House of Trimbach

On Monday night it was time for another wine testing. This time solemnly dedicated to the House of Trimbach in Alsace. The testing was lead by Mr Hubert Trimbach himself that very much add an extra dimension to the testing.

First wine to test was Riesling 2004. Green yellowish colour. Hints of mineral flavour along with white peach, quince and lemon. The finish is more or less bone-dry, but a very nice one. The trade mark of a good Riesling.

Second wine to test was Pinot Gris Réserve 2003. Dark yellow colour with some hints of gold. A little bit of smoky smell with tastes of yellow plums, peaches and physalis. The fruit sweetness also comes back in the finish, which is quite dry.

Number three was Gewürztraminer 2004. Yellow colour and as usual a very flavourful smell with lots of roses, mango and pineapple. The taste is not as distinct as the smell. Instead the finish is a little bit spicy with a nice vitality.

As number four we tested Riesling Cuvée Frèdèric Emile 2001.Yellow colour with a greenish tone. A mature smell of minerals and green apples. The finish is very dry and elegant and one does not to be an expert to understand that this is the upper level of Rieslings in the world.

Last wine to test and number five during the evening was Pinot Gris Réserve Personnelle 2001. Yellow colour with a smell of yellow fruits. But a more mature smell and taste compared to the other Pinot Gris Réserve 2003. The smokiness has also matured and gives the finish quite some more intensity.

The testing certainly opened my eyes for Alsatian wines. My friends and I talked about it, and maybe it’s a little bit of acquired taste. Only a year and half ago I would say that Gewürztraminer was disgusting and one had to be crazing drinking it. Now I think it’s a great combination with some spicy Asian food. The same goes for Riesling. My father loved bone-dry Rieslings and together with some nice white fish dish he was as close to heaven someone can be. And now I understand him. That perfect combination makes you almost wanting to shed tears of joy. Pure divine!