From: Stajerska, Slovenija
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Taste: The 2020 Domaine Ciringa Fosilni Breg Sauvignon Blanc offers an enchanting dance of flavors. It is delicate yet anchored — a bouquet of apple, nectarine, and pear, accented by earthy and herbal nuances and playful ginger spiciness. The spontaneous fermentation, followed by 18-20 months of élevage in large, used Corinthian oak barrels, results in a wine that is a true reflection of its origin. The palate echoes this expression with earthy, mineral, and stone notes intermingled with citrus, tropical fruit, and tree fruit. The vegetal undertones of grass and gooseberry add a layer of complexity, making each sip a revelation.
Pairing: This Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp and aromatic profile, pairs seamlessly with a variety of dishes. Shellfish, vegetarian dishes, and goat cheese are classic companions that enhance the wine's distinct characteristics. Its citrusy and grassy notes make it a splendid match for many other dishes centered around seafood, chicken, and green vegetables. Herb-forward sauces such as pesto, chimichurri, and mojo sauce accentuate its nuances beautifully. Chicken Picatta, Blond Puttanesca (see below for recipe!), and roasted fish with lemon and browned butter are excellent choices, while roasted zucchini with lemon tahini sauce make for delightful vegetarian options.
Blond Puttanesca (Linguine With Tuna, Arugula and Capers)
By Colu Henry
About. The Pioneers Behind The Wine: The Tement Family
The story of Domaine Ciringa Fosilni Breg Sauvignon Blanc is intertwined with that of the Tement family. Their journey began with Manfred Tement, a young man who inherited a small winery after his father's premature death. With a mere three hectares of vineyards surrounding their home and his father's good reputation as his sole asset, Manfred embarked on an odyssey in the winemaking world.
Over the years, the Tement estate has evolved and flourished under the diligent stewardship of Manfred and his sons, Armin and Stefan. Their love for wine and commitment to quality are integral to the Tement family DNA. This legacy serves as the foundation for the Tement brothers as they work to honor their past while also charting their unique path in the world of wine. It is a journey that celebrates both the constancy of tradition and the excitement of change.
A Unique Terroir: The Distinctive Vineyards
On both the Styrian and Slovenian sides of their estate, the Tement family passionately strives to highlight the unique characteristics of each vineyard and unlock the potential of every location. Their most cherished vineyards sit at high altitudes, facing southeast to southwest, reflecting the labor of love that winemaking is for the Tements.
At the heart of their philosophy lies the commitment to organic farming. They have practiced organic viticulture for several years and joined the Demeter Association in 2022. The Respect Group membership and Südsteiermark DAC classification further underline their dedication to quality single vineyard wines.
The Slovenian site "Ciringa" is a prime example of the Tement family's commitment to terroir. Located around 340 - 480 m above sea level and directly adjacent to the top location Zieregg, Ciringa features barren coral limestone soils with loose brown soil. It's an ideal terroir for expressive, mineral Sauvignon Blancs with puristic seriousness. Considered Zieregg's little brother, Ciringa brings forth wines as precise and expressive as their acclaimed counterparts from Zieregg.
