Picture of a Steiermark landscape with vines and houses on hills

Sauvignon Selection by CMB international competition medal

Host 2024 : Steiermark

Steiermark, the promised land for Sauvignon blanc in Eastern Europe

Sauvignon blanc is one of the most iconic grape varieties grown in Austria and the Steiermark region is renowned for its Sauvignon offerings.

Located in southern Austria, Steiermark stands on the border with Slovenia and Hungary. The region is home to picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and terraced vineyards, providing a felicitous setting for vines to thrive.

Sauvignon Selection by CMB (formerly Concours Mondial du Sauvignon) will take place in Steiermark from 18 to 20 April 2024 in Silberberg/Leibnitz.

Steiermark

Steiermark’s area under vine has risen from 2,124 hectares in 1974 to approximately 5,100 ha currently. Vineyards are planted with a wide variety of cultivars but Sauvignon blanc covers 910 hectares, making it the leading varietal. It is grown in Steiermark’s three wine regions where the distinctive continental climate paves the way for different conditions for winegrowing.

Climate and soils

Steiermark’s unique geological conditions and weather patterns play a pivotal role in the region’s outstanding Sauvignon blanc pours. The combination of a moderate continental climate and Mediterranean influence rising off the nearby Adriatic Sea creates conditions that promote ripening of the fruit. Sunny days and cool nights allow the grapes to develop complex aromas and flavours.

Zoom on someone's hands showing stones found in the Steiermark grounds

Steiermark’s variety of soil types – ranging from limestone to schist and gravel to clay – add an extra dimension to the Sauvignon blanc wines produced in the region. Each soil type instils hallmark characters in the wines, influencing their structure, minerality and aromatic profile. Steiermark also has a varied topography which plays a crucial part in growing Sauvignon blanc. The vineyards are often planted on hillsides, optimising drainage and maximising exposure for the grapes. This configuration promotes concentrated aromas and flavours in the grapes, whilst avoiding a build-up of dampness.

Winemaking techniques

Steiermark’s winegrowers have fine-tuned their vineyard management techniques and honed their winemaking skills in order to maximise the potential of their Sauvignon blanc grapes. They often choose to harvest the fruit by hand to guarantee a quality crop. Also, the wines are commonly fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit aromas and the trademark freshness of Sauvignon blanc.

Zoom on hands cultivating white grapes with cutting pliers

Steiermark’s Sauvignon blanc wines are renowned for their elegance, aromatic intensity and vibrant freshness. Typical aromas and flavours include tropical fruit notes such as passion fruit and pineapple along with citrus nuances like lime and grapefruit. The wines can be enjoyed young for their vibrancy or when more mature as they develop layered complexity over time.

A picure of a landscape in Steiermark. There are vines and houses on hills. A low layer of clouds is covering parts of the hills.

Vines and houses on a hill in the first plan, forests and houses on the second plan.

Production of Sauvignon blanc in Steiermark is a subtle fusion of skilful vineyard management and winemaking science. Decisions on when to harvest and which fermentation and maturation techniques to use are carefully thought-through in order to showcase the unique characters of the varietal and capture the essence of Steiermark’s vineyard sites in every bottle.

Ultimately, the Austrian region of Steiermark holds a prominent place in production of quality Sauvignon blanc. Its felicitous climate, varied soil types and the craftsmanship of local winegrowers allow Steiermark to continually craft Sauvignon blanc wines which captivate wine enthusiasts the world over.

STEIERMARK - THE GREEN HEART OF AUSTRIA

Styria is not only an outstanding wine-growing region, but also a fantastic destination for relaxing holidays or a short break. Enjoy culinary highlights ( e.g. Buschenschank), explore the unspoilt nature on hikes or bike tours through wineyards or relax in one of the numerous thermal spas. Styria has something to offer for every taste. Immerse yourself in the world of Styrian hospitality and discover the Green Heart of Austria - a paradise for connoisseurs and nature lovers alike.
More information about Steiermark region: www.steiermark.com/en