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Trimbach Winery Guide
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Last updated: November 24, 2023
Winery Overview
Is there a name more synonymous with high-quality Alsatian wine than Trimbach? It would be hard to imagine – Trimbach has been in this business since the 17th century. Jean Trimbach founded the winery in 1626, a pioneer who settled in Riquewihr – a village in the Alsace region – and established the family wine trade. The Trimbach family was well established when French king Louis XIV visited Alsace in 1673. The business prospered in Riquewihr despite the turmoil caused by the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte’s violent campaigns across Europe. Trimbach, it seemed, was impervious to political tremors.
In the 19th century, Trimbach’s wines became the French court toast. Successive generations did much to further the wine estate’s good reputation; the family business was moved to the neighboring town of Hunawihr, while the wines had become estate-bottled. Historically, customers purchased large quantities in bulk until Frédéric-Emile Trimbach decided that his firm needed to set the standard in high-quality, bottled wines. In honor of his incredible contribution to this venerable wine house’s prosperity, the family adopted his initials in the firm’s official name: Maison F.E. Trimbach. His proudest achievement occurred in 1898 when Frédéric Emile Trimbach received the highest distinction at the International Wine Fair in Brussels.
The 20th century was another golden era for the Trimbach dynasty – the house increased its vineyard holdings dramatically, including some of the finest Riesling climats (sites) in Ribeauvillé. A new winery and headquarters were transferred to Ribeauvillé after World War II ended, which remains the family’s base of operations today. And so, for over three centuries, each successive generation of the Trimbach family has been promoting Alsace’s unique and exquisite wines on the world stage. After many decades, the firm is still located in Ribeauvillé and still owned by the two grandsons of Frédéric Théodore, Bernard and Hubert, since their father died in 1945.
Today this remarkable winery can lay a justifiable claim on producing some of Europe’s most complex, age-worthy, and spectacular whites. Critics are unanimous – the finest Riesling in Alsace, some would say the world, is grown in Trimbach’s Clos Ste-Hune within the Rosacker Grand Cru above the town of Hunawihr. Indeed, Trimbach’s vineyard holdings are arguably the most impressive in Alsace; 30% of the domain’s 50 hectares come from grand cru vineyards, including the aforementioned Clos Sainte Hune. The winemaking is, of course, top-notch. Yet, the remarkable terroir and selection of superior sites define Trimbach – this is why the estate’s wines continue to garner high scores and dazzle critics with their perfume, finesse, and structure. Vines from the south and southeast facing Ribeauvillé terroirs Geisberg and Osterberg – both Grand Crus – are the crown jewels in their portfolio. The marl-limestone-sandstone, fossil-flecked Muschelkalk soils, and carefully selected ripe grapes create a dry and powerful house style rarely equaled. It is a rare and absolute privilege to taste Clos St Hune, as so little is made. Stretching over 1.67 hectares, this parcel has been in the Trimbach family for over 200 years. It is simply exceptional, a wine of immense power, yet refinement and breeding. A fitting symbol of everything Trimbach stands for.
Wines produced
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Trimbach Sylvaner
100% Sylvaner. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, no oak treatment. -
Trimbach Pinot Blanc
100% Pinot Blanc. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, with no malolactic fermentation. -
Trimach Gewurztraminer
100% Gewürztraminer. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, no oak treatment. -
Trimbach Riesling
100% Riesling. Fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel and concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation is avoided to maintain as much natural acidity as possible, and the wine is released after two years of cellar aging. -
Riesling “Cuvée Frédéric Emile”
100% Riesling. Based on the Ribeauvillé terroirs and Grand Crus of Geisberg and Osterberg; average age of the vines is 45 years. Small yields are fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel and concrete vats. It is given extended bottle age before release. Suitable for extended cellaring. -
Le Riesling Clos Ste Hune
100% Riesling. Produced from 1.67 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards – average age 50 years old. Only 8,000 bottles on average are made in exceptional years. Tiny yields are fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel and concrete vats. It is given extended bottle age before release. Suitable for extended cellaring. -
Vendanges Tardives – Late Harvest Wines
Produced from the Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Muscat grapes, picked when over-ripe a few weeks after the official start of harvest. The grapes, generally affected by noble rot, are selected from only the best vineyards and only in exceptional years. Fermented in stainless steel tanks with some residual sugar remaining. A delicious, dessert wine style. -
Sélection de Grains Nobles Wines
Made in tiny quantities, using grapes that have been affected by botrytis. Pinot Gris, Riesling or Gewürztraminer are selected only in exceptional years. Fermented in stainless steel tanks with some residual sugar remaining. A delicious, dessert wine style. -
Riesling Grand Cru Geisberg
100% Grand Cru Riesling. A recent addition to the Trimbach portfolio - less than 4 vintages have been produced to date. 8.5 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards are grown on limestone and sandstone subsoils, which leads to tiny yields. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, the wine is given an extended period of aging before release. A very powerful expression of Riesling, Geisberg can be cellared for decades. Only tiny quantities are made. -
Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg
100% Grand Cru Riesling. In 2012, Trimbach purchased 2 hectares of the highly regarded Grand Cru vineyard Schlossberg. First vintage made was 2014. Old vines are planted on granite and granite migmatite soils. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, the wine is given an extended period of aging before release. A very powerful expression of Riesling, Schlossberg can be cellared for decades. Only tiny quantities are made.
Winery Contact Details
Trimbach
Maison Trimbach 6815015 Route de Bergheim
Ribeauvillé France
Email:
Tel +33 (0) 389 73 60 30
Fax +33 (0) 389 73 89 04 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Alsace
Founded
1626
Area under Vine
50 Hectares
Age of vines
Oak barrel origin
Winemaker
Pierre Trimbach
Owner
Trimbach family
Production
Approximately 80,000 cases per annum
Grape varietals
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Muscat
Winery Appellations
Author
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