Hannes Sabathi Sauvignon Blanc Klassik 2011 750ml

Winery: Hannes Sabathi

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc grapes originated in France, where they are still widely grown today and treated to a wide range of processing practices – from aging in oak barrels, blending with other varietals, and undergoing malolactic fermentation to encourage a more mellow, buttery finish. These green skinned white wine grapes are highly versatile, and are now grown in several countries around the world which have the correct climatic conditions for getting the best results from them. Generally, Sauvignon Blanc varietal grapes prefer a cooler climate, as too much heat dulls the flavor present in the fruit. As such, they are generally grown in valleys and on coastal areas, where they can benefit from cooling breezes before being typically harvested early in the summer. The grapes themselves produce wines which are often very dry and crisp, yet full of a wide range of flavors including grasses, tropical fruits and citrus notes.

Country: Austria

Archaeological evidence suggests that grapevines have been grown and cultivated in what is today modern Austria for over four thousand years, making it one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. Over the centuries, relatively little has changed in Austrian wine, with the dominant grape varietals continuing to be Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir and others. Austria is renowned for producing excellent and characterful dry white wines, although in the eastern part of the country, many wineries specialist in sweeter white wines made in a similar style to those of neighboring Hungary. Today, Austria has over fifty thousand hectares under vine, split over four key wine regions. The domestic wine industry remains strong, with Austrians drinking their local produce outside in the summer, and people around the world are beginning to once more rediscover this fascinating and ancient wine culture.