Maker:
The Mader domaine is a very small quantity, high quality wine producer based in the picture postcard village of Hunawihr just south of Ribeauville. The family own just over 10 hectares of vineyards, including prized holdings of vines in the famous ‘Rosacker’ Grand Cru vineyard and also now in the Grand cru Schlossberg. All vineyard work is carried out by hand and since 2005 their son Jerome is now running the estate having studied and gained a Diploma in Oenology. Since returning to the family estate Jerome has also converted all their vineyards to organic viticulture (certified organic since 2007).
Rieslings here are some of the few in Alsace produced in a classic fine dry style built to age. In exceptional years a tiny volume of late harvest ‘Vendanges Tardive’ Riesling is made in a similar fine, elegant style that ages superbly. Jerome is fanatical about quality so yields are kept very low and selections for all wines are extremely strict ensuring the highest quality in every bottle. The entire range of wines from the Mader family taste true to their grape varieties and vineyard origins and all represent fantastic value.
Vineyard:
Established in 1981, the Mader vineyard is right in the heart of Alsace, France boasting the esteemed appellations of AOC Alsace Grand Cru and AOC Alsace. Mader viticulture embraces sustainable practices, all vineyard work is carried out by hand and since returning to the family estate, Jérôme Mader has also converted all their vineyards to biodynamic viticulture, achieving certified organic since 2007. At 10.5 hectares with an impressive vine density of 5000/ha. Mader is renowned for Rosacker and Schlossberg Grand Crus to the tranquil Muhlforst and Haguenau, each vineyard contributes to the winery's distinctive character.
Style/Cuvee:
Fruit is entirely hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed, which initiates natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel. The wines mature gracefully on fine lees for 6-8 months before undergoing a gentle filtration process prior to bottling. This wine also contains almost 10% de-classified Grand Cru fruit from vines around 30 years old in the great Rosacker vineyard. The wine is a blend of several sites of mostly limestone based soil. 2022 has produced a fine dry Riesling with texture and depth. Intense floral and citrus aromas with mineral backing and wonderful acid backbone.
Nose - Lifted Lime, Red Apple, Quince
Elevated lime and ripe red apple scents intermix with orange blossom, hints of honeysuckle and quince.
Palate - Pear, Honeysuckly, Flint
Delicious lime, pear and red apple fruits meld into a quince, subtle honeysuckle and flinty mineral back drop.
Finish - Zingy, Intense, Mineral
Lemony acidity imparts a zingy feel onto the long intensely flavoured finish.
Intense minerality and acidity are the main thrust of this young wine. It has a steely element, so crisp and nervy, full of green apple and powerful citrus. A wine that needs to age for 3–4 years. - Roger Voss, WineEnthusiast.com
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - 100% Riesling
Country - France
Region - Alsace
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
