Fosilni Breg, meaning "Fossil Mountain," gets its name from the 60-million-year-old limestone reefs that form the heart of this vineyard’s terroir.
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Winemaker: Armin Tement
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Farming: Certified Organic with Biodynamic practices (Demeter and Respekt certified in 2023)
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Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
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Terroir: Coral and limestone soils from 60-million-year-old fossilized reefs in the Starjerska region of Slovenia
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Vinification: Hand-harvested, with spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, extended skin contact (12-36 hours)
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Aging: Élevage for 18-20 months in large, used Corinthian oak barrels and stainless steel
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Tasting Note: Aromas of green apple, citrus zest, white peach, floral and mineral notes; crisp acidity with a structured, mineral-driven finish
From our 2024 Explore Like A Somm Wine Club:
Domaine Ciringa Fosilni Breg Sauvignon Blanc, Starjerska, Podravje, Slovenia 2022
Domaine Ciringa is a special project from the Tement family, an iconic winemaking family from Austria. Helmed by Armin Tement, the family has been crafting top-tier wines for decades. Their home base, Weingut Tement, is known for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc in Austria’s Südsteiermark. Armin, along with his brother Stefan, carries on the family tradition while pushing boundaries with new, exciting ventures like Domaine Ciringa. The Ciringa vineyard sits on steep hills that straddle the border between Austria and Slovenia, and the Tement family works the Slovenian side of the famous Zieregg vineyard, focusing solely on Sauvignon Blanc.
Fosilni Breg, meaning "Fossil Mountain," gets its name from the 60-million-year-old limestone reefs that form the heart of this vineyard’s terroir. These ancient soils, once part of the ancient Paratethys sea, which was once the largest lake on Earth, supporting mega-fauna like miniature baleen whales, giant elephants, and huge coral structures. The terroir here is remarkable, with coral and limestone soils similar to those in Chablis and Champagne, but younger. Now, at elevations between 1100 and 1600 feet, the vineyard benefits from a range of ripening conditions, adding layers of complexity to the wine. Since 2019, the vineyard has been certified organic, but the newest vintages will see Biodynamic certification from the viticulture organizations Demeter and Respekt.
In the cellar, Armin and his team take a minimalist approach, embracing low-intervention winemaking to showcase the terroir's natural minerality. Grapes are hand-harvested and spontaneously fermented with native yeasts. The winemaking process includes up to 3 days of extended skin contact. This technique adds texture and extracts secondary flavors like subtle spices and herbaceous undertones, enhancing the Sauvignon Blanc’s structure without losing its freshness.
After fermentation, the wine undergoes élevage for 18-20 months in a combination of large, neutral oak barrels and stainless steel, rounding out the edges without imparting any overt oak flavors, while preserving its vibrancy and mineral-driven profile.
On the nose, this 2022 Sauvignon Blanc pops with the classic, vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus zest, and white peach, alongside delicate white flowers, seashells, and shiso. It’s crisp and refreshing on the palate, with a clean, almost silky mouthfeel that adds a touch of weighted elegance.
The Fosilni Breg is perfect to enjoy alongside sushi, ceviche, baked trout with a lemony-herb seasoning, or fresh salads with goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette. It’s also an excellent match for doughy, cheesy treats like baked spanakopita, pan-fried potato pierogi, and štruklji, a traditional Slovenian dish made of rolled dough filled with various fillings like cottage cheese or herbs.
—Cara Patricia, September 2024
