2023 Jean-Luc Mader Pinot Blanc, Alsace

Jean-Luc Mader is a family-run domaine based in the village of Hunawihr in Alsace, known for producing classic, precise expressions of the region’s white varieties. The estate farms organically, with an emphasis on hand harvesting and minimal intervention in the winery to allow each grape to reflect its terroir. Their Pinot Blanc is typically sourced from vineyards with a mix of clay and limestone soils, which give the wine both aromatic charm and a subtle mineral backbone. The cool Alsace climate ensures a long growing season, allowing the fruit to develop gentle ripeness while retaining bright acidity.

In the glass, Jean-Luc Mader Pinot Blanc is pale straw with green highlights. Aromas of crisp apple, pear, and white peach mingle with delicate floral notes and a hint of almond. The palate is light to medium-bodied, refreshing and clean, offering flavours of orchard fruit, citrus, and a touch of honeysuckle, balanced by lively acidity and a smooth, supple texture. The finish is dry, fresh, and subtly mineral, making it an easy-drinking yet refined example of Alsace Pinot Blanc.

This wine is a versatile match for many foods — think quiche Lorraine, pan-fried trout with lemon, roast chicken, or a fresh goat cheese salad. It’s also an ideal aperitif thanks to its gentle fruit and crisp finish. Best enjoyed young for vibrancy, though it can hold for 3 to 4 years.