Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" dry white 2022 (3 bottles)

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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" dry white 2022

Guide RVF of the Best Wines of France 2025 (August 2024) : 96/100. Admirable gewürztraminer from Rangen, which illustrates through the lens of the grape another facet of this fascinating terroir.

Tasting notes by Olivier Humbrecht (january 2024):

Brilliant golden yellow color. Imposing nose with a powerful volcanic influence, yet still restrained and not fully open. Aeration will reveal more smoky/peaty aromas. The Gewurztraminer is completely transformed by this extraordinary vineyard. Dense palate with a velvety touch, lacking roundness and structured by ripe tannins. The finish is long and tight with the classic volcanic saline influence. A taut wine that will need some time to show its full potential. A beautiful example of dry Gewurztraminer Rangen.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Stephan Reinhardt, February 2025): 94/100. From 43-year-old vines on sedimentary volcanic rocks (tuffs and graywacke), the 2022 Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Gewurztraminer is pure, saline and flinty on the nose that reveals lemon and grapefruit peels. Lush, refined and elegant on the palate, this is a rich, tight and tannic, classically bitter yet also almost austere-finishing Gewürztraminer with power and tension. The wine lacks a bit of generosity, but it has power and concentration. 14.54% stated alcohol plus four grams per liter of residual. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2024. Drink date 2025-2055.

Technical sheet written by the domaine

On the 22ha of the Grand Cru Rangen, only 1ha is planted with Gewurztraminer!

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht cultivates 0.5ha on the Clos-Saint-Urbain. This grape variety is sensitive to cold, especially during the flowering period, and is therefore particularly exposed to the altitude of Rangen (350/480m) and to cold air currents in spring that descend the Thann valley. That is why our two small plots are located just above the Thur river, at the lower part of Rangen, where they benefit from the thermal inertia provided by the watercourse. The volcanic terroir of Rangen is capable of dominating this grape variety, which expresses itself with a smoky/flint aromatic profile. Although harvested late, the Gewurztraminer from Rangen ferments energetically and often finishes with a fairly dry balance, even completely dry. This grape variety is often bottled earlier, but for this wine, we felt that extended aging on the lees would allow it to better digest its power.

Bottling: August 2024

Acquired alcohol: 14.5°

Residual sugar: 4 g/l

Total acidity: 2.7 g/l H2SO4 (4.1 g/l Tartaric)

3.8


Yield: 45 hl/ha

Optimum tasting: 2026-2047+

Average age of the vines: 43 years old

Terroir : Volcanic (tuffs & grauwackes), south-facing, very steep slope

The entire history of this mythical Clos written by the

domaine Zind Humbrecht :

The Rangen has been classifiedGrand CruIn 1983 and attained the status of Appellation Rangen Grand Cru in 2011, with a decrease in the appellation yield (maximum) to 50hl/ha in 2012.

The soil of this renowned terroir is a very particular and absolutely unique terrain in Alsace. Of Carboniferous age (Devonian), it is composed of volcanic rocks and sediments that are generally sandy, in which volcanic elements are more or less abundant. The stones that cover it come from hard rocks such as grauwackes, volcanic tuffs, and a flow rock that is a brown micaceous andesite. This layer has a variable thickness between 40 and 60 cm above the fractured bedrock, allowing roots to penetrate to a greater depth and promoting exceptional natural drainage.

The nature of the terrain and the depth of the soil characterize a lean environment, low in clay, but still present and characterized by a high exchange surface, thus favorable for good preservation of minerals. The dark color of the soil, a reddish-brown hue, is a favorable element for achieving higher soil temperatures.

Spring is often colder and rainier than in other earlier terroirs.

In summer, the soil of Rangen becomes a solar oven, providing the vines with all the essential light energy they need.

The autumn is bright and warm, as once the morning mists have cleared, the Rangen emerges in full sunlight, often above the humidity of the Alsace plain. Its exceptional exposure allows for a slow maturation of the grapes in October and November, where it is then possible to achieve very high levels of concentration.

