Ried Pössnitzberg
Große STK Ried
Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg
Grand Cru STK
Extreme steepness, intensive manual work,
very chalky soils, a great white wine terroir
The Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg is the most southern single vineyard in Styria and it is very important for our winery. The name „Pössnitz” originates from the Slavic word “pesek” and means “sand”.
The name refers to the two streams of the same name, which are not inseparable. The first documentary mention of “Pesnich” dates back to 1139.
In 1436 the “Pößnitzberg” is first mentioned in a document. At that time, Count Friedrich Cilli leased several properties to Jacob Trapp in Leutschach and in Arnfels and also three “Huben” (farmsteads) “under Smylenwerg (Schmierenberg) at the Pesnitzperg (Pössnitzberg).” At that time the Counts of Cilli had been the landlords on “Pößnitzberg”.
Based on an old wine-growing map of Styria, chronicles from 1904 and 1914 manifest the name “Pössnitzberg” as a state prototype vineyard.
Steepness and extremely chalky soils account for grand, deep terroir wines – laborious and intensive manual work provided.
In the fifties our grandfather Johann Sabathi recognised the potential of the site Pössnitzberg and acquired the first core of this precious vineyard. Even at that time he reproduced the best plants of his 50-years old Sauvignon Blanc-vines.
This extremely steep and rocky single vineyard benefits from partly very old vines and deep roots. Due to an inclination of 75% this vineyard needs to be cultivated almost by hand.
Categorisation
The Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg is predestined as a great white wine terroir. Due to the interaction of the soil structure and of the climatic factors this single vineyard is unique. These Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines are very authentic. Our wines from Pössnitzberg, classified as “Große STK Ried” (Grand Cru STK), are delicately mineral, very salty on the palate and show a tight structure and high ageing potential. The harvest yield is limited to a maximum of 45 hectolitres. Grand Cru STK wines are allowed to be offered for sale at the earliest on the 1st of May after 18 months of maturation.
Local orientation
a predominantly south-facing location forming a basin with eastern and western extensions and an inclination of up to 75% (the major part more than 50% of inclination)
Sea level
395m-540m
Climate
This vineyard is protected by warm winds on the one hand and the cool air stream from the western Koralpe on the other. Significant temperature differences result in an independent and unique aroma development.
Soil
Pössnitzberg is located on the southern part of the “West Styrian Bay” of the Styrian Basin. In former times (in the Neogene), several 1000 meter thick marine sediments have been deposited there. These deposits, also called “Steirischer Schlier”, are clayey up to fine sandy, gray-green coloured marls including plant fossils and sandstone interstratifications. These scarce and very chalky soils, called “Opok” (chalky marl), are characterised by a humous topsoil formed by weathering, which often does not exceed a height of 20 centimeters, and firm sedimentary rocks.
Grape varieties
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay