Famille Hugel

Famille Hugel is a producer and négociant specializing in the noble varieties of Alsace: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. The estate is famous for its bright yellow labels and its dedication to dry, aromatic wines that prioritize purity of fruit and site expression.

The portfolio is divided into several tiers, including the approachable 'Estate' and 'Classic' ranges, and the high-prestige Grossi Laue (Great Terroir) wines. Famille Hugel is particularly renowned for its rare late-harvest dessert wines, which are only produced in exceptional vintages when the climate allows for natural concentration of the grapes.

Famille Hugel’s popularity is rooted in its role as a global ambassador for Alsace, blending historical authority with consistent, high-quality production.

• Architects of Alsace Law — The late Jean 'Johnny' Hugel was the primary force behind the 1984 laws that defined Vendange Tardive (late harvest) and Sélection de Grains Nobles, creating the quality framework used by the entire region today.
• The Iconic Yellow Label — Their distinctive yellow branding is a global symbol of Alsace, found on top restaurant wine lists in over 100 countries.
• Grossi Laue Heritage — Instead of using the standard 'Grand Cru' designation, the family uses the Alsatian term 'Grossi Laue' for their top-tier wines, maintaining a unique house identity that predates modern classification systems.
• Ancestral Continuity — With the 13th generation now at the helm, the family maintains deep-rooted traditions, including the use of the 'Sainte Catherine' cask, the world's oldest working wine barrel dating back to 1715.
• Mastery of Rare Styles — The estate’s late-harvest wines are considered the gold standard for Alsatian dessert wine, prized by collectors for their incredible balance of acidity and sweetness.

• Is Hugel & Fils the same as Famille Hugel?

  Yes. Hugel & Fils is the historic legal name, but since 2015, the brand has used Famille Hugel to emphasize its 13 generations of family ownership.

• Why doesn’t Famille Hugel use the 'Grand Cru' label?

  The family historically disagreed with the 1975 Grand Cru classification boundaries. Instead, they use the label Grossi Laue to signify their finest wines from elite vineyard sites.

• Where is the estate located?

  The winery and historic cellars are located in the fortified village of Riquewihr, Alsace, France.

• What are Vendange Tardive (VT) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)?

  These are late-harvest categories pioneered by Hugel. VT indicates 'Late Harvest' wines with intense fruit character, while SGN indicates wines made from grapes affected by 'Noble Rot' (botrytis), resulting in rich, rare dessert wines.

• What is the significance of the Primum Familiae Vini membership?

  Membership is limited to 12 of the world's most prestigious family-owned wineries. Famille Hugel is the only member representing the Alsace region.