Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2023

Wine description for Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2023 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

At the southernmost tip of the Alsace Wine Route, the Grand Cru Rangen de Thann rises like a geological monument - a testimony to a volcanic past that today produces one of the most remarkable terroir expressions in Alsace. The Clos Saint-Urbain, in the hands of the Zind-Humbrecht family, represents the quintessence of what happens when the uncompromising art of winemaking meets an exceptional place.

Here, on vertiginous slopes with gradients of up to 130%, Pinot Gris vines grow, their roots having to fight their way through dark volcanic rock. This dramatic topography - higher than the summit of neighbouring Brand - creates a microclimate of extremes: cooling valley winds and a slow, patient ripening that gives the wine a tension rarely found.

Visual impression

In the glass, the wine presents itself in a deep, luminous old gold colour, clear and with an almost oily viscosity that catches and reflects the light - a visual echo of the concentration that will unfold on the palate.

Nose

The first encounter with this Pinot Gris is like a walk through an Alsatian farm at harvest time. The bouquet unfolds in waves: first fully ripe pomaceous fruit - yellow and red apples, juicy pears - then a deeper layer of Chestnuts, Acacia blossoms and Forest honey. This is followed by notes of freshly cut straw and dried herbs, underpinned by a subtle, almost smoky minerality that unmistakably reveals its volcanic origins. The complexity of this aroma is like a well-composed piece of music - every note has its place, every fragrance its meaning in the overall picture.

Palate

The true architecture of this wine is revealed on the palate. The initial impression of opulence and generosity is immediately cut through by a taut, almost electrifying acidity structure. It is this tension between power and precision that defines the 2023 vintage. The almost waxy texture envelops the palate, while the fine phenolics offer a subtle structure reminiscent of finely ground nuts.

The volcanic origin manifests itself in a deep, almost salty minerality that runs like a red thread through the flavour experience. The wine is completely dry (only 1.1 g/l residual sugar at 13.5% alcohol), which emphasises its precision and clarity. The finish is of cathedral-like length - a reverberation that recalls the centuries-old history of this special site.

General information

The year 2023 produced wines of remarkable balance in Alsace. The average 60-year-old vines in Clos Saint-Urbain only produced 25 hl/ha - a natural concentration that did not need to be forced. The acidity of 6.3 g/l (tartrate) and the pH value of 3.3 give the wine its backbone, while ageing on the lees until bottling in January 2025 ensures complexity and texture.

This wine is at the beginning of its journey. Olivier Humbrecht himself recommends giving it at least until 2028 before opening the first bottle. Patience will be rewarded - the ageing potential easily extends to 2052 and beyond.

Food recommendations

The intensity and structured power of this Pinot Gris calls for dishes with corresponding depth. Wild fowl such as pheasant or partridge with autumnal side dishes would complement the earthy notes of the wine wonderfully. It also harmonises Fried scallops with a nut butter sauce or a creamy mountain cheese from the Vosges perfectly with the mineral tension. For vegetarian combinations, we recommend Fried porcini mushrooms with Chestnut puree or a Pumpkin risotto with roasted hazelnuts.

This wine should definitely be decanted and served from generous glasses to allow its full aromatic spectrum to unfold. The serving temperature of 12-14°C allows the wine to develop in the glass and reveal its complex nuances.