Ried Kranachberg Sauvignon Blanc DAC 2019

Wine Description for Ried Kranachberg Sauvignon Blanc DAC 2019 from Sattlerhof

Colour & Appearance

Pale straw yellow with brilliant clarity – a visual harbinger of the precision this wine also displays on the palate.

Nose

Here reveals itself the duality of a great vintage: ripe pears and mango meet yellow kiwi and papaya, whilst ripe lemons and oranges provide freshness. Beneath lies a fascinating mineral layer of smoke and stone, threaded through with fine herbal notes. The nose is juicy and concentrated, yet retains that slender finesse which distinguishes great Sauvignons.

Palate

A South Styrian Grand Cru in the classical sense: impressive depth meets noble volume. The white-fleshed fruit is carried by a stony minerality which lends the wine its characteristic grip. The vibrant acidity creates pure energy and tension, whilst herbal-spicy notes contribute complexity. Taut, powerful, with enormous pressure – this is Sauvignon Blanc at the highest level.

Finish

Impressively long and intense, with a persistence that resonates for minutes. The mineral structure and precise acidity remain present right to the end.

Terroir & Origin

The Ried Kranachberg between Gamlitz and Leutschach is regarded as one of the most iconic vineyard sites in South Styria. At 400 to 500 metres elevation, the vines are rooted in calcareous quartz sands with muscovite, manganese and iron – a terroir that lends this Sauvignon Blanc its distinctive mineral signature.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Fully ripe Sauvignon Blanc grapes, 12-16 hours skin contact for extraction and texture, then spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The 18-month maturation on fine lees imparted additional complexity and creamy texture with 1.1 g/l residual sugar and vibrant 6.4 g/l acidity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Scallops with lemon butter, pan-fried turbot, asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, goat’s cheese or Thai curry dishes with coconut milk.

Special Characteristics

A vineyard site wine of international calibre from an outstanding vintage. The 18-month lees ageing imparts to this DAC Sauvignon a maturity and complexity that far exceeds the bulk of South Styrian white wines.