The family winery is located on a small mountain plateau above the Zieregg vineyard in the wine-growing region of southern Styria(Austria). From here you can enjoy a panoramic view that stretches as far as neighbouring Slovenia and southern Eastern Styria. At the age of 16, Manfred Tement took over the then 2.5-hectare farm in 1976 and expanded it to its current size. Guest rooms are also available for a "holiday at the winery".
Vineyards
After three years of construction, a completely redesigned wine cellar was opened above the Zieregg vineyard in 2002. It was cut into a former coral reef formed 20 million years ago. The vineyards cover around 80 hectares in the Grassnitzberg, Hochkittenberg, Ottenberg, Sernauberg, Steinbach, Sulz, Wielitsch and Zieregg vineyards (pictured). The latter extends into the Slovenian region, where areas are also cultivated. The white wine varieties Sauvignon Blanc (40%), Welschriesling, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Morillon (Chardonnay), Gelber Muskateller and Gewürztraminer are cultivated to 95%, the small remainder with the red wine varieties Zweigelt and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinification
Depending on the variety and location, there is a yield limit of between 35 and 55 hectolitres per hectare. Only healthy and fully ripe grapes are harvested selectively in several stages. Depending on the type of wine, the wines are matured in stainless steel tanks, in large neutral oak barrels or in used barriques. They are marketed in accordance with the specifications of the Styrian Terroir & Classic Wine Estates in the "Steirische Klassik STK", "Erste STK Lage" and "Große STK Lage" categories. Around 450,000 bottles of wine are produced each year.
Arachon T.FX.T
Since the 2009 vintage, a Sauvignon Blanc has been produced from grapes from the Slovenian Zieregg vineyard under the name "Fosilni Breg" (Fossil Mountain) in accordance with Austrian quality criteria. The three winegrowers Franz Xaver Pichler (Oberloiben), Illa Szemes (Pinkafeld) and Manfred Tement jointly created the red wine brand Arachon T.FX.T, which is produced in the municipality of Horitschon in the Mittelburgenland winegrowing region.
