Gewurztraminer AOP Alsace Grand Cru Rosacker 2016

Vineyards

This Gewurztraminer comes from the prestigious Rosacker Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace, where Domaine Mader’s biodynamically farmed vines capture the exceptional qualities of this terroir. The vineyard’s limestone-rich soils lend a fine mineral backbone to the wine, enhancing its vibrant acidity and allowing the exotic fruit profile of Gewurztraminer to shine.

Winemaking

Produced from carefully hand-harvested grapes, this Grand Cru Gewurztraminer undergoes whole-bunch fermentation and a long, slow vinification process. Aged to develop complexity, the wine retains the delicate balance between richness and freshness that’s characteristic of Grand Cru Rosacker wines.

Appearance

Golden yellow with brilliant clarity.

Nose

Aromatic and bursting with exotic fruit notes of lychee, mango, and ripe pear, balanced by delicate floral hints of rose petals and a subtle touch of spice.

Palate

Rich and full-bodied, with a luxurious texture and vibrant flavours of tropical fruits, honey, and a touch of ginger. The wine’s refreshing acidity and the subtle minerality imparted by the Grand Cru terroir ensure a balanced, elegant finish.

Food pairing

An ideal companion for spicy dishes, rich pâtés, or strong cheeses such as Munster, where its exotic fruit notes and acidity offer a pleasing contrast to intense flavours.

Background story

Domaine Jean-Luc Mader was founded in 1981 by Jean-Luc and Anne Mader in the picturesque village of Hunawihr in Alsace, known for its rich viticultural heritage dating back to the 7th century. Their son, Jérôme, took over in 2005 after completing his oenology studies, guiding the estate through a conversion to organic and biodynamic farming, with certification achieved in 2007.

The domaine’s 11 hectares of vineyards, divided into 38 separate parcels, stretch across four renowned Alsace districts: Hunawihr, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, and Kientzheim. Among their most prestigious holdings are parcels in the Rosacker and Schlossberg Grand Cru vineyards, as well as other notable lieux-dits such as Muhlforst, Burgweg, and Haguenau. All vineyard work is done by hand, and meticulous attention to quality results in low yields, while whole-bunch fermentation allows for a long, slow vinification that enhances flavour and complexity.

Domaine Mader is deeply committed to sustainability, incorporating solar electricity, solar hot water, and ecological insulation to minimise its environmental impact. Their wines are celebrated for their precision, balance, and longevity, crafted in a drier style than typically expected for Alsace, making them popular among fine dining sommeliers worldwide. Notably, Domaine Mader was recommended by Eric Zweibel MS, a celebrated Alsace-born sommelier trained by the legendary Gérard Basset MS MW, who endorsed the wines for their finesse and authenticity.