Product Description
The 2023 Domaine François Mader Pinot Gris showcases the exceptional quality and consistency of this small, family-owned Alsace estate. Sourced from 38-year-old vines in Hunawihr, this wine combines the richness of clay soils with a hint of limestone to impart depth, texture, and a long finish. Known for its precision, the 2023 vintage is the driest expression of Pinot Gris the estate has produced, yet it retains its characteristic roundness and supple mouthfeel. The balance of ripe fruit, freshness, and subtle residual sweetness creates a wine with immediate appeal that will continue to evolve with age.
The grapes for this wine are hand-harvested and undergo a careful fermentation process. 25% of the wine is aged on fine lees for seven months in neutral oak, while the remaining 75% is fermented in stainless steel with 20% undergoing malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity. This combination of techniques ensures the wine maintains both its fresh vibrancy and its complex, textured mouthfeel. The result is a Pinot Gris with aromatic lift and depth, featuring smoky peach, apple, and exotic tropical fruit notes.
This wine pairs beautifully with shellfish, white meats like roasted chicken, and dishes featuring earthy vegetables such as cauliflower. It is also an excellent complement to soft cheeses and mild curries.
Maker
The Mader domaine is a small, high-quality wine producer located in the picturesque village of Hunawihr, just south of Ribeauville, in the heart of Alsace. The family owns just over 10 hectares of vineyards, with prized holdings in the renowned 'Rosacker' Grand Cru vineyard and now in the Grand Cru Schlossberg. The Mader estate is known for its meticulous vineyard work, all of which is carried out by hand to ensure the highest standards of quality. Jérôme Mader, who took over the family estate in 2005, has since gained a diploma in oenology and has worked tirelessly to bring new life and precision to the estate’s wines. Since returning to the family business, Jérôme has converted all of the vineyards to organic viticulture, with certification achieved in 2007. His focus on organic and sustainable farming practices ensures that each vintage reflects the purity of the land and the grape varieties cultivated there.
Philosophy
Domaine Mader’s philosophy is deeply rooted in a commitment to sustainability and quality, with every decision aimed at enhancing the expression of the terroir. The estate’s vineyards are farmed with the utmost care, using biodynamic methods to create the ideal growing conditions for each grape variety. This commitment to the environment is balanced by Jérôme’s dedication to producing wines that are true to their origins, with an emphasis on low yields and strict selection. The result is a range of wines that are expressive, refined, and built to age. Rieslings from Domaine Mader, in particular, are renowned for their fine dry style, which is crafted to develop and evolve over time. Jérôme’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that each wine produced under the Mader name is of the highest quality, offering fantastic value for those who appreciate wines with depth, complexity, and a true sense of place.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Vibrant Aromatics
The 2023 Pinot Gris offers an aromatic lift with smoky peach, apple, and exotic tropical fruit notes, creating an inviting and expressive nose that reveals the wine’s rich complexity. Subtle hints of ripe fruit meld with a touch of minerality, making this an aromatic wine that promises both freshness and depth.
Palate
Dried Fruit & Exotic Flavours
On the palate, the wine presents a rich texture with flavours of ripe peach, apple, and tropical fruit. Despite being the driest expression of Pinot Gris from Mader to date, the wine remains round and supple, with a lovely balance of acidity and a slight hint of residual sweetness (3.6 g/L) that adds to its complexity and mouthfeel.
Finish
Crisp and Elegant
The finish is clean, with a crisp acid balance that enhances the wine’s freshness and elevates its flavours. The structure and depth of this wine ensure it can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for further development over the coming years. The finish lingers with a vibrant, refreshing aftertaste, leaving a lasting impression of balance and elegance.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Pinot Gris
Country - France
Region - Alsace
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
