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Trimbach Winery Guide

Winery Overview

Is there a name more synonymous with high-quality Alsatian wine than Trimbach? It would be hard to imagine – Trimbach has been in this business since the 17th century. Jean Trimbach founded the winery in 1626, a pioneer who settled in Riquewihr – a village in the Alsace region – and established the family wine trade. The Trimbach family was well established when French king Louis XIV visited Alsace in 1673. The business prospered in Riquewihr despite the turmoil caused by the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte’s violent campaigns across Europe. Trimbach, it seemed, was impervious to political tremors.

In the 19th century, Trimbach’s wines became the French court toast. Successive generations did much to further the wine estate’s good reputation; the family business was moved to the neighboring town of Hunawihr, while the wines had become estate-bottled. Historically, customers purchased large quantities in bulk until Frédéric-Emile Trimbach decided that his firm needed to set the standard in high-quality, bottled wines. In honor of his incredible contribution to this venerable wine house’s prosperity, the family adopted his initials in the firm’s official name: Maison F.E. Trimbach. His proudest achievement occurred in 1898 when Frédéric Emile Trimbach received the highest distinction at the International Wine Fair in Brussels.

The 20th century was another golden era for the Trimbach dynasty – the house increased its vineyard holdings dramatically, including some of the finest Riesling climats (sites) in Ribeauvillé. A new winery and headquarters were transferred to Ribeauvillé after World War II ended, which remains the family’s base of operations today. And so, for over three centuries, each successive generation of the Trimbach family has been promoting Alsace’s unique and exquisite wines on the world stage. After many decades, the firm is still located in Ribeauvillé and still owned by the two grandsons of Frédéric Théodore, Bernard and Hubert, since their father died in 1945.

Today this remarkable winery can lay a justifiable claim on producing some of Europe’s most complex, age-worthy, and spectacular whites. Critics are unanimous – the finest Riesling in Alsace, some would say the world, is grown in Trimbach’s Clos Ste-Hune within the Rosacker Grand Cru above the town of Hunawihr. Indeed, Trimbach’s vineyard holdings are arguably the most impressive in Alsace; 30% of the domain’s 50 hectares come from grand cru vineyards, including the aforementioned Clos Sainte Hune. The winemaking is, of course, top-notch. Yet, the remarkable terroir and selection of superior sites define Trimbach – this is why the estate’s wines continue to garner high scores and dazzle critics with their perfume, finesse, and structure. Vines from the south and southeast facing Ribeauvillé terroirs Geisberg and Osterberg – both Grand Crus – are the crown jewels in their portfolio. The marl-limestone-sandstone, fossil-flecked Muschelkalk soils, and carefully selected ripe grapes create a dry and powerful house style rarely equaled. It is a rare and absolute privilege to taste Clos St Hune, as so little is made. Stretching over 1.67 hectares, this parcel has been in the Trimbach family for over 200 years. It is simply exceptional, a wine of immense power, yet refinement and breeding. A fitting symbol of everything Trimbach stands for.

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Author

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James lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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