Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Grand Cru – 2021

Bottling date: 1/2023; Alcohol: 13.6° alc; Residual sweetness: 0.5 g/l; Total acidity 4.6 g/l H2SO4 (7.1 g/l Tartaric acid), pH: 3.3; Yields: 10 hl/ha; Optimum drinking period: 2029-2046+; Average age of the vines: 58 years; Terroir: Sedimentary volcanic rocks. South facing, steep slope. Indice 1/EU Dry wine.

Olivier Humbrecht: “The Clos-Saint-Urbain is located all around the little Chapel of Saint-Urbain, (godfather of the winegrowers in France). The soil is made of compressed old volcanic ash that has the capacity to release impressive levels of minerals into the soil and eventually into the wines. The Rangen wines always have the highest level of ash content! In 2021, the Rangen was a privileged vineyard as it suffered less from the climatic problems of the vintage, especially spring frost. The grapes were in perfect condition and the wine fermented fully dry.

Intense bright yellow colour. The nose is still tight, showing the typical gunflint, peat and smoky character of that volcanic hillside. It is difficult to guess on the nose the intensity and power of this wine which is eventually revealed on the palate. The power is not alcohol driven, it is the vineyard itself that make this wine taste so intensely. The mouth shows a strong character and originality. It has a beautiful velvety mouthfeel supported by a lively bright acidity. It does last a long time on the finish, revealing the saltiness of the minerals of the volcanic geology, increasing the density of the wine, but with such an elegant and bright structure. There is so much freshness in this wine and it will age extremely well!”

James Suckling tasting note

“This vision of Pinot Gris perfection creeps up to you on tip toe. Wonderful quince fruit and smokiness on the rather closed nose, followed by the impeccably balanced and delightful front palate. Then the hammer falls and the overwhelming crushed rock minerality hits you like a landslide that sweeps everything away. And somehow all this feels as weightless as a cloud! From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

100 Points Stuart Pigott for James Suckling.