Alsace Grand Cru Geisberg 2019 Domaine Trimbach

The Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Geisberg 2019 from Maison Trimbach is one of the most ambitious and recent cuvées from this reference house, first released in 2015 only, a deliberate and late decision reflecting a philosophy that has never sacrificed quality for commercial strategy. Geisberg is a jewel of Alsace, situated between two other Grand Crus along the Ribeauvillé geological fault line. A very pure, intense, powerful and enduring Riesling, firmly structured with an aristocratic and austere character. Pure and saline on the finish, very intense, long and saline. A wine built for the long haul.

The terroir of Geisberg

At just 8.53 hectares, Grand Cru Geisberg is one of Alsace's smallest Grand Crus. Trimbach's 2.6 hectare parcel sits on calcareous marl and dolomitic soils, with old vines over 50 years of age planted on steep south-facing terraces. The marly, calcareous and sandstone composition of the terroir, known as Muschelkalk, combined with carefully hand-selected ripe grapes, gives this wine remarkable personality: a dry and powerful Riesling, marked by mineral notes and finely honed acidity. For years, this parcel was destined to be blended with Grand Cru Osterberg to create the celebrated Frédéric Émile. The decision to vinify and release it separately from 2015 onwards is an act of restraint, far from marketing concerns, driven by a philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum fidelity to origin. Grapes are selected at maturity, destemmed and gently pressed in a pneumatic press. Vinified dry in stainless steel tanks, without malolactic fermentation or prolonged ageing on lees to preserve freshness, vibrancy and fruit aromas. Bottled the spring following harvest, then aged in cellar for at least two years before release.

The 2019 vintage

The 2017 and 2019 vintages will be remembered as landmarks. The 2019 vintage is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest Alsatian vintages of the decade: grapes of exceptional ripeness, naturally present acidity well in evidence, and remarkable aromatic concentration, in a balance that marries the richness of the vintage with the purity and verticality that define Trimbach's absolute signature style.

Tasting profile

Very clear and fresh, even herbaceous and floral on an intense and finely concentrated nose. Full-bodied with fairly rich texture, this is a very intense, powerful and enduring Geisberg, firmly structured with aristocratic character. Pronounced aromas of citrus, preserved fruit, honey and bergamot. The acidity is precise and, coupled with optimal ripeness, delivers a juicy sensation of fresh lemon. Fantastic energy and structure, with saline mineral notes. On the palate, tension is immediate and gripping: finely honed and precise acidity structures a rich and concentrated body, with natural richness that envelops the palate without ever weighing it down. The finish is remarkably long and saline, of absolute purity. A Riesling built for ageing, to drink from 2026 onwards over the next twenty years.

The house

Rooted in Alsace since 1626, Maison Trimbach is a leading reference for fine Alsatian wines. Winemaking is expertly managed by Pierre Trimbach, 12th generation, alongside his nephew Julien. Pierre's brother Jean and his daughter Anne, first of the 13th generation, serve as global brand ambassadors. In 2023, Trimbach obtained HVE-3 Organic certification, reflecting its commitment to the highest quality expressions of its terroir. Maison Trimbach is one of the rare Alsatian houses to have dared release its Grand Crus separately, against fashion and trends, faithful to a philosophy of restraint and integrity that spans generations.

Food pairings

This Riesling Grand Cru Geisberg pairs beautifully with grilled lobster in tarragon butter, sole meunière, wild turbot in court-bouillon, scallops with caviar, glazed eel or Bresse chicken in champagne sauce. It will also harmonize well with aged hard-paste cheese such as Comté or alpine Beaufort. Served between 10 and 12°C, with 30 minutes of aeration recommended for younger vintages, it will progressively reveal the full purity, saline tension and aristocratic depth of a reference Alsatian Grand Cru.