Riesling Rangen “Clos Saint Urbain” Grand Cru 2021
Trade Tools
France / Alsace
The Rangen Grand Cru is a dramatic steep south facing vineyard above the river Thur in the village of Thann in South Alsace. Its originality comes from its unique sedimentary old volcanic soil that is composed of hard dark rocks. Luckily, they do decompose and produce complex minerals and clay that accumulate deep in into the mother rock. Young vines do struggle but when the roots eventually reach these layers, the vines really start to show the characteristics of this incredible soil in the wines. In 2021, the grapes ripened actually quite slowly. They reached a perfect ripeness but also kept a fierce acidity while developing intense volcanic flavors. The wine was very slow to ferment and finished dry.
Harvest Note
2021 was a challenging vintage which resulted in small volumes of extraordinary wines. The frost of April 6th significantly reduced the final harvest volumes. June & July saw heavy rains leading to rapid growth but unfortunately mildew also. August and September were sunny and dry, with harvest from September 15th to October 2nd. The small crop fermented quickly, alcohols were below usual levels, and all wines fermented completely dry.
Tasting Note
Bright pale yellow color. Intense classic volcanic nose! Showing flint, wet stones, smoky aromas. Almost reductive or earthy/humus at this early stage, like most 2021s, it will need time to develop completely. Rangen can be quite aromatic in its youth, but the 2021 will need more time to reach a more fruity aromatic
expression. The palate is elegant, almost delicate but is immediately showing a big mineral content that brings weight to an overall fine texture. Showing smoke aromatics, spices, herbs… The acidity of the vintage hides the natural tannins but they are present, bringing an extra element of structure. The finish is dry with a ripe acidity. The flavors last a long time without being heavy. This is an elegant and intense Rangen from this cooler vintage.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Riesling
APPELLATION: Alsace Grand Cru AOC
PH: 3
ACIDITY: 4.6 g/l
ABV: 12.50%
AGING: 12 months in large foudres
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 3.5 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Certified Organic and Biodynamic
- Unique wines from this dramatic and historic site are always in high demand
- Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
- 98 points Suckling, 96 points Vinous
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht MW, Winemaker
About the Grape
Riesling
Riesling shows sublime, refined, vibrant aromas and flavors of peaches, apricots and white fruit, with floral and citrus blossom notes. May show slate, earth, tar, smoke or kerosene notes.
