Domaine Trimbach - Sylvaner 2019

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.

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.

For this "modest" grape variety, this is a remarkably elegant and sophisticated wine with plenty of white fruit, particularly Asian pears, and a hint of floral notes as well. It has a wonderful mid-bodied to full-bodied texture on the palate and plenty of chalky minerality on the long finish. Ready to drink now or for aging.