Experience the Centenary Tasting of Clos Sainte-Hune Trimbach

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Discover the rich history of Clos Sainte-Hune, a renowned Alsace vineyard celebrating a century of excellence in winemaking and sustainability. Cheers!

The Legacy of Clos Sainte-Hune: A Century of Excellence

Wine is not merely a beverage; it’s a tapestry woven from history, passion, and terroir. This ethos resonates deeply within the Trimbach family, whose viticultural journey began in Alsace in 1626. Today, under the stewardship of the 12th generation represented by Pierre and Jean Trimbach, the family continues to honor its legacy while embracing modern sustainability practices. Certified organic since 2023, their estate spans 67 hectares, with an additional 63 hectares sourced from like-minded growers. Such a robust operation results in nearly one million bottles annually, with an impressive 90% destined for international markets.

The jewel of this estate is undoubtedly the Clos Sainte-Hune, a vineyard steeped in history and prestige. Spanning just 1.67 hectares, this plot is nestled within the grand cru Rosacker but bears its own distinctive name—a choice made to emphasize the wine’s exceptional quality over geographic classification. The name itself has rich historical roots dating back to the 7th century when Huna built a chapel and transformed local water into wine during a challenging harvest. This mythos embodies the spirit of Clos Sainte-Hune, where each vintage tells a story shaped by both nature and human endeavor.

The vineyard’s unique positioning offers optimal conditions for grape cultivation—south-southeast exposure, protection from harsh winds, and deep marly-limestone soils create an ideal microclimate. Even in warmer years, this terroir yields grapes that are powerful yet refined, resulting in wines that exude complexity without succumbing to overripe characteristics. As Pierre Trimbach aptly puts it, "Our wines reflect our history and our commitment to excellence; they are not just products but stories waiting to be shared."

A Vertical Tasting: Time Travel through Riesling

Celebrating a century of Clos Sainte-Hune would be incomplete without a retrospective tasting that showcases its evolution through time. A recent event brought together esteemed sommeliers and wine lovers alike for an unparalleled experience—a vertical tasting featuring ten distinguished vintages of Riesling Clos Sainte-Hune. Guided by Pierre Trimbach and his nephew Julien, participants embarked on a sensory journey that highlighted the remarkable consistency and adaptability of this iconic wine.

Each vintage unveiled its character shaped by distinct climatic conditions and meticulous winemaking processes. For instance:

• Riesling Clos Sainte-Hune 2019: This vintage boasts vibrant acidity alongside notes of exotic fruits and honeyed spice—an exuberant expression indicative of its generous year.
• Riesling Clos Sainte-Hune 2009: Here we find lush fruit flavors complemented by stunning freshness, making it an exemplary gastronomic companion.
• Riesling Clos Sainte-Hune 1999: With its delicate structure yet powerful finish, this vintage illustrates how age can enhance complexity while maintaining liveliness.

As participants sipped these vintages side-by-side, they were not just tasting wine; they were savoring decades of meticulous care and tradition encapsulated within each bottle. As one sommelier remarked during the tasting, “It’s as if each sip transports you back in time—every glass tells a story.”

Culinary Pairings: Elevating Experiences with Clos Sainte-Hune

A celebration worthy of Clos Sainte-Hune’s centenary demanded equally exquisite culinary pairings. Guests were treated to a five-course meal at the famed Auberge de l’Ill under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Marc Haeberlin. Each course was thoughtfully crafted to highlight different facets of Clos Sainte-Hune’s Rieslings.

The pairing included:

• Tartare de Langoustines with Riesling vintages from 2012, 2001, and 1992—showcasing how well seafood complements the mineral qualities inherent in these wines.
• Mousseline de Grenouille paired with vintages from 2015, 2005, and even as far back as 1988—demonstrating how time can enhance harmony between food and wine.
• A bold experiment involving Tournedos de Pigeon served alongside a historic 1967 Riesling showcased not only culinary creativity but also how mature wines can surprise with their elegance.

Every dish was designed to elevate both the food and wine experience further while showcasing Trimbach’s commitment to excellence across generations. As Jean Trimbach eloquently stated during the evening’s festivities: “Our family’s values—enthusiasm, commitment, passion—are what guide us forward into another century.”

In celebrating the centenary of Clos Sainte-Hune, we witness more than just great wines; we encounter living history—the embodiment of tradition meeting innovation within each bottle produced by this remarkable family estate. As we raise our glasses to toast their legacy today, let us anticipate what stories will unfold in the next hundred years. Cheers!

Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash