2022 Jean-Luc Mader Rosacker Riesling Grand Cru, Alsace

From 43 to 68 year old vines mostly located near the top of the vineyard. 2022 was a warm vintage delivering surprising freshness for this outstanding Grand Cru vineyard which is home to the famous ‘Clos St Hune’ Riesling from Trimbach. Yield of just 35 hl/ha in the 2022 vintage resulted in this wine of great intensity, finesse and shape with rich, intense citrus fruit with notes of minerality and outstanding length. The wine’s great depth of fruit, structure and minerally acidity ensures that 15 years or more of careful cellaring would be well repaid.
14.02 % Alc/Vol; 2.3 g/L RS; 6.35g/L TA.

The Mader domaine is a very small quantity, high quality wine producer based in the picture postcard village of Hunawihr just south of Ribeauville. The family own just over 10 hectares of vineyards, including  prized holdings of vines in the famous ‘Rosacker’ Grand Cru vineyard and also now in the Grand cru Schlossberg. All vineyard work is carried out by hand and since 2005 their son Jerome is now running the estate having studied and gained a Diploma in Oenology. Since returning to the family estate Jerome has also converted all their vineyards to organic viticulture (certified organic since 2007).

Rieslings here are some of the few in Alsace produced in a classic fine dry style built to age. In exceptional years a tiny volume of late harvest ‘Vendanges Tardive’ Riesling is made in a similar fine, elegant style that ages superbly. Jerome is fanatical about quality so yields are kept very low and selections for all wines are extremely strict ensuring the highest quality in every bottle. The entire range of wines from the Mader family taste true to their grape varieties and vineyard origins and all represent fantastic value.

In June 2021 their 2019 Rieslings were both rated among the best of the vintage by Revue du Vins de France magazine who have also ranked the estate among the best of Alsace each year.

Jean-Luc Mader Rosacker Riesling Grand Cru from Alsace is a spectacular expression of this revered grape, grown in one of the region’s most esteemed vineyards. The Mader family, who have been crafting wines in Alsace for generations, focus on producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroirs of their vineyard sites. The Rosacker Grand Cru vineyard, with its limestone-rich soils and ideal sun exposure, is particularly famous for producing Rieslings with remarkable minerality, intensity, and aging potential.

This Riesling is a serious head-turner. On the nose, you’ll be greeted by aromas of ripe citrus—think lemon zest and grapefruit—alongside delicate floral notes and a touch of stone fruit like peach or apricot. There’s also an intriguing hint of flinty minerality, a characteristic that fans of Alsatian Riesling know and love. On the palate, it’s both vibrant and precise, with racy acidity balancing flavors of green apple, lime, and a subtle touch of honey. The wine has a textured, mineral-driven finish that lingers beautifully, hinting at its ability to age gracefully over the years.

Whether you’re pairing it with fresh seafood, spicy Asian cuisine, or a classic Alsatian tarte flambée, this Grand Cru Riesling brings an electric energy to the table. It’s the perfect choice for those who appreciate a wine that’s as zesty as it is refined, capable of impressing both casual sippers and serious Riesling enthusiasts alike.