2016 Gewurztraminer, 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.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is a high quality white grape which produces classic varietal wines in the Alsace region of France.
It is the second most widely planted grape in Alsace and the most widely planted in the Haut-Rhin where it is particularly well suited to the clay-rich soils found in the Vosges foothills. It is normally fermented dry and produces golden, medium to full-bodied wine with heady aromas of lychees, rose petals and white peaches.
It attains naturally high sugar levels far in excess of Riesling and this makes it ideal for sweet, late harvest wines. These can be unctuously sweet and luscious and the best can last for decades. Rieffel, Hugel and Zind Humbrecht consistently produce the finest Gewürztraminer wines in Alsace.
It is also planted in Germany (specifically in the Rheinpfalz and Baden regions), Austria, the Alto Adige in Italy and to a lesser extent in Australia, New Zealand and California. Gerwürz means spice in German, although this pink-skinned grape tends to produce exotically perfumed rather than spice laden wines.
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Description
The 2016 Alsace Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Gewurztraminer Clos Saint Urbain is a bone-dry wine with lots of structure and bitters. I find it lean and pretty uncharming at the moment, but it is tight, mineral and fresh. For me it lacks the juiciness and generosity I love about this grape, but I am looking forward to being surprised in a couple of years.
Stephan Reinhardt - 31/10/2018
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