2019 Trimbach Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Mandelberg

the winery and the region

Maison FE Trimbach is one of Alsace's most respected wineries. Since its founding in 1626 by Jean Trimbach, the family has worked generation after generation to create wines with a clear signature: dry, elegant, and with impressive aging potential. The estate is located in Ribeauvillé, a picturesque village in the heart of Alsace, where the microclimate and chalky soils provide ideal conditions for producing high-quality Riesling.

For centuries, the Trimbach family has focused on wines that are pure, precise, and gastronomically appealing. Pierre and Jean Trimbach, along with Anne Trimbach, continue this tradition, combining tradition with modern precision. Their philosophy revolves around balance and purity – qualities that make the house's Rieslings the most sought-after in the region.

the Grand Cru Mandelberg: location and terroir

The Grand Cru Mandelberg is located near Mittelwihr, in a sheltered valley that benefits from abundant sunshine and little wind. Its name refers to the almond trees that once grew here, a sign of the mild microclimate. The slope faces south to southeast and is among the first plots Trimbach harvests annually. The soil consists of calcareous marl with gravel, resulting in wines with structure, ripe fruit, and a characteristic minerality.

The combination of warmth, limestone, and old vines produces Rieslings with power, complexity, and finesse. Despite its early ripening, the Mandelberg always retains a certain freshness and tension, thanks in part to the meticulous work in the vineyard and cellar.

vinification and style of the 2019 Riesling Grand Cru Mandelberg

The 2019 harvest was characterized by healthy grapes at optimal ripeness. The Riesling grapes were carefully hand-picked and gently pressed to preserve the purity of the juice. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Trimbach avoids malolactic fermentation to preserve the vibrant acidity and uses no oak, allowing the terroir's character to fully express itself.

The result is a wine with 14.1% alcohol and a subtle residual sugar of 6.5 grams per liter. This creates a perfect balance of power, freshness, and elegance. The wine is expressive, with a ripe fruit profile and a touch of roundness that makes it accessible without losing its dryness. It is a wine that reveals the warmth of the terroir while also retaining finesse.

smell, color and taste

The 2019 Riesling Grand Cru Mandelberg displays a bright golden yellow color. The nose is initially cool and subtly smoky, followed by layers of citrus, peach, apple blossom, and a mineral note of wet stone. The aroma is deep and complex, with an understated elegance that develops as the wine opens in the glass. This description echoes Stephan Reinhardt of The Wine Advocate : "The wine opens cool and slightly smoky on the deep and complex nose, despite coming from a warm terroir."

On the palate, the wine is full and rich, with an elegant texture and juicy fruitiness. The slight residual sweetness creates harmony and roundness, while the acidity provides structure and length. The style is powerful and somewhat baroque, yet remains refined and precise. The finish is long, with notes of lime, peach, and a subtle saltiness. Reinhardt described the wine as "intense, elegant, and opulent, with a remarkable balance of fruit, power, and harmony."

It's a wine that invites slow enjoyment. Young, it offers expressive fruitiness and minerality, while with aging it will develop more depth, honeyed nuances, and spice.

maturation potential and drinking window

The 2019 Grand Cru Mandelberg has excellent aging potential. According to tastings at the estate, the wine can mature from 2024 to at least 2040. It is already refined and accessible, but with a few years of bottle aging, it will gain even more complexity and depth. Because wine is a living natural product, it's always fascinating to see how it unfolds over time. Each bottle tells its own story, and that's precisely what makes great Rieslings like this so captivating.

Would you like to order Maison FE Trimbach wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

• Roasted salmon with lemon butter and fresh dill – the wine lifts the fattiness of the fish and enhances its fresh notes.
• Scallops with cauliflower puree and a hint of nutmeg – the creamy texture complements the wine's round character beautifully.
• Roast chicken with truffle potatoes and lemon and thyme jus – the salty note in the wine complements the spiciness of the dish.
• Ravioli with ricotta, spinach and sage butter – the mineral freshness keeps the dish lively and balanced.
• Lobster with saffron sauce – the full structure of the wine and the ripe fruit complement the rich sauce and the sweet flesh of the lobster.
• Fried veal sweetbreads with fennel and orange – the combination of freshness, fat and citrus comes together beautifully here.