alsace Riesling compared to German or Austrian styles
• The role of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat in Hugel’s aromatic dry whites
• How Hugel produces some of the world’s longest-lived Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles(botrytized sweet wines)
• The philosophy behind Hugel’s Classic, Estate, and Grossi Laüe tiers
• Hugel’s new project: their first-ever Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wine
• Why Hugel doesn’t use oak and how their neutral winemaking showcases terroir

👉 Be sure to check out our companion episode: Five Questions with a Winemaker featuring Jean-Frédéric Hugel, for a rapid-fire introduction to Hugel’s wines and what’s next for the estate.

🛒 Explore Alsace wines and other benchmark producers at Vint Marketplace

🎧 Listen to more episodes: Vint Podcast Archive

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!