
Describing the Pinot Gris and Riesling from the Rangen vineyard, I already explained that 2006 was an extreme vintage that produced some extreme styled wines. This Gewurztraminer is no different. The botrytis was very intense and dry, to the point that some grapes looked like torrified coffee beans. When the concentrated botrytis is associated to the strong volcanic character of the Rangen, the result can be quite amazing and will destabilize most tasters. The 2006, despite being drier, goes in the direction of the 1998 or 1993 vintage. The fermentation was slow, but Rangen wild yeasts are ferocious and not ashamed to go far, so expect a powerful wine!
1/2008: the nose is a dense combination of roasted beans, flinty flavours and stone powder. Where are the Gewurztraminer flavours? Not there yet, certainly hiding behind the huge structure of the wine. It wouldn’t surprise me if they never show up, such is the strong influence of this terroir. The palate is very long, well structured, packed with minerals and salty influence. Do not expect a sweet VT, as this wine appears drier than the numbers would suggest (like an Indice 3).