Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Grand Cru – 2023

Olivier Humbrecht MW’s notes

Bottling date: 1/2025; Alcohol: 13.5° alc; Residual sweetness: 1.1 g/l; Total acidity 4.1 g/l H2SO4 (6.3 g/l Tartaric acid), pH: 3.3; Yields: 25 hl/ha; Optimum drinking period: 2028-2053+; Average age of the vines: 60 years; Terroir: Sedimentary volcanic rocks. South facing, steep slope. Indice 1/EU Dry wine.

The Rangen is the southernmost Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace, located at the start of the Alsace wine route which officially begins in Thann. This southern location gives a false idea of its microclimate which is late ripening and cooler. Located at altitude (the base of the Rangen is higher than the summit of the Brand!) and under the influence of the cool winds of the Thann valley, the Rangen is in fact one of the last to be harvested on the estate. The exceptional topography of this very steep cru (up to 130% slope in places) and a south-facing face allows this delay to be made up for at the end of the season. The dark volcanic rock also allows heat to accumulate which is released at night. The grapes at Rangen always seem to be late in sugar ripeness in summer, but during the harvest, this terroir has an extraordinary capacity to make up for this delay, and even go above the other vineyards. The true personality of Rangen wines comes from the mineral richness of the soil which gives an original and incredibly complex texture and aroma, all enhanced by an energy of the place unique to the Rangen.

Olivier Humbrecht MW tasting note

1/2025: deep pale gold colour. The nose is expressive and powerful. Uninitiated tasters will think of a nice reduction, but lovers of this vineyard will recognize all the characteristics of the volcanic terroir: intense smokiness, flint, peat… particularly expressive in this 2023 vintage. The wine has a dense, fleshy, very precise texture and supported by superb acidity. The bitters enhance the salivating mineral density of this wine. It is a great wine that can provide great emotion when tasted with knowledge.

“The brain-rattling concentration, smokiness and flinty energy of this unique dry pinot gris don’t fit in any box on this planet. Definitely not full-bodied, but how could you say it is mediumbodied with this intensity of expression? In spite of the power, it shoots almost weightlessly up into the heavens and pulls you with it. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.” 100/100pts James Suckling