Ried Zieregg Kår Sauvignon Blanc Große STK Lage 2021 375ml

Wine description for Ried Zieregg Kår Sauvignon Blanc, Grosse STK Lage 2021 375ml from Tement

In der sanften Hügellandschaft der Südsteiermark, wo Österreich und Slowenien in einer geologischen Umarmung verschmelzen, kultiviert die Familie Tement einen der bemerkenswertesten Sauvignon Blancs Mitteleuropas. Die Ried Zieregg, eine große STK Lage von außerordentlichem Ruf, verkörpert jene seltene Verbindung aus Terroir und menschlicher Beharrlichkeit, die wahre Weingrößen hervorbringt. Der “Kår” – ein altsteirischer Begriff für eine Auslese bester Qualität – repräsentiert die Quintessenz dieses Terroirs.

The history of the Tement winery is one of resilience and vision. When Manfred Tement took over the helm at the age of just 16 after the unexpected death of his father in 1976, he not only inherited vineyards, but also a responsibility that he fulfilled with remarkable foresight. Under his leadership, the business expanded from a modest two hectares to an impressive 80 hectares, including 20 hectares on the Slovenian side - a bold step across borders that enriched the complexity of Zieregg wines. With his sons Armin and Stefan at his side, the winery made the consistent transition to organic viticulture - not a matter of course in the humid Styria region.

Visual impression

In the glass, Zieregg Kår presents itself with a radiant, light golden colour, interspersed with greenish reflections that shimmer like sunlight on morning dew. The viscosity already reveals its concentration and structural depth - a visual promise of extraordinary complexity.

Nose

The aromatic composition unfolds in waves of remarkable precision. Initially, we encounter fresh notes of gooseberry and unripe whitecurrant, followed by subtle hints of citrus fruit - particularly lime zest and grapefruit. With aeration, the wine reveals a deeper dimension: mineral nuances of flint and wet limestone, underpinned by hints of white pepper and a touch of wild herbs. This olfactory complexity is the hallmark of great Sauvignons from cool climates, here with the unmistakable signature of the Zieregg terroir.

Palate

The true character of this exceptional wine is revealed on the palate. A remarkable tension between crystalline acidity and substantial texture creates a balance of almost classic elegance. The first impression of citrus fruit and unripe pears gives way to a deeper layer of stone fruit and subtle herbal notes. The moderate residual sweetness - barely perceptible - merely serves as a counterbalance to the precise acidity.

The finish is impressively long, characterised by a salty minerality reminiscent of the chalky soils of Styria. With its 14% alcohol, the wine possesses considerable power, but this never overpowers the finesse and precision - a masterpiece of balance.

General information

The 2021 vintage in southern Styria benefited from a balanced weather pattern that allowed the grapes to develop optimal physiological ripeness while retaining their acid structure. Manual harvesting, followed by gentle pressing and controlled fermentation, emphasises the Tement family's artisanal approach. Maturation takes place traditionally in large wooden barrels, which gives the wine structure without masking its terroir-influenced character.

Die Klassifikation als “Große STK Lage” – das steirische Äquivalent zu einem Grand Cru – spiegelt sowohl die außergewöhnliche Qualität des Weinbergs als auch die strengen Produktionsrichtlinien wider, denen sich die Winzer der Steirischen Terroir- und Klassikweingüter verpflichtet haben.

Food pairing suggestions

This Sauvignon Blanc calls for dishes of corresponding complexity. It harmonises excellently with Seafood of substance - for example grilled scallops with citrus butter or poached lobster. The mineral component of the wine finds an ideal partner in Goat cheeseespecially in its mature form.

Austrian cuisine also offers wonderful accompaniments: Styrian brook trout with herbs or a classic Wiener schnitzel of veal with its subtle meat flavour form a harmonious counterpoint to the intensity of the wine. For vegetarians I recommend Asparagus with hollandaise or Risotto with wild mushroomswhose earthy notes complement the fruity components of the wine.

This wine deserves to be savoured with care - ideally from a large-volume glass at around 10-12°C to develop its full aromatic complexity.