Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2014 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2014 1500ml Magnum from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, intense golden yellow with delicate copper-coloured reflections – already visually a promise of concentration and maturity.

Nose

This Riesling demands patience and respect. Initially closed, it opens after generous aeration to reveal a multi-layered aromatic complex: apricots, oranges and orange marmalade meet honey and fragrant flowers. But this is only the beginning. Austere spice notes of tree bark, yarrow and damp earth lend structure and depth to the sweet fruit play. Hovering above it all is the characteristic smoky minerality of the volcanic Rangen – cool, profound, fascinating.

Palate

On the palate, the full power of this legendary terroir reveals itself. The wine attacks with yellow fruit, exuberant saline minerality and a precise, challenging acidity. Forceful, complex, uncompromising – this is no wine for quick consumption. The tension between fruit opulence and stony austerity is electrifying. A Riesling that grabs you and won’t let go.

Finish

Long, saline-mineral with lingering fruit echoes. The acidity carries far and leaves a vibrant, almost shimmering impression on the tongue.

Terroir & Origin

The Rangen de Thann is one of the steepest and southernmost Grand Cru vineyard sites in Alsace. The volcanic soils of dark sedimentary rock give the wines their characteristic smoky minerality and enormous longevity. The Clos Saint-Urbain is the monopolised parcel of Zind-Humbrecht in this extraordinary vineyard site.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Biodynamically farmed Riesling, spontaneously fermented and aged in traditional wooden casks. Olivier Humbrecht works with extended skin contact times and minimal sulphur – the result is a wine of enormous concentration and authenticity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Salmon with salsify crust and creamed spinach, quail in pasta sheets with foie gras and white truffle sauce, puff pastry tart with smoked Brie and wild mushrooms. The power of this wine pairs well with rich, complex dishes.

Special Features

The magnum bottle is ideal for long-term ageing of this monumental Riesling. Definitely decant for several hours or – better still – age for a few years in the cellar. Drinking window: 2025-2040.