Süd-Oststeiermark: Volcanic Terroir Characterising the Wines
A number of small wine islands, primarily on the slopes of extinct volcanoes, lend special flair to the Süd-Oststeiermark landscape. The volcanic soils, combined with the special micro-climate, result in a wine style dominated by a mineral and spice character. Growing in the 1,600 hectares of vineyards here is the extensive range of grape varieties found throughout all of Steiermark. But around the area of Klöch, Traminer is a special tip.
For centuries, this was a heavily disputed borderland, of which many fortified castles and chateaux sitting up high on basalt cliff tops bear evidence. Today, the borders are open, and Riegersburg, Schloß Kapfenstein and 
other remarkable residences have become venues for an array of cultural events, many of which are related to food and wine. This wine-growing area, unlike any other, offers a particularly wide range of grapes: for white wines are Welschriesling, Chardonnay (called Morillon), Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Gelber Muskateller, the Traminer family, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling; red wines feature Zweigelt as well as other grapes, including St. Laurent or Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir). All of them possess spicy and mineral aromas, thanks to the special geological conditions of the area.
Four wine routes lead through the charming landscape - mostly rolling hills – here. A vinotheque providing a view over the entire Styrian region is situated in St. Anna am Aigen. And along the volcanic fault line are spas that tourists find to be perfect destinations. Apart from the few large estates, viticulture is generally a part-time job for wine-growers; their produce is sold mainly in the numerous Heurigen. The most important wine-growing villages are Bad Radkersburg, Feldbach, Gleisdorf, Hartberg, Kapfenstein, Klöch, Riegersburg, St. Peter, Straden, Tieschen and Weiz. In the north, at the Ringkogel, near Hartberg, are some of Austria´s highest vineyards, which lie at 650 meters above sea level. The weather reflects the contrast between a hot, dry Pannonian climate and humid, warm Mediterranean conditions. Many of the vines grow in warm soils comprising volcanic earth, basalt, sand, clay and weathered stone.
Wine Estates located in Südoststeiermark
