Zind Humbrecht, Riesling Grand Cru, Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain, Alsace, France, 2021

Producer Profile

Olivier Humbrecht MW holds the notable achievement of being the first French national to earn the title of Master of Wine in 1989.

From a winemaking lineage that dates back to 1620, Olivier is the twelfth generation of his family working in viticulture. In 1959, his parents, Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind, merged their family vineyards to establish Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and Olivier assumed responsibility for the estate's winemaking in 1989, the same year he achieved his Master of Wine qualification. Under his guidance, Olivier's domaine has become renowned for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture, a practice he adopted in the early 1990s. He employs non-interventionist winemaking techniques, allowing the unique terroirs of Alsace to express themselves fully in the wines, and his dedication to quality and innovation in winemaking has earned him international acclaim, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the world of wine.

Viticulture

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.

Winemaking

The wine was very slow to ferment and finished dry.

Tasting Note

Dry, this is a bright pale yellow colour. Intense classic volcanic nose! Showing flint, wet stones, smoky aromas. 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 hides the natural tannins but they are present, bringing an extra element of structure. The finish is dry with a ripe acidity. The flavours last a long time without being heavy.

Food Matching

Smoked Fish, Sea bass, Oysters and Crab Legs,