Vineyards and winemaking
This Riesling is assembled from several certified-organic parcels on predominantly limestone soils, with vines between 20 and 50 years old. Around 10% comes from 30-year-old vines in Rosacker Grand Cru that were declassified into the regional cuvée, giving the wine an unusual degree of depth for its appellation.
Each parcel is harvested by hand and vinified separately. The grapes are whole-bunch pressed, fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and matured on fine lees for six months before the final blend is assembled and lightly filtered for bottling.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear pale gold with flashes of green at the rim.
Nose
Lime blossom and lemon oil lead into green apple, blood orange peel and a cool, chalky mineral note.
Palate
Dry and finely concentrated, with citrus and crisp orchard fruit carried by bright, well-integrated acidity. Lees ageing gives the middle palate quiet texture, while the limestone soils leave a clean, stony impression on the persistent finish.
Food pairing
Serve with oysters and shallot dressing, grilled sea bream with herbs, chicken schnitzel with lemon, or spring vegetable tempura. Its dry, incisive profile also makes a refreshing partner for lightly spiced Thai salads.
Background story
The 2024 growing season was exceptionally dry in Alsace, requiring careful yield control to keep the vines balanced. Domaine Mader found that the fruit nevertheless reached full ripeness without undue stress, producing a classically flavoured vintage with freshness and particularly supple phenolics.
Domaine Mader was recommended to Sommelier’s Choice by Alsace-born Master Sommelier Eric Zweibel, who trained under Gérard Basset MS MW. The inclusion of declassified Rosacker fruit makes this regional Riesling a particularly persuasive introduction to the estate’s precise, mineral-led style.
