Domaine Zind-Humbrecht : Caisse Pinot Gris Grand cru "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" 2016, 2021

A case revealing six vintages of an exceptional Alsace Grand Cru by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

The estate

The Domaine Zind-Humbrecht was created in 1959 through the union of Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind, thereby merging the vineyards of the two families. Now managed by Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to earn the Master of Wine title in 1989, and his wife Margaret, the estate spans forty hectares divided into around one hundred parcels across six villages in southern Alsace. A pioneer of biodynamics in Alsace, the estate has been certified organic since 1998 and biodynamic since 2002. Olivier Humbrecht joined the family estate in March 1989, bringing a rigorous scientific approach and a non-interventionist winemaking philosophy. Since 2019, his son Pierre-Émile represents the eleventh generation of the Humbrecht family involved in viticulture. The estate stands out for its environmental commitment and its desire to faithfully express each terroir.

The vineyard

Clos Saint Urbain lies at the heart of the Grand Cru Rangen de Thann, the southernmost, highest, and steepest vineyard in Alsace. Rising to 467 meters in altitude, this exceptional terroir features dramatic slopes reaching 60 to 70 degrees, with some sections approaching 90 degrees. The soil, of volcanic origin and 350 million years old, is mainly composed of grauwacke, tuff, and other volcanic materials rich in iron, magnesium, and sodium. This unique composition gives the terroir an acidic character. The Thur river, located at the foot of the vineyard, provides humidity and mists favorable to ripening. The estate owns five and a half hectares within this Grand Cru, which it has patiently restored. Vineyard management follows strict biodynamic principles, with animal traction used on the steepest parcels and a winch system employed on the most extreme sections.

The wine

This Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann” case brings together six great vintages of this cuvée:

2016
Deep straw yellow color with golden highlights, very bright. The nose, intense and complex, combines a smoky, stony minerality with notes of ripe pear and apple, enhanced by white pepper, flint, then toasty nuances reminiscent of crème brûlée and white flowers, on a saline and brioche-like background. On the palate, the wine is dense and broad without excess, with a silky, slightly creamy texture, lively acidity that provides lift, and a discreet tannic framework. The finish lingers beautifully, with persistent honeyed and floral notes.

2017
Bright yellow color. The nose, deep and intense, opens with notes of gunflint, peat, and rock, with a very pronounced volcanic expression. The palate is broad and structured, both austere and seductive, and clearly benefits from aeration. A very saline finish, supported by marked tannins that give an almost “red wine” character, with impressive persistence.

2018
Intense and brilliant yellow color with a hint of gold. The nose asserts itself with flint, smoke, and nuances of damp humus, in a powerful register. On the palate, the wine surprises with its tension and elegance, featuring a velvety structure and slightly more present tannins that enhance concentration. A radiant finish, dominated by salinity typical of volcanic soils, with a profile clearly built for aging.

2019
Beautiful pale gold color. The nose, complex and intense, first reveals smoky, reductive notes with vibrant energy, then opens with aeration to flint and a subtle touch of white fruits. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and powerful, built in layers, with a precise and demanding structure. The very dry finish combines lively acidity and saline minerality, suggesting excellent aging potential.

2020
Bright yellow color. The nose stands out with assertive notes of toast, gunflint, and volcanic rock. The palate is broad and intense. Very long and mouthwatering, the finish charms with the balance between saline acidity and fine bitterness, typical of volcanic grauwacke soils.

2021
Bright, intense yellow color. The nose hints at gunflint, peat, and a very volcanic smokiness, without revealing all the power that unfolds on the palate. The wine impresses with its intensity, with a velvety texture supported by lively acidity. A long, saline and mineral finish, both dense and luminous, with freshness that promises outstanding aging potential.

Grape variety

100% pinot gris