Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Fume 2021/22, Oliver Zeter, Pfalz

An unusual example of an oak aged Sauvignon which has been crowned Germany’s best. Gunflint with a hint of toasty oak on the nose, followed by a super-fresh palate showing viscosity and a faint spritz which lifts the wine, adding to the aromatics. Like no other Sauvignon Blanc you’re tried and touched by the mark of a genius winemaker. Absolutely stunning.

Oliver Zeter, working side by side with both his father and brother, first made his name as an importer of fine wines. From the start, Zeter was well positioned to move into the ranks of the producers. Today, Zeter currently produces wine from grapes grown on roughly 20 hectares of prime Pfalz vineyards. Six of
those hectares he cultivates himself, the remainder are tended by long-time partners. While his plots can be found in vineyards throughout the entire winegrowing region, the winery itself is seated in Neustadt, in the heart of the Pfalz. The drinking bear that adorns the label comes from the quill of a well known Pfalz artist named Otto Dill, a friend of Oliver’s great grandfather Walter Baer (German for bear). On one occasion in 1933 Walter was unable to meet his friends for a regular ‘glass of wine or two’ and the artist sent the sketch on a postcard to his friend Walter the ‘bear’, and the postcard was signed by all the friends present that day. Oliver has the postcard in his kitchen. He declared that the bear had been with him all his life and when he made wine he would go on the label.

The best and ripest grapes were selected in the vineyards for this purpose and were harvested by hand into small 20kg containing baskets. Then the grapes were crushed and pressed. The juice was immediately transferred to new French oak barrels where the must was spontaneously
fermented. Malolactic fermentation was prevented. Next, the wine was poured into stainless steel tanks along with its fine yeast where it remained until it was bottled in the summer.
Due to the influence of the wood, the wine received both typical Sauvignon Blanc notes as well as a strong finish with slightly smoky (Fumé) flavors.