2022 Ried Grassnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc Erste STK Lage

The 2022 Ried Grassnitzberg Riff 1STK Sauvignon Blanc is enormously aromatic on the nose, with passion fruit, papaya and ripe, lush peach aromas. Full-bodied, intense and fresh on the palate, with remarkable finesse and purity and highly stimulating salinity with tonic lemon notes, this is a beautifully distinctive Sauvignon Blanc from east/southeast-facing terraces climbing from 330 to 399 meters above sea level (inclination: 33% to 40%). The wine is remarkably light, finessed and elegant and thoroughly Styrian in its coolish and even herbal character. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at 1,450 meters above sea level in Lech/Arlberg in August 2025.

Full screwcapped bottle 1,246 g. Calcareous soils at 350–420 m. Fermented in tank and aged 16 months on the lees. TA 6 g/l, RS 2 g/l. Certified Sustainable Austria. A very light note of smoky reduction, opening up to grapefruit, blackcurrant bud and just a little bit grassy but not overly green. Lots of fresh tension here, dry, mouth-wateringly fresh and with perfect balance between fruit and structure, with a long stony finish. Salty aftertaste makes it hard to resist a second sip. GV (JH)