Maison Trimbach : Gewurztraminer "Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" 2016

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Gewurztraminer "Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" 2016 from Maison Trimbach

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a golden hue.

Nose

The nose reveals a remarkable aromatic complexity typical of Gewurztraminer, with notes of lychee and rose, particularly dried rose petals. Aromas of honey, musk and exotic spices complete the bouquet, while retaining a certain austerity and refinement characteristic of the Trimbach style.

Palate

On the palate, the Gewurztraminer "Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" 2016 reveals a paradoxical balance between power and elegance. Despite the richness of the fruit, the wine maintains a beautiful freshness thanks to a vibrant acidity that provides structure. Flavors of clementine, lime zest and white peach unfold with precision. The juicy, generous texture is accompanied by a mineral tension that persists throughout the tasting. The finish is lingering and complex, with an impression of dryness rather than sweetness, despite the obvious ripeness of the grapes.

Food and wine pairings

This gastronomic Gewurztraminer is an ideal companion for foie gras, balancing its richness with its vivacity. It also pairs beautifully with spicy and aromatic dishes, whether European or Asian-inspired. Desserts featuring exotic fruits, particularly mango or pineapple, also make excellent pairings.

Serving and storage

The Gewurztraminer "Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" 2016 is best served between 50 and 54°F. This wine has a cellaring potential until around 2031, with exceptional vintages capable of evolving over even longer periods.

A dry and elegant Gewurztraminer from Ribeauvillé in Alsace

The estate

Founded in 1626, Maison Trimbach is one of the oldest wine estates in Alsace, with twelve generations of winemakers who have carried on the tradition. Based in Ribeauvillé since the early twentieth century, the house is now led by brothers Pierre and Jean Trimbach, representatives of the twelfth generation. Pierre Trimbach, who tragically passed away in January 2026, was recognized as one of the ten finest white winemakers in the world. Jean Trimbach manages commercial operations and exports, which account for 85% of production. Maison Trimbach cultivates approximately 60 hectares of its own vineyards and works with partner growers on an additional hundred or so hectares. Since 2023, the entire estate has been certified organic. The philosophy rests on a fundamental principle: balance, applied across every aspect of production to create dry, pure and elegant wines that express their terroir with precision.

The vineyard

The Gewurztraminer "Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" 2016 comes from old vines grown on marly-limestone soils with a Keuper dominance, located in Ribeauvillé in Alsace. These plots correspond to the former personal vineyards of the medieval lords of Ribeaupierre, whose distinctive terroir was already recognized during the feudal era. The region benefits from a dry continental climate, sheltered by the Vosges mountains which create a foehn effect, with less than 600 millimeters of annual rainfall. The Ribeauvillé geological fault, formed approximately fifty million years ago, generates a complex mosaic of soils that give the wines their distinctive character. The vines are farmed under certified organic agriculture, with a high planting density of between 5,500 and 6,000 vines per hectare. The average vine age is around 45 years, allowing deep root penetration and optimal expression of the terroir.

The vintage

The 2016 vintage offered favorable conditions for producing high-quality wines in Alsace. Maison Trimbach only produces this prestigious cuvée in the finest vintages, reflecting its unwavering commitment to quality.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Gewurztraminer "Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" 2016 are harvested at advanced maturity, exclusively from old vines. The winemaking follows the principles of Maison Trimbach, prioritizing purity of expression and balance. The approach aims to preserve natural acidity while maintaining the tension that allows the wine to age gracefully over time.

Grape variety

100% Gewurztraminer