Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2018

Wine description for Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2018 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Intense golden yellow – a hue that already hints at the concentration and maturity of this extraordinary Grand Cru.

Nose

Here the full sublimity of the Rangen terroir reveals itself. Forget approachable primary fruit – this Riesling speaks a different language. Stone fruit only as a distant suggestion, alongside dried herbs such as marjoram, a whisper of biscuit and grapefruit. Yet the heart of the matter is the mineral coolness: stony, almost dark in its intensity, yet possessed of striking elegance. A nose that captivates and won’t let go – seductive, mysterious, deeply dark.

Palate

Majestically, this wine unfolds across the palate. The mineral coolness dominates, a stony tapestry of impressive density. Fruit? Scarcely present. Instead, pure essence of volcanic terroir, compact and energetic. The acidity pressure is phenomenal – not aggressive, but precise and powerful. A wine of timeless elegance that never cloys, but invites the next sip.

Finish

Long, tight, compact. The wine draws inward and resonates for minutes. Power, pressure and elegance in perfect balance – this is Grand Cru class in its purest form.

Terroir & Origin

The Rangen de Thann is a solitary figure among Alsatian Grand Crus: situated between 350 and 475 metres altitude, characterised by volcanic tuff and greywacke, with extreme slope inclination averaging 90 per cent. The coolness of the Thannertal delays budbreak, whilst air circulation is optimal. Fifty-five-year-old vines root deeply in the mineral-rich, water-bearing soil – yields remain low, quality extraordinary.

Food Pairing Recommendations

This wine demands culinary partners of equal standing: Pan-fried turbot with beurre blanc and potato mousse, veal fillet with morel cream and glazed swede or pan-fried ocean perch with ginger sauce and braised fennel. The mineral precision harmonises perfectly with delicate fish dishes and light meats.

Special Characteristics

A Riesling that stylistically charts its own course – Alsatian power meets cool minerality. Zind-Humbrecht demonstrates here what biodynamic viticulture and uncompromising vineyard work can achieve. A wine for contemplation and extended moments of enjoyment.