F. E. Trimbach Riesling Clos Sainte Hune, Alsace, France

This is the Riesling that dreams are made of—a singular expression of Alsace, etched in history and crafted with patience. The Clos Sainte Hune vineyard has been in the Trimbach family for over 200 years, a walled parcel within the Grand Cru Rosacker vineyard in Hunawihr. While other estates chase grand cru designations, Trimbach lets the wine speak for itself. The limestone-rich soils and dry microclimate yield a Riesling of profound minerality, precision, and longevity. The result? A wine that’s legendary among collectors, revered by sommeliers, and destined for the patient.

Product Details

• Grape Variety: 100% Riesling
• Region: Alsace, France (Clos Sainte Hune, within Grand Cru Rosacker)
• Farming Practices: Organic since 2008, no pesticides or insecticides, winter grazing with sheep
• Winemaking: Hand-harvested, gentle pressing, natural gravity-fed clarification, stainless steel fermentation, no malolactic fermentation
• Aging: Minimum 6 years in bottle before release
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
• Sweetness Level: Bone dry
• Total Production: ~9,000 bottles annually
• Closure: Cork

Sensory Description

From the first swirl, this Riesling is electric—white peach, Meyer lemon, and crushed stone leap from the glass. The palate is taut and chiselled, a study in tension between zesty citrus, succulent stone fruit, and a backbone of pure minerality. There’s an almost weightless intensity, a paradox of power and elegance that unfolds over time. With age, Clos Sainte Hune evolves, revealing layers of honeyed brioche, petrol, and an endless saline finish that lingers like a memory.

Winemaker’s Background

Trimbach is a dynasty of Alsace winemaking, dating back to 1626. The estate truly rose to fame in 1898 when Frédéric Emile Trimbach received international recognition for his wines, and the legacy continues today with the 12th and 13th generations—Hubert Trimbach, his daughter Anne, and nephews Jean and Pierre. The family’s philosophy is simple: balance, purity, and expression of terroir. Pierre Trimbach, at the helm since 1979, ensures that Clos Sainte Hune remains a benchmark for world-class Riesling, crafted with meticulous precision and a reverence for time.

Serving Suggestions

Patience is a virtue, and Clos Sainte Hune rewards those who wait. Best enjoyed after a decade or more in the cellar, this wine shines at 50–55°F in a generously sized white wine glass. Pair it with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, or a classic Alsatian choucroute garnie. For the ultimate experience, open a bottle alongside aged Comté cheese, and let the wine’s piercing minerality and layered complexity take center stage.