Technical presentation
| Bottling : | August 2019 |
|---|---|
| Acquired alcohol : | 13.7° |
| Residual sugar : | 52.6 g/l |
| Total acidity : | 2.2 g/l H2SO4 / (3.4g/l Tartrique) |
| pH : | 3.80 |
| Yield : | 45 hl/ha |
| Optimum tasting : | 2023-2048+ |
| Average age of vines : | 39 years |
| Terroir : | Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain |
| Sweetness index : | 5 |
| Available for sale : | Yes |
| Soil : | Sedimentary volcanic rocks |
Description of the wine Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Rangen from Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain 2018
When my father Léonard Humbrecht purchased in 1977 the Clos-Saint-Urbain in the Rangen vineyard, we could see that there was a very small part (0.3ha) planted with the Gewurztraminer grape. A first, we thought that this was a bad choice from the previous owner, despite the fact that it was planted in the warmest part of the Clos, right above the river Thur. The higher altitude, strong cool wind influence from the valley, the rocky poorer volcanic soil… were all elements more in favour for Riesling or Pinot-Gris, which are the dominating grape varieties in this Grand Cru. Regardless, vinifying the Gewurztraminer in the Rangen was an absolute revelation. The force of the volcano completely transforms the wine which become something new and different. The old vines were also particularly well chosen: excellent massal selection and high density plantation (10000 vines/ha). The result is so consistent and characterful that we added another small vineyard (0.2ha) in 1999, so at least we can produce a small cask every year.
Tasting notes
04/2020 : Rich intense yellow colour. The nose shows all the classic aromas associated with the volcanic soil of the Rangen: flint, light smoke and spices with some complex exotic fruits underlying (mangoes). The palate is big, forceful, intense. The texture and mouthfeel is unctuous, sweet but well defined and displays a long finish. More than any other vineyard, the Rangen also has this rich saline taste that combines so well with the natural tannins. This wine will age nicely and will take some years to show all its potential.
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.