Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2020

Wine profile
Olivier Humbrecht
The majestic slopes of the Grand Cru Rangen, rising high above the historic old town of Thann and the gently flowing Thur river, offer a spectacle of exceptional beauty. However, its true significance in the wine history of Alsace lies in its unique geological make-up. The terroir of the Rangen, unique and composed of greywackes, is capable of producing wines of impressive flavour intensity. But the true magic of the Rangen lies in its ability to produce wines of incomparable vitality.

Expansion information
In these times it is easier to produce dry wines, as is the case with many Pinot Gris produced on the estate. Of course, the harvest has to take place at the perfect time. In the past, grapes in Alsace were harvested over weeks or even months. However, in view of climate change, it is necessary to harvest within shorter periods but with greater intensity. This requires an organisation that allows for a reactive and fast processing in the wine cellar. Our Pinot Gris from Rangen is a wine that ferments quickly, but with extended yeast ageing in barrels, it achieves an exquisite balance.

Color
An appealing medium golden yellow sparkles in the bottle with intriguing copper reflections.

Smell
After a day in the bottle, the wine unfolds a breathtaking intensity. Rangen in all its glory presents itself with notes of bitter orange, candied orange peel, dried apricots, candied ginger as well as nuances of lighter fruits like peach, pear and honeydew melon. They all have a stimulating juicy effect. Notes of spices such as cardamom and cinnamon underline the complexity and the fragrant notes of incense add an enticing dimension. The typical smoky and flinty notes of Rangen still linger in the background and will certainly become more prominent as the wine matures. The 2020 Pinot Gris presented here is of incomparable elegance and refinement and impresses with its complexity and depth.

Taste
This monumental wine unfolds an explosion of flavours on the tongue, reminiscent of biting into an overripe pineapple. It is characterised by sweetness, followed by a full-bodied spiciness, mild tannins and an accentuated and precise acidity. With its salty, almost crystalline structure, the wine seems to glide across the tongue before moving into a seemingly endless finish. This wine is still in its development and will unfold even better and more beautifully over the years!

It is advisable to decant this wine and serve it in large glasses to reveal its full splendour. A few days in the open bottle allow it to gain additional intensity.

Alternatives to the food recommendations
This wine is an excellent accompaniment:
- Risotto with crab meat and grilled green asparagus
- Pike-perch fillet with Middle Eastern spice mix, accompanied by chickpeas and barley risotto
- Grilled wild pigeon with a side dish of quinoa, exotic fruits and a rum and lemon cream.