An Evening with Jean Trimbach

I had the opportunity to attend a dinner with Jean Trimbach of the
great  Maison Trimbach in Alsace. Organized by William Miller of Harry's Wine and Liquor Market the dinner took place at Artisan  in Southport on September 13, 2016.  

Photo courtesy of Maison Trimbach

This was the second time Harry's had an event featuring Jean Trimbach, I was unable to attend that one so I was more than happy to get a second chance. Sometime in the mid 1990's I was at a distributor's trade show and had my first experience with the Trimbach 1990 Frédéric Emile Riesling. I went back to that table several times to see if my first reaction was correct. This was one of the greatest wines I had ever tasted. I had tried many Alsatian Rieslings before but this was my first taste of Grand Cru Riesling.
​I bought quite a few bottles of that wine and enjoyed them over the next decade.  The wine just kept getting better. I put visiting Trimbach on my bucket list. 

We began the evening with the Trimbach 2014 Pinot Blanc. Jean called this a "Glug, Glug Wine", one that you could drink all night. He was right. A real crowd pleaser with flavors of lemon, apricot and pear. Jean brought to  our attention that it was bottled with a twist off rather than a cork. Not all markets see that type of closure. For this wine I think it makes sense. 

The Pinot Gris Reserve was next. A rich wine with stone fruit flavors, balanced acidity and dry. I commented to Jean that many of the other Pinot Gris wines I have had from Alsace had a touch of residual sugar.  Jean agreed and said that the Trimbach style has always been to produce a dry Pinot Gris. He suggested that the trend to leave a bit of sugar in other wines may have been to appeal to wine critics. 

The Frédéric Emile Cuvée line was named after Frédéric Emile Trimbach who had run the family business in the late 1800's. His wines were honored at the 1898 Brussel's international show. He brought the level of quality to the high level we see today.  The 2007 showed many layers. Apples, citrus, a touch of petrol and minerals to name a few. Dry with racy acidity, it too will continue to improve for many years. 

Over the course of the dinner, Jean shared many stories with us on a variety of topics. From his time spent in Bordeaux to his appearances in the Somm movies. He told us how he had to get a bottle from his father for the scene where he opens a 1962 Clos Ste.-Hune, Trimbach's most famous Riesling, for the Somm: Into the Bottle movie. He was happy to answer all questions and kept us enthralled with his tales. By the end of the night Jean had us all singing with him- My bottle lies over the ocean, my bottle lies over the sea, Trimbach, Trimbach, bring back my bottle to me.... When the  entire crowd joins in with the singing you know you it is a great night.

We ended with the 2013 Gewurztraminer and the Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre 2008. The 2013 had all the floral and fruit flavors you expect but was not at all flabby. The acidity kept it in line along with a nice dry finish. The 2008 was exotic. So many things going on at the same time. 

The food at Artisan was every bit is good as the wines. A memorable meal indeed. 

Many thanks to Jean for taking the time to share his story with us during an incredible dinner. Maybe he will be back in our area one more time. ​

Jean and Jon

Jean and William Miller

Maison Trimbach

In July of 2013 I was on a trip through Germany and into Alsace. I had set up an appointment at Maison Trimbach with one of our wine distributors. After a few other visits we arrived at Trimbach. I had been waiting years for this visit. We were warmly  greeted by Anne Trimbach. During our visit and tasting I shared with her my experience with the 1990 Frédéric Emile Riesling and asked if it was possible to get any more. Alas, no. Still, we had a wonderful visit, Anne was so charming and knowledgeable. She made us feel right at home and offered to take us on a walk into one of the adjacent Grand Cru vineyards. Just before we left Anne presented my sister and I with signed bottles of the 2007 Trimbach  Frédéric Emile Riesling. Thanks again Anne, holding on to that one for a bit longer!

Anne Trimbach

A few more pics from Alsace