Tement is a standard-bearer for Sauvignon Blanc – not just in Austria but from anywhere. Famous for its Grand Cru Zieregg vineyard, it sits on top of a limestone-ridden coral reef which is impossible not to taste in each pulsing rendition.

But, what few people know is that they make tiny amounts of equally exciting wines from varietals and styles rarely seen in the area. Many of which, after a visit and a request to the winery, are in the country for the first time 🤗

We requested the below wines this past summer, and they've just landed – I’m thrilled to share them with you. If this Demeter Certified producer is new for you, there is a great profile of the iconic winery here on their importer’s site.

TEMENT'S SECRET WINES

The ØØ Chardonnay / Pinot Blanc Blend:

All of the vinification at Tement is done without sulfur, and only a touch is added at bottling. But, there is one exception where the wine is actually bottled without sulfur. It's almost exclusively sold at the winery, and it's insanely good.

A blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, raised for three years on its gross lees (to protect the wine) without any racking.

It’s precise in a way that is classically Tement, but textured and open in a way that the whites almost never feel upon release. And, it's one of the first things I requested when I landed back from Austria.

2020 Weingut Tement Wieliebe "OS", Steiermark, Austria $55

The Ethereal Pinot Noir:

Tement’s Pinot Noir is so good, you wonder why they’re not more famous for making it. Frankly, it's because the production is miniscule; over dinner, winemaker Armin Tement admitted that he makes the wine primarily for his other half (and partner in the winery), Monika.

It’s an iridescent style, made with whole berries that barely see any maceration.

The fruit quality speaks to their exposed south-facing hillsides, while the texture and color remind you of the cooling, fog-ridden terroir. An outstanding wine. 

2021 Weingut Tement Pinot Noir, Sudsteiermark, Austria $100

The Blind:

I finished my trip at the dinner table with the Tements. Over entrées (goulash, ridiculously good) Armin had wrapped a bottle in paper and poured the wine blind. It smelled of juicy red currants, leather and exotic spices; on the palate there was freshness and a miles-long finish. I guessed older Pinot with its elegance but, amazingly, the wine was Cabernet Sauvignon.

Planted by a neighbor who then sold the Tements this parcel, it's an outcropping of clay (on top of kalk) which ripens Cabernet beautifully.

It saw a couple weeks of maceration with only one punch down a day; the result a gloriously aged wine that speaks like a proper claret.

2006 Weingut Tement RT Cabernet Sauvignon Alte Reben Sudsteiermark, Austria $125

The Spectacularly Aged:

Remember how they're famous for incredible Sauvignon Blanc? 'XT' is a completely new expression of Zieregg, their Grand Cru. From a powerful vintage, they took a small portion of fruit, fermented natively (like all the wines), and decided to age the wine for eight years on the gross lees to protect the wine.

It's an intense, powerful expression thats frankly difficult to put to words; but if we could: Dagueneau's Silex meets Styria?

2015 Weingut Tement Ried Zieregg XT Sauvignon Blanc, Sudsteiermark, Austria $125

SHOP ALL TEMENT