Gewürztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2019 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Gewürztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2019 1500ml Magnum by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Radiant, dense golden yellow with brilliant luminosity – a visual promise of the concentration that appears even more majestic in magnum format.

Nose

Surprisingly vibrant and fresh for a Gewürztraminer of this maturity. Orange flesh, peach and grapefruit dominate, underpinned by delicate florals and a fascinating matchstick minerality. These are joined by light tobacco, citric ginger and a fine pepper note – the Rangen terroir tames the opulence of the variety with impressive elegance.

Palate

Here the true greatness of this wine reveals itself: A vibrant acidity carries the juicy orange fruit effortlessly, whilst compact minerality and fine tannin structure provide backbone. At 14% alcohol, this wine seems to float – silky, multifaceted, almost dry on the finish. The late harvest and rapid fermentation have created a Gewürztraminer that speaks more of terroir than of the variety.

Finish

Long, mineral-precise, with lingering citrus freshness and saline spice. The tannin structure lends unexpected persistence.

Terroir & Origin

The legendary Rangen de Thann – with its steep, south-facing slopes at over 350 metres altitude and direct proximity to the Thur river – is one of Alsace’s most extraordinary vineyard sites. Only 0.5 hectares, approximately 1500 bottles annually. The volcanic stone and cooler microclimate impose a mineral-dry style upon the aromatic Gewürztraminer.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The least represented grape variety in Clos-Saint-Urbain. Late harvest 2019, but rapid fermentation to an almost dry style – atypical for the variety, typical for this vineyard site.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Caramelised chicory with grapefruit and pine nuts, beef fillet with caramelised salsify or pineapple tart with Gewürztraminer foam and basil ice cream. Decant it 1-2 days beforehand and serve from large Burgundy glasses.

Special Features

Magnum format for optimal maturation. A wine for cellaring – the 2019 already displays extraordinary finesse, but will gain in complexity over the years to come. A rare example of how terroir can transform varietal character.