Weingut Tement Sauvignon Blanc Kalk & Kredie 2024

Weingut Tement Sauvignon Blanc Kalk & Kreide 2024 comes from one of the defining family estates of Südsteiermark, where the Tement family has been farming vineyards since 1959. Manfred Tement helped establish the region’s reputation for serious sauvignon blanc, and today his sons Armin and Stefan continue the estate with a strong emphasis on biodynamic farming and site expression. The domaine has also moved away from the more obvious oak influence of earlier generations, allowing the limestone driven character of Südsteiermark to take center stage.

Kalk & Kreide, meaning “limestone and chalk,” is the estate’s signature regional sauvignon blanc. The fruit comes from numerous selectively harvested parcels, with vines between 16 and 56 years old planted on coral limestone, limestone, and clay rich calcareous marl. The wine is intended to capture the broader character of Südsteiermark rather than a single vineyard.

The wine is made from 100 percent sauvignon blanc. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, followed by slow aging on the fine lees in stainless steel tanks and large, used wooden casks. There is no emphasis on new oak or overt wood character; the larger vessels provide texture and gradual development while keeping the fruit, acidity, and mineral character intact.

The 2024 is dry and focused, with bright citrus and yellow fruit, subtle floral and herbal notes, and the firm, chalky mineral character associated with the estate. Its structure comes primarily from acidity and lees aging rather than oak.

A very good introduction to the Tement style: serious sauvignon blanc that is less about varietal exuberance and more about limestone, freshness, and the distinctive character of southern Styria.