Trimbach Muscat Réserve 2021

Winery Background and History

Maison Trimbach, established in 1626 in Ribeauvillé, Alsace, France, is a family-owned winery with a legacy spanning over 13 generations. The Trimbach family has consistently focused on producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Alsace. Their commitment to excellence and tradition has solidified their reputation as one of the leading wine producers in the region. The estate is particularly noted for its dry, structured, and long-lived white wines, especially Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Over the centuries, the Trimbach family has maintained a consistent philosophy of crafting wines that are balanced, elegant, and true to their varietal character. This dedication to quality and authenticity has earned them international acclaim and a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.

Producer and Winemaker

The Trimbach estate is currently managed by 12th-generation winemaker Pierre Trimbach, alongside his nephew Julien. Pierre’s brother, Jean, and Pierre’s daughter, Anne, serve as global brand ambassadors, ensuring the family’s legacy continues. Their collective expertise and passion for winemaking are evident in each bottle they produce. Pierre’s meticulous approach in the cellar, combined with Julien’s innovative insights, ensures that Trimbach wines maintain their esteemed reputation for quality and consistency.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes for the 2021 Muscat Réserve are sourced from selected ripe grapes in the Ribeauvillé region and surrounding villages. The vineyards benefit from a favorable microclimate, contributing to the aromatic intensity and freshness characteristic of this wine. The soils in this area are diverse, including limestone, sandstone, and marl, which impart distinct mineral qualities to the wines. The 2021 vintage experienced a relatively cool growing season, with moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall. These conditions allowed for a slow and steady ripening of the grapes, preserving their natural acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity. The vineyards are managed with sustainable practices, emphasizing low yields and careful canopy management to ensure optimal grape quality. The combination of favorable climatic conditions and attentive vineyard management resulted in grapes that were both ripe and expressive, ideal for producing a high-quality Muscat Réserve.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

The 2021 Muscat Réserve is composed of 90% Muscat Ottonel and 10% Muscat d’Alsace.

Vinification & Aging Methods

After hand-harvesting, the grapes are delicately pressed in a pneumatic press to extract the purest juice while minimizing the extraction of bitter compounds from the skins. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and old casks, allowing for precise regulation of fermentation temperatures to preserve the aromatic integrity of the Muscat grapes. To maintain natural acidity and preserve freshness, there is no malolactic fermentation or extended aging on lees. The wine is bottled in spring and undergoes a minimum of two years of aging in the cellar before release. This careful vinification process ensures that the wine retains its vibrant fruit character and aromatic intensity, resulting in a dry, expressive Muscat that reflects both the varietal and the unique terroir of Alsace.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13%

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Trimbach Muscat Réserve boasts an elegant bouquet with notes of orange blossom, citrus zest, and white flowers. On the palate, it offers flavors of ripe apricot, lychee, and a refreshing acidity, leading to a balanced and dry finish. The wine’s vibrant acidity and pronounced minerality lead to a long, refreshing finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Muscat pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its aromatic profile and dry finish make it an excellent companion to spicy Asian cuisine, such as Thai or Indian dishes. It also complements rich pâtés, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts like apple tart or peach cobbler. For a delightful pairing, consider serving it alongside foie gras or a spicy shrimp curry.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic profile, serve the wine chilled at around 8-10°C (46-50°F) in medium-sized white wine glasses. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after pouring can enhance its aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2021 Trimbach Muscat Réserve is suitable for immediate enjoyment but can also be cellared for up to five years. Proper storage in a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures will allow the wine to develop additional complexity over time.

Scores

Wine Enthusiast: 88 Points