Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Grand Cru Riesling 'Rangen de Thann', 2024
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Grand Cru Riesling 'Rangen de Thann', 2024
- 75cl
- 13.2%
- White Still
- Riesling
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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Optimal drinking window: 2028 - 2060
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht's Rangen de Thann represents Alsace Riesling at its most austere and compelling. Grown on the steep, south-facing slopes of Rangen's volcanic terroir near Thann, this is a wine that demands patience and rewards it handsomely.
The 2024 vintage captures everything that makes this Grand Cru exceptional: the dark volcanic soils impart a mineral backbone that's almost metallic in its intensity, whilst the steep gradient and full sun exposure create wines of remarkable concentration. This isn't the floral, immediately charming style of Alsace Riesling many know, but something altogether more serious and profound.
What the critics say:
"The 2024 Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru comes from the volcanic greywacke of this steep site. Wet walnut skin notions on the nose point to reduction. Underneath is crushed citrus foliage with an alluring aroma. The palate is purity, serenity, finesse and flow. The zestiness makes the mouth water while the purity and stoniness are disarming. Zestiness defines the finish of this super-fine, superelegant expression of Rangen that is utterly firm but filigree. Wonderful. This needs time. (Bone-dry)"
Rangen de Thann is Alsace's most distinctive Grand Cru, planted on steep volcanic slopes at 350-450 metres altitude. The dark volcanic soils retain heat whilst providing excellent drainage, creating wines of exceptional mineral intensity. The south-facing exposure maximises sun exposure despite being Alsace's southernmost Grand Cru, whilst the Vosges provide shelter from prevailing westerly winds. This unique geology produces Rieslings unlike anywhere else in Alsace.
Alsace Grand Cru Rangen de Thann covers just 18.8 hectares of volcanic slopes, making it one of the region's smallest and most distinctive sites. The appellation permits only Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, though Riesling performs most exceptionally here. Unlike most Alsace Grand Crus which sit on limestone or granite, Rangen's volcanic terroir creates wines of unique mineral character and exceptional longevity. The site's steep gradients require hand-harvesting and make mechanisation impossible.
The 2024 vintage in Alsace delivered exactly what vignerons hoped for after a string of challenging years. Spring arrived gently without late frosts, summer brought enough warmth to ripen everything properly, and crucially, September stayed dry when it mattered most. We find ourselves with one of those vintages that reminds you why Alsace sits where it does, tucked against the Vosges mountains with just enough protection to let the grapes ripen slowly and completely.
What landed in the cellars shows remarkable purity and balance across the board. The Rieslings have that crystalline precision we love, with acidity that cuts like a laser but never shouts about it. Gewürztraminer managed to be expressive without turning into perfume, while Pinot Gris struck that perfect middle ground between richness and freshness that makes you reach for another glass. These wines are drinking beautifully now if you fancy them young and bright, but the best will reward patience until 2030 and beyond.
OUR GROWERS
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
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