# Weingut Tement Ehrenhausen Korallenkalk Sauvignon Blanc (2023)

- **Producer:** Weingut Tement
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Steiermark, Austria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €27
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, lime, peach, mango, herbaceous, grass, gooseberry, biscuit, bread, butter, honey, hay

## About this wine

Familienweingut Tement, established in 1959, is located in the picturesque region of Southern Styria (Südsteiermark), Austria. Manfred Tement took over the estate at a young age and, alongside his sons Armin and Stefan, has elevated it to one of the world's premier estates for Sauvignon Blanc. The 'Korallenkalk' bottling is a village wine (Ortswein) from Ehrenhausen, named after the unique coralline limestone soils of the region. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by the Paratethys Sea, leaving behind fossilized coral reefs that now form the bedrock of the vineyards. Today, the estate is fully certified organic and biodynamic, focusing on preserving this unique geological heritage through sustainable viticulture.

## Interesting facts

- The name Korallenkalk refers to the ancient fossilized coral reefs from the Paratethys Sea that form the vineyard's limestone bedrock.
- The estate is certified biodynamic by Demeter and respekt-BIODYN, reflecting a deep commitment to ecological balance.
- The dramatic 2023 vintage overcame severe landslides and hailstorms to produce low yields of exceptionally concentrated fruit.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and intense mineral core of this Sauvignon Blanc cut beautifully through rich seafood like crab and lobster, while its saline, limestone-driven profile harmonizes perfectly with fresh goat cheese and delicate vegetable dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Ehrenhausen Korallenkalk Sauvignon Blanc emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the unique terroir to shine. Grapes are selectively hand-harvested from vines aged between 17 and 41 years. Following harvest, the juice undergoes spontaneous fermentation using only indigenous wild yeasts. The wine is then aged for 18 months on its fine lees ('sur lie') in a combination of large, neutral oak casks and stainless steel tanks. To preserve its natural texture, structural integrity, and mineral complexity, the wine is bottled unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions.