# Leutschach Chardonnay (2021)

- **Producer:** Erwin Sabathi
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Steiermark, Austria
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 11–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, lemon, apricot, cloves, vanilla, honey, hazelnut, almond

## About this wine

The Leutschach Chardonnay 2021 from Weingut Erwin Sabathi is an Ortswein, or village wine, from the Südsteiermark DAC region of Austria. It aims to represent the unique characteristics of its home village, Leutschach an der Weinstraße. The wine is cultivated in vineyards with 'Leutschacher Schlier' soil, a chalky fine-sandy marl clay or argillaceous schist. Weingut Erwin Sabathi has a winemaking tradition dating back to 1650, with the current generation emphasizing organic farming and natural winemaking processes. This wine's distinctiveness lies in its expression of the Leutschach terroir, influenced by the local soil and climate.

## Interesting facts

- Ortswein classification means 'village wine'.
- Soil type is 'Leutschacher Schlier' (marl clay/schist).
- Grapes are hand-picked and organically farmed.
- Aged for at least 11 months in large wooden barrels.

## Food pairing

The wine's lively acidity and tight structure cut through the richness of fish and creamy sauces, while its subtle complexity complements the delicate flavors of freshwater and saltwater fish. The herbaceous notes often found in Austrian Chardonnays can echo herbs used in dishes like dill sauce.

## Wine making process

The Leutschach Chardonnay is produced from hand-picked grapes cultivated according to organic guidelines. Fermentation is carried out using natural yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging for a minimum of 11 months in large wooden barrels. This process aims to capture the essence of the Leutschach terroir.