RT Alte Reben 2015

A dense red wine with an ethereal draw. The nose is intense: initially cassis, blackberry, and morello cherry, flanked by eucalyptus and wild mint. With exposure to air, dark chocolate, black Kampot pepper, tree bark, porcini mushrooms, beetroot, and truffle emerge. This wine already reveals its depth and power on the nose.

The grapes grow on weathered soils across various vineyard sites in Southern Styria. Weingut Tement in Ehrenhausen cultivates nearly 100 hectares on the steep slopes along both sides of the Slovenian border. Manfred Tement took over the estate in 1976 with three hectares; today, Armin and Stefan represent the third generation working alongside him, with Armin overseeing the viticulture and cellar.

50 percent each of Blauer Zweigelt and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from vines between 12 and 45 years of age. The wine fermented spontaneously and subsequently aged for 80 months in wooden casks. 13.0% ABV, vinified dry.

Salty and spicy, underpinned by juicy dark fruit, an invigorating acidity, and fully resolved tannins. A powerful wine that harmoniously unites depth and elegance.

Ideal with robust grilled and braised dishes: aubergine lasagne with wild herb salad, beef sirloin steak with herb butter and fried potatoes, or braised duck leg with red cabbage, chervil root, quince, and truffle.

Eighty months of barrel aging and vines up to 45 years old underpin a red bottling from an estate renowned primarily for its Sauvignon Blanc. Manfred Tement co-founded the Steirische Klassik (STK) in 1986. Serve slightly chilled in large glasses.