Zind Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Grand Cru – 2023

Olivier Humbrecht MW’s notes

Bottling date: 1/2025; Alcohol: 12.8° alc; Residual sweetness: 1.3 g/l; Total Acidity 3.6 g/l H2SO4 (5.5 g/l Tartaric acid), pH: 3.3; Yields: 25 hl/ha; Optimum drinking period: 2026-2047+; Average age of the vines: 61 years; Terroir: Sedimentary volcanic rocks, facing South, very steep slope. Indice 1/EU Dry wine.

The topography of this Grand Cru is impressive. It is a terroir where the vineyard work is hard and painful, and we can really speak of heroic viticulture. But in addition to its 90% average slope facing due south, this terroir standfs apart because of its soil composed of a volcanic-sedimentary rock which strongly marks the wines. Volcanic terroirs are rare and this one is particularly rare, unique in fact on the Grand Crus in Alsace. The Rangen produces powerful, intense wines, marked by the influence of a late climate (altitude, cold valley) on a very solar geology and situation. The sedimentary volcanic rock is hard, breaks into angular stones, to end up producing fine elements (clay) which will migrate deep into the geological faults. This mineral richness influences the wines of the Rangen with flinty aromas and a saline mouthfeel. The 2023 vintage was picked late on the Rangen, despite a sunny September. The wine has taken almost a year to finish the fermentation. The 16-month ageing on total lees in old oak cask will have been necessary to refine this wine.

Olivier Humbrecht MW tasting note

1/2025: light golden yellow colour. Like previous vintages, the Rangen is characterized by a deeper colour compared to other terroirs. The nose is intense and amplifies with aeration. At the beginning we find the strong influence of the volcano, with a slight typical reduction. The nose then evolves towards a stony, smoky bouquet, with floral traces, aromatic plants … The mouth is enveloping, coats the palate and reveals a silky texture and a long saline finish. This wine is mainly built on a saline mineral texture that deserves some aging to fully reveal itself.

“Gigantic concentration, elegance and finesse. The smokiness floats like a cloud over the deep dark waters of this unique wine. The spiciness is so delicate and fascinating, and although the texture is super silky, the dark minerality gives this an almost supernatural intensity in the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.” James Suckling 99/100