Lot presentation

Alsace Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Zind-Humbrecht (Domaine) 2009

The wine

Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain comes from more than 30 year-old, south-facing vines growing in volcanic soil on an extremely steep hillside. This cuvée is produced from two small parcels situated above the river Thur which stretches along the lower reaches of the Clos-Saint-Urbain vineyard. Despite the aspect and rocky soil, its altitude exposes this terroir to cold winds from the valley. The grapes are harvested late and the resulting wine opens up with intense flinty aromas, punctuated by citrus notes. One would expect a saccharine sweetness, but it has a racy structure and fine balance. Excellent ageing potential.

About the Producer Zind-Humbrecht

Zind Humbrecht was created in 1959 as a result of the merger of the wine producing operations of the Humbrecht family in Gueberschwihr and the Zind family in Wintzenheim. The Humbrechts are a very old wine-making family, who have been passing their skills from one generation to the next since the Thirty Years War (1620). The property has 42 hectares across 6 grand crus and other vineyards and is managed according to biodynamic principles. Zind Humbrecht has long been established as one of Alsace's most reputable producers. Léonard Humbrecht has placed quality over quantity, developing superb terroirs that have been neglected because they are too difficult to work, such as Rangen in Thann. Today, Olivier Humbrecht - the first French Master of Wine - and his father are only interested in exceptional terroirs; their insistence on quality, combined with virtuoso technical ability, enable them to produce exceptionally dense, complex wines that are always respectful of the characteristics of the grape varieties and the terroir. Their wines can be classed among the best white wines in the world.