Vineyards and winemaking
Domaine Mader’s Pinot Noir is sourced from certified-organic parcels around Hunawihr and neighbouring Alsace villages. Clay and limestone bring a combination of fruit weight and freshness, while careful hand harvesting allows the estate to select clean, evenly ripened bunches.
The grapes are destemmed before fermentation, with maturation divided between tank and large-format 600-litre barrels. This restrained use of wood builds shape and savoury detail without obscuring the fine red-fruit character of the 2021 vintage.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear ruby red, now beginning to show a subtle garnet edge.
Nose
Red cherry, cranberry and wild raspberry are followed by dried rose, forest floor and a quiet note of clove.
Palate
Dry and medium-light in body, with bright red fruit carried by fresh acidity and fine, resolved tannins. Bottle age has added an earthy, savoury dimension, while gentle spice and a clean mineral line give the finish poise.
Food pairing
Try it with roast duck and a sour-cherry sauce, pork tenderloin with mustard cream, mushroom and thyme pithivier, or beetroot Wellington with goat’s cheese. A slight chill makes it especially appealing with a plate of British charcuterie.
Background story
Pinot Noir has long been part of Alsace’s vineyard landscape, but increasingly warm growing seasons and more exacting viticulture have allowed the region to produce reds of greater depth and precision. Mader’s version keeps the emphasis on freshness rather than extraction.
The estate came to Sommelier’s Choice through the recommendation of Eric Zweibel MS, the Alsace-born Master Sommelier who trained under Gérard Basset MS MW. That link is particularly apt for this food-oriented Pinot Noir: understated, carefully made and shaped for the table rather than sheer power.
