2016 Pinot Gris, Clos Saint Urbain, Rangen de Thann, Grand Cru, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Alsace
Critics reviews
Stephan Reinhardt - 31/10/2018
About this WINE
Domaine Zind Humbrecht
The wines of Olivier Humbrecht M.W. need little introduction, possessing great depth, exactitude as well as generosity…like the man himself.
The Humbrecht family viticultural roots can be traced back to The Thirty Years War of 1620. Today they own forty hectares across five villages in the Haut-Rhin, the southern half of the picturesque vineyards overlapping the Vosges foothills, treasured for its idyllic climate, tapestry of terroirs as much for its half-timbered houses.
The domaine has vines in 4 Grands Crus - Rangen (Thann) 5.5 ha, Brand (Turckheim) 2.4 ha, Hengst (Wintzenheim) 1.4 ha, Goldert (Gueberschwihr) 0.9 ha as well as Single Vineyards; Rotenberg (Wintzenheim) 1.8 ha, Clos Häuserer (Wintzenheim) 1.2 ha, Herrenweg (Turkheim) 11.5 ha, Clos Jebsal (Turkheim) 1.3 ha, Heimbourg (Turkheim) 4 ha and Clos Windsbuhl (Hunawihr) 5.2 ha.
Olivier has arguably overseen the most notable improvements in the estate’s illustrious history: a new cellar in 1992 while retaining the traditional ‘foudre’ oval barrels; initiating biodynamic practices in 1997 (certified in 2002); and the buying of a horse in 2006 to plough the vineyards!
Rangen de Thann
The Rangen de Thann vineyard is located in the Alsace region of France, specifically in the village of Thann. It is one of the most famous and prestigious vineyards in Alsace, known for producing high-quality Riesling wines.
The Rangen vineyard is unique in several ways. It is one of the steepest vineyards in Alsace, with slopes that can reach up to 60 degrees. This steepness allows for excellent drainage and exposure to sunlight, which helps the grapes ripen fully and develop complex flavours.
The soil in the Rangen vineyard is also unique. It is composed of volcanic rock, which gives the wines a distinct mineral character. This mineral character is often described as flinty or smoky, and it adds complexity and depth to the wines.
The Riesling wines produced in the Rangen vineyard are known for their intense aromas, vibrant acidity, and long ageing potential. They often have flavours of citrus, stone fruit, and white flowers, with a pronounced mineral character.
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
A first class grape variety grown in Alsace, where it is known as Tokay Pinot Gris, and in Italy, where it is called Pinot Grigio. In Alsace it is best suited to the deep, clay rich soils found in the north of the region where it produces richly honeyed, dry whites as well as superb sweet late harvest wines. At its best it combines the heady perfume and rich aroma of Gewürztraminer with the acidity one associates with Riesling. It ages very well, developing rich buttery characteristics.
In Northern Italy Pinot Grigio produces many thin undistinguished dry whites. However it comes into its own in Friuli-Venezia and the Alto Adige, where leading producers such as Alvaro Pecorari of Lis Neris produce marvellously rounded, elegant, and mineral laden examples. Pinot Gris is now grown with notable success in Oregon in the USA and in New Zealand.
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Description
The intensely straw-yellow colored 2016 Alsace Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Pinot Gris Clos Saint Urbain offers generous yet very fine and elegant fruit with delicate spicy and sur-lie expressions from the long aging in barrels until the bottling in February 2018. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, mouth-filling, elegant, tight and densely woven Rangen Pinot that fermented bone dry and reveals a firm structure with lots of power and lingering salinity (14.5% alcohol). Made from extremely healthy grapes whose must fermented unusually quickly, down to less than two grams of residual sugar. Tasted June 2018.
Stephan Reinhardt - 31/10/2018
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