Vineyard and winemaking
The 2018 Muscat is drawn from organically cultivated Alsace vineyards, using 60% Muscat Ottonel and 40% Muscat d’Alsace from vines between 20 and 50 years old. Limestone and clay soils around Hunawihr give the naturally fragrant varieties a fresh, dry framework.
All fruit is harvested by hand and whole-bunch pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, followed by time on the fine lees to build texture without masking Muscat’s pure, grapey aroma.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear pale gold, showing a little added depth from bottle age.
Nose
Fresh grape, elderflower and orange blossom lead, with lemon peel, ripe pear and a delicate herbal note emerging behind them.
Palate
Dry, aromatic and still lively, with crisp citrus and pear balanced by a gently rounded texture. The perfume of fresh Muscat carries across the palate, finishing cleanly with floral lift and a subtle stony note.
Food pairing
Serve with asparagus and a soft-poached egg, smoked trout with cucumber and dill, crab and fennel salad, or a goat’s cheese and pea tart. Its dry, fragrant character also makes it an excellent aperitif.
Background story
Domaine Mader is a small family estate based in the historic village of Hunawihr. Founded by Jean-Luc and Anne Mader in 1981 and led by their son JĂ©rĂ´me since 2005, it works a patchwork of parcels across several Alsace villages and has been certified organic since 2007.
The wines were recommended to Sommelier’s Choice by Eric Zweibel MS, whose Alsace roots and training under Gérard Basset MS MW give the introduction particular resonance. Muscat is a revealing part of the range: transparent, dry and focused on the character of the grape rather than sweetness or cellar embellishment.
