Zind-Humbrecht | Alsace | Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru | 2018 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2018 (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 found in the dry wines.

Information about the vineyard

Although the Grand Cru du Rangen is located in the southern part of Alsace, unlike the other vineyards in this region, it is a late-ripening terroir characterized by volcanic tuff and greywacke. The altitude of the vineyard—between 350 and 475 meters—, the proximity to peaks such as the Grand Ballon, and the intrusion of the Thanner Valley lead to drafts at the beginning of the season, which are often very cold. Bud break occurs late, the slope is exposed to the wind, and air circulation is also promoted by the steep slope of the vineyard (90% on average). Despite a high planting density, which is found even in the oldest vines at 55 years old, the harvest is usually low. The volcanic soil, with a surface mix of only a small amount of clay, requires deep rooting, which draws mineral elements from it, but also, and above all, finds a reliable water supply.

Colour

Intense golden yellow

Nose

The first nose immediately reveals that there is a huge gap between the style of Alsatian Rieslings and German wines from the same grape variety. Not in terms of quality, but in terms of style. And fortunately – purely subjectively – this is a matter of taste. The 2018 Clos Saint Urban from the Rangen vineyard in Thann is a Grand Cru. This status is immediately apparent from this nose. It appears sublime, profound, and influenced by its origins. Primary fruit is nowhere to be found. The nose reveals some stone fruit in the distance, dried herbs such as marjoram, a hint of biscuit, and grapefruit. Above all, however, it presents itself as extremely stony, cold, and absolutely elegant. This fragrance, however restrained, captivates you for minutes. Seductive, mysterious, and deeply dark, it captivates you.

Palate

On the palate, the Clos Saint Urban seamlessly follows the sensory impressions. It spreads its stony, mineral, and cool carpet almost majestically. It appears dark and, once again, reveals hardly any fruit. The finish is tight. Compact and energetic with a long aftertaste, ready to be followed immediately with the next sip. This is full of power, punch, and elegance all at once. The word majestic is very appropriate here. Timeless and stylish. It never fills you up, but always encourages you to drink it. The punch emanating from the acidity is phenomenal.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2018 bio Alsace France

Wine Advocate

Score: 96

Somehow, the golden-yellow colored 2018 Riesling Clos Saint-Urbain Rangen de Thann is reminiscent of a matured Champagne on the very first nose, with ripe but also matured and slightly oxidized fruit aromas, here intermingled with lemon and herbal or minty nuances as well as the flint stone tones of the steep, south-facing volcanic clos. Elegant and even with a certain coolishness, the wine becomes a Rangen pretty soon and from a then abnormally dry and warm vintage as well. It is full-bodied, fresh and elegant rather than rich and powerful on the palate, with good mineral freshness and fine bitters on the pure and saline finish. This is an elegant and even fine Rangen Riesling with less generosity and texture than expected but also more thrill and tension. Still stringent on the long finish, this is an excellent 2018 Riesling from a cru that must have been like hell in the summer of 2018. Bottled in January 2020 with 13.4% alcohol and just 2.7 grams per liter of residual sugar. Tasted in Wachenheim as part of the Rangen vertical in November 2023 and again in March 2024.
Stephan Reinhardt

Vinous

Score: 95

The 2018 Riesling Clos Saint Urbain, Rangen de Thann is a gorgeous, exotic wine endowed with superb depth. Apricot, orange confit, white flowers and a whole range of tropical inflections are nicely balanced by the wine’s freshness and energy. The 2018 has quite a bit of density, but it closes down pretty quickly in the glass, which is a bit frustrating in a tasting setting, but something that won’t be an issue in time. It is a very special wine, that much is clear.
— Antonio Galloni
Drinking window: 2022 – 2038
Review date: Oct 2020

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