Trimbach - Riesling Frédéric Emile 2019

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.

The grapes are crushed and delicately pressed in a pneumatic press, then vinified to dryness in stainless steel vats and old casks. No MLF, or long aging on lees in order to preserve freshness, liveliness and fruity aromas. The wine was bottled in spring. After seven years of aging in the cellar the wine expresses all its potential to develop further, expressing its terroir, with aging potential of 20+ years.

"The 2019 Riesling Frédéric Emile is precise and savory on the nose, blending the ripe and intense fruit of the Geisberg with a rather coolish and purely mineral or rocky tone of the Osterberg (?) that is reminiscent of melting salts. Tight and with lots of tannins on the palate, this is a full-bodied, highly energetic and vivacious Riesling with a long and tensioned as well as complex finish that pairs the ripe and dense fruit with structural elements to create something new and impressive. It's very long and saline yet still too tight to be opened today. 14.1% stated alcohol. Tasted at Trimbach in November 2024" - 96 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Super focused, sleek and cool in spite of its considerable concentration, this Alsace dry riesling needs several years of bottle age to open up and reveal the aromatic treasures that are currently under lock and key. Only hints of lemon and plum showing right now. Very long, complex and delicate finish with so much energy. Better after 2024." - 97 Points, James Suckling

Producer: Trimbach

Country: France

Region: Alsace

Varietal: Riesling

Appellation: Alsace 

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml