Oliver Zeter Sauvignon Blanc Fume

A wine to rival those classic Sauvignons of the Loire, Oliver Zeter yet again shows the elegance capable of German wines. Gentle oak treatment gives this wine has an extra dimension and uniqueness. 

Pfalz, Germany.

Organic practices, vegan/veggie, minimal intervention.

2021

13%

75cl

Please note: technical information such as vintage and ABV are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please get in touch.

MORE INFORMATION

Producer

Brothers Christian and Oliver Zeter bottled their first vintage in 2007 and have already earned themselves a place in the wine world. Today they cultivate six hectares of the best sites in Palatinate; some are their own vineyards, some of which they lease from growers with whom they have built and maintain long-term relationships.

Oliver’s passion for Sauvignon Blanc manifested itself in the planting of seven clones on soil that was perfectly suited to the variety. Not only does he make four table wines, one of which is sweet, but it is also a component in his Goldschatz TBA. Zeter is one of the rising stars 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. 

Viticulture

Zeter have several Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, both in Südpfalz and the Mittelhaardt, that are planted with a variety of different clones meaning they benefit from the broad geographic terroirs, which help bring a diversity of aromas. Just as each vineyard’s conditions are unique, so too are the soils in which the fruit grows. The vines are generally trained into a flat arch, producing a more linear, and easier to work, fruiting zone.

The “Fume” hails from Zeter’ oldest and best vineyards, harvested from optimally healthy and ripe fruit.

Winemaking

After a maceration period, the mash is pressed and the juice flows into new and used 300 l and 500 l barrels of French oak. The must ferments spontaneously before spending at least 9 months on the gross lees. In mid August, the contents of the small containers, including their fine lees, are transported into stainless steel tanks, after which they are gently filtered and bottled.

Taste

Classic tropical fruit notes, vibrant citrus and a herby quality but a smoky, flinty note balances the ripe flavours. Notes of almond and a toasty richness add texture. Full in body but balanced by a fresh acidity and long finish.

Food Pairing

Fantastic for pairing with veggie dishes, particularly things like aspargus. It would be brilliant with a salmon aspargus risotto. A great option for tangy goats cheeses too.