Maison Trimbach : Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2018 from Maison Trimbach

Tasting

Appearance

With a luminous pale yellow hue, this wine reveals brilliant green highlights.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet displays wonderful complexity with notes of fresh citrus evoking lime and grapefruit. Floral nuances of white flowers intertwine with mineral touches reminiscent of flint, while a subtle petrol note adds an extra dimension to the whole.

Palate

On the palate, this Riesling stands out for its precision and vivacity. The mineral tension beautifully structures the palate, leading to a long and elegant finish that reflects the remarkable balance of this wine.

Food and wine pairing

This Riesling pairs perfectly with seafood and fine fish. It also complements poultry served with a cream sauce, as well as goat cheeses that will harmoniously echo its minerality.

Serving and storage

The Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2018 can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2035, or even beyond. A serving temperature between 8 and 10°C will allow its qualities to be fully appreciated. Decanting for approximately one hour before serving is recommended to encourage the expression of its aromas.

An iconic Alsace Riesling by Trimbach

The estate

Founded in 1626 in Riquewihr, Maison Trimbach embodies nearly four centuries of winemaking excellence in Alsace. Now led by Jean Trimbach, representing the twelfth generation, and by members of the thirteenth generation including Anne, Frédérique, Pauline and Julien Trimbach, the house manages a 60-hectare estate vineyard, primarily concentrated around Ribeauvillé. Certified organic since 2023, Maison Trimbach was named "Brand of the Year 2025" by La Revue du Vin de France. It stands out for its philosophy rooted in balance and purity, producing wines of great finesse and exceptional aging potential.

The vineyard

The Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" comes from a rigorous selection of grapes sourced from the Grands Crus Geisberg and Osterberg, located in Ribeauvillé in Alsace. These plots benefit from south and south-southeast exposures on hillsides overlooking the town. The marl-limestone soils of these terroirs give the wine its distinctive mineral signature. The vines, over fifty years old, have developed deep root systems that allow a full expression of the terroir's characteristics.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Alsace was marked by particularly favorable weather conditions. After abundant rainfall at the beginning of the season, the summer proved exceptionally hot and dry. These conditions allowed a gradual and balanced ripening of the grapes, while preserving the natural freshness so characteristic of the Riesling grape variety. This vintage gave rise to wines of great elegance and remarkable aromatic precision.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2018 were hand-harvested and gently pressed. Vinification took place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic integrity of the fruit. Aging on fine lees was carried out without any oak contact, preserving the full purity and freshness of the grape variety. No malolactic fermentation was performed, in keeping with the house's philosophy of favoring natural vivacity. The wine benefited from seven years of bottle maturation before release.

Grape variety

100% Riesling