Trimbach - Riesling Alsace 'Grand Cru Brand' 2020

Since 1626, the Trimbach family have been a reference point for fine Alsace wine — and if you ask, they will proudly tell you they are Alsatian first, French second. Their wines are sought out by collectors and enthusiasts in earnest, and they’ve held the distinction of being the United States’ number one still wine Alsace producer since 1978. The Trimbachs are also one of the largest owners of Grand Cru vineyards in the region which account for an impressive third of their total production. They were also Certified HVE-3 Organic in 2023. Just a few elements (of many) that speak volumes about their dedication to creating the highest-caliber expressions of their terroir.

Today, three words continue to drive the Trimbachs and their winemaking toward the future: balance, balance, balance. It is the family’s philosophy on life, which they also tirelessly pursue at work among their vines and in the Trimbach winery. They own 58 hectares / 143 acres of vineyards — with riesling representing half of their production — and their wines span five key tiers, from the accessible Classics to the super-premium Grands Crus Collections. At every level, these wines embody the celebrated Trimbach style: structured, long-lived, fruit-driven, dry, elegant, and (above all) balanced.

Family is also central to everyday life at Trimbach. Winemaking is expertly managed by 12th-generation Pierre, alongside his nephew Julien. Pierre’s brother, Jean, is the family’s globetrotting export manager, famously active in his visits to the U.S. market in particular. He is frequently joined by Anne, his niece and the eldest of the 13th generation, who is working to expand the business’ digital footprint in the global markets. Pauline, Jean’s eldest daughter, manages the French market, while Frédérique, Pierre’s daughter, manages procurement and communications.

Grapes were harvested at maturity then crushed and delicately pressed in a pneumatic press. Vinified in a dry style in stainless steel vats and old casks. No malolactic, or long ageing on lees in order to preserve freshness, liveliness and fruity aromas. Bottled in the spring following the harvests, then three years of aging minimum in cellar.

“Stunning white-peach and floral aromas pour from the glass, pulling you into this juicy yet super elegant dry riesling, in which the power is beautifully underplayed, right through the very long, filigree finish. A very impressive first vintage of this new addition to the Trimbach range. Drink or hold.” - 96 Points, James Suckling

“The 2019 Grand Cru Brand Riesling opens with a delicate and clear, terroir-driven nose with elegant and well-balanced, classic fruit. Round, elegant and saline on the palate, with fine phenols, complexity and finesse, this is a powerful, time-demanding Brand Riesling with good astringency on the still youthful but promising finish. Tasted at the domaine in May 2022.” - 92 Points, Wine Advocate

“Although fuller in body, this is very fine and focused—even zesty—with notes of grapefruit and shaved ginger framing the core of quince, apple and gooseberry. Petrol note emerges on the long, well-defined finish. Taub Family Selections.” - 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Producer: Trimbach

Country: France

Region: Alsace

Varietal: Riesling

Appellation: Alsace Grand Cru

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml