Pinot Gris AOP Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg 2021

Vineyards

This Pinot Gris originates from the prestigious Schlossberg Grand Cru, a vineyard renowned for its granite-rich soils and ideal sun exposure, which impart a refined minerality and vibrant acidity to the wine. Biodynamic farming practices and careful hand-harvesting ensure that the full character of this exceptional terroir is reflected in the wine.

Winemaking

Hand-harvested grapes are fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel, allowing for a slow, even fermentation that preserves the wine’s aromatic intensity and structure. The wine is aged on fine lees to enhance its roundness and depth, capturing both the richness and freshness characteristic of the Grand Cru Schlossberg.

Appearance

A radiant golden hue with brilliant clarity.

Nose

Aromatic and lifted, with inviting notes of peach, apple, and exotic tropical fruits. The bouquet is bright and complex, offering a layered aromatic profile that hints at the wine’s depth.

Palate

Rich and full-bodied, presenting flavours of juicy apricot, ripe peach, and a touch of minerality from the Grand Cru terroir. The wine’s round, supple texture is balanced by refreshing acidity, creating a harmonious finish with both richness and cleansing precision. While enjoyable now, its structure suggests excellent aging potential over the next several years.

Food pairing

Perfect with roasted poultry, dishes in creamy sauces, or rich seafood preparations. Its acidity and texture make it versatile with various flavours and textures, particularly those with a bit of richness.

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.