Sudoststeiermark is a wine-growing region in the south-eastern corner of Austria on the border with Slovenia. The terroir is largely volcanic in origin, lending distinctive characteristics to the wines produced here. Spicy, aromatic wines from the Traminer family are a particular specialty.
©Bernd Neumeier
While Sudoststeiermark’s viticultural zone covers a large area on paper, the region’s 1400ha of vineyards are mainly concentrated around the towns of Kloch, Sankt Anna am Aigen and Straden, with Slovenia on their southern border.
The volcanic soils in Sudoststeiermark set it apart from other parts of Austria. Volcanic basalt, sand and loam provide a variety of soil types for the production of healthy vines. The wines derived from these soils display a particular spiciness, with a touch of minerality. Volcanic soils are not often suitable for the cultivation of vines and are present in only a handful of other wine regions, the most notable being Baden and Pfalz in Germany and Tokaj in Hungary.
The climate of Sudoststeiermark also plays an important part in determining its wine styles. The warming effects of the Pannonian Plain are followed by cooler nights which assist in lengthening the growing season. The diurnal temperature variation produces grapes with concentrated aroma and a crisp acidity.
A wide variety of grapes are planted in the region. Weissburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay can be found in quantity in Sudoststeiermark. The Traminer family does particularly well, producing spicy, aromatic wines with an international reputation. Zweigelt is the most important red variety, but Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Saint-Laurent can be found as well.
