Alsace Wine Industry Titan André Hugel Dead at the Age of 92

Pictures: Annette Schiller and André Hugel. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Hugel in Riquewhir, Alsace, with Marc-André Hugel and Senior Boss André Hugel - Alsace Tour 2019 with the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, France

Alsace wine industry titan André Hugel passed away at the age of 92 following Covid-related complications. The last time Annette and I saw him was during the Alsace Tour 2019 with the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim. 

Marc-André Hugel was our host and the late André Hugel, Marc-André Hugel's grandfather, paid us a visit.

Hugel is represented in the US by Frederic Wildmann.

See also: Tour and Tasting at Hugel in Riquewhir, Alsace, with Jean Frédéric Hugel - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

André Hugel

Famille Hugel: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of André Hugel on Monday, August 15, at the age of 92. He leaves us with the memory of an incredibly full life, unfailing devotion to the family history and unlimited tenderness towards his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Spending a few, lazy hours in the picturesque streets of Riquewihr with André Hugel, and pushing open the doors of our centuries-old cellars was like setting out on an exploration of the extraordinary terroirs of Alsace and the history of our wonderful region. 

André was the 11th generation of our family rooted in the Riquewihr (Haut-Rhin) wine-growing area since 1639. The estate is currently run by Marc, Marc-André and Jean-Frédéric Hugel, the 12th and 13th generations. 

After training in Beaune and Geisenheim, André Hugel (born on August 19th, 1929) joined very early the family firm and, together with his two brothers, helped it grow. He kept working until his last days and contributed greatly to the dynamism of Famille Hugel in recent years as a fervent defender of two, highly-symbolic cuvées with a strong, Alsatian character: Grossi Laüe, which means “the best vineyards” in the Alsatian dialect, and Schoelhammer. These are now the leading products of the estate, alongside the iconic Vendange Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles. 

Also president of the Riquewihr Archaeological Society since 1978 and of the Museum of Alsace Wines and Vineyards since 1979, he was Grand Master of the Confrérie Saint-Etienne wine guild in 1985, Deputy Major of Riquewihr from 1989 to 1995 and municipal councillor from 1995 to 2001. Aside from his passion for the history of wine-growing in Alsace, André Hugel was also deeply interested in Alsatians conscripted against their will into the German army in World War II. His research in this field led to several publications."

Hugel

Hugel is one of the major producers of Alsace wine, and has been an important force in the Alsace wine industry in its developments during the second half of the 20th century. For over 370 years and with 13-family generations the Hugel family has unrivaled experience and knowledge of Alsace vineyards and winemaking. Known today for their passion and modern outlook, the dynamic Hugel family, located in the picture-postcard fortified village of Riquewihr, has earned a worldwide reputation for their Alsace wines.

Hugel was founded in Riquewihr in 1639 by Hans Ulrich Hugel, who was a Swiss national who left his home country during the Thirty Years' War. It has remained in the hands of the Hugel family since then. As a logotype, they use a family crest which was carved in 1672, to decorate the doorway of a house built in Riquewihr by one of Hans Ulrich's sons

In 1902, Hugel moved to its present location in the centre of Riquewihr.

Pictures: At Hugel in Riquewihr

Hugel produces its high-end wines from its own vineyards, and also operates a négociant business, which sources additional grapes under long-term contract from various growers. Hugel is highly export-oriented, with almost 80 percent of the wines produced being exported.

Pictures: With the Late André Hugel and Marc-André Hugel.

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

Tour and Tasting at Hugel in Riquewhir, Alsace, with Jean Frédéric Hugel - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Hugel in Riquewhir, Alsace, with Marc-André Hugel and Senior Boss André Hugel - Alsace Tour 2019 with the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, France

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