Ultimate Wine Guide 2018/19

STEIERMARK/STYRIA
The spectacular view of Ried Scheming from
the market square in St. Anna am Aigen
VOLCANIC CLIFFS,
INIMITABLE WINES
Numerous little wine islands on the slopes of extinct volcanoes give the
landscape of Vulkanland Steiermark a unique flair. 1,524 vineyard hectares are
cultivated and the main centres are Klöch, St. Anna am Aigen and Straden.
E
nticing, highly aromatic Traminer is
a regional speciality and the majority
is sold through quaint little Buschenschanks
(winery taverns). The many fortresses
and castles perched high on basalt cliff tops
bear evidence that this was a heavily disputed
borderland for centuries. Today, borders are
open and Riegersburg, Schloss Kapfenstein
and other castles offer an attractive ambience
for an array of cultural and culinary events.
This wine-growing area, like few others, offers
a particularly wide range of international
grape varieties. White varieties dominate and
include Welschriesling, Morillon (Chardonnay),
Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder
(Pinot Gris), Gelber Muskateller (Muscat
Blanc à petits grains), the Traminer family,
Sauvignon Blanc and even Riesling. Red wines
feature Zweigelt as well as St. Laurent and
Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir). All of these varieties
express the unique geological conditions of
the area through an inimitable spicy, mineral
note.
Four wine routes lead through a charming
landscape of rolling hills. A regional wine shop
in St. Anna am Aigen provides an overview of
the entire wine-growing area. Luxurious spas
located along the volcanic fault line are popular
vacation destinations. Viticulture is generally
practiced as a side job, but the number
of ambitious young vintners is growing. Most
wines are sold in the numerous winery taverns
of the region. The most important wine villages
are Bad Radkersburg, Feldbach, Gleisdorf,
© Steiermark Tourismus/Harry Schiffer
350 falstaff WINE GUIDE 2018