Southern Styria stands for fragrant, fresh wines, especially from the leading variety Sauvignon Blanc. But on the 2340 hectares of vineyards there is enough room for a wide range of varieties, from Welschriesling to Morillon and Muskateller to Traminer. Here, in one of the most charming wine landscapes in Europe, viticulture is hard work, however, as most of the vineyards are located on extremely steep slopes. The soils available in the Südsteiermark winegrowing region are as diverse as the grape varieties: from sand and slate to marl and shell limestone. Warm, humid Mediterranean climate determines the long vegetation cycle, cool nights promote the development of a rich aroma, which helps the white wine varieties to a wealth of nuances and nobility. From the slender, fruit-driven young wine - as a "Junker" one of the harbingers of the new vintage - to the elegant classic line to highly ripe, extract-rich site wines, the winemakers PLAY to their strengths. The Sauvignon Blanc grape variety in particular was able to work its way up to the top in the course of continuous further development, and today representatives of the variety from southern Styria belong to the world class. That this will continue in the future is guaranteed by an extremely open-minded winegrowers' community, which has gained experience in the wine world during travels and practical visits. But the viticultural school in Silberberg also contributes with theory and practice to equip young winemakers with the best qualifications. Getting to know the area is worthwhile at any time of the year. An autumn wine tour along the Wine Road, on the one hand along the Slovenian border, and on the other through the Sausal region to the west of the city of Leibnitz, has particular appeal. Sufficient time should be planned for stops such as Ehrenhausen, Gamlitz, Leutschach or Kitzeck. Ringing names of sites such as Czamillonberg, Pössnitzberg, Kranachberg, Hochgrassnitzberg, Steinriegel, Kittenberg, Nussberg, Obegg or Zieregg evoke associations with the corresponding top wines. These have meanwhile found their way onto the wine lists not only of regional gastronomy, but are also causing a stir internationally. Archduke Johann, a grandson of Empress Maria Theresa and a winegrowing pioneer with a "European" vision for his time in terms of wine culture, whose traces can still be traced in the region today, would be proud of his southern Styrian vintners.
