Sauvignon Blanc “Kalk & Kreide Privat” Südsteiermark DAC 2022

This Sauvignon Blanc Privat is bottled under the Südsteiermark appellation. The vines grow on coral limestone, limestone and loamy limestone marl in the best sites of the Tement family.

Zieregg Kiesner Ebene and young vines in Zieregg Unterer Weg, Grassnitzberg, Grassnitzberg Riff, Wielitschberg, Sulz Brunnenhaus and Ottenberg

The age of the vines varies between 15 and 45 years.

2022 began dry and showed very little precipitation in winter. Vegetation slowly begins at the end of April. At the end of May, the weather changes from dry to warm and humid. The vineyard recorded a total of 40 rain showers by mid-July. Ventilation and reducing the foliage are the key issues during this phase.

2022 was the shortest harvest ever for the Tement family. All the grapes were harvested from 12 September to just 24 September. Rather low yields, but excellent qualities characterise 2022.

Like almost all of the estate's wines, this one also ferments spontaneously and then matures for 15 months on the fine lees. For the Sauvignon Kalk & Kreide PRIVAT, large, neutral oak barrels from 1200 litres to 3800 litres and steel tanks are used. It is bottled without filtration.

Bright lemon yellow with green reflections

A truly serious, enormously mature aroma flows from the glass. Sauvignon Blanc is clear, but it is far from grassy or green. The private filling of the Kalk & Kreide is earthy, vegetal and calm. A very successful balance of fruit, vegetables and herbs on the nose. Bergamot, lime, kaffir lime leaves, grapefruit and nashi pear start things off. This is countered by fennel, artichoke, a little corn and fig. Mountain meadow herbs, mint, eucalyptus, a hint of coriander, lemon balm and thyme play up in turn.

It also brings this seriousness to the palate. The rich fruit, the green nuances and the balance of all these flavours are in perfect harmony with its mouthfeel. Cool, taut, linear and full of elegance with plenty of pressure. An almost salty character dominates it with plenty of race and structure. At the same time, it flows coldly and smoothly across the palate. It radiates purity and this without being overpowering. It leaves room for all the flavours in the mouth. And yet it openly demonstrates that it is not about fruit, but about the complexity of all its facets. Great cinema.