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 :
From Mader’s exceptional Grand Cru vineyard, this Riesling offers remarkable depth, richness, and structure. Made from vines over 60 years old, it presents with intense aromas of citrus, crisp green apple, and a striking minerality. The palate is vibrant and full of energy, with layers of zesty lemon, lime, and wet stone. The length is exceptional, and the fruit truly shines, supported by a refreshing acidity. While already sensational, this wine has the structure to evolve beautifully with cellaring, revealing even greater complexity over time. Perfect for pairing with seafood, shellfish, or light poultry dishes.
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