Gewürztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2018

Wine Description for Gewürztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2018 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Brilliant, radiant golden yellow with luminous intensity, which already announces visually the concentration and maturity of this extraordinary Grand Cru.

Nose

A captivating aromatic symphony of rare finesse: rose petals, linden blossoms and lily of the valley unite with pear, quince, apricot and mango. The aromas float with a lightness rarely found in Gewürztraminer – here the cool elegance of the high-altitude Rangen site reveals itself.

Palate

Gripping and irresistible: A compact, smoky minerality from the volcanic sedimentary soil dominates and lends the wine its characteristic firmness. The elegant sweetness never feels intrusive, but rather merges with juicy fruit and fine spice into a harmonious whole. The freshness balances the opulence perfectly – a Gewürztraminer that places structure and finesse above power.

Finish

Long, mineral and of sustained aromatic complexity. The volcanic character of the terroir lingers and leaves a saline, spicy aftertaste.

Terroir & Origin

The Grand Cru Rangen de Thann is, with its steep volcanic sedimentary soils, one of Alsace’s most extraordinary vineyard sites. The Gewürztraminer parcels lie directly above the Thur in the protected lower section of Clos Saint-Urbain, where the cool microclimate ensures late bud break and forces the variety towards unusual elegance.

Food Pairing Recommendations

This Grand Cru demands ambitious cuisine: Moroccan chicken with preserved lemons, venison loin with port wine figs and duck liver mousse or poppy seed mousse with white peach sorbet. The combination of sweetness, spice and minerality harmonises brilliantly with oriental-spiced poultry, game with fruity components or refined desserts.

Special Characteristics

A Gewürztraminer that refutes the cliché of heavy, perfumed Alsatian wines. Olivier Humbrecht MW has created here a wine that unites depth, elegance and drinkability. The impatient should decant it 1-2 days beforehand and enjoy it from large Burgundy glasses. A wine with considerable ageing potential.