Wines that reflect their origin. In different expressions. Characteristic for individual sites and wine-growing. Each of the twelve STK wine estates

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Dana Nicholson
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2 Wines that reflect their origin. In different expressions. Characteristic for individual sites and wine-growing. Each of the twelve STK wine estates knows its distinctive attributes. United, they stand for an inimitable region.

Vienna A UNIQUE LOCATION Beaune Salzburg ALPS ADRIATIC SEA AUSTRIA The Mediterranean to the south, the Alps

This describes not only where the wine areas Südsteiermark and Vulkanland Steiermark Graz Budapest are

Mediterranean warmth Milan Venice collides with cool winds and frequent rainfall.

3 Vienna A UNIQUE LOCATION Beaune Salzburg ALPS ADRIATIC SEA AUSTRIA The Mediterranean to the south, the Alps to the north. This describes not only where the wine areas Südsteiermark and Vulkanland Steiermark Graz Budapest are located, but also what influences them. The wines produced here thrive under contrasting climatic influences. Mediterranean warmth Milan Venice collides with cool winds and frequent rainfall. Steep to extremely steep slopes typify the region. Conditions are certainly challenging, but they yield delicate wines of origin that are characterized by climate, soil and handcraftmanship. Austria Südsteiermark Vulkanland Steiermark

4 WHAT DEFINES US

5 Steep Hills. True Characters. Keen Wine.

Even in hot summers, it rains more frequently than elsewhere. Average annual precipitation is 1000 litres per square meter.

6 Serendipity of a complex climate. Sunny and Mediterranean, yet also cool and Alpine. The climate in south and southeast Steiermark is inimitable; variable weather is a persistent factor of uncertainty. Even in hot summers, it rains more frequently than elsewhere. Average annual precipitation is 1000 litres per square meter. Wet weather is a great challenge for vintners. Manual canopy management enhances natural protection. Despite this, rain also has a positive side. It allows grass to grow between the vines, which vitalizes the soil and promotes elegance and freshness in the wines.

There are five different soil types in Südsteiermark and Vulkanland Steiermark.

Nearly every vineyard has different soil. The foundation reaches back millions of years.

Marine sediments and sand and gravel deposited by ancient rivers are the stylistic tools of the winegrowers.

7 There are five different soil types in Südsteiermark and Vulkanland Steiermark. Sand and gravel, limestone, marl, slate and even volcanic basalt. Plus their various combinations. An incomparable diversity. Nearly every vineyard has different soil. The foundation reaches back millions of years. A primordial ocean covered large parts of the Steiermark. Marine sediments and sand and gravel deposited by ancient rivers are the stylistic tools of the winegrowers. The place where vines root is instilled within them. Cultivated naturally and sustainably, the soil remains recognizable in the wines. The sandier the soil, the more delicate and fragrant the wine is. With increasing clay content, the wines become fuller and more concentrated. Soil diversity.

Consequential topography. At elevations of 300 to 600 metres (980-2130 ft.), grapes achieve a higher degree of ripeness. The precipitous terrain places high demands on winegrowers.

8 Consequential topography. At elevations of 300 to 600 metres ( ft.), grapes achieve a higher degree of ripeness. The precipitous terrain places high demands on winegrowers. The use of machines is nearly impossible. Vines are tended manually and grapes are selectively picked by hand. Steep and extremely steep vineyards have consequences. The highly undulating landscape of the Steiermark offers vineyards east, south and west-facing aspects. Because the slopes are usually steep, sometimes exceedingly steep, vines benefit from more solar radiation.

Traditional grape varieties. The climate, soil and topography of southern Steiermark make it a terroir predestined for white wine. The soil diversity is advantageous for a broad varietal spectrum.

They are today considered local, bound in regional tradition and propagated over generations. Particularly at the family-operated STK wine estates.

