The Ground
Our vineyard extends above the lovely city of Thann. The “Rangenkopf” and its south side, the “Rangenberg”, both belong to the primary range of the Southern “Vosges” or the range of the “Ballons”. The Rangen is the only wine producing area in Alsace on volcanic rock. The association of silica rocks and basic lava provides a soil rich in fertilizing elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium…).
The hardness of the rock generates a stony soil and their dark colors are very favorable factors for the accumulation of warmth. The steep slope and its orientation to the South place the Rangen in optimal sunshine conditions, particularly in autumn. In addition, we have the highest vineyard in Alsace (with an altitude of 455 meters).It is also one of those where rainfall is the heaviest (1000 mm on average per year).
The Climate
Heavy rainfall is welcome considering the natural permeability of the soil and its steep slopes which allow maximum sunshine to reach the grapes of the vineyard. If the weather is cooler than elsewhere (owing to the winds and the altitude), this enables a certain balance to be established with the heat retained by the “Rangen Grauwackes”, real refractory rocks.
Finally, the river is also very important. In autumn, it creates a morning mist which quickly dissipates on the south facing slopes of the vineyard. An aspect, which the steep gradients of the hills (up to 68°), makes more interesting. This conjunction between the morning mist and the accelerated evaporation favors the rot or “pourriture noble” (botrytis) on the grapes: a godsend for the late grape harvest.
