Winery Winkler-Hermaden, Vulkanland-Steiermark, Austria organic

Winkler-Hermaden, Vulkanland Steiermark, Austria

In the far southeast of Austria lie the vineyards of Winkler-Hermaden. Atop an ancient volcano stands an impressive wine castle. The wine region is aptly named Vulkanland Steiermark (formerly Südoststeiermark) — the entire area (extending into Italy) was once dotted with volcanoes. The soil is therefore rich in unique minerals, and this has a clear effect on the style of the wines. Winkler-Hermaden ranks among the finest wine estates and is a member of STK: Steierische Klassik, which applies stricter rules and classifies all vineyards by quality.

Organic since 2005

A few years ago, winemaker Georg Winkler-Hermaden handed over the reins to his three sons, with Christof as the winemaker. Since 2005 the switch to organic winemaking has been made, and today all wines are grown and produced organically. Winkler-Hermaden is particularly known for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc — a regional speciality. The style is more classical than New Zealand but also different from Sancerre. Christof also makes distinctive Zweigelt wines, which you don't often see here. Also highly recommended are the dry wines of Traminer and Gewürztraminer, and — when available — their nobly sweet wines. In recent years they have also started making orange wines from Gewürztraminer.

More info: https://winkler-hermaden.at/