Trimbach - Riesling Sélection Vieilles Vignes 2019

Viticulture has been a central part of the Trimbach Family for almost four centuries. Now three generations are working together at Maison Trimbach. Since 1626, the Trimbach family has been creating wines that express and promote the unique terroir of Alsace, one of France’s sunniest and driest climates. Located in the Haut-Rhin in the town of Ribeauville, Maison Trimbach’s vineyards are dominated by limestone soils, and benefit from the unique Alsatian microclimate provided by the Vosges Mountains on the west and the Rhine on the east. They have vineyard holdings within three Grand Cru sites; Grand Cru Rosacker, where the historical Clos Staine Hune monopole is located, Grand Cru Geisberg and Grand Cru Osterberg. Trimbach produces wine from Alsace’s four noble grape varieties, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Muscat, as well as Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.

The 40 total hectares making up the Maison Trimbach estate expand over more than 50 parcels in 6 villages, including Ribeauville, Bergheim and Hunawihr. The estate’s vines are planted in a vast array of soil types, including limestone, sandstone, marl and clay. High degrees of limestone in some parcels lend a characteristic minerality to the wines. And while Maison Trimbach produces wines from Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Sylvaner, the emblematic Alsatian varietal of Riesling is by far the flagship grape of the estate, praised for the ease with which it expresses the vastly diverse Alsatian terroir. The vineyards of Trimbach enjoys a microclimate very unique to Alsace. The Vosges Mountains nearby protect the plain from too much precipitation, while the cool breeze allows the berries to mature gradually, developing complex flavors and aromas.

The vines of Trimbach are managed by means of integrated, sustainable winegrowing practices. Most of their cuvees are fully organic and the estate is in the process of converting to biodynamic practices. The vines are closely pruned in the winter and moderate yields of highly concentrated, intensely flavored grapes are encouraged.

The fruit is harvested exclusively by hand and delicately pressed before the juice is transferred by means of gravity to the cellar. Here, Pierre Trimbach gets to work vinifying and maturing the wines, always keeping in mind the aim to conserve the personality of the grape variety and the terroir from which it came. Both stainless steel tanks and old wooden casks are used in the production of these wines, which are bottled in the spring after harvest.

For nearly four hundred years the family has specialized in the production of dry white wines, which are often described as very strictly structured and boasting excellent aging potential. Pierre Trimbach, who has been at the helm of over 30 vintages at the estate, aims to ensure a certain balance in his wines, by controlling the level of acidity while also retaining the natural tension of the wines.

“Rich, mouth-filling and highly structured, this has a touch of exotic aromas (mangosteen!), but isn’t a jot too ripe or weighty. In fact, it has wonderful silkiness, in spite of the considerable mineral power at the imposing finish. Drink or hold.” - 95 Points, James Suckling

“A slightly nutty, slightly petrol aroma suggests that this light-bodied wine has gained some maturity. However, something more playful awaits on the palate, where a tangy sour orange or marmalade flavor prevails, with cleansing acidity and a slate note on the medium-length finish.” - 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast

“Flinty and earthy, with pear and bruised apple laced with chalky lemon-lime acidity and candied lemon rind highlights. Offers petrol on the nose, with a saline streak running through the seriously minerally, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.” - 91 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Trimbach 

Country: France

Region: Alsace

Varietal: Riesling

Appellation: Alsace

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml