The Grand Cru Rangen enjoys a late ripening climate, at the end of the Thur valley in south Alsace. It is a cold valley, and the vineyard is at a higher altitude (350 to 480m elevation). Gewurztraminer likes heat! We would probably not have considered planting this grape in the Rangen, but the previous owner chose to plant a little area right above the river in 1963. Having been able to see how interesting this wine is every vintage, we decided to add another little plantation of Gewurztraminer on the bottom of the clos, again right above the river, which is the warmest and most protected part of the clos. The volcanic soil has an amazing and powerful influence on this aromatic cultivar. It is one of the very rare vineyard that is capable to erase the varietal aromatics of Gewurztraminer. The soil also brings a saline phenolic quality, enhancing the structure of the wine. We used to harvest this wine with lots of noble rot, but in 2022, just like most recent vintages, the grapes were very healthy. Rangen also has wild yeasts selections that pushes the wine to ferment further, often finishing dry.

Harvest Note
2022 avoided the severe frost conditions of the prior year and the vines grew rapidly in the Spring months. The dry and hot conditions kept disease to a minimum but adversely affected flowering and caused a significant reduction in the overall crop size. A few late storms brought needed moisture but also some isolated hail damage. Harvest occured from August 22 to September 20 according to each vineyard's situation.
Tasting Note
bright gold yellow colour. Imposing nose with powerful volcanic influence, but also restraint and not yet fully open. Aeration will reveal more smoky/peaty aromas. The Gewurztraminer is completely transformed by this extraordinary vineyard. Dense palate with a velvety mouthfeel, not sweet and structured by ripe tannins. The finish is long and tight with the volcanic classic saline influence. A tense wine that will need some time to show all its potential. A great example of dry Gewurztraminer.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Gewurztraminer 100%
APPELLATION: Alsace Grand Cru AOC
PH: 3.8
ACIDITY: 2.7 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 12 months in large foudres
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 4.0 g/l
Unique Selling Points
  • A powerful yet dry Grand Cru Gewurztraminer with superb complexity and ageability
  • Certified Organic and Biodynamic
  • Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
  • Profound expression of this ancient, unique and revered terroir
  • 98 points Suckling

About the Grape

Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer has unmistakably heady intensity of fragrance, with pungent aromas of litchis, tropical fruits and rose petals. Its flavors are ample, fruity and spicy rather than complex.
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