Riesling Grand cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint-Urbain
2021
$241.78*
1 case available
Olivier Humbrecht is one of the world's most renowned winegrowers. He is a Master of Wine and has been described by Robert Parker as the greatest white winemaker on earth. Yet he is very soft spoken, humble, and self-deprecating, which makes him perfectly suited to his assumed role as a global ambassador of wine. He is a champion of terroir, biodynamic farming principles, and non-interventionist winemaking, whose family have been winegrowers in Alsace for 12 generations (since 1620). He is...
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The Rangen is the southernmost Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace. However, going south also means a higher altitude. In comparison, the Rangen would actually sit above the Brand in Turckheim! The cooler weather coming down the valley also explain why this vineyard bud-breaks so late. It is surprising, because the south exposure and the steepness of the slope (90%+) indicate a solar exposition. The soil is made of compacted volcanic ash: hard angular rocks, and like many metamorphic rocks, it contains elements that would produce fine clay when broken down by the soil cultivation and the action of the micro-orgnisms. This clay does migrate deep into the soil through cracks in the mother rock. As the vine ages, the roots go deeper and eventually can find all the nutrients and water reserve constituted by these clay. The volcanic rock also contains an unusual amount of minerals, probably at the origin of the smoky and flinty character of the Rangen wines and their strong saline taste.
The grapes were spectacular in 2018. Perfect ripeness, but also perfect fermentation. This vineyard has an unmistakable energy and is capable to transfer it to the wine.
The Rangen vineyard influence is so recognisable here. The nose is intense, smoky, flinty. There is volcanic dust on the nose. We realize that this is just a way of speaking, but this is the feeling one would get by smelling this wine! The wine covers the palate with a rich saline racy texture. This is an intense and long wine. The acidity kicks in on the finish which is also very dry. Fantastic Rangen! And the more time spend to discover it, the more comes out of the glass. It has so much to say.
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.
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The 2021 Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru is from the famously steep and dark volcanic rock of Rangen with some sandstone inclusions. The soil is rich in potassium which buffers the pH of the wine, making the acid less strident yet lending much power to the wines. The oldest plots of Riesling are up to 60 years old; the younger vines are 45 years old. The color is golden. Underneath the reduction is a spicy smokiness, with greengage and white pepper. There is something utterly fluid, intense, compact and concentrated that seems to have a total verticality, driving into the depth of the rock. The wine has luminous citric yet balanced freshness and is clear as a bell. Wait for this because it will be sensational. The finish is bone-dry and salty. (Bone-dry)
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