Wohlmuth > Styria

The Sausal region, which stretches around the South-Styrian village of Kitzeck, ranks among Austria’s most historical winegrowing areas. The vineyards are planted at altitudes of 380 to 650 meters above sea level. With an average steepness of up to 80%, they belong to Europe’s steepest vineyard sites. Wohlmuth’s most important single-vineyard sites – Altenberg, Edelschuh, Gola, Sausaler Schlössl, Einöd and Steinriegel – have been rated amongst Styria’s premium single vineyards since the 14th century.

Southern Styria is Austria´s most southern wine-growing region and is influenced by the illyric climate. Through the interplay of the warm climate from the Adriatic Sea and the cool winds from the very near Alps, there exist big temperature differences between day and night, which brings very rich and complex flavors into the wines.

The soils in the Sausal mountains differ strongly from those along the South Styrian Wine Route, frequently characterized by calciferous deposits – originated from million-year-old primordial oceans and formed by remains of corals, algae or shells. The Sausal has never come into contact with sea water and the soil in those higher regions is mostly composed of red, grey and black slate. This uniqueness is reflected in the wines, that often exhibit a saline character, dinstinctive minerality and spicy notes.

Since 1803 the Wohlmuth family has been dedicated to the cultivation of wine. The estate is now run by Maria and Gerhard as well as their son, Gerhard Jr. and his wife Marion. Respect for nature, uncompromising aspiration to quality and sustainability are the fundamentals of their work. Year after year, every single operation is performed by experienced hands, from pruning to picking. In the vineyards, the key elements are soil management and the encouragement of natural predators to control vine pests. Depending on the variety, yields range between 3200 and 4500 liters per hectare. As harvest approaches, the optimum picking date for bringing in physiologically ripe fruit is discussed by the whole family. Several manual picks are made to select berries unaffected by rot – the overall prerequisite for producing razor-sharp whites. The fruit is then taken in small boxes to the press house, where they are handled very carefully. Depending on the variety, the quality of the berries and the vintage, the family makes decisions in regards to destemming, whole-bunch pressing, maceration time (from no skin contact to a few hours), in order to obtain optimum quality. It goes without saying that the gentle and careful handling of the crop is essential in every phase of the vinification. The wines are vegan.

Wohlmuth is a synonym for outstanding rich and complex wines, which express the special terrain of Kitzeck: steep slopes, schist soil and a microclimate with a great variation in temperature. Gerhard Wohlmuth is an enthusiastic, nationally and internationally trained winemaker, who has succeeded year after year in producing award winning wines on national and international level. He was awarded “Austrian’s Winemaker of the Year 2001” and won the “International Pinot Gris Trophy 2007” at the International Wine Challenge in London.

Wohlmuth Website

Sauvignon Blanc Klassik

100% Sauvignon Blanc from several vineyards.
Soil: Paleozoic slate (gray, red and blue-black slate).
Winemaking: The grapes are hand picked. Maceration time of 4 to 8 hours, temperature controlled fermentation (19°C—21°C or 66 to 70F) in stainless steel tanks and bâtonnage for several months. 12.5% Alcohol.

Sauvignon Blanc Steinriegl

Steinriegl is a single vineyard, owned by the family since 1803. It is very steep (60 to 78% inclination) and is located 1300 to 1450 feet above sea level, with a south-southwest exposition. The vines are 10 to 45 year old. Its special exposure and elevation ensure quick and strong cooling at night. It produces intense wines with a pronounced minerality derived from the red slate soil.
The grapes are picked very late, by hand, and are given a short maceration time before being very gently pressed. Slow natural fermentation in stainless steel tanks and in big used wooden casks, at temperatures around 20°C or 68F. Bâtonnage for several months. 13.5% Alcohol.
Savory aromas, ripe flavors lifted by a high minerality, spicy notes and dense mouthfeel. A wine made for aging.

Sauvignon Blanc Edelschuh

Edelschuh is a south facing single vineyard, 1600 to 1900 feet above sea level, with steep slopes from 73 to 90% inclination. The vines are 25 to 45 year old, planted on red and blue-black slate soil. It is a very warm site that produces grapes with a high level of ripeness and acidity - due to the altitude and cool nights.
The grapes are hand picked late but are botrytis free. They are given a short maceration time and are very gently pressed. Slow natural fermentation in 500l wooden casks. Bâtonnage for several months and almost 1 year aging in the casks. The resulting wines are complex, mineral driven and have very good aging potential. 13.5% alcohol.

Gelber Muskateller Steinriegl

Steinriegl is a single vineyard, owned by the family since 1803. It is very steep (60 to 78% inclination) and is located 1300 to 1450 feet above sea level, with a south-southwest exposition. The soil is paleozoic schist.
The grapes are hand picked selectively very late, go through a short maceration time and are gently pressed. Slow natural fermentation in stainless steel tanks at temperatures around 68F. Bâtonnage for several months. Aromatic, very grapey muscat notes, black pepper, ripe mandarines, a dry Gelber Muskateller with depth. 12.5% alcohol.

Blaufränkisch Hochberg

Hochberg is a South facing vineyard that ranks among the best red wine vineyards of Austria. The soil is loamy slate and limestone. The resulting wines are very elegant and mineral driven.
The grapes are very selectively hand picked. Traditional fermentation on the skins in tanks, malolactic fermentation and aging in used barriques. Dry blackberries, sweet spice, succulent, dark berry fruit. 13,5% alcohol.