Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2007

Wine description for Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2007 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Character

The Riesling from the Rangen de Thann ranks among the most extraordinary wines of Alsace. This Grand Cru vineyard site with its volcanic soils produces Rieslings of impressive depth and concentration. The Zind-Humbrecht estate, a champion of biodynamic viticulture for decades, vinifies this wine with uncompromising precision. The 2007 vintage displays, at 13.5% alcohol, the typical power and structure of this southernmost steep slope in Alsace, with the minimal residual sweetness perfectly integrated into the mineral architecture.

Terroir & Origin

The Rangen de Thann is a legend – an extremely steep, south-facing vineyard site with dark volcanic stone that creates a unique microclimate. The heat reflected by the dark rocks imparts an almost Burgundian density to the wines. The Clos-Saint-Urbain is the historic heart of this vineyard site, surrounded by ancient stone walls. Olivier Humbrecht, France’s first Master of Wine, has managed this parcel for decades biodynamically, with minimal intervention in the cellar. The extreme slope demands pure hand labour – a tribute to nature and the history of this extraordinary place.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Riesling finds its most powerful Alsatian expression in the Rangen. Unlike the lighter, playful Rieslings from more northerly vineyard sites, this displays smoky minerality and an almost saline texture. Zind-Humbrecht vinifies with natural yeasts, extended skin contact and spontaneous fermentation in traditional wooden barrels. The wine undergoes neither fining nor filtration – pure authenticity. With over 15 years of bottle age, this 2007 has long since shed its youthful austerity and now displays the complex tertiary aromatics of mature Riesling.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine of this substance demands equally characterful dishes: roasted monkfish, scallops with truffle, calf’s sweetbreads or a robust Comté. The mineral depth harmonises beautifully with smoked fish or oysters. The refined version of Alsatian choucroute also finds a congenial partner here.