Maison Trimbach : Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2019

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2019 from Maison Trimbach

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a luminous straw-yellow hue with slightly green highlights.

Nose

The captivating nose reveals fragrant aromas of citrus fruits (lime, orange zest), white peach and jasmine, accompanied by notes of anise, chamomile and parsley. Fresh mineral nuances complete this complex and elegant bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this Riesling seduces with its powerful yet harmonious acidity that frames flavors similar to those perceived on the nose. The long, precise finish reveals touches of orange zest and white peach, with a remarkable minerality that brings tension and vibrancy.

Food and wine pairings

This exceptional wine pairs perfectly with noble fish such as turbot or halibut, caviar, as well as refined white meats served with delicate sauces. It also elevates elaborate gastronomic preparations.

Serving and storage

The Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2019 can be enjoyed now but will reveal its full complexity after a few years of cellaring. According to critics, this wine will evolve beautifully until around 2044, or even beyond. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 10 and 12°C.

A Riesling from Alsace born of Grand Cru terroirs

The estate

Founded in 1626, Maison Trimbach is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine estates in Alsace. Established in Ribeauvillé since 1920, this independent family house cultivates approximately 60 hectares of vines today, a third of which are classified as Grands Crus. Led until 2026 by Pierre Trimbach, representing the 12th generation, and his brother Jean, the estate is now in the hands of the 13th generation, notably Julien Trimbach in the cellar. Recognized for its pioneering environmental commitment since 1972 and certified organic since 2023, Maison Trimbach embodies the excellence of Alsace wines worldwide, particularly in the United States where it has been the leading producer of still Alsatian wines since 1978.

The vineyard

The Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" comes from the exceptional terroirs of the Grands Crus Geisberg and Osterberg, located on the hillsides overlooking Ribeauvillé in Alsace. These plots benefit from south and south-east exposure on steep slopes arranged in small terraces. The soils, composed of limestone, sandstone and shell limestone (Muschelkalk), give the wine its characteristic minerality and fine acidity. The vines, with an average age of 45 years, are cultivated according to organic farming principles. Geisberg, one of the smallest Grands Crus in Alsace with only 8.5 hectares in total, offers a unique and complex terroir. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate sheltered by the Vosges mountains, with warm, dry summers and autumns ideal for ripening.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage is characterized by favorable climatic conditions that produced perfectly ripe grapes. The harvest was carried out as late as possible to ensure optimal ripeness and exceptional aromatic depth. The rigorous selection of clusters, performed by hand, ensured that only the most perfect fruit was retained.

Winemaking and aging

The Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2019 is vinified according to Maison Trimbach's traditional philosophy, favoring purity and terroir expression. After gentle pneumatic pressing, the must settles naturally by gravity before fermentation. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at around 20°C, allowing the yeasts to work slowly and precisely. No malolactic fermentation is carried out in order to preserve the wine's freshness and tension. Aging is conducted exclusively in neutral vessels (old foudres and stainless steel tanks) so as not to mask the characteristics of the fruit and terroir. The wine is bottled in the spring following the harvest, then refined for several years in the cellar before release.

Grape variety

100% Riesling