By reputation, in Austria, Manfred Tement is number one in Styria (known as Steiermark in Austria). Styria is right on the border with Slovenia and actually some of Tement’s best and steepest parcels are in Slovenia where the hill becomes the beginning of the Julian Alps. As you know, Sauvignon Blanc is the most famous varietal cultivated in Styria. What you may not know is that it is the exact same latitude as Burgundy and the soils are very similar to Sancerre, with a high proportion of limestone chalk. Another varietal that does extremely well here is the Welschriesling, which is not a Riesling at all but probably originated in Hungary or Slovenia. It makes a very aromatic and lively wine. The cuvee Temento is a blend of about 60% Welschriesling, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% old indigenous Syria varietals. A perfect aperitif wine or luncheon wine, in the hands of a great winemaker like Tement.
Technical information:
Tement 2005 Zieregg
Sauvignon Blanc
Tement 2004 Temento, 2004
Muskateller, 2004 Weissburgunder Pinot Blanc, 2005 Sauvignon Blanc