2021 Riesling Réserve

With roots in Switzerland and a presence in Alsace since the 16th century, the Trimbach family has shaped Alsace viticulture from the early 19th century onwards with the relentless pursuit of quality and bone-dry wines. They own 60 hectares/148 acres of vineyards and buy grapes from a further 20 hectares/49.5 acres, which includes vineyards they farm themselves and hope to be able to purchase in the future. Trimbach are known for two abiding classics of the region: Rieslings Clos Ste Hune and Frédéric Emile. The former is notably from Rosacker Grand Cru, the latter from the Geisberg and Osterberg Grand Crus. The house refused to label their wines as grand crus in a defiant stance against the often too generous delineations of some of these top vineyards. As of 2015, with the release of the 2009 vintage, however, the term grand cru also appeared on Trimbach labels. The tide has finally tipped over, and Trimbach now also has holdings in sites like Schlossberg, bought in 2012 and first made in 2014, after extending the domaine. The house is run by brothers Pierre and Jean Trimbach, the 12th generation of the family. By now, they are joined by the 13th: Anne Trimbach looks after export sales, Frédérique Trimbach is responsible for communications and design, and Pauline Trimbach looks after domestic sales. At the same time, Julien Trimbach works alongside Pierre as winemaker. “We put the same intensity in our work, whether it is Pinot Blanc or Geiseberg Grand Cru,” Pierre Trimbach says. “Three things matter: balance, balance, balance.” Trimbach is one of the steadfast stars in the Alsace firmament. The consistency of their dry style across grape varieties, the concentration and linearity of their wines and their Rieslings’ longevity, even at the entry level, renews their reputation with each new vintage.