Zind-Humbrecht | Alsace | Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru | 2020 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2020 (bio)

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was founded under this name in 1959 on the occasion of the wedding of Léonard Humbrecht to Geneviève Zind, and from the merger of the two vineyards, Humbrecht in Gueberschwihr and Zind in Wintzenheim. The Humbrecht family was already producing wine during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, which comprised less than five hectares in the early 1960s, grew to 40 hectares by the mid-1990s. This includes parcels in Grand Cru vineyards such as Rangen (Thann) and Brand (Turckheim). Olivier took over the estate in 1989. The first Master of Wine in the family, he converted the estate to biodynamic farming in 1999 and is also chairman of Biodyvin. Today, all wines are produced in large barrels with long lees ageing. Botrytis is not present in the dry wines.

Wine Information

Olivier Humbrecht: The steep slopes of the Grand Cru Rangen overlook the old town of Thann and the Thur River flowing at their feet. This slope is certainly one of the most spectacular in Alsace (and France), but its reputation in the history of Alsatian wine actually rests on its unique and rare geology. Composed of greywacke (compressed volcanic ash), Rangen’s terroir is capable of producing wines of impressive flavour intensity. Above all, Rangen produces wines of unparalleled energy.

Vineyard Information

As with many Pinot Gris produced on the estate, it is now easier to produce dry wines than sweet ones (quality botrytis is rare), provided, of course, that the harvest takes place at the optimal time. In the past, the harvest in Alsace was spread over several weeks or months. Given global warming, it is necessary to harvest the same area two to three times faster, which also requires an organization that allows for more reactivity in the cellar. Rangen Pinot Gris is a wine that ferments quickly, but longer aging (17 months for the 2020) in barrels on its lees allows it to refine its powerful balance.

Colour

Elegant, medium golden yellow with coppery reflections.

Nose

After a day of opening, it flows from the carafe with an unparalleled intensity. This is Rangen in all its radiance: bitter oranges, candied orange zest, dried apricots, candied ginger, but also light fruits such as peach, pear, and honeydew melon. Everything is very juicy and stimulating. Spices like cardamom and cinnamon and subtle hints of incense join in. The typical smoky and flint aromas are still somewhat in the background, but will emerge more strongly with further maturation. An incredibly elegant and delicate 2020 Pinot Gris from Rangen reveals itself here with fantastic complexity and depth.

Palate

When this monument of a wine hits the tongue, it feels like you’ve just bitten into an overripe pineapple and the juice is running down the corners of your mouth. Fruity sweetness is accompanied by fine tannins, compact spice, and a concise and precise acidity. With its salty, crystalline structure, it seems to practically drift across the tongue, before culminating in a seemingly endless finish. It is still in its infancy and will be even more magnificent and beautiful in a few years than it is now! Be sure to decant it now and enjoy it in large Burgundy glasses. A few days of opening will allow it to further enhance its qualities.

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Keywords: Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2020 bio Alsace France

Producer website: http://www.zindhumbrecht.fr/