Vineyard and winemaking
This Riesling comes from Rosacker Grand Cru on the northern side of Hunawihr, where a south-east-facing slope and deep limestone soils create wines of notable structure and longevity. The 2015 was made from old vines, including parcels more than 60 years of age, and all fruit was harvested by hand.
The whole bunches were pressed gently before fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Maturation on fine lees built texture without clouding the vineyard’s mineral definition, while extended bottle age has allowed the wine’s citrus fruit and limestone character to develop greater complexity.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Luminous deep gold, clear and bright.
Nose
Preserved lemon and lime are layered with quince, dried white flowers, a touch of honey and a cool wet-stone note.
Palate
Dry, energetic and finely structured, with mature citrus and pear held by a firm seam of acidity. Bottle age brings breadth and a gentle honeyed nuance, but Rosacker’s mineral tension remains central, carrying the wine to a long, composed finish.
Food pairing
Pair with poached lobster and beurre blanc, smoked haddock kedgeree, roast chicken with tarragon cream, or an aged Comté. Its maturity and acidity also work beautifully with a wild mushroom tart finished with fresh herbs.
Background story
Rosacker is one of Hunawihr’s most distinguished vineyards, valued for limestone-derived Rieslings that often need time to reveal their full character. Domaine Mader’s old vines and low-yielding, organic viticulture give the site both concentration and a distinctly restrained expression.
Sommelier’s Choice discovered Domaine Mader through a recommendation from Eric Zweibel MS, the Alsace-born Master Sommelier who trained under Gérard Basset MS MW. The 2015 Rosacker now shows the long-term value of that introduction, combining mature complexity with the energy expected of a serious grand cru Riesling.
