Maison Trimbach : Riesling "Grand Cru Schlossberg" 2017

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Riesling "Grand Cru Schlossberg" 2017 from Maison Trimbach

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a pale yellow hue with golden highlights.

Nose

The nose opens shyly with aromas of tart lemon and white flowers. With aeration, it reveals a pronounced minerality evoking crushed stone, accompanied by notes of candied lemon and sweet spices.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its taut texture and earthy tones. Vibrant flavors of green apple and juicy pear are expressed with precision, underpinned by a sharp acidity and a remarkable mineral intensity that lingers through the finish. The whole reveals exceptional concentration while retaining a silky texture.

Food and wine pairings

This gastronomic wine is an ideal companion for rich, meaty fish. It also pairs beautifully with creamy poultry dishes or white meat preparations with mushrooms.

Serving and storage

The Riesling "Grand Cru Schlossberg" 2017 can be enjoyed now and will keep until around 2027, or even beyond under optimal storage conditions.

An Alsatian Riesling of crystalline minerality from the Grand Cru Schlossberg

The estate

Founded in 1626, Maison Trimbach represents nearly four centuries of winemaking excellence in Alsace. Based in Ribeauvillé, this family-owned house cultivates approximately 60 hectares of vines spread across more than 50 plots, 70% of which are concentrated around Ribeauvillé, Bergheim and Hunawihr. Now led by Jean Trimbach, who represents the 12th generation, the company is gradually integrating the 13th generation into its operations. Certified organic since 2023, Trimbach has established itself as the leading Alsatian producer in the United States since 1978. The house's philosophy rests on a fundamental principle: balance, which guides every decision from vineyard to cellar to produce dry, structured and elegant white wines built for long aging.

The vineyard

The Riesling "Grand Cru Schlossberg" 2017 comes from a 1.6-hectare plot acquired by Trimbach in 2012, located between Kaysersberg and Kientzheim. This exceptional granitic terroir, composed of coarse-grained Thannenkirch granite and Kaysersberg migmatite, produces acidic sandy-silty soils that give the wine its distinctive minerality. The vines, approximately 52 years old at the time of acquisition, are planted on horizontal terraces on steep south-facing slopes, near the medieval castle of Kaysersberg. This exposure and granitic substrate foster the expression of a Riesling of crystalline purity and remarkable saline tension.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage in Alsace received a rating of 4 out of 5, reflecting a year of very fine quality. Flowering took place under excellent conditions in June, followed by a predominantly dry growing season. Harvesting was staggered from October 7 to 24, with additional passes on October 28 and from December 2 to 5, allowing the grapes to be picked at optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

The Riesling "Grand Cru Schlossberg" 2017 is vinified according to Maison Trimbach's rigorous protocols. After hand harvesting and gentle pneumatic pressing, the must is naturally clarified before fermentation. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at approximately 20°C, without malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the wine's natural acidity and mineral definition. Aging continues on fine lees for several months, followed by tangential filtration using ceramic filters. Bottling takes place in the spring following the harvest, and the wine benefits from several years of cellar aging before release.

Grape variety

100% Riesling