Leutschach Chardonnay

The “Leutschacher Chardonnay” is designed to be representative of the terroir of the winery’s home village of Leutschach a.d.W. The Ortswein (Village Wine) designation is designed to demonstrate different characteristics due to vineyard location, orientation, altitude, aspect and soil conditions. They can then only be offered for sale at the earliest on 1st of May after 6 months of maturation. In the case of Erwin Sabathi, their Village Wines remain much longer in the barrels and are offered for sale at the earliest after 11 months of maturation, the same as with their Premier Cru STK wines.

The village of Leutschach is located within the southwestern Styrian sea basin. The soils are fine marine sediments, known as “Leutschacher Schlier”, consisting of chalky fine-sandy, mostly green-greyish marl clay or argillaceous schist with deposits of sand. These chalky marl soils are called “Opok”. The climatic conditions in this area are also influenced by cold, sloping winds from the western Koralpe Mountains. This causes cool nights and a high diurnal range, encouraging fruit driven wines.

The grapes are exclusively harvested by hand. Once at the winery, the juice is subject to spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts. The wine then matures for 12 months in traditional, large, wooden oak casks before release. 

ANALYSIS

CRITIC RATINGS

The wine has floral aromas of hop blossoms and lime blossoms, joined by refreshing notes of fresh mountain herbs, green fruit and fresh lemons. On the palate the wine reveals a smooth, luxurious texture with a polished finish and silky drinkability reflecting the freshness of its terroir.

This wine will pair well with thickened soups and risottos, as well as grilled livers, veal, or beef. It will also pair beautifully with seafood or shellfish dishes.