Domaine Trimbach - Alsace Gewurztraminer Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre 2015

With a still-subtle nose and a more expressive palate, this wine matures more slowly than the Classique cuvée. With a semi-dry balance, its rich, velvety texture and coating mouthfeel make it an ideal table wine, perfect with spicy dishes.

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.

Made from old vines grown on marl-limestone soils dominated by Keuper strata and produced only in the best vintages, the 2015 Gewurztraminer Cuvée des Seigneurs Ribeaupierre—with its golden-yellow color—opens with an intensely aromatic and dense bouquet, displaying moderate richness and complexity. On the palate, it is a very elegant, refined, and rich Gewurztraminer—as well as complex and persistent—with orange aromas on the round, elegant finish, which is well-balanced and structured. Thanks to the finesse of its tannins and, above all, its vibrant and fresh minerality, the 2015 tastes less sweet than one might fear. In fact, it is a great wine for dining, perfect for pairing with spicy and aromatic dishes or as a dessert on its own. Mango and other tropical aromas dance in the stimulating aftertaste. 14% alcohol by volume. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2023.

Spicy and full-bodied, with a rather sunny character, this Gewürztraminer is built on a tight structure punctuated by subtle bitter notes. It deserves to be cellared a little longer so that its structure can soften.

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.

Pale, brilliant golden yellow. Aromas of mango, grapefruit, and sweet spices. On the palate, more tropical fruit and honey; a lovely stony freshness brings remarkable clarity and sharpness. Much denser and richer than the entry-level Gewürz, but also better defined thanks to higher acidity. A fantastic Gewürz in the making. It’s truly a step up in terms of concentration compared to the Réserve, and it reminds me a bit of the 1971 Gewürz vintages.

Fresh cloves and white pepper. Apple and pear as well. Full-bodied, with intense fruit and an oily yet fresh and lively texture. Notes of white flowers. Best enjoyed now.