GEWURZTRAMINER SÉLECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES ”HORS CHOIX”

Background

Since 1626, the Trimbach family has been promoting the history, exceptional terroirs and fine wines of Alsace. Maison Trimbach is located in Ribeauvillé, where today three generations work closely together. Day-to-day operations are handled personally by brothers Pierre and Jean Trimbach, representing the 12th generation. Bernard and Hubert Trimbach, the 11th generation (father and uncle, respectively, to Pierre and Jean) remain integrally involved. Anne, the eldest of the 13th generation, has just joined the family business. The Trimbachs have a purist vision. Across 12 generations, the family has always produced wines that are structured, long-lived, fruity, elegant and balanced: the celebrated Trimbach style. Bottles remain in the cellar for several years before reaching the marketplace, ensuring the wines are both ready to drink upon release but also hold great aging potential. Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles Hors Choix is a rare wine given the confluence of conditions required for production: a long growing season affected at the end by botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot.” The Trimbach’s produce this wine only when they believe the quality is exceptional: 1967, 1971, 1983,1986, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2000, 2001 and 2007.

Winemaking

Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles (“selection of noble berries”) is a rare wine which requires exceptional conditions for production; a long growing season affected at the end by botrytis cinerea, or “Noble Rot”. The Trimbachs produce Selection de Grains Nobles only when they believe the quality is high enough to produce such an extraordinary wine. Selection de Grains Nobles was produced only in 1967, 1971, 1983, 1886, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2000 and 2001. Grapes for this estate-bottled Selection de Grains Nobles are sourced from Grand Cru Osterberg in Ribeauvillé and 40-year-old vines in Hunawihr from the vineyard Muelforst. The well-drained vineyards, facing south, contain argilo-cacaire soil over a deep limestone base, excellent for growing Gewürztraminer. The yield is only 18 hl/ha. Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles is made from selected grapes affected by noble rot (botrytis cinerea). It is fermented in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation and bottled at the estate the following spring.

Tasting Notes

Bright medium gold with aromas of fresh apricot, honey and caraway seed. Dense and silky, with a superb harmonious acidity giving outstanding balance. Selection de Grains Nobles is a dessert wine, but being so rare it is often enjoyed on its own.