The local conditions in our vineyards, i.e. their aspects, soil formations, and micro climates are all decisive in choosing the right varieties to plant. Südsteiermark is known for cultivating a wide range of grape varietals, owing to its outstanding diversity of vineyard sites.

The rolling wine lands of Südsteiermark go back some millions of years: when the primal ocean was retreating, winds and rivers left compacted limey marl behind, volcanic rock, and the sands of former riverbeds. The location of these soils determines the best varieties for planting and also on the quality of the wines. It is thus no surprise that two wines of the same variety, when different in local origin, clearly differ in structure and taste.

This means you can taste this local origin in the wines! And the smaller the patch of earth where the grapes for a certain wine come from, the more clearly it will reveal its origin to the taster.

Austria’s Sunny Southeast and Slovenia are both marked by Alpine and Mediterranean influences, the so-called Illyrian climate: it provides us with sufficient rain during the summer months and with extreme temperature variations. A diurnal variation of up to 20°C is ideal in order for aromas to build up in the wines. On the other hand, the bracing climate does not spare us from extreme conditions such as spring frost during budbreak, heat waves, or hailstorms shortly before harvest time.

Our vineyards are located at altitudes between 300 and 500 meters asl on sites with varying soils. The spectrum ranges from what is locally called Opok (a limey marl), to Leithakalk, on to sands and gravel, schists, and soils of volcanic origin. Both the soil formation and aspect of a vineyard are crucial in planting a new vineyard site. This location diversity is mirrored in the wide range of varieties cultivated in the area.

Slopes of up 38 degrees put a strict limit to the use of machinery in the vineyards. Manual work is key to achieving the best quality possible in any vintage.