JOHANNES ZILLINGER NUMEN FUME BLANC AUSTRIA 2022 750ml

ABOUT THE WINE

Biodynamically hand farming 18ha of Austrian vines an hour northeast of Vienna is a jubilant young man named Johannes Zillinger. As a 3rd generation vigneron, Johannes Zillinger inherited his cellars from his Father in 2013, though their winery reaches back 350 years. Johannes has lived in the organic mindset since he was born, his father being an early adopter of organic wine farming. On succeeding his Father, Johannes immediately converted to biodynamics, continuing in his Father’s footsteps to advance toward an agriculture of balance. His vineyards swarm with life, striving toward an ecological harmony with the environment at large.
The 2022 Johannes Zillinger Numen Fumé Blanc is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from 40-year-old vines on limestone and loess soils. Hand-harvested, it undergoes 100% skin fermentation in Georgian amphorae for two weeks, followed by 16 months of aging in neutral 600-liter oak and acacia barrels. Unfined and unfiltered, it has an alcohol content of 12.5% vol., less than 3 g/L residual sugar, and minimal sulfites. Certified organic (AT-BIO-401) and Demeter, this dry white wine is produced with spontaneous fermentation and gentle pressing, emphasizing minimal intervention to preserve its natural character.

TASTING NOTE:

The 2022 Numen Fumé Blanc presents a muted golden hue with a reddish shimmer. Its complex nose reveals wild herbs, ripe tomato, gooseberry, rhubarb, and lemon balm, with earthy notes of honey and smoke. The palate is creamy yet vibrant, offering flowery meadows, green tea, hazelnut, and tropical hints of mango and passion fruit. Fine tannins and intense minerality create a rich, elegant texture, reminiscent of Loire Valley’s Silex soils. Best served at 10-12°C, it pairs well with grilled fish or spicy dishes, evolving beautifully with aeration.