Gewürztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2020

Wine profile
Olivier Humbrecht cultivates just half a hectare of the 22 hectares of the Grand Cru Rangen on the Clos-Saint-Urbain, planted with the sensitive vine Gewürztraminer. Its location directly above the Thur in the lower part of the Rangen protects it from the cool spring breezes of the Thann valley and allows it to benefit from the river's warmth. The volcanic terroir of the Rangen dominates and promotes characteristic smoky flint aromas in this variety.

Vinification
Despite a late harvest, the Gewürztraminer from the Rangen shows a lively fermentation and ends with a relatively dry finish, as was very much the case in the 2020 vintage. However, this particular wine needs more time than others of its kind, so a longer yeast storage will give it the opportunity to develop its full strength.

Color
Bright, intense golden yellow.

Scent
The 2020 Gewurztraminer Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann offers an extraordinary depth of aromas: smoke, flint, even something bacon-like. When oxygen is added, a palette of ginger, grapefruit compote, blood orange, mallow and a hint of dried rose petals is unleashed. A wine of tremendous energy and character.

Taste
On the palate, the wine shows its intense power and exciting minerality. The fruit aromas still recede, while the floral notes make themselves strong. With every sip, this vital and multi-layered Gewürztraminer fascinates more and provokes with its fine tannin structure. A wine that promises long ageing and maturity and offers a fantastic opulent sensory experience.

Ideally decant two days before drinking and serve from large Burgundy glasses.

Wine accompaniment
To accompany this wine, I recommend a juicy beetroot cake with fresh redcurrants and fragrant mint or a tender Wagyu beef short rib and striploin served with grilled watermelon, nut butter puree and green curry foam. Alternatively, you could experiment with grilled pigeon breast with chimichurri served with pesto alla genovese and pigeon jus, sweetcorn cupcake with grilled peppers and red lentils or pimientos de padron with rum and lime cream.