Gewurztraminer Rangen de Thann "Clos Saint Urbain" 2019 Grand Cru Zind Humbrecht | Alsace

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 's Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain is born on one ofAlsace's most vertiginous hillsides, where the slope reaches a spectacular incline before plunging to the Thuren river below. On Clos Saint Urbain, Domaine Zind Humbrecht 's emblematic monopole located on the lower part of the hillside, Gewurztraminer occupies a tiny area of less than one hectare of the entire Grand Cru, making this cuvée particularly rare. The south-facing aspect, tempered by the immediate proximity of the river, reflects the heat back towards the hillside, while providing cool breezes that preserve the balance of ripeness. The extraordinary conditions of this volcanic terroir, made up of tuffs and grauwackes mixed with deeper clays, require exclusively manual work, from pruning to harvesting, which the wine estate doubles up on with biodynamic care. Late ripening in 2019 enabled a healthy fermentation, led exclusively by indigenous yeasts, until a particularly well-balanced off-dry white wine was obtained. Ageing on total lees reveals the perfectly-adjusted profile of this Gewurztraminer, with just 9.5g/L of residual sugar. The balance, driven by salinity rather than sweetness, offers a remarkable climatic and geological interpretation of the Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos St Urbain.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Zind Humbrecht 's Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain gives a precise reading of this high-altitude site where dark rock imparts its mineral tension. Clos Saint Urbain is located in this area of the Rangen, where the power of the volcanic terroir takes precedence over the natural exuberance of Gewurztraminer. In its semi-dry form, this Alsace Grand Cru displays a breathtaking harmony and length that will allow it to unfold with impressive naturalness as it ages, and which can be enjoyed without fear for up to twenty years!

On the nose, the wine reveals its volcanic origin with intense aromas of gunflint and flint. Aeration reveals notes of aromatic herbs and noble spices.

On the palate, the wine's powerful, harmonious body is tempered by a splendid acidic structure, which brings great elegance and almost erases the sensation of sweetness. The freshness of the vintage translates into a phenomenal energy that prolongs the stony, spicy flavors. Great sapidity gives the finish a racy length and silky texture that imbue the palate with a very gastronomic dimension.