France, the spiritual home of wine, there is little dispute over the fact that this sophisticated, culturally diverse European heartland produces the world’s finest and most well respected grape varieties. Not only is the quality of French wine revered among producers and critics alike, the wide selection of red and whites is virtually unrivalled by any other big producer. From elegant, sparkling champagne to deep, mature full-bodied reds France really does offer a wine for everyone.
The Alsace region located in the north-east of the country on the German boarder is not often the first variety that comes to mind when we think of French wine, but take a deeper look and you can find exciting, unique bottles to really set off your Summer barbeque or dinner party. Trimbach is a well-established producer of Alsace wines with vineyards situated around the Ribeauville area, a fertile breeding ground for fine grapes served by its own microclimate and protected from precipitation by the Vosges Mountains. This unique environment allows Trimbach to make fruity, balanced, dry wines combining French sophistication with German zing and freshness.
Trimbach’s history dates back to 1626. Even back then, Jean Trimbach, the founder of the brand, well known for his wine-growing abilities. Over the last five-hundred years the name as expanded and developed, the flavour of its white wines go as deep as the brands history and there are some fantastic examples currently on the market. The Trimbach Gewurztraminer is a balanced aromatic 2007 vintage; its crisp tones go excellently with Asian food, cutting through the sweet, spicy flavours. It sets off strong cheeses such as Stilton and Roquefort equally well.
The 2004 Gewürztraminer Reserve is a slightly more refined example proving a complex combination of lychee, beeswax and chamomile scent with a refreshing tropical flavour. Again this would compliment heavily seasoned or spiced food or mature cheese. If Riesling is more your bag, why not sample Trimbach’s take on this dry variety. Described as a ‘food friendly’ combination of grapefruit, peach and lemon, this goes particularly well with rice and fish dishes. If you fancy some French class in your glass with a zesty German twist, serve Trimbach when you next entertain.
