Maison Trimbach : Gewurztraminer "Réserve" 2017

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Gewurztraminer "Réserve" 2017 from Maison Trimbach

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a medium gold hue with slightly golden highlights, reflecting the aromatic intensity and optimal ripeness of the grapes.

Nose
The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity dominated by lychee notes, the hallmark signature of Gewurztraminer. These aromas intertwine with nuances of white peach and apricot, accompanied by floral touches of rose and subtle spicy notes of ginger. With aeration, the bouquet evolves toward fragrances of beeswax and chamomile, adding depth and refinement to the whole.

Palate
On the palate, this wine captivates with its ample and generous texture while maintaining a remarkable balance. Fresh citrus and lemon flavors bring vivacity, while tropical fruit, peach and apricot aromas lend richness and concentration. A smoky touch emerges mid-palate, adding an extra dimension to the tasting experience. The natural acidity provides structure and preserves freshness, leading to a long and lingering finish where sweetness and vivacity blend harmoniously.

Food and wine pairing

This Gewurztraminer "Réserve" 2017 pairs beautifully with spicy and aromatic cuisines, particularly Thai, Vietnamese or Indian dishes. It also pairs wonderfully with Alsatian charcuterie, foie gras, full-flavored cheeses such as Munster, as well as poultry and fish prepared with spices. Fruit desserts, especially those featuring stone fruits or citrus, also make excellent pairings.

Serving and storage

The Gewurztraminer "Réserve" 2017 is ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 46 and 50°F. This wine can be appreciated now and will continue to evolve until around 2027, gradually developing more complex tertiary aromas while retaining its characteristic freshness.

An aromatic and balanced Alsatian Gewurztraminer, signature of Maison Trimbach

The estate

Founded in 1626 in Riquewihr, Trimbach embodies thirteen generations of Alsatian winemaking expertise. Established in the heart of Alsace, this independent family house today cultivates approximately 61 hectares of vineyards certified organic since 2023. Led until January 2026 by Pierre Trimbach, an iconic figure in Alsatian viticulture, the estate is now in the hands of the thirteenth generation, notably Julien Trimbach for the technical side and Anne Trimbach for commercial development. Recognized worldwide for its dry, structured and elegant white wines, Maison Trimbach was named "Brand of the Year" by La Revue du Vin de France in 2025. Its philosophy rests on three pillars: balance, balance and balance.

The vineyard

The Gewurztraminer "Réserve" 2017 comes from a rigorous selection of old vines located in the villages of Ribeauvillé, Bergheim and Hunawihr, in the heart of Alsace. The plots benefit from south, southeast and southwest exposures on the sub-Vosges hillsides, offering optimal drainage and excellent sun exposure. The soils display a remarkable geological diversity characteristic of the Ribeauvillé fault, combining limestone, sandstone, marl and clay. The average vine age reaches 45 years, allowing the roots to explore the various geological layers of the terroir in depth. The vineyard is managed organically with a high planting density, promoting concentration and aromatic expression of the grape variety.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage in Alsace proved excellent despite yields reduced by approximately one third due to spring frosts. A cold winter was followed by a warm spring and a sunny summer with sufficient rainfall. These favorable climatic conditions throughout the growing season produced grapes of remarkable quality, combining ripeness, aromatic concentration and natural freshness. Sunny harvest conditions favored a crop of perfectly ripe grapes, essential for crafting this Réserve cuvée.

Winemaking and aging

The Gewurztraminer "Réserve" 2017 is crafted according to Maison Trimbach's traditional methods, prioritizing purity and terroir expression. After hand-harvesting the grapes at full maturity, the clusters are gently pressed using pneumatic presses. The juices are then settled by centrifugation before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. No malolactic fermentation is carried out in order to preserve the wine's natural acidity. Aging takes place on fine lees for several months, adding complexity and texture to the wine. Tangential filtration precedes bottling, ensuring the wine's stability and aging potential.

Grape variety

100% Gewurztraminer from old vines.