Zind-Humbrecht | Alsace | Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru | 2021 | 1500ml | bio

Description

Product description for Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2021 (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 Grand Cru du Rangen is located in the southernmost part of the Alsace Wine Route, at a higher altitude than most other Grands Crus in Alsace: 350 to 480 m. Nestled in a narrow, cold valley, near the highest peaks of the Vosges Mountains, the climate is colder, so the Rangen always budbreaks late in the spring. The steep, south-facing slope (90%) compensates for the cold climate of the Thann Valley and gives the grapes great ripeness at the end of the season. The strength of the Rangen wines, however, lies in the unique volcanic soil, composed of compacted ash and rich in minerals. This special soil produces wines with exceptional minerality and a high proportion of smoky components.

Vineyard Information

In 2021, the grapes did ripen quite slowly. They reached perfect ripeness, but also retained robust acidity and developed intense volcanic aromas. The wine fermented very slowly and was vinified dry.

Colour

Intense, bright golden yellow.

Nose

This monument of a wine initially displays smoky notes, aromas of matchsticks, and crushed stones. It demands the decanter to reveal itself, then aromas of white peach, mango, rosemary, and tart grapefruit peel emerge. It grabs you on the nose and doesn’t let go.

Palate

Powerful and full of inspiring freshness, the 2021 Riesling Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann floods the palate. Its fruit is accompanied by salty intensity and vibrant acidity, as well as fine tannins – all wonderfully framed by exuberant minerality. It has a floating, almost silky feel, and the alcohol content is pleasantly moderate at 12.5% ABV. You could spend days enjoying it, which is a good thing, because opening it longer will only enhance it even more. A Riesling that presents itself as powerful, complex, and simply beautiful, but also a wine that is not yet intended for immediate consumption, although it is already so stimulating and inspiring. It is best to cellar it for now. In a few years, you will get the feeling that fireworks are going off when you drink it. You can practically sink into this magical wine, full of intensity and expression, and at the same time so full of elegance! If you want to enjoy it now, you should definitely decant it over several hours and serve it in a sufficiently large glass. A few days of opening will allow it to gain in expression.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2021 bio Alsace France

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