Vineyards and winemaking
The Pinot Gris is grown on east-facing vineyards in Hunawihr, from vines around 37 years old rooted in deep clay with a proportion of limestone. Clay contributes weight and length, while the limestone element gives the wine a fresher, more precise line.
For the 2022, approximately 20% of the wine is matured in old neutral oak and the remainder in stainless steel. Lees ageing and complete malolactic fermentation build a smooth, rounded texture without imposing obvious oak flavour.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Bright straw gold with a faint copper glint typical of Pinot Gris.
Nose
Ripe pear and quince are layered with yellow apple, honeysuckle, a wisp of smoke and gentle ginger spice.
Palate
Broad and concentrated, with juicy orchard fruit and a softly creamy texture balanced by cleansing acidity. A slight sweetness rounds the edges, while quince, smoke and spice bring definition to the long, composed finish.
Food pairing
Its texture works beautifully with pork tenderloin and cider apples, creamy chicken and mushroom pie, smoked haddock rarebit, or roast butternut squash with sage and hazelnuts. Serve cool rather than heavily chilled to retain its breadth.
Background story
Domaine Mader works just over ten hectares around Hunawihr, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr and Kientzheim. Jérôme Mader has led the estate since 2005, combining organic farming, hand harvesting and restrained cellar work to produce Alsace wines known for balance and clear varietal character.
The domaine was brought to Sommelier’s Choice’s attention by Eric Zweibel MS, the Alsace-born Master Sommelier who trained under Gérard Basset MS MW. Pinot Gris is particularly expressive of the estate’s approach, pairing the natural generosity of the variety with enough acidity and mineral detail for the dining table.
