2014 Zieregg Sauvignon Blanc

This is classified as Grosse STK Lage (ie grand cru) in the Steiermark's vineyard hierarchy. South side of the coral reef, bigger shell fossils than in Chablis. Ferment starts slowly. Up to 24-30 hours on skins, depending on the temperature of the berries at harvest. Cool green fruits on the nose. Incredibly tight and very high acidity, really piercing in its intensity with very direct, stony, citrus flavours. Pretty severe at the moment but glorious potential, as the 2011 shows. Wait – much too tight for now. (JH)