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Wine Description
The Story
Reserved for the four noble grape varieties; Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling or Muscat grapes, picked when over-ripe a few weeks after the official start of harvest. The grapes, generally affected by noble rot, are selected from only the best vineyards and only in exceptional years. The “Vendanges Tardives” wines retain natural residual sugar which is in perfect balance with their delightful freshness. These wines are wonderfully intense and have an exceptional finish. They are particularly well suited for foie gras, very rich, creamy dishes, blue cheeses, washed-rind cheeses and velvety desserts.
The Trimbach Family picks the Riesling grapes as late as possible in order to achieve maximum ripeness which, in turn, gives optimum depth of flavour and complexity. Those extra riped grapes have generally some noble rot, botritys cinerea.
Exceptionnally, we are spoiled and produce a Riesling “Cuvée Frédéric Emile” “Vendanges Tardives”, like in 2000 or 2001. Then we are located on the same parcels of vines than Cuvée Frédéric Emile, so to say Geisberg and Osterberg.
In some lucky vintages, like 2002, we can produce a Riesling “Vendanges Tardives” and the grapes are from some lieux-dits in Ribeauvillé (old vines, marl and limestone soils, south east facing). Some vintages are not produced, for quality reasons.
Food and wine pairing : Desserts, foie gras, rich dishes, etc. Excellent on its own for meditation…
Ageing potential : Minimum 15 years and often much more