Clos Ste. Hune Riesling

Since 1626, the Trimbach family have been a reference point for fine Alsace wine. They are also one of the largest owners of Grand Cru vineyards in the region which account for an impressive third of their total production. At every level, their wines embody the celebrated Trimbach style -- structured, long-lived, fruit-driven, dry, elegant, and above all balanced. Family is also central to everyday life at Trimbach. Winemaking is expertly managed by 12th-generation Pierre, alongside his nephew Julien. Pierre’s brother, Jean, and Pierre’s daughter Anne, the eldest of the 13th generation, are global brand ambassadors. In 2023, Trimbach was certified HVE-3 Organic reflecting their dedication to creating the highest-caliber expressions of their terroir.

In 1919, after centuries of making Rieslings, the Trimbach family created one of the world’s greatest dry white wines: Riesling Clos Ste. Hune. Clos Ste. Hune is a monopole of just over 4 acres in the historic vineyard in the Grand Cru Rosacker. This vineyard has belonged to the Trimbach family for over two centuries. The vines average 60 years old and are planted on pure limestone -the famed “Muschelkalk” (degraded seashells). It has east-south-east exposure, with documented vines planted in 1953. Organic viticulture has been practiced for over 15 years and certified since 2023. Only one man has been pruning the vines for over 20 vintages, which underlines a better approach to the terroir and its vines –a display of consistency: low in yield and in quality (never higher than 35-40 HL/HC). 2019 was an exceptional vintage showcasing finesse, elegance, purity, precision, and concentration. Cold temperatures in spring slowed vine growth. In June, the weather was dry and very hot, followed by beneficial rains in August. Exceptional conditions during the harvest: hot and dry with perfect ripeness and a superb sugar/acidity balance.

The grapes are crushed and delicately pressed in a pneumatic press, then vinified to dryness in stainless steel vats. No MLF. Bottling is done early to preserve freshness (without oak ageing), and the wine rests in the cellar a minimum of 4 years.

This Clos Ste. Hune is precise and pure with white flowers, mirabelle plum, and white pepper. It is dense and underscored by magnificent acidity. The concentration and salinity dance together, extending the sublime finish, which reveals a truly great vintage of a perfectly balanced wine.