Trimbach Grand Cru Geisberg Vignoble du Couvent de Ribeauvillé Riesling 2018
Domaine Trimbach, nestled in the heart of Alsace, France, was first established as a winery in 1626 by Jean Trimbach, who settled in Riquewihr and began the Trimbach families winemaking journey. Over four hundred years, through 13 generations the family's passion for viticulture has been unwavering. Relocating to Hunawihr in the 1840s, and settling in Ribeauvillé after World War I, where the winery is based today. Each generation continually honed their craft, ensuring Trimbach's enduring legacy in the world of wine, in particular Alsatian Rieslings.
Domaine Trimbach's dedication extends beyond exceptional wines. Committed to sustainable practices, they have achieved certified organic status for all 63 hectares of their vineyards. These vineyards, spread across the picturesque villages of Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Mittelwihr, Kientzheim, and Turkheim, benefit from diverse terroirs, infusing each wine with unique characteristics.
Domaine Trimbach's most renowned wines are the Clos Sainte Hune and Cuvée Frédéric Emile Rieslings. The legendary Clos Sainte Hune hails from 1.67 hectares of the prestigious Rosacker Grand Cru vineyard. Renowned for its elegance, minerality, and exceptional aging potential, this Riesling is a legend among aficionados. While Clos Sainte Hune was first produced in 1919, the first vintage of Cuvée Frédéric Emile was not released until 1967. The fruit is sourced from a contiguous vineyard plot that straddles the Grand Crus of Geisberg and Osterberg, overlooking the Trimbach winery and the town of Ribeauvillé. And with a few more hectares of vineyard behind it, Cuvée Frédéric Emile finds its way into the wine lists of top restaurants all around the world. Indeed, at last count it was listed in 25 Michelin three-star restaurants in France alone.
Geisberg is the third smallest of the Alsace Grand Cru sites and is composed of many terraces over limestone and sandstone subsoil. In 2008 Trimbach were granted the lease of the holding owned by the Convent of Ribeauvillé, on the condition that both the village and the Grand Cru were recognised when selling the wine. The first release of this wine was from the 2009 vintage. Previously this parcel was dedicated to being assembled with with GC Osterberg into the famous Frédéric Émile. One of the three smaller Grand Crus in Alsace, it is only 8.53 ha. The Trimbach’s 2.6 ha plot is on limestone and dolomite marl soil, with old vines over 50 years old, small terraces with steep slopes facing south - creating a unique terroir.
The grapes are selected at maturity then crushed and delicately pressed in a pneumatic press. Vinified in a dry style in stainless steel vats. No malolactic fermentation or long ageing on lees in order to preserve freshness, liveliness and fruity aromas. Bottled in spring following the harvest, then aged two years minimum in the cellar before release.
Pronounced aromas of citrus, candied fruit, honey and bergamot. The acidity is precise and, coupled with optimal ripeness, provides a juicy sensation of fresh lemon. Fantastic energy and structure with saline mineral notes. Delicious in its youth, it is a wine that can be kept for over 20 years and which will then reveal all the richness and complexity of its terroir.
Pure, fresh and precisely representative of the Geisberg terroir with stony and saline notes. On the palate, this is an opulent, dense and baroque-styled Riesling with power, sweetness (just 3.9 grams per liter) and a firm and concentrated finish. This is another wine that needs some years to relax and breathe. - Robert Parker.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - France
Region - Alsace
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
Other - Organic