In addition to this, there are the varieties Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Muskateller (Muscat blanc à petits grains), Traminer, Riesling, Welschriesling, and more rarely,

9 Traditional grape varieties. The climate, soil and topography of southern Steiermark make it a terroir predestined for white wine. The soil diversity is advantageous for a broad varietal spectrum. Archduke Johann brought the grape varieties Morillon (Chardonnay) and Sauvignon Blanc to the region in 1822 for experimentation at a model winery. They are today considered local, bound in regional tradition and propagated over generations. Particularly at the family-operated STK wine estates. Some of the vines were planted by the grandparents or great-grandparents. It was the founders of the STK that declared Sauvignon Blanc as the prime variety of southern Steiermark. In addition to this, there are the varieties Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Muskateller (Muscat blanc à petits grains), Traminer, Riesling, Welschriesling, and more rarely, red wine varieties. Handmade quality. The effort is extraordinary. Around 800 hours of manual labour are invested per vineyard hectare. This is due not only to the steepness, but also the STK wine estates demands on quality. Pruning, canopy management, selective harvesting according to grape health and ripeness. Many things must be done by hand to achieve what the STK winegrowers consider suitably high quality. That adds up. In terms of time and enjoyment.

11 GROSSE STK RIED (STK Grand Cru) Südsteiermark DAC and Vulkanland Steiermark DAC ERSTE STK RIED (STK Premier Cru) 100 % HAND-PICKED 8 TRADITIONAL WHITE VARIETIES Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Gelber Muskateller, Riesling, Traminer, Welschriesling EXTRA DRY - DRY WINES REGULATED RELEASE DATES RIEDENWEIN (Cru Wine) ORTSWEIN (Village Wine) GEBIETSWEIN (Territory Wine) Steiermark REGIONSWEIN (Regional Wine) G STK 1 STK GROSSE STK RIED ( STK Grand Cru) Exquisite single-vineyard wines from the most exceptional STK Rieds (single vineyards). Favoured by extraordinary terroir and harvested late. Vines must be at least 15 years old. Yields are limited to 4500 litres per hectare. A minimum presence of ten years on the market guarantees exceptional quality. Earliest release on May 1st following 18 months maturation. ERSTE STK RIED (STK Premier Cru) These single-vineyard wines are made from late-harvest grapes from outstanding STK Rieds (single vineyards). Vines must be at least twelve years old. Yields are limited to 4500 litres per hectare. Only wines that have proved themselves on the market to have the potential to mature for at least five years qualify for this classification. Earliest release is September 1st the year after the harvest. RIEDENWEIN (Cru Wine) The potential of a Ried (single vineyard), privileged by its terroir, transformed into an expressive, unique wine. The grapes are harvested selectively by hand. The earliest release is May 1st following the harvest. ORTSWEIN (Village Wine) Every wine village is unique in terms of location, elevation and geology. An Ortswein (Village Wine) reflects this perfectly. Only the most typical vineyards and the traditional grape varieties of Steiermark are considered suitable. Harvested by hand. Available from May 1st following the harvest. GEBIETSWEIN (Territory Wine) REGIONSWEIN (Regional Wine) Dry white wines with an emphasis on Regional wines with a specialty trait. territory, made from handpicked grapes Whether a red wine or a sweet predicated of a single variety and one region. wine, these are regional wine specialties Conscientiously vinified and matured beyond the Ortswein (Village Wine) and for six months in the cellar. Wines with Gebietswein (Territory Wine) categories. an elegant, fruity character that are available from March 1st after the harvest.

7 Bad Gleichenberg MUR 6 4 Leibnitz 8 1 5 MUR 3

12 7 Bad Gleichenberg MUR 6 4 Leibnitz MUR 3 Bad Radkersburg 2 Vulkanland 1 Gamlitz Südsteiermark Steiermark 2 Leutschach 6 Straden 7 Kapfenstein 8 Klöch 3 Eichberg 4 Kitzeck-Sausal 5 Ehrenhausen

1 2 3 4 Gamlitz Leutschach Eichberg Kitzeck-Sausal The name of the wine village Gamlitz stems from the Slavic term gom, meaning hill.

) and aspects that vary from east to south to west. Some sites are located in warm bowls, protected from the wind, while others are exposed hillsides that rise above the surrounding landscape.

The sands are comprised of quartz, often mixed with mica, and provide well-drained vineyard soils that are usually free of calcium.

They amplify the temperature differences between night and day, thus enhancing aroma development in the grapes.

