Maria and Sepp Muster began their project in 2000 on 10ha of family land that dates back to 1727. Having gained experience abroad, the couple embraced nature as ‘the greatest teacher’ and settled in south Styria near the Slovenian border. It is here that they now farm 22ha, creating wines with great structure and minerality. Three years after taking on the vineyards, Weingut Muster was certified biodynamic by Demeter - a tribute to their dedication to soil health and the belief that healthy soil generates quality wine. Manual work and hand-harvesting in the vineyard is engaged not only due to the steep ground on which the vines are planted, but to support the biodynamic systems at play. All work in the vineyard aims to retain the value of the soil, plants and animals. The soil here is referred to as Opok: clay and silt over chalky marl subsoil. For the vom Opok line, Maria and Sepp chose younger vines (under 20 years) in favour of their fresh aromas. The wines also draw distinction with their unique labels, created by friend and artist Beppo Pliem and expressing the harmony between earth, sky and grapes.
This youthful Sauvignon Blanc is hand-harvested, destemmed and pressed immediately. After this simple-sounding process, it is aged in oak barrels of varying sizes. But this wine is anything but simple! Our first impression is lemon peel, great acidity and a hint of salt. Decanting and allowing some time and air will reward you with the more typical, juicy flavours of Sauvignon. Chilling this one suppresses its complexity, so make sure you don’t drink it too cold.