# Ried Welles Sauvignon Blanc (2019)

- **Producer:** Weingut Lackner-Tinnacher
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Steiermark, Austria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** gooseberry, asparagus, tomato leaf, grass, grapefruit, almond, wet stones

## About this wine

The Ried Welles Sauvignon Blanc from Weingut Lackner-Tinnacher is a single-vineyard wine from Styria, Austria, classified as a Große STK Lage. The vineyard itself is a steep, wind-exposed site at high altitude, characterized by stony, mineral-rich soils that encourage deep root growth. This challenging terroir contributes to the wine's mineral-driven profile and significant aging potential. Weingut Lackner-Tinnacher is one of Styria's oldest estates, now managed under Katharina Tinnacher, who has transitioned the estate to certified organic farming. The estate's philosophy emphasizes meticulous vineyard work to achieve wines that are individual, elegant, and reflective of their terroir. The 2019 vintage is noted for its elegance and cool aromatic profile, a result of the region's climate and the specific conditions of the year.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyard sits at 450-510 meters altitude.
- Certified organic cultivation.
- Aged for 18 months in large oak barrels.
- Große STK Lage designation (Grand Cru equivalent).

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty fish, while its mineral notes complement the brininess of seafood. Herbal and vegetal notes in the wine can echo similar elements in dishes, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Ried Welles Sauvignon Blanc begins with meticulous hand-harvesting of grapes, often late in the season. Following a period of maceration (18 hours), the grapes are gently pressed. Fermentation is spontaneous, utilizing 100% wild yeast in large, traditional oak barrels (1000-2500 liters). The wine then undergoes an aging process of 18 months in similar large oak barrels. The estate practices certified organic cultivation and emphasizes detailed handwork in the vineyard as core tenets of its production philosophy.