Maison Trimbach : Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2008

A Mineral Riesling Wine

The Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" is the signature wine of the legendary Trimbach family, produced by Maison Trimbach, one of the most respected names in the region of Alsace. The vineyard property enjoys fantastic sun exposure (with a south and south-east orientation), along with a rich terroir of marno-calcareous-sandy soils and shell limestone. The vines are quite old, around 45 years on average, which limits the yields significantly. The harvest is carried out by hand as late as possible from the two Grand Cru sites of Geisberg and Osterberg in order to maximise ripeness in the fruit. The grapes are gently pressed in a pneumatic press and then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. After the wine is vinified to complete dyness, the wine is bottled without maturation in oak. It stays in the bottle for several years before it is released to the market, in order to ensure that the wine is ready to be consumed upon release, although it can also age an additional decade or more in the cellar. This wine has a remarkable personality, typically quite dry and powerful, with a mineral note and a finely polished acidity.

The Riesling "Cuvée Frédéric Emile" 2008 from Maison Trimbach displays a bright, medium gold colour in the glass. A bouquet of apricot, nectarine, pineapple and candied peach seduces the nose. On the palate, this Alsatian Riesling is full-bodied and intense, with great depth and a characteristic minerality. The rich, ripe acidity is perfectly balanced with the fruit, leading to a superb, very persistent finish.