Sauvignon Blanc Pruh 2017 (0.75l)

Ciringa is the Slovenian side of the top southern Styrian vineyard Zieregg. A few years ago, the Tement winery began releasing comparatively affordable Sauvignon Blancs here, which easily rival their counterparts on the Austrian side of the border. Fosilni Breg (in German: Fossil Mountain) refers to the coral limestone soil, interspersed with fossilized corals and marine animals, which forms the basis for these barren and stony Sauvignon Blancs.

Pruh is the name of a former quarry in the Ciringa vineyard. This is where the grapes for the winery's flagship wine come from. Aged for 50 months on the fine lees in large, neutral oak barrels, bottled unfiltered. A fragrant, fresh, clear nose. Fine, almost slightly perfumed in its fragrance, with hints of yellow and white fruit and white blossoms also present. Delicate herbal nuances, a touch of caraway, a touch of fennel, somewhat creamy, with a subtle spice underneath. Then a very defined, compact, energetic body with tightly woven tannins, yet a creamy-smooth mouthfeel; the wine glides across the palate like silk. Everything is filled with herbal notes, then the salty-spicy acidity crashes in and drives into the ever-lingering finish with ripe citrus and herbal spice. This is by far the finest and most sublime of the three Ciringas, and a truly great wine. Accessible now, yet with plenty of potential for the coming years. If Zieregg is the best Sauvignon Blanc in Austria, Pruh might be the best in Slovenia.