Technical presentation
| Bottling : | August 2013 |
|---|---|
| Acquired alcohol : | 14.5° |
| Residual sugar : | 38.0 g/l |
| Total acidity : | 3.4 g/l H2S04 |
| pH : | 3.7 |
| Yield : | 11 hl/ha |
| Optimum tasting : | 2018-2037+ |
| Average age of vines : | 49 years |
| Terroir : | Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain |
| Sweetness index : | 4 |
| Soil : | Sedimentary volcanic rocks (Tuffs & Grauwake), South facing, Very steep slope |
Description of the wine Pinot Gris Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Grand Cru 2012
2012 was probably one of the most difficult and complicated vintages for the Rangen. Spring was late causing a very late difficult flowering. The frequent rainfalls made it difficult to spray the vineyard against diseases and treatments had to be repeated more than usual. Finally, hail struck the vines early August, when the clusters were still quite small, removing a large chunk of the potential harvest. The result was a very small crop. Of course, we are used to harvest small grapes on this steep volcanic hill, but I think that, without noble rot, 2012 must be a record. Luckily, botrytis didn’t develop (it would have decreased the crop even more) and the grapes were harvested very healthy.
Tasting notes
2/2012: the nose shows a beautiful intensity, needs a lot of time, but eventually the glass is bursting of fruit aromas (ripe pears) and delicate flint. There is a big sense of serenity and density in this wine, it is hard to believe how difficult the vintage was. The palate shows unctuosity and length, doesn’t really feel powerful, like so many 2012s. Big saline finish. Great ageing potential. There should be no fear in opening this wine a long time before service (days!).
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.