Domaine Jean-Luc Mader was established by Jean-Luc and Anne Mader in 1981. Following his oenology studies, their son Jérôme took over in 2005 and initiated the conversion to biodynamic and organic farming, achieving certification in 2007.
Based in the 7th-century picture postcard village of Hunawihr, their 11 hectares of vineyards, composed of 38 separate blocks, are spread across four districts: Hunawihr, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, and Kientzheim. Among their prized holdings are vines in the renowned Rosacker and Schlossberg Grand Cru vineyards, as well as other notable "Lieu-dit" sites of Muhlforst, Burgweg, and Haguenau.
All vineyard work is meticulously carried out by hand, and a fanatical obsession with quality means yields are tiny and whole bunch fermentation is long and slow. The estate is committed to sustainable practices, incorporating solar electricity, solar hot water, and ecological insulation to reduce their environmental footprint.
The Domaine’s wines are known for their precision, balance, and longevity and the focus is on drier styles than you might usually expect. As such, they are prized by fine dining sommeliers around the world. In fact, we were recommended to import these wines by Alsace born Eric Zweibel MS, who was trained by the legendary Gérard Basset MS MW, and went on to win UK Sommelier of the Year, Best Sommelier in Europe and is the Vice-President of the UK Sommeliers Association. Merci Eric!
Tasting note :
This Grand Cru Pinot Gris offers a lovely aromatic lift with notes of peach, apple, and exotic tropical fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with flavours of juicy apricot and ripe peach, balanced by a refreshing acidity and a touch of minerality from the Grand Cru terroir. The round, supple texture and precise flavours create a harmonious balance, with the wine's richness complemented by a cleansing acidity. While it has great immediate appeal, its structure and depth also give it the potential to age gracefully in the mid-term. Ideal for pairing with roasted poultry, creamy sauces, or rich seafood dishes.
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