Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos-Saint-Urbain Grand Cru 2012 1500ml Magnum

A Riesling that makes its volcanic origin its defining feature: taut structure, saline undertone, dry at 14.0% Vol. The Magnum format slows its development, and the 2012 now has over a decade of bottle age behind it.

With a 68-degree gradient, the Grand Cru Rangen de Thann is Alsace's steepest vineyard slope, rising above the town of Thann across 5.5 hectares of volcanic rock. There, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht farms the Clos-Saint-Urbain, once again using horses on the steepest parcels. The Humbrecht family has been growing vines since 1620. Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to hold the title of Master of Wine, converted the first five hectares to biodynamic farming in 1996, followed by Demeter certification in 2002. Since 2019, Pierre Émile Humbrecht has worked alongside them as the eleventh generation.

Pure varietal Riesling. Yields remain at 30 to 40 hectolitres per hectare. At least six months of lees contact give the wine its texture, and no wine leaves the cellar before one to two years of ageing.

Deep golden yellow with greenish reflections. On the nose, lemon zest, ripe mirabelle plum and flint, alongside herbs, white pepper and a smoky edge. The palate is dense, almost oily, held taut by the acidity, with a finish that stays saline and dry.

Pairs with pan-fried sole fillet with beurre blanc, choucroute with steamed fish, pan-fried sea bass with fennel, or mature Comté. Sautéed mushrooms and roasted vegetables also work well.

1500-millilitre Magnum. Zind-Humbrecht farms 42 hectares, including 11.5 hectares across six Grand Cru sites.