NUMEN Fumé Blanc 2022

Wine Description for NUMEN Fumé Blanc 2022 by Johannes Zillinger

Colour & Appearance

Deep, muted golden yellow with a fascinating reddish shimmer – a visual hint at the extraordinary ripeness and extended yeast contact.

Nose

An aromatic profile that redefines the boundaries of Sauvignon Blanc. Wild herbs, ripe tomato and gooseberry meet rhubarb and lemon balm. Behind this unfolds a remarkable umami dimension – concentrated meat stock and a saline depth rarely found in a white wine. This complexity is the result of 16 months of undisturbed yeast ageing.

Palate

Impressive density meets vibrant freshness – a paradox that Johannes Zillinger masters with aplomb. The wine flows across the tongue and leaves behind a pronounced saline minerality that pleasantly coats the palate. The texture is creamy, almost oily, yet never heavy. The 12.5% alcohol is perfectly integrated.

Finish

Extraordinarily long and persistent. The aromas linger for minutes and continue to evolve – a hallmark of great winemaking.

Terroir & Origin

From the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines in the Weinviertel, specifically selected for this wine. The physiological full ripeness of the grapes is crucial for the aromatic depth.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Radical minimal intervention: spontaneous fermentation in amphorae, 16 months on yeast without any intervention, neither fined nor filtered. This „Fumé Blanc“ interpretation demonstrates what is possible when you give wine time and rest.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The umami component predestines this wine for grilled fish, pan-seared scallops, calf’s sweetbread or risotto with porcini mushrooms. Also a revelation with mature Comté or truffle-based dishes.

Special Characteristics

NUMEN – „metaphysical activity“ – is more than marketing. This wine actually transcends the usual Sauvignon Blanc categories. A wine for lovers of complex, aged white wines who value depth over primary fruit aromatics. Drinking beautifully now, but with ageing potential.