Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos St. Urbain Grand Cru 2018

The Rangen Grand Cru is a dramatic vineyard in every sense of the word! The topography is impressive with a very steep slope that makes the neighbouring rooftops look flat and a commanding position above the old town of Thann and the river Thur that runs at the foot of the vineyard. The climate is also unique. The vines enjoy lots of sun energy on the south facing slope, but the higher altitude and cold air running down the deep and cold Thur valley makes it actually quite late ripening. The soil is unique: compacted volcanic ash or Grauwacke. They eventually decay in smaller element including high quality clay, capable to fix a unique mineral composition and a valuable humus, so crucial in this poor looking rocky vineyard. The Rangen produces wines with a unique and extraordinary originality. Volcanic wines may be fashionable, but this vineyard has proven greatness as far as the history of the town goes, and that goes back to the 11th century! Very small crop in 2019 due to somemillerandage, but the grapes looked fantastic and ended up with a rare concentration. The fermentation took forever to finish, but the wine is eventually fully dry.

Specifications

Alcohol: 13.2°
Residual sugar : 2.8 g/l
Total Acidity : 4.7 g/l H2SO4 / (7.3 g/l Tartaric)
pH : 3.2
Yield : 18 hl/ha
Optimum drinking period : 2024-2049+
Average age of the vines :57 years
Terroir :Sedimentary volcanic rocks

Tasting Notes