Styria/Steiermark

Wine-growing region in the federal state of Styria (Steiermark) in Austria. The vineyard area totals 1.741 hectares, divided up among 1.066 grape growers, it ist he largest of the three wine-growing regions in Styria. The viticultural history dates back to the 4th century BC. Under the monarchy in the late 19th century, the area, which was then known as the Untersteiermark, still had a total vineyard area of 35.000 hectares (20 times the area it has today). Archduke Johann (1782–1859) established an experimental wine estate near Marburg, and set the direction for quality wine production in Styria. The Pinot Blanc produced at the time from the Jerusalem vineyard site, which is today located in Slovenia, was one of the most sought-after white wines in Europe. The region is now divided into one area located close to the border with Slovenia, and a second area, the Sausal region, to the west of the town of Leibnitz. The most important wine-growing towns and villages are Berghausen, Ehrenhausen, Gamlitz, Heimschuh, Kitzeck (with a wine museum), Leibnitz, Leutschach, Silberberg (with a viticultural school), Spielfeld, St. Andrä im Sausal and Sulztal. The South Styrian wine route is one of the most beautiful in Europe, it runs from Ehrenhausen along the Slovenian border to Leutschach.

Among the best-known vineyard sites are: Czamillonberg, Einöd, Grassnitzberg, Harrachegg, Kittenberg, Nussberg, Obegg, Sernauberg, Witscheinberg and Zieregg. The climate is characterised by Pannonian and southern European influences. The average rainfall is twice that of Burgenland or Lower Austria. The warm, humid climate encourages the spread of fungal infections and botrytis. The vineyards are mainly on slate, sand, marl and limestone-rich soils. Well-known producers include Domäne Müller, Dreisiebner Stammhaus, Felberjörgl, Gross Alois, Harkamp, Lackner-Tinnacher, Melcher Schloss Gamlitz, Erich and Walter Polz Erich and Walter, Polz-Kiefer, Primus, Rebenhof Dr. Aubell, Reiterer Christian, Sabathi Erwin, Sabathi Hannes, Sattlerhof, Skoff Peter, Skoff Walter, Tement, Tscheppe on the Pössnitzberg, Tschermonegg, Werlitsch and Wohlmuth. Predominantly fresh, fruity white wines are produced here. Varieties planted (as of 2000):
Variety Synonyms, variants Colour Hectares % share
Welschriesling - White 391 22,5
Chardonnay
Morillon
Pinot Blanc Feinburgunder
Chardonnay
Weißburgunder, Klevner White 336 19,3
Müller-Thurgau Rivaner White 201 11,5
Zweigelt Blauer Zweigelt, Rotburger Red 169 9,7
Sauvignon Blanc Muskat-Sylvaner White 148 8,5
Scheurebe Sämling 88 White 108 6,2
Muskateller Gelber Muskateller, Roter Muskateller White 79 4,5
Blauer Wildbacher Schilcher Red 78 4,5
Riesling Rheinriesling, Weißer Riesling White 46 2,6
Pinot Gris Grauburgunder, Ruländer White 43 2,5
Traminer Roter Traminer, Gewürztraminer White 41 2,4
Gemischter Satz - White 47 1,6
Blaufränkisch Limberger Red 12 0,7
Silvaner Sylvaner, Grüner Sylvaner White 8,3 0,5
Blauburger - Red 8 0,5
Goldburger - White 5,6 0,3
St. Laurent - Red 5 0,3
Blauer Portugieser Portugieser Red 4,2 0,2
Cabernet Sauvignon - Red 4 0,2
Pinot Noir Blauburgunder, Blauer Spätburgunder Red 3 0,2
Muskat-Ottonel Feinschmeckerter White 2,8 0,2
Veltliner Grüner Veltliner, Weißgipfler White 2 0,1
Bouvier - White 1 0,1
Cabernet Franc - Red 0,4 -
White varieties 1.455 83,6
Red varieties 286 16,4
TOTAL 1.741 100