For three centuries, across 13 generations, the Trimbach family has produced wines that are structured, long-lived, fruity, elegant, and beautifully balanced. The family personally looks after each operation, from planting to harvests and from vinification to bottling.
Maison Trimbach’s vineyards are all situated around the picturesque village of Ribeauville in Alsace in the northeast corner of France. The region is bordered on the west by the Vosges Mountains and on the east by the Rhine River, which separates it from Germany. The region’s shared history between France and Germany has created a unique approach to the styles of Alsatian wines and cuisine. Trimbach’s vineyards benefit from the unique Alsatian microclimate, which, thanks to the Vosges Mountains, protects the plain from rain.
I know that I have mentioned Trimbach wines on several previous occasions; and I have absolutely no problem confessing that they are among my favorite vintages. And part of my enthusiasm is based on the fact that bottles remain in their cellar for several years before reaching the marketplace, ensuring that the wines are both ready to drink upon release and also hold great aging potential.
The wines I am noting today are quite special, for they are Reserves. The designation Reserve is often found on US wine labels… Unfortunately, the term has no legal definition in this country, which means it cannot be relied upon to have any special significance or to indicate particularly high quality. In fact, it is often used simply as a marketing ploy. Trimbach Reserves, on the other hand, are the result of a rigorous selection process from old vines in Ribeauville and the surrounding villages, producing wines that are more complex with longer aging potential.
2015 Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris: This wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats. There is no secondary malolactic fermentation in order to maintain as much natural acidity as possible.
In the glass, the color is bright pale gold with a fresh but restrained nose that hints of ripe pear. On the palate, the wine is bone-dry with subtle nuances of tropical fruit and an intriguingly nutty finish. And, unlike Italian Pinot Grigios, the Trimbach Reserve is full-bodied and sports a good deal of heft with 14% alcohol. This wine recently received 94 points (100-point scale) from the Wine Enthusiast magazine, describing it as “utterly elegant.
Decidedly food-friendly, the 2015 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve is perfect as an aperitif or with fish, poultry and lighter pastas. Priced at $22.99 in Pennsylvania State stores, a few dollars less online.
2016 Trimbach Reserve Pinot Noir: The grapes are harvested in late September/early October and undergo a gentle pneumatic pressing followed by an 8-day cold maceration to extract color and fruit. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel. The Pinot Noirs are the only Trimbach wines that undergo malolactic fermentation and they are bottled after 3 months aging in stainless steel tanks.
The wine is light to medium garnet in color with aromas of red currant and hint of licorice. If you’re accustomed to the silky-smooth generosity of California Pinot Noirs, your first sip of this wine may strike you as somewhat austere. Despite its rather taut style, however, this is a wine that softens in the glass and captivates you with its juiciness and subtle undertones of red fruit.
Recently receiving a 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast magazine, the 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir is a personal favorite and especially recommended for those who enjoy a slightly different take on this finicky varietal. Because of its light & lush body and crisp, refreshing acidity, the 2016 pairs well with sausages, smoked meats, and a variety of cheeses… And given the wine’s overall quality, its $22.99 price tag is also quite a bargain.
Cheers!
TAD
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