2023 Jean-Luc Mader Riesling Burgweg, Alsace

Mineral, concentrated and ample wine. Grapefruit on the palate and it shines with its long salty finish.

93 points Top Village Wine of the Tasting, La Revue du Vin de France, July 2024

Tucked away in the village of Hunawihr, one of Alsace's most picturesque wine towns, Jean Luc Mader crafts wines that reflect the purity and precision of this historic French region. The family has worked these vineyards for generations, focusing on sustainable farming and traditional winemaking practices that allow each site to express its unique personality. Their Rieslings are known for combining freshness, minerality and impressive ageing potential.

The Burgweg vineyard sits on well drained limestone rich soils that are ideally suited to Riesling. Alsace's dry climate and long growing season allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining the vibrant acidity that defines the variety. The 2023 vintage delivered fruit of excellent quality, producing a wine that balances citrus intensity with structure and elegance.

Pale straw with bright green highlights, the bouquet is fragrant and lifted, revealing aromas of lime zest, lemon blossom and green apple alongside hints of white flowers and wet stone. The palate is crisp and beautifully focused, delivering flavours of citrus, Granny Smith apple and ripe pear supported by bright acidity and a fine mineral backbone. There is wonderful purity and precision throughout, with the limestone soils contributing freshness and length. The finish is dry, persistent and refreshing, lingering with citrus and mineral notes.

This is a superb match for freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns, seafood tartare, sushi, pork schnitzel or a goat's cheese tart. Equally enjoyable as an aperitif, it showcases the elegance and food friendly nature that make Alsace Riesling one of the world's great white wine styles.