Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace GC Gewurztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Balanced, dry and powerful, with plenty of substance on the palate to explain its fatty, almost oily texture, and a long, persistent, spicy finish.

About the domain :

For three decades one of Alsace's leading winegrowers, this estate tells the story of the Humbrecht family. Léonard, the founder, was a visionary who acquired the best terroirs in the region, including the famous Rangen. Olivier, his son, brilliantly introduced biodynamic principles in the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who arrived at the domaine with the very complicated 2021 vintage, and who is continuing their work, particularly on the latest Sommerberg acquisitions.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Another highly singular wine, this Gewurztraminer du Rangen boasts impressive depth of flavor, is perfectly dry and bears the stamp of its terroir: its pumice and smoky markers make it inimitable and glorious.

About the domain :

A tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to hold the Master of Wine degree, has long understood the importance of work in the vineyard. He converted the estate to biodynamic viticulture in 1999, of which he is one of the best ambassadors, being also president of the Biodyvin label. This type of cultivation has enabled him to get rid of botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now assert a resolutely dry style, and the large tuns patinate them several meters underground. Like all great Alsace wines, they come into their own after a few years or decades of cellaring. Clos Windsbuhl is a must-have, and Rangen de Thann takes its place over time. Pierre-Emile, the son of Pierre-Emile, the son of Olivier, has just joined the domaine. The excellence of this production, respected by all, has earned this emblematic estate a fourth star in our guide's pantheon.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Very smoky and flinty, with aromas of lychee, papaya and star fruit. A very concentrated, silky Gewurz that has none of the massiveness or bitterness to which wines of this variety so easily tend. And that's despite an alcohol content of over 15%! Indeed, the freshness on the finish reminds me of the best Gewurz 2016s, though here it's married to greater ripeness. Wonderfully silky, the finish is long. Fermented until November 2021. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. For drinking or cellaring.