13 Gamlitz Leutschach Eichberg Kitzeck-Sausal The name of the wine village Gamlitz stems from the Slavic term gom, meaning hill. The undulating landscape is marked with vineyards, meadow orchards and small mixed woodlands. Vines grow on steep slopes with elevations from 320 to 550 metres ( ft.) and aspects that vary from east to south to west. Some sites are located in warm bowls, protected from the wind, while others are exposed hillsides that rise above the surrounding landscape. The foundations are sands that were created during a sedimentation process as the Paratethys Sea receded. The sands are comprised of quartz, often mixed with mica, and provide well-drained vineyard soils that are usually free of calcium. The Steinbach and Kranach gorges are striking incisions in the hilly landscape that have significant influence on vineyard microclimates. They amplify the temperature differences between night and day, thus enhancing aroma development in the grapes. The vineyards in Leutschach are among the most southerly in the Steiermark and lie at elevations between 380 and 570 metres ( ft.). The vineyards are located predominantly in steep, south-facing bowls that curve toward east or west. The geographic location is influenced by warm rising winds that collide with cool air masses from the Koralpe Mountains to the west. This results in large temperature differences between day and night as well as a nearly fog-free climate. The soils are predominantly Opok, a calcareous, finegrained sedimentary marl formed from 15-millionyear-old marine deposits. Pebbles are sometimes interspersed. The medium to heavy Opok soils store warmth and moisture, offering optimal ripening conditions. Combined with the great diurnal temperature fluctuations, the soils promote the development of spicy, dark aromas in the grapes. The Eichberg hills between Gamlitz and Leutschach rise from 380 to 600 metres ( ft.), exposed vineyards with high peaks typify this community. On the highest peak, the 633-metre Kreuzberg, there is a watchtower with a viewing platform that offers a spectacular view over southern Steiermark. The vineyards in Eichberg are often near cool forests and the proximity of the Koralpe Mountains also influences the cool microclimates of the individual sites. The soils were formed in a sedimentation process similar to Gamlitz, but they have higher pebble content. Sand and pebbles are often consolidated to gravelly conglomerate. Grapes that grow here have crisp aromas and ripen comparatively late, which leads to moderate alcohol content in the wines. The geology of Kitzeck-Sausal was formed around 400 million years ago. When the Paratethys Sea covered the region around 15 million years ago, this mountain ridge still rose above the surface of the shallow sea and marine deposits were left only on the lower slopes. The landscape is thus craggier, which is particularly evident in the impressively steep slopes and numerous vineyard terraces around the village Kitzeck. The difference in elevation between the top and base of a vineyard slope is usually over 200 metres (660 ft.). Most of the vineyards lie between 380 and 650 metres ( ft.), which promotes good vine aeration. Weathered slate and occasionally schist provide porous, well-drained soils that store warmth well. The harvest usually takes place late in Kitzeck-Sausal, which promotes cool, spicy aromas and good acid structure in the grapes. VINEYARD AREA: 693 hectares VINEYARD AREA: 631 hectares VINEYARD AREA: 355 hectares VINEYARD AREA: 425 hectares GEOLOGY: sand, crystalline GEOLOGY: Opok (calcareous marl) GEOLOGY: gravel (pebbles), conglomerate GEOLOGY: slate VINEYARD SOILS: light soils with high quartz content PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller (Muscat Blanc à petits grains) VINEYARD SOILS: medium to heavy Opok, occasionally interspersed with pebbles PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller (Muscat Blanc à petits grains) VINEYARD SOILS: light, sandy soils with high pebble content PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller (Muscat Blanc à petits grains) VINEYARD SOILS: light, foliated slate and sometimes schist PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling

5 6 7 8 Ehrenhausen Straden Kapfenstein Klöch The most south-eastern wine village of Südsteiermark with its pretty manor houses and prominent castle is regarded as the entrance gate to the

The steep, mostly south-facing vineyards open generously and lie between 300 and 530 metres (980-1740 ft.). The Paratethys Sea covered Südsteiermark 15 million years ago.

Through later sedimentation and erosion processes, fine-grained calcareous soils with high clay content were formed that provide ideal growing conditions for vines.

The over 800-year-old wine village Straden and its church sanctuary, enthroned in the middle of the southern part of Vulkanland Steiermark, are visible from afar.

