As you may recall, I’ve mentioned Trimbach on several occasions; and I make no apology for the fact that this estate produces some of my favorite wines. For three centuries, across thirteen generations, the Trimbach family has produced wines that are fruity, elegant, and beautifully balanced. Its vineyards surround the picturesque village of Ribeauvillé in the Alsatian region of France. And the area’s shared history between France and Germany has created a unique approach to the styles of both wine and cuisine.
… Recently, however, as I scanned the vintages in my favorite PA State Store, it occurred to me that Trimbach produces a series of wines that are the perfect complement for the Thanksgiving table. I say this because, given the diversity of the foods served on this particular holiday, the wines chosen must be extremely versatile. With white wines, for example, the pairing priority is finding vintages with well-balanced acidity, such as Riesling, Sauvignon Grigio, and Pinot Blanc, etc. (in other words, over-oaked chardonnays are a definite no-no). When it comes to reds, you should be seeking out wines with fairly subtle tannins that will support the flavors of the food rather than overpowering them. So whatever your preference may be, red or white (or both) Trimbach has you covered.
2021 Trimbach Pinot Blanc: Pinot Blanc is the white grape variety that is most associated with Alsace region of France. Although its heritage is 
Burgundian, today it is rarely found there; instead, it is grown primarily in Germany & Austria, where it is known as Weissburgunder, and in the Alto Adige region of Italy, where it is called Pinot Bianco. Trimbach’s 2021 Pinot Blanc is completely approachable, aromatic, and plush on the palate. Highly rated, it has received 91 points and 90 points, respectively, from the Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling. It is priced at $20.79 in Pennsylvania State Stores… And for those who think that Total Wine in Delaware, always has better prices, think again: $22.99 in the Claymont store. The lowest price I have seen online is $13.90 (plus shipping) at Saratoga Wine Exchange in New York State.
2020 Trimbach Riesling Reserve: Structured and delightfully fruity, the 2020 Reserve is a wine characterized by finesse. The winemaker notes: “Characteristic of the geological richness of the limestone terroir of Ribeauvillé, it expresses itself with a beautiful width in the mouth. Always in balance, it is of course dry and chiseled with a gourmet and charming side.” Wine writer James Suckling bestowed 94 big points, referring to the “super-ripe lemon, fresh pineapple and herb aromas… of this medium-bodied, concentrated and sophisticated dry Riesling… and the excellent balance at the long, very clean finish.” Priced at $33.99 at your local State Store. Lowest price I have seen online is once again from the Saratoga Wine Exchange: $27.94 (plus shipping). If you’d prefer to the lower the price a bit, I would suggest the 2020 Trimbach Riesling, $23.89 at State Store; lowest price online: $19.99 (plus shipping) at Gary’s Wine & Marketplace in New Jersey.
2021 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile: All of the above-mentioned white wines are of excellent quality. However, if you really want to “put on 
the dog” for those once-a-year relatives, or simply enjoy the finer things of life every once-in-a-while, I highly recommend the incomparable Cuvée Fédéric Emile. Outstandingly-rated year after year, this is truly one of Alsace’s greatest Rieslings. 94 points from James Suckling; 93 points from Wine & Spirits; and 93 points from Wilfred Wong of Wine.com, who also added: “The 2011 Cuvée Fédéric Emile Riesling is evocative and delicious… This wine brings a potpourri of aromatic flowers, earth and ripe apple to the fore.” I have personally tasted numerous vintages of this wine, and it never fails to impress. It is simply superb. The 2011 is available through Pennsylvania State Stores at $72.99. Lowest price online: Gary’s Wine & Marketplace: $58.99. If you would prefer a slightly younger version, the 2014 may be purchased online through Empire Wine at $74.99.
2020 Trimbach Pinot Noir Reserve: When you’re considering red wines for Thanksgiving, as I noted above, you want a wine with fairly subtle tannins that will support the flavors of various foods rather than overpowering 
them. Without doubt, the wine of choice is Pinot Noir. And, in point of fact, it is the only red grape variety that is authorized in Alsace. Grapes for reserve wines are the result of a rigorous selection process, mostly from old vineyards in Ribeauvillé and the surrounding villages. Grapes are selected at maturity and, after de-stemming, undergo a gentle pneumatic pressing followed by an eight-day cold maceration to extract color and fruit. The juices are then blended in the cellar in stainless steel vats and old casks for malolactic fermentation. The Pinot Noirs are the only Trimbach wines to undergo malolactic fermentation. They are bottled after three months ageing and then spend a minimum of one year ageing in the bottle before release. The 2020 growing season experienced a mild winter and spring followed by a very dry and hot summer. When rain finally appeared, it allowed the grapes to ripen under optimal conditions. Acidity was preserved by surprisingly cool nights throughout the summer and early fall, resulting in an exceedingly fresh, structured, and balanced Pinot Noir. The 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir was reviewed in Antonio Galloni’s Vinous in January 2023. Anne Krebiehl, MW, bestowed 91 points, praising its “lovely sinuous, flowing nature.” Alive with delicate aromas of red and black berries; the palate is velvety and light as a feather. An excellent vintage that is best served moderately chilled. Priced at $26.99 at Pennsylvania State Stores, slightly less online.
Bon Appétit & Cheers!
TAD
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