Der Pössnitzberg und seine Rieden

Große STK Ried

The Pössnitzberg and his single vineyards
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, Pinot Noir

Our single Vineyards from Pössnitzberg

On Pössnitzberg we have different single vineyards …

… because the Pössnitzberg has a uniformly terroir, but is nevertheless monotony, since it consists of several chains of hills.
These show slight differences, most of them are climatic. This explains why our parcels on the Pössnitzberg are separated into different vineyards, which are all very steep. Every single vineyard and every parcel represent their character in the wines, and that is what makes each of these wines so unique.

Each of our vineyards is characterized by the terroir, and their wines clearly reflect the origin. And this is exactly our philosophy.

Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg Chardonnay

A vineyard with a warm location very protected against the wind.

Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg Alte Reben Chardonnay

A vineyard with the oldest of our Chardonnay vines. Due to its orientation, characterized by cool stylistics.

Single Vineyard Pössnitzberger Kapelle I Chardonnay

The warmest part on Pössnitzberg.

Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc

From over many decades in the family selected vines, this vineyard continues to propagate the valuable heritage of these vines.

Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg Alte Reben Sauvignon Blanc

This is absolutely the steepest of our vineyards with the oldest of our Sauvignon Blanc vines.

Single Vineyard Pössnitzberger Kapelle Sauvignon Blanc

A vineyard located around a small old chapel. The grapes are considered as a special feature due to their slow maturity.

Single Vineyard Pössnitzberger Sorgenbrecher Sauvignon Blanc

“The wine Pössnitzberger Sorgenbrecher is a homage to my grandfather Johann Sabathi. In the fifties he recognised and supported the high potential of Pössnitzberg.
At that time, he already named his best wines ‘Pössnitzberger Sorgenbrecher’. Our first vintage appeared in 2015. In addition, this wine is also in memory of the 100th death anniversary of my great-grandfather Johann Sabathi. He died very young in the First World War in 1915.”
(Erwin Sabathi)

PINOT NOIR Erwin Sabathi

As mentioned before, the conditions on Pössnitzberg are perfect for the French grape varieties and also boasts the best prerequisites for the Burgundian grape variety Pinot Noir.
So we fulfilled a personal lifelong dream and planted the magnificent grape variety Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir reacts very sensitively to differences in soil type and microclimate and is therefore particularly suitable for absorbing the specific terroir.

Our wines of the Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg

Ried Pössnitzberg Chardonnay Current vintage: 2021, orderable
Ried Pössnitzberg Alte Reben Chardonnay Current vintage: 2020, orderable
Ried Pössnitzberger Kapelle I Chardonnay Current vintage: 2020, on request only
Ried Pössnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc Current vintage: 2021, orderable
Ried Pössnitzberg Alte Reben Sauvignon Blanc Current vintage: 2020, orderable
Ried Pössnitzberger Kapelle Sauvignon Blanc Current vintage: 2020, on request only
Ried Pössnitzberger Sorgenbrecher Sauvignon Blanc Current vintage: 2020, on request only
PINOT NOIR Erwin Sabathi Current vintage: 2020, on request only