Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2008

Wine Description for Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2008 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Deep, radiant golden yellow of impressive density – a wine that announces its opulent nature even in the glass.

Nose

The nose unfolds with positively lavish generosity: pineapple, mango and quince meet baked apple and dried fig, underpinned by a fascinating mineral smokiness – the unmistakable signature of the volcanic Thann stone. Exotic spice aromas of cardamom, saffron and cinnamon join in, lending the wine an almost meditative depth.

Palate

On the palate, the promise of the nose is confirmed: opulent, creamy fruit meets a vibrant, cutting acidity that is positively electrifying for a Pinot Gris of this sweetness level. Despite its fullness, the wine remains remarkably lively and youthful – a paradox that only the finest Alsatian Grand Crus can achieve.

Finish

Long, complex and of mineral precision. The acidity carries the wine far across the palate and leaves an impression of freshness and tension that stands in perfect balance with the opulent fruit.

Terroir & Origin

The Rangen de Thann is the southernmost and steepest Grand Cru of Alsace – a volcanic amphitheatre of tuff and graywacke high above the Thur stream. The rocky, dark soil stores heat and drives ripeness forward, whilst proximity to the river in the lower part of the Clos Saint-Urbain created ideal conditions for noble rot in the damp vintage of 2008.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The Pinot Gris fermented unusually slowly in 2008 due to pronounced botrytis – the fermentation lasted around six months. The result is a wine of rare complexity that unites sweetness and acidity in a tension that promises decades of ageing potential.

Food Pairing Suggestions

An ideal companion to smoked eel, pan-fried duck breast or foie gras. Excellent also with red cabbage and roast goose or a robust washed-rind cheese such as Munster.

Special Features

The 2008 vintage in the Rangen was exceptionally well-balanced: no water stress, a long, beautiful autumn and naturally high acidity make this wine one of the longest-lived of its generation. Those who bring patience will be richly rewarded.