Südsteiermark: Zesty Sauvignon Blanc. From Lush, Romantic Hillsides.
The Südsteiermark (South Styria) has fragrant, fresh wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes - which are characteristic of the area. However, the 1,950 hectares of vineyards here offer sufficient space to grow a wide variety of grapes, including Welschriesling, Morillon, Muskateller and Traminer. Although this is one of the most picturesque wine regions, wine-growing is indeed hard work in the Südsteiermark, due to its extremely steep vineyard slopes.
As varied as the grapes in the Südsteiermark are its soils: sandstone, shale, clay and shell limestone. And the warm, humid Mediterranean climate determines the vegetation cycle here: cool nights help bring out the aromas that generate a richness of nuances and noblesse in the white wines.
Wine-growers demonstrate their abilities in making sleek, fruity young wines, called "Junker", as a herald of the new vintage; and elegant, classic wines, as well as very mature wines that are rich in extracts. Particularly Sauvignon Blanc has managed to achieve top ranks, thanks to continual development; and generally today, grape varieties from the Südsteiermark belong to the world's top wines. Open-minded wine-growers ensure that the high standards and quality are maintained by bringing home knowledge and know-how from trips and work experience abroad. However, there is also the wine school in Silberberg, which continutes to equip new wine-growers with skills and experience through theoretical and practical courses.
No matter the season, it is always well worth getting to know the Südsteiermark. Highly recommended is a journey on the wine routes here in autumn - along the Slovenian border, and through the Sausal region, to the west of the town of Leibnitz. But be sure to leave sufficient time for visiting the towns of Ehrenhausen, Gamlitz, Leutschach and Kitzeck. Vineyard sites including Czamillonberg, Grassnitzberg, Kittenberg, Nussberg, Obegg, Sernauberg and Zieregg reflect the excellence of the wines born there. Not only have these wines found an assured place on the tables of the regional restaurants, but they have gained favour internationally as well. Archduke Johann of Austria, a wine-growing pioneer with a European vision viticulturally - something that is evident throughout the entire region even today - would be proud of "his" wine-growers in the Südsteiermark.
Wine Estates in the Wine Area Südsteiermark
