Gneiss and slate soils dominate the 432 hectares of vineyards. Besides the main variety, Blauer Wildbacher, which, according to Austrian law, can be grown only in the Steiermark, Welschriesling, Weissburgunder and Zweigelt are planted.
The Weststeiermark (Western Styria) is the classic land of the Schilcher. Although this dry, fruity wine with pronounced acidity is found in other areas of Styria, it is at its best here, between Ligist and Eibiswald. The Schilcher is a rosé made from lightly pressed Blauer Wildbacher grapes, has a distinctive salmon, perhaps onion colour, and has lovely herbal overtones. Stainz, Deutschlandsberg, Schwanberg, Eibiswald, Gross-St. Florian and Wies are some of the important Schilcher-producing villages.
More and more wine-makers here are demonstrating that low yields and careful vinification deepen the fine nuances of Schilcher quality. Such wines are highlighted by - and on - the Schilcher-Weinstrasse, the Schilcher Wine Road. One example is the vinothèque Schilcherstöckl in Rassach, near Stainz, where a cross section of the wines can be tasted.
The West Styrian Schilcher is even protected with its own brand identity - the "Weisses Pferd", or white horse, trademark, which was established in 1988. In fact, the Schilcher's popularity has grown so much that a local association is actually working to ensure that there is no over-production of the grape, so that quality is not compromised.
New in the region are intriguing, animated Schilcher sparkling wines. As well as red wines made from Blauer Wildbacher grapes: these are high in tannin and acidity, and are better for storing than Schilcher, which must be drunk young.
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