# Kalk & Kreide Sauvignon Blanc (2024)

- **Producer:** Weingut Tement
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Steiermark, Austria
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 9–11 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** guava, gooseberry, lemon, orange, pear, elderflower, black currant, herbal, saline, crushed limestone

## About this wine

Kalk & Kreide Sauvignon Blanc by Weingut Tement is a flagship wine from the Südsteiermark DAC region of Austria. This white wine is a meticulous blend derived from 55 distinct vineyard parcels, each selected for its contribution to the final complex profile. The name 'Kalk & Kreide' translates to 'Limestone & Chalk,' underscoring the wine's prominent mineral character, which is deeply influenced by the region's unique soil composition. Weingut Tement, a family estate in its third generation, is dedicated to biodynamic viticulture, aiming to produce wines that are puristic, possess great aging potential, and authentically reflect their origin. The 2024 vintage benefited from a late September harvest after rains, with cool temperatures preserving the grapes' natural acidity and freshness.

## Interesting facts

- The wine's name directly references the primary soil types: limestone and chalk.
- Grapes are sourced from 55 different vineyard plots, creating a complex blend.
- The estate is certified biodynamic, emphasizing natural farming practices.
- Vines range in age from 15 to 58 years old.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and pronounced minerality cut through richness and complement delicate flavors. Its lemony and herbal notes create bridges with similar elements in dishes, while its crispness refreshes the palate after bites of protein or creamy textures.

## Wine making process

The production of Kalk & Kreide Sauvignon Blanc begins with selective hand-harvesting of grapes from vines aged 15 to 58 years. The wine undergoes natural, spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, a process that contributes to its unique character. Fermentation and aging take place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and large, neutral wooden barrels. A key step is the six-month aging period on the fine lees ('sur lie'), which builds texture and complexity. The estate is certified biodynamic, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainable and natural viticultural practices.