Zind Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Grand Cru – 2021

Bottling date: 1/2023; Alcohol: 12.5° alc; Residual sweetness: 3.5 g/l; Total Acidity 4.6 g/l H2SO4 (7.0 g/l Tartaric acid), pH: 3.0; Yields: 18 hl/ha; Optimum drinking period: 2026-2046+; Average age of the vines: 59 years; Terroir: Sedimentary volcanic rocks, facing South, very steep slope. Indice 1/EU Dry wine.

“The Rangen Grand Cru is a dramatic steep south facing vineyard above the river Thur in the village of Thann in South Alsace. Its originality comes from its unique sedimentary old volcanic soil that is composed of hard dark rocks. Luckily, they do decompose and produce complex minerals and clay that accumulate deep in into the mother rock. Young vines do struggle but when the roots eventually reach these layers, the vines really start to show the characteristics of this incredible soil in the wines. In 2021, the grapes ripened actually quite slowly. They reached a perfect ripeness but also kept a fierce acidity while developing intense volcanic flavours. The wine was very slow to ferment and finished dry.

1/2023: Bright pale yellow colour. Intense classic volcanic nose! Showing flint, wet stones, smoky aromas. Almost reductive or earthy/humus at this early stage, like most 2021s, it will need time to develop completely. Rangen can be quite aromatic in its youth, but the 2021 will need more time to reach a more fruity aromatic expression. The palate is elegant, almost delicate but is immediately showing a big mineral content that brings weight to an overall fine texture. Showing smoke aromatics, spices, herbs… The acidity of the vintage hides the natural tannins but they are present, bringing an extra element of structure. The finish is dry with a ripe acidity. The flavours last a long time without being heavy. This is an elegant and intense Rangen from this cooler vintage.” Olivier Humbrecht

“Welcome to the dark side of the dry riesling force where gunpowder meets the stone at the heart of the peach. Dazzling racy intensity. Super-long and pure with a mountain of crushed rock character at the smoky finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.” 98pts Stuart Pigott for James Suckling