In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Jean Trimbach, 12th generation of the iconic estate in the village of Ribeauvillé, Alsace. They review the history, climate, winemaking, and wines that define the Trimbach house along with a look at several grand cru sites, unpacking what makes them special. Jean and his brother, Pierre, run the estate with their children, who will carry the torch into the 400th year in 2026!
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Born in 1960, Jean Trimbach, 12th generation, is the son of Bernard and brother of Hubert Trimbach, 11th generation. Bernard’s other son, Pierre, took over the winemaking in 1985, following his father. Educated in Colmar, Jean attended college in Strasbourg, where he studied accounting and business for three years. Following university, Jean completed his year of military service with the Mountain Artillery, based near Grenoble in the French Alps, in 1983.
In 1984, Jean Trimbach spent nine months in the United States perfecting his English and studying all aspects of the US wine business, first working for six months with his importer, Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company, in New York, followed by a three-month stint in California working the crush at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma and Sterling Vineyards in Napa. On his return to France, Jean also spent three months at Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux.
Jean Trimbach finally joined the Trimbach company in 1985, and since that date, he has been involved in the business, traveling extensively throughout the world.
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