THE GRAPE VARIETIES

The late character of Rangen makes it a terroir particularly favorable for achieving great physiological maturity, which is very important for the maturity of a grape variety like the

Riesling. Despite a very sunny topography (steep slope of 90%, south-facing exposure, warm soil), the development of the grapes is slow, and the harvests are often late (2 to 3 weeks after the start of the harvest). The warm, well-draining acidic soil is particularly favorable to the Riesling Riesling is a white grape variety originating from the Rhine region of Germany. It is known for its aromatic qualities and high acidity, making it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Grown in various terroirs, Riesling expresses the characteristics of its environment, from the mineral notes of slate to the floral aromas of limestone. Perfectly complements spicy Asian cuisine, seafood, and light salads.  and, surprisingly, at 

Pinot Gris is a versatile white grape variety known for producing rich and aromatic wines. It thrives in various terroirs, showcasing unique characteristics depending on the region.

The Gewurztraminer is rarer because, except for the vines close to the river or at the bottom of the Rangen, most of the Rangen is exposed to cold winds from the valley that can harm this grape variety, hindering flowering (shatter) or preventing its ripening. Despite this, the planted on the Rangen are capable of fully expressing the signature of the volcanic rock.

AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE

The exceptionally steep topography of the Rangen vineyard requires a specific and labor-intensive approach.

The industrial rise and development of the town of Thann have actually reduced an important vineyard (approximately 500ha during Montaigne's time) to just the area of the Grand Cru today.

The vines located on the Grand Cru du Rangen produce low yields. Despite a high density per hectare, the average production is often well below 30hl/ha, often ranging between 15hl and 25hl/ha in years of low production (2012, 2010…). It was by observing this low production, directly linked to the poor soil, that all the producers of Rangen decided to adopt a maximum yield of 50hl/ha in the charter of 1993, which was ultimately accepted in the annual production conditions in the GC specifications in 2012.

THE WORK OF THE VINE

On the Rangen, we find denser vines, with narrower rows and/or closely planted feet. These vines are also much closer to the ground, benefiting from the slope's effect and the warming of the stones. This is important, as the Rangen, a late terroir, requires this heat contribution at the end of the season to perfect the ripeness of the grapes.

This terroir is also complicated to maintain. Erosion can be significant, and the consequences are dramatic when rains wash soil down from the vines. The vineyard is also strewn with dry stone walls, whose lifespan is not permanent, and, unfortunately, each year we must repair many walls.

A priori, due to its altitude and cooler climate, Rangen is rather susceptible to powdery mildew attacks, which can be quite formidable in certain vintages. However, in some warmer years, especially recently, downy mildew has developed intensely, requiring increased vigilance from the winemaker. The cool winds from the valley and the altitude of this Cru help to avoid significant problems, as the protection of this vineyard is very challenging. The use of tractor-mounted sprayers being impossible, all treatments are done manually using a long hose that is unrolled through the rows of vines.

Botrytis is not a major issue at Rangen (it should not be overlooked, however), especially when it is sought after at the end of the season for late harvests or selections of noble grapes, a great specialty of this Cru.

The cultivation of the vine is done with the help of a winch for soil maintenance. Biodynamic farming, of course, prohibits herbicides, and since competition from weeds can be a problem in this poor soil, it is imperative to carry out at least two mechanical plowings each year.

THE SEASONS OF RANGEN

The proximity of the Vosges massif, the higher altitude of Rangen compared to the rest of Alsace (350m to 450m), and a greater rainfall (750mm/year) enhance the character of the seasons.

Winter is well established, but the snow can melt very quickly, and the Clos, thanks to the presence of the river, the soil covered with rocks, and a remarkable slope facing south, is almost sheltered from winter and spring frosts.

Spring is often colder and rainier, accentuating the late character of this terroir and delaying the veraison and flowering often more than 15 days after the earliest climates of Alsace.

Summer brings great heat, especially when cloud cover is low. The soil of Rangen becomes a solar oven, providing the vines with all the necessary light energy.

Autumn is bright and warm, as once the morning mists have cleared, the Rangen emerges in full sunlight, above the humidity of the Alsace plain. It is at this moment, like a sprinter on the final straight, that the Rangen makes up for lost time and surpasses all other terroirs.

THE WINES OF RANGEN

The wines of Rangen are characterized by the late nature of the terroir, its strong volcanic minerality, and its ability to capture light. The wines of Rangen exhibit great depth and strength that affirm their personality.

