Zind-Humbrecht - Riesling Roche Calcaire blanc 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

For three decades one of the models of Alsatian viticulture, 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 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, Olivier's son, 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.

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

For some strange reason, the Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru 2022 had the highest acidity of all the wines harvested in 2022 - even slightly higher than the Riesling Roche Calcaire. It's one of nature's mysteries. On the nose, aromas of pear. The palate is absolutely concentrated. Tasted blind, it would be difficult to recognize it as a Pinot Gris. This wine is unreal, with its acidity chiseled like a scalpel, wonderful and glorious. The pear of Pinot Gris returns on the finish. The 2022 is invigorating, beautiful, unusual and magical. There's a lot more Rangen than Pinot Gris (dry).

James Suckling

About the wine:

Brimming with star fruit, bergamot and gunflint, this is a dangerously fresh and mineral dry Riesling for this hot, dry vintage. The bone-dry palate is remarkably dynamic, with slate and Amalfi lemon zest strident on the finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. For drinking or cellaring.