Alsace grand cru Rangen

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Alsace grand cru Rangen is the southernmost grand cru of Alsace, located at the mouth of the valley across the communes of Thann and Vieux Thann, covering a single contiguous block of 22 ha.
• An altitude of between 350 and 450 metres, the proximity of the Vosges massif, and above-average rainfall of 850 mm per year characterise a late-ripening climate with slow maturation.
• A south-southwest to south-facing aspect, a steep average gradient of 90%, dark-coloured soils, and proximity to the Thur river enable high levels of ripeness to be achieved late in the season.
• The terroir of Rangen, of Carboniferous age (Devono-Dinantian), is composed of sedimentary volcanic rocks including greywackes, volcanic tuffs, and a micaceous brown andesite.
• This topsoil layer varies in depth between 40 and 60 cm above fractured bedrock, which allows roots to penetrate to a considerable depth in a lean, clay-poor environment conducive to naturally low yields.

• The appellation d'origine contrôlée Alsace grand cru Rangen was recognised in 1983, on plots delimited with rigorous precision based on the historic cores of production.
• Only six white grape varieties are permitted: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris, Muscat à petits grains blancs, Muscat à petits grains roses, and Muscat ottonel, each of which may be vinified under its own variety name.
• The vineyard is trained on a tall trellis system to achieve an optimal leaf surface area, with a minimum planting density of 4,500 vines per hectare and hand-harvesting of the grapes.

• These white wines built for ageing are distinguished by a pronounced freshness grounded in a dominant tartaric acidity associated with good grape ripeness.
• The specifications distinguish four wine types, including dry and mineral wines and aromatic, fruity, full-bodied, and rich wines, both categories displaying a colour intensity ranging up to golden yellow or a lightly amber-tinged old gold.
• Wines bearing the mention Vendanges Tardives often show highly exotic and candied-fruit aromas with a fresh finish, while those labelled Sélection de Grains Nobles are more concentrated and powerful, with fruit-paste aromas.
• Wines carrying the mentions Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles are sweet wines of very long keeping potential, displaying remarkable concentration and great aromatic persistence.

• The volcanic nature of this grand cru, combined with exceptional geographical characteristics, imparts to the wines their golden colour, great mineral intensity, acidity, and noble bitterness.
• Excellent late-season climatic conditions favour concentration on the vine and the development of noble rot, enabling the production of wines from overripe harvests.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 29 juin 2016,
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — CIVA