Technical presentation
| Bottling : | September 2010 |
|---|---|
| Acquired alcohol : | 14° |
| Residual sugar : | 27.0 g/l |
| Total acidity : | 2.9 g/l H2SO4 (4.5 g/l Acide Tartrique) |
| pH : | 4.0 |
| Yield : | 25 hl/ha |
| Optimum tasting : | 2014-2034+ |
| Average age of vines : | 40 years |
| Terroir : | Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain |
| Sweetness index : | 3 |
| Available for sale : | Yes |
| Soil : | Sedimentary volcanic rocks (Tuffs & Grauwake), South facing, Very steep slope |
Description of the wine Pinot Gris Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2009
Just like some of the other great vineyards on the estate, the Pinot Gris grapes, especially those located near the river, developed a beautiful noble rot, concentrated but also very pure (without excessive mycelium or mould). The Rangen was able to take advantage of its late precocity (altitude is between 350m and 450m) and could benefit from a longer ripening period, avoid suffering from heat during the early part of September. In fact, mid August, the soils were still covered by a very green cover crop of a multitude of different plants! The importance of noble rot justified a selection which became an SGN. The other part of the crop produced this wine. The fermentation was relatively fast and the final balance was an off dry/sweet wine.
Tasting notes
02/2011 : The nose is dominated by smoky, flinty aromas that are a reminder of the volcanic origin of this vineyard. Of course, the noble rot also influences the nose with more classic honeyed, waxy notes and some ‘rôti’ character, closer to humus and fresh forest scent. The palate hides the richness of the wine very well behind the strong personality of this vineyard. Still closed, probably in need of air, this wine begs for more ageing. The finish is round, sweet, very racy and forceful.
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.