Falstaff Magazine (International)
A LITTLE BIT MAD SINCE
MAD. A family name that says it all. And they’re mad in the most literal sense – mad about tradition, that is. Since 1786, they’ve been making wine. Rooted in a big family that’s been bringing joy to the people for generations.
Big. Yes, they certainly are, that Mad-Siess-Händler family. The word joint family couldn’t ring more true: the three families aren’t just joined by their work, but also by their passion to continue their esteemed legacy. With their variety management, the MADs have always been ahead of the curve: since as far back as 1982, they have been growing international varieties like Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – rare at the time – and aging them in small barrels. Some might have called the MADs crazy at the time, but they’re still harvesting them today, resulting in stellar quality wines. It just goes to show that good quality, hard work and passionate dedication will always prove popular. Moreover, the MADs realised early on how important preeminent locations are for the production of outstanding wines.
A part of the historical and world-famous Marienthal has been owned by the family ever since. It’s where the most important vines have their provenance – and where the vineyard’s best Blaufränkisch comes from, cultivated with loving care for decades now. Imagine if you like a seemingly endless body of water, glistening in the sun. A gentle breeze. Lake Neusiedl and the Leitha Mountains, on the border to Hungary, in Burgenland, the easternmost state of Austria.
That’s where the municipality of Oggau and the vineyard MAD are located. Here in the Leitha Mountains, pure white limestone can be found next to shiny brown slate. These are the “gems” that provide the MADs with the best conditions for outstanding mineral wines. Needless to say, the cultivation is all natural and takes the vintage, weather and specific needs of the vineyard into account. The region’s best locations are part of the MADs’ family heritage. They have allowed them to produce great wines for generations. And they’re poised to carry on for generations to come With their line-up, including the Seestern, Leithaberg DAC and Meisterwerke collections, the MADs are offering the right wine at the right time. You can even find certified vegan wines here. The family is also prone to constantly come up with fresh ideas: Madini® by MAD offers a fun wine for every occasion – as a cocktail, a spritzer or neat. Wine and fruit, crazy good. Cheers to that! Regarding distributors and supply-sources check weingut-mad.at