The Grand Cru of Rangen is actually isolated from the rest of the Alsace vineyard. Located at the start of the southern end of the wine route, it is indeed quite far from the rest of the Alsace vineyard.

The industrial rise and development of the town of Thann have effectively reduced an important vineyard (about 500 hectares at the time of Montaigne) to just the size of the Grand Cru today.

A SMALL PRODUCTION

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 of the GC specifications in 2012.

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, which do not have a permanent lifespan, and unfortunately, each year we must repair many walls.

A priori, due to its altitude and cooler climate, Rangen is rather susceptible to oidium 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 (though it should not be overlooked), 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 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, emphasizing the late character of this terroir and delaying the veraison and flowering often more than 15 days after the earliest climates in 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 catches up and surpasses all the 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 assert 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 vines, 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 unique 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 quality 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 (alternating hot/cold), 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 rare 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. The signature of Rangen showcases 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 flintstone 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 the day of Saint Urban, primarily attended by winemakers and innkeepers, along with other faithful participants. 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 5.5 hectares planted with Pinot Gris (2.7 hectares), Riesling (2.3 hectares), and Gewurztraminer (0.5 hectares), 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 west and the top and bottom of the slope. The upper part, later-ripening, cooler, and with 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. Additionally, the river also creates a warming effect by reflecting sunlight and thermal currents.

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