Technical presentation
Bottling : | September 2006 |
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Acquired alcohol : | 13.3 ° |
Residual sugar : | 4.3 g/l |
Total acidity : | 4. g/l H2SO4 (6.4 g/l Acide Tartrique) |
pH : | 3.4 |
Yield : | 27 hl/ha |
Average age of vines : | 43 years |
Terroir : | Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain |
Sweetness index : | 1 |
Soil : | Sedimentary volcanic rocks, South facing, Very steep slope |
Description of the wine Riesling Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos St Urbain 2005
The Rangen vineyard is located at a high altitude (350m-450m) and close to the Vosges Mountains, so despite its steep south facing exposition, the grapes do take longer to ripen. The volcanic soil, covered with big chunks of dark heavy rocks, help to compensate the cooler climate by bringing more heat and sun reverberation to the grapes in October. They are also responsible of the distinctive flinty and smoky character of the wines from this vineyard. In 2005, the grapes were harvested with little botrytis, good acidity and very small yields. Just like the Brand, the fermentation was very powerful, making a very dry wine, but in record time, as it was completed in just one month.
Tasting notes
01/2007 : Since this wine was clear since January 2006 and bottled in September 2006, the nose is now very open but only shows strong minerals, in a certain austerity. It is not an extravagant Rangen, on the opposite, the earthy, smoky character in this wine is enhanced in 2005. The palate feels very dry and rich, almost austere, begging for time and air. Very classic Riesling style with a huge minerality.
The Clos Saint Urbain, Grand Cru Rangen from Thann
The Rangen de Thann is the most southerly of the Alsace vineyards. In his book « Where Alsace wines ripen », Henry Riegert writes: « from the Middle Ages those wines which ripen on the Rangen hillside figure amongst the most famous growths of the whole vineyard region ». The Grand Cru Rangen de Thann, is situated at the exit of the valley, overlooking the village of Thann with the river Thur passing at the foot of the slope.