14 Ehrenhausen Straden Kapfenstein Klöch The most south-eastern wine village of Südsteiermark with its pretty manor houses and prominent castle is regarded as the entrance gate to the Südsteiermark Wine Route. The vineyards are located high above the historic old city centre. The mighty hills rise adjacent to the Pannonian Basin and the Mur River. The steep, mostly south-facing vineyards open generously and lie between 300 and 530 metres ( ft.). The Paratethys Sea covered Südsteiermark 15 million years ago. Remains of coralline algae and coral reefs can be seen in exposed rock faces in the vineyards. Through later sedimentation and erosion processes, fine-grained calcareous soils with high clay content were formed that provide ideal growing conditions for vines. Grapes achieve high ripeness with spicy aromas and ripe acid structure. The over 800-year-old wine village Straden and its church sanctuary, enthroned in the middle of the southern part of Vulkanland Steiermark, are visible from afar. The landscape of the area surrounding the village is characterized by the remains of an ancient gravel bed and the foothills of the extinct volcano, Stradener Kogel. The vineyards are scattered like islands on steep slopes and elevated plateaus around the historic market village and lie between 300 and 440 metres ( ft.). Vines root either in meagre soils stemming from calcareous marine sediments and gravel deposits from the Alps, or in weathered basalt soils on the foothills of the Stradener Kogel. Grapes achieve harmonious ripeness and yield rich, well-structured wines. The extinct Kapfenstein volcano and its striking 11th-century castle dominate the landscape between Bad Gleichenberg and Fehring. The steeply rising Kuruzzenkogel is another volcanic cone in the vicinity. To the northwest, near the Bertholdstein Castle, the landscape rises once again before it drops to the floor of the Raab Valley, the northern limit of the village community. The geology of the extinct volcanoes is predominantly basalt-tuff that is interspersed with olivine gemstones. Toward the foot of the hills, the soils become deeper with increasingly clayey marine sands and river gravel. Influenced by a Pannonian-Illyrian climate, potent, harmonious grapes thrive in Kapfenstein. The old wine village Klöch in southeast Vulkanland Steiermark is located in a valley that opens toward the south and is flanked by extinct volcanic cones to the west and east. The over 600-year-old Klöch fortress ruin perched above the village serves as an event venue and vantage point over the hilly landscape to the south. Basalt dominates the west side of Klöch, while on the east side there is more tuff. Due to the high iron content, the basalt and tuff are reddish in colour. The Klöch microclimate is highly influenced by the warm Pannonian Basin and yields powerful Traminer. This grape variety is the local specialty and is produced at every winery in styles ranging from dry to noble sweet. VINEYARD AREA: 426 hectares VINEYARD AREA: 166 hectares VINEYARD AREA: 73 hectares VINEYARD AREA: 179 hectares GEOLOGY: limestone (coral limestone), calcareous marl VINEYARD SOILS: calcareous, fine-grained soils with high clay content PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon (Chardonnay) GEOLOGY: gravel (pebbles), sandstone, basalt VINEYARD SOILS: light to heavy calcareous sediments (Sarmatian gravel and sandstone), weathered basalt on the slopes of the Stradner Kogel PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) GEOLOGY: basalt-tuff interspersed with olivine VINEYARD SOILS: weathered tuff, clayey sand and gravel PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) GEOLOGY: red basalt VINEYARD SOILS: weathered basalt and tuff, clayey sand and gravel PRIME VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer

I M P R I N T Editors and responsible for the contents: Verein der Steirischen Terroir- und Klassikweingüter Ratsch 45, A-8461 Ratsch a.d. Weinstraße, info@stk-wein.

15 I M P R I N T Editors and responsible for the contents: Verein der Steirischen Terroir- und Klassikweingüter Ratsch 45, A-8461 Ratsch a.d. Weinstraße, info@stk-wein.at, Design, concept and photography: moodley brand identity, Photos inside cover: Stocksy / Dimitrije Tanaskovic, Nemanja Glumac Text: Andreas Kump, Translation: Julia Sevenich Print: All rights reserved. No liability accepted for inaccuracies or printing errors. Steiermark, March 2019 WE ARE NOT 12 WINEMAKERS. WE ARE 12 WINEGROWERS.

16 STK-WEIN.AT

17 F R A U W A L L N E R G R O S S L A C K N E R T I N N A C H E R M A I T Z N E U M E I S T E R P O L Z E. S A B A T H I H. S A B A T H I S A T T L E R H O F T E M E N T W I N K L E R - H E R M A D E N W O H L M U T H Life's hard in the mountains.

WINERY TEMENT Berghausen STYRIA-AUSTRIA

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