Domaine Trimbach - Gewurztraminer Réserve 2013

Today it’s richer than the classic from the same vintage, but it has plenty of time to let its slight sweetness mellow, since the 2007s are still on the market! The lovely acidity and the peppery and floral notes lend it great elegance; we love its harmony and finesse.

The Ribeauvillé winery is slowly evolving to keep pace with the times. After shifting its focus to grand cru wines, Trimbach is in the process of converting to organic farming (certification expected in 2023). This transition will require the involvement of its grape and wine suppliers. Here, Riesling reigns supreme (55% of production). The terroirs are well-suited to this: marl-limestone (Geisberg, Mandelberg, Clos-Saint-Hune in Rosacker) or granite (Schlossberg, Brand). The Frédéric-Émile cuvée blends the Osterberg and Geisberg grands crus. The 2017 and 2019 vintages will go down in history.

The 2013 Gewurztraminer Réserve is the result of a rigorous selection of grapes and is produced only in the best vintages, such as 2007 and 2011 (but not in 2008, 2009, 2012, or 2014). The grapes come mainly from Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, and the Mandelberg Grand Cru in Mittelwihr. On the nose, the wine offers very distinct, precise, and surprisingly fresh fruit aromas (apricots and kumquats accompanied by thyme and lemon zest). Full-bodied, rich, and very elegant on the palate, this is an intense, lush, and sweet Gewürztraminer—yet also spicy and well-structured, with a salty and tangy quality, a tension that lends acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish that is perfectly balanced. Very stimulating and promising, yet always with restrained power. This Gewurz will hit the market by the end of 2016 and will surely improve with bottle aging.

A must-visit winery that stands proudly in the beautiful town of the minstrels, Trimbach delights wine lovers with its legendary Frédéric-Émile and Clos Sainte-Hune vintages. Across the vintages, Pierre Trimbach crafts Riesling with a vertical approach, always in a dry style. His brother Jean oversees global sales. They are now supported by the next generation: Anne and Frédérique (Pierre’s daughters) and Pauline and Julien (Jean’s children). The family produces wine from nearly 60 hectares of estate-owned vineyards and about 100 hectares of purchased grapes. Certain grand cru wines have been designated as such since 2009 and are directly allocated in small quantities by Jean Trimbach to the world’s finest restaurants. The estate undeniably contributes to the recognition of Alsace wines through its internationally iconic vintages, while also producing entry-level wines of consistent quality. The range of Pinot Noirs still has room for improvement.