# Sauvignon Blanc Lieu Dit (2023)

- **Producer:** Weingut Rebenhof - Hartmut Aubell
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Steiermark, Austria
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 11.2%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, herbaceous, fennel, toast, smoke, hay

## About this wine

Weingut Rebenhof, located in Ratsch an der Weinstraße along the Slovenian border in Southern Styria, has been under the care of the Aubell family since 1924. Winemaker Hartmut 'Harti' Aubell assumed management in 2007 following stints at elite estates such as Knoll, Didier Dagueneau, and Zilliken. Rebenhof focuses on Demeter-certified biodynamic viticulture on steep, hand-worked terraces situated on unique Opok calcareous silt soils.

## Interesting facts

- Winemaker Hartmut Aubell trained at legendary global estates, including Didier Dagueneau in the Loire Valley.
- Farming is strictly tractor-free on steep terraces to prevent soil compaction and promote deep vine rooting.
- The grapes grow on Opok, a rare 15-million-year-old calcareous silt and marl rock unique to Styria.

## Food pairing

The high, electric acidity and mineral depth of this natural Sauvignon Blanc cuts effortlessly through oils in oily fish like mackerel or sardines. Its subtle phenolic grip and herbal profile create a seamless synergy with goat cheeses, fresh green herbs, and citrus-dressed raw seafood dishes.

## Wine making process

Grapes are harvested entirely by hand from 20 to 40+ year-old vines. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using native ambient yeasts with short whole-cluster maceration lasting between two and seven days. The wine matures on its fine lees in neutral Austrian oak casks and stainless steel tanks. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with zero added sulfur at any stage.