Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Rangen de Thann Clos St. Urbain Grand Cru Riesling 2020 750ml

The steep slopes of the Grand Cru Rangen overlook the old town of Thann and the River Thur which flows at its feet. This hillside is certainly one of the most spectacular in Alsace (and France?) but its reputation in the history of Alsace wine actually comes from its unique and rare geology. Composed of greywackes (compressed volcanic ash), the terroir of Rangen is capable of making wines that have a strength of taste that defies understanding. More than anything, the Rangen also produces wines with incomparable energy. As with many Pinot-Gris produced on the estate, obtaining dry wines is now easier than sweet wines (quality botrytis is rare) provided of course that harvest is done at the optimal date. In the past, the harvest in Alsace was spread over several weeks or months. With global warming, it is necessary to be able to harvest the same surface two to three times faster, which also implies an organization allowing to be more reactive in the cellar. Pinot Gris Rangen is a wine that ferments quickly, but prolonged aging (17 months for the 2020) in foudres on total lies allows its powerful balance to be more refined.