Ried Saffran
STK Ried
Single Vineyard Saffran
Cru STK
A monopole vineyard with an enormous historical significance
The Single Vineyard Saffran is a monopole vineyard of Erwin Sabathi. This vineyard is exclusively planted with the grape variety Chardonnay. Our wine from this single vineyard is classified as “STK Ried” (Cru STK). This single vineyard has a wine-growing tradition for centuries. The name “Saffran” is used in memory of Hans Saffran.
A Chardonnay with a strong character grows there.
Categorisation
The Single Vineyard Saffran is a monopole vineyard of Erwin Sabathi. This vineyard is exclusively planted with the grape variety Chardonnay. Due to the clayier soil structure (in comparison to the soil structure of the Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg), wines with an extremely independent character flourish there. Therefore, the Single Vineyard Saffran is especially predestined for the grape variety Chardonnay. Due to the interaction of the soil structure and of the climatic factors, this single vineyard is unique and these Chardonnay wines are very authentic. Our wine from the Single Vineyard Saffran, classified as Cru STK, is delicately mineral, enormously salty on the palate, shows a tight structure and has a high ageing potential. The harvest yield is limited to a maximum of 45 hectolitres. Cru STK wines are allowed to be offered for sale at the earliest on 1st of May after 6 months of maturation. In our case, Ried Saffran Chardonnay remains much longer in the barrels and is offered for sale at the earliest after 19 months of maturation, as well as our Grand Cru STK wines.
Local orientation
an entirely south-facing site with an inclination from 30% up to 45%
Sea level
415m–470m
Climate
As an exposed site, especially as the highest part of this grape slope, the Single Vineyard Saffran is very breezy. The slightly cooler climate avoids heat accumulations, so that temperature differences between day and night are low. These factors characterise a Chardonnay with a very strong and independent character.
Soil
Gray-green coloured, argillaceous, silty marine deposits of thin sandstone interstratifications build the geological subsoil. Striking for this very chalky soil is the humous topsoil, which is formed by weathering. This soil structure supports a high water retention capacity.
Grape variety
Chardonnay