Gamlitz in the south of the Styrian hills on the border with Slovenia is the home of the Söll family. They have been running their winery of the same name here, just outside the market town of 3,000 souls, since 1806. Hannes Söll and his wife Maria took over the idyllic estate in 1997. Just one year later, the winegrower switched to what he calls "gentle viticulture".
"Organic cultivation was not enough for me. I want to intervene as little as possible in the vineyard, for example, I don't use any fertilizer. As a result, the vines grow more slowly and are more resistant to disease. This has an effect on the entire system. Grasses, herbs and insects thrive in the vineyards again. Instead of 25, I make a maximum of four to six tractor passes, which not only saves a lot of fuel, but also protects the soil. They are the intestines of the vine. If the soil is healthy, then the wine is healthy too. Each vine is as different as a child and needs affection and loving care. That is why we work the vines, leaves and shoots by hand. Our harvest and cellar work is based on the phases of the moon. The absence of chemicals and tractors has an economic and human value. Some people compare our vineyards to a primeval forest, but that is exactly what we want," says Hannes Söll, explaining his philosophy.
Wine classics such as Gelber Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc are just as much a part of the winery's portfolio as high-quality red vineyards. These gems are not only fermented in steel and wood, but also partly in concrete vats. Numerous awards prove that Hannes Söll is on the right track, and yet he has embarked on a new chapter in his life: "We have reduced to eight hectares and our son Christian is leading our winery into the next generation." Hannes Söll will pass on his knowledge and his ideology of gentle viticulture to interested winegrowers in the future. What he will definitely be continuing are his guided tours of the vineyards, including wine tastings and snacks, which are well-known far beyond the borders of Gamlitz. For those interested, the Söll winery is offering a discounted tasting package: twelve bottles, four varieties, for 120 euros including shipping!
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