Jean Trimbach visits Washington D.C.

Jean Trimbach visits Washington D.C. store MacArthur Beverages

Alsace. White wine comes to mind, yes? Unlike most other French wine regions, the wines are named first and foremost after the grape, although terroir names have gained increasing prominence. There are many grand cru vineyards in Alsace, for example, but people still think in terms of grapes, so labels often include both the grape and the location. So, Alsace often means crisp, dry Rieslings, fuller-bodied Pinot Gris and spicy Gewurztraminers for most of us. And terroirs, which range from volcanic to granite. One of the best Alsace producers is Maison Trimbach, run by the same family in Ribeauvillé since 1626. Unlike some producers who leave residual sugar to lend their wines a sweeter aspect, Trimbach is known for a bone dry philosophy (excepting, of course, the naturally sweet late harvest wines). Jean Trimbach is well known in the United States. He visits regularly to promote the wines — and shares his knowledge rather like a professor. In the video, you can see scenes from a tasting at MacArthur Beverages in Washington D.C. on 5 February 2011, where he describes Alsace wine, his opposition to any new oak aging, and the types of grapes and their terroirs. For a longer version, click HERE.

Also, here my tasting notes on many 2007s from Alsace, as published on the MacArthur Beverages website.

6 Responses to “Jean Trimbach visits Washington D.C.” (Leave a Comment)


  1. I enjoyed watching your video and included a link in my posting on Jean Trimbach’s wine dinner at Belga Cafe http://www.schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2011/02/with-jean-trimbach-from-domaine.html

    Thanks.

    Christian

  2. pkakaviatos says:

    That’s great, thanks for linking. I am glad you liked the video.

  3. […] We ended things with a half bottle of Trimbach Clos St Hune VT 1989, thanks to Rod for bring this superb wine from Alsace.  At first, I got mahoganey wood, but then a marzipan like aroma and flavor, and it just got more complex in glass: orange, toffee, tobacco, smoke, a hint of wet sock – just a hint – but complimented by “wet rock” and hints of Riesling like petrol, but just subtle hints. This was not an oily monster. In fact, any sock-like aromas gave way to freshness with time in glass, and even a certain iodine aspect, ending with a fine, slightly bitter lemon tonic finish. Overall, I think this wine is a bit young, and will reveal itself even better in a few years. For a recent video of co-owner Jean Trimbach, click HERE. […]

  4. Matt Latuchie says:

    thanks for the video panos – sad i couldn’t make it.

    best,
    Matt

  5. pkakaviatos says:

    Cheers Matt! It was great seeing you last night for the first growths and LMHB.

  6. Ned says:

    We are not in the timber business. Funny guy, enjoyed the video. My lone experience is the 2006 Gwurztraminer and gave it a B.

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