Despite a high planting density, average yields are very low, often ranging between 25 and 35hl/ha in a normal year, and even much lower for sweet/liqueur wines. This imparts intensity and power to the wines of Rangen.

The very sunny exposure (slope, orientation, river, soil reflection) brings an energy of light and warmth to the soil and the vine, ensuring good leaf and root activity. All the wines from Rangen exhibit a strong physiological maturity and thus balances based on saline maturity.

The very particular soil and subsoil, both due to its volcanic composition, highly mineralized, and its structure, allowing deep root penetration and natural drainage, imparts strength of flavor to the wines. They are characterized by a flinty, smoky, even peaty character and a highly mineralized acidity (with a briny taste) stemming from the mineral richness of the soil. The wines from Rangen are easily distinguishable in tasting.

The topography of the site, its late character (hot/cold alternations), as well as the presence of the river are responsible, in certain vintages, for a significant development of noble rot, which also allows for the production of great sweet wines, often very colorful, in addition to great dry wines. The Rangen is one of the few terroirs in Alsace capable of imparting its strong flavor on all grape varieties.

These, however, retain their own unique characteristics that do not necessarily require building the wine on the basis of a blend. Each grape variety expresses certain traits of the terroir in its own distinct and unique way. Blending is currently practiced at an experimental level and does not play a role in the construction of the Grand Cru.

Riesling is primarily harvested in excellent condition and mainly produces dry, mineral wines. Pinot Gris, which ripens earlier, accumulates sugars sooner and often develops noble rot in almost every vintage. It thus takes on a character of over-ripeness associated with the terroir. Gewurztraminer, which is later ripening at Rangen than the other grape varieties, also frequently develops botrytis and possesses a strong tannic structure.

The wines of Rangen are concentrated, long, deep, and possess great aging potential. In the signature of Rangen, one will find a harmony of acidity and salinity. In cases of over-ripeness, the dry extract and acidity will balance the residual sugars without the wine losing its terroir identity: the famous flint aromas will always be present. 

Le Clos-Saint-Urbain

The town of Thann has always held a particularly deep reverence and devotion to this Saint. At the end of the 15th century, a chapel was erected in honor of Saint Urban in the heart of the Rangen vineyard. Every year, a procession would ascend there on Saint Urban's day, primarily attended by winemakers and innkeepers, along with other faithful. Along the route, the litany of Saints was sung, but with an additional litany specific to Saint Urban, known nowhere else but in Thann:

Saint Urbain, companion of work and helper of all the priests of the Lord's vineyard,

Pray for us !

Saint Urbain, guardian and protector of all vineyards and orchards,

Pray for us !

Saint Urbain, Patron of winemakers and innkeepers,

Pray for us !

Of drink and drunkenness,

Deliver us, Lord !

The devastations of the storm and frost,

Deliver us, Lord !

This chapel was restored in 1774. During the French Revolution, it was completely destroyed by the people. Since 1934, a new chapel dedicated to Saint Urbain once again protects this wonderful hillside.

Le Clos-Saint-Urbain is centered around the Saint-Urbain chapel and consists of 5.5ha planted with Pinot Gris (2.7ha), Riesling (2.3ha), and Gewurztraminer (0.5ha), and is divided in the middle by the Montaigne path.

The Thur river flows at the foot of the vines only under the Clos and then moves away after passing the cliff.

Les Riesling et Pinot-Gris are planted in different locations of the Clos, between the east and the west and the top and the bottom of the slope. The upper part, which is later ripening, cooler, and has a more stony and acidic soil (due to the natural leaching caused by the slope, the soil pH varies between 5.5 at the top and 7 at the bottom) produces grapes with more finesse and acidity. The lower part of the slope produces more structured, powerful, and rich wines. It is therefore very interesting to be able to blend the two parts of the Clos.

Le Gewurztraminer is less present than the other two grape varieties as it is more sensitive to altitude. For this reason, it is found only on two plots directly overlooking the river. There, the soil richer in clay is conducive to this grape variety. Moreover, the river also creates a warming effect by reflecting sunlight and thermal currents.