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: Clos Ste. Hune. Clos Ste. Huneis a Monopole (wholly-owned parcel) of just over 4 acres in the historic vineyard in the RosackerGrand Cru. This vineyard has belonged to the Trimbach family for over two centuries. The vines average 50 years old and are planted on pure limestone -the famed “Muschelkalk” (degraded seashells). It has east-south-east exposure with vines averaging 60+ years, 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/Hectare). The 2016 spring growing season had more rainfall than the previous vintages with flowering occurring mid-June. August was marked by wonderful and beneficial dry weather ultimately producing a great, classic vintage with exuberant fruitiness and delicious ripe Rieslings with optimal natural tension.

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 bottle in the cellar for approximately five years before release.

This Clos Ste. Hune is rich, yet pure and crystalline. The wine has very refined fruitiness with yellow plum, quince, green pear, lemon verbena, apricot, and tropical fruit. It is bone dry, with a mineral backbone, full body, and a long, silky texture.