Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2019 1500ml Magnum
The Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2019 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht hails from the steepest vineyard site in Alsace, with a 68-degree gradient on volcanic rock. In magnum format, this dry Pinot Gris reveals itself as a mineral powerhouse of remarkable depth and ageing potential.
Bottler: Domaine Zind Humbrecht, 4 Route de Colmar, 68230 Turckheim / France
In the glass
Colour
Deep golden yellow with coppery reflections, heralding the wine’s concentration and ripeness.
Nose
Intense notes of ripe mirabelles, quinces and dried apricots, underpinned by smoky, mineral undertones that reflect the volcanic terroir of Rangen de Thann. Fine spice and a hint of honey complete the bouquet.
Palate
Full-bodied and structured, with an impressive balance between fruit, minerality and fine acidity. Its volcanic origin lends the wine a saline tension and a long, complex finish with subtle spiciness.
Character
A majestic Alsatian Pinot Gris of Grand Cru stature, which eloquently showcases the geological uniqueness of Alsace’s steepest vineyard site. The magnum format encourages the slow, harmonious evolution of this mineral powerhouse.
Pairing
Ideal with pan-seared foie gras and caramelised apples, robust game birds in mushroom cream sauce, or aged Munster cheese from Alsace.
Notes
This wine comes from the Grand Cru Rangen de Thann, Europe’s steepest vineyard site, with a 68-degree gradient across 5.5 hectares of volcanic rock. Biodynamic farming since 2002, certified by Demeter, and horse-drawn cultivation on these steep slopes underscore its extraordinary character. The magnum format ensures particularly slow and elegant maturation.
Tasting note
Character
A Pinot Gris of truly dramatic provenance: dry, with 14% ABV and a density that renders the Rangen unmistakable. The magnum bottle promises additional tranquillity in its development and further ageing potential. This is a wine that does not merely please, but challenges – distinctly mineral-driven, structured, and possessing that concentration which only extremely low yields and patient cellar work can achieve.
Terroir & Origin
With its 68-degree gradient, the Rangen de Thann is the steepest vineyard site in Alsace – an amphitheatre-shaped slope of volcanic rock towering above the town of Thann. Across these 5.5 hectares, wines of unparalleled intensity are born. The volcanic terroir imparts to the Pinot Gris a smoky, almost saline minerality that sets it apart from all other Grand Cru sites in Alsace.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Olivier Humbrecht, the first French Master of Wine, has farmed the estate according to biodynamic principles since 2002, holding Demeter certification. The vines are worked with horses – the only feasible form of viticulture on this steep slope. Yields of just 30–40 hectolitres per hectare and a minimum of six months on the lees lend the wine its distinctive texture. No wine leaves the cellar before one to two years of maturation.
Food Pairings
The powerful structure and volcanic spice demand equally worthy partners: pan-roasted duck breast with a rich jus, braised sweetbreads, or wild turbot with beurre blanc. Alongside ripe Munster or Comté, the wine develops a fascinating tension. Those who exercise patience will be rewarded with one of France’s great white wines – complex, profound, and unforgettable.
EN 
DE 
FR 
IT 
