The 2018 Trimbach Riesling Sélection de Vieilles Vignes comes from very old vines on limestone-rich soils in Hunawihr. It’s a warm vintage showing bright lemon, subtle petrol notes, and a hint of vinegary freshness. On the palate, it’s dense, textured, and refined with a nice roundness—some say it almost feels like it has a splash of Muscat for extra richness. It’s dry and elegant, with plenty of complexity and great aging potential. Perfect for those who appreciate a classic, structured Alsace Riesling.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Mar 9, 2023
Drink: 2023-2036

The 2018 Riesling Sélection de Vieilles Vignes is an assemblage of two plots of very old Riesling vines cultivated on the marl-limestone soils in Hunawihr. From an extraordinarily warm and dry vintage, the wine opens with clear, bright fruit with lemon and potted vinegary vegetal and fruity notes and some petrol nuances. Dense and complex on the palate, this is a round, refined and elegant, quite aromatic and textured yet crystalline Riesling that could have been dosed with a small percentage of another variety, perhaps such as Muscat, which adds a textural roundness that pure Riesling rarely has. 14% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2023.

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BACKGROUND
The Trimbach's have a purist vision. For three centuries and across 13 generations, the family has produced wines that are structured, longlived, fruity, elegant and balanced: the celebrated Trimbach style. The family personally looks after each operation, from planting to harvests and from vinification to bottling. The viticultural origin of the Trimbach family dates back to 1626, when Jean Trimbach, was recognized as a citizen of Riquewihr. From then on, the Trimbach's were renowned for their wine-growing. Maison Trimbach's vineyards are all situated around Ribeauville (Ribeauville, Hunawihr, Bergheim, Rorschwihr, Riquewihr and Mittlewihr). They benefit from the unique Alsatian microclimate, thanks to the Vosges Mountains protection, which preserves the plain from the rain. The vineyards were planted on the Ribeauville's fault line that fractured 50 million years ago between the Vosges Mountain range and the Black Forest offering a mosaic of terroirs including the complex calcareous limestone and bio-degraded seashell fossils called Muschelkalk.

WINEMAKING & VINTAGE NOTES
The vines are 50 years old from Ribeauvill's top sites such as Grand Cru Rosacker and the highly regarded Muhlforst. Soils are marl and limestone. Handpicked as late as possible in order to achieve maximum ripeness, which in turn, gives optimum depth of flavor and complexity. The grapes are pressed very gently in a pneumatic press. The juice ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for 3 to 4 weeks.

The wine is not oak-aged, and is vinified to complete dryness with no residual sugar. Bottling is done early to preserve freshness, and the wine rests in bottle in the cellar for several years before reaching the marketplace, ensuring the wine is both ready to drink upon release but also can be cellared.

TASTING NOTES
Elegant, dry and precise. Pairs best with shell-fish, seafood, pork, poultry, veal and pastas.