Domaine Zind-Humbrecht : Pinot Gris Grand cru "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" 2019

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" 2019 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Tasting

Colour
This white wine reveals a pale to medium gold hue, illuminated by a beautiful youthful brilliance.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with intense mineral notes of gunflint and smoke. It then reveals aromas of ripe stone fruit such as white peach and pear, accompanied by touches of dried apricot, honey, and subtle herbal and earthy nuances. With aeration, scents of candied fruit and raisins emerge with elegance.

Palate
The attack surprises with a delicate sweetness that envelops the palate in a rich, dense, and creamy texture. This richness is perfectly balanced by a vibrant acidity. The mid-palate is marked by a pronounced saline minerality, supported by a fine tannic structure, which stretches into an exceptionally long and mouth-watering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with shellfish such as grilled lobster or lobster à l'armoricaine. It also enhances foie gras preparations, white meats, herb-roasted poultry, as well as creamy dishes with wild mushrooms. Aged cheeses or dishes with Asian influences will harmonize equally well with its mineral profile.

Service and storage

The Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" 2019 is built for very long aging. It can be enjoyed from around 2024 and will continue to evolve favorably until 2045, or even beyond. For optimal storage, it is recommended to keep it in a cellar with a stable temperature of around 14°C.

Other characteristics

This wine has a residual sugar content of approximately 32.7 grams per liter, perfectly balanced by a lovely freshness reflected in a pH of around 3.0.

The expression of a great white wine from Alsace on the volcanic terroir of the Rangen

The estate

Founded in 1959 following the marriage of Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is a key reference in Alsace. Located in Turckheim, the estate spans 40 hectares of vines. Today, the domaine is run by Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to earn the prestigious title of Master of Wine, alongside his wife Margaret and their son Pierre-Émile. A pioneer of sustainable viticulture, the domaine has practiced certified biodynamic methods since 2002, striving to express the quintessence of each terroir through rigorous manual practices.

The vineyard

This wine from Alsace comes from the Grand Cru Rangen de Thann, and more specifically from the Clos Saint Urbain, a 5.5-hectare monopole acquired in 1977. This spectacular terroir stands out for its dizzying slopes reaching 90% gradient and its altitude ranging between 350 and 450 meters, requiring roped manual harvesting. Facing due south, the vines, some of which date back to 1963, thrive on an exclusively volcanic, poor, and rocky soil. This unique geology, combined with a high planting density, naturally limits yields and promotes exceptional concentration in the berries.

Winemaking and aging

Whole bunches are pressed very slowly, over 12 to 24 hours, using pneumatic presses to gently extract the juice. The fermentation of the Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" 2019 occurs spontaneously through indigenous yeasts in large wooden foudres, without prior clarification. The wine then undergoes an extended aging period on total lees for 18 months in 40-year-old French oak barrels, before bottling with minimal filtration to preserve its full complexity.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Gris.