Moreover, for us it is of high importance to operate: In harmony with nature, in consideration of ecological aspects, with a high regard for environmental protection.
In the management of our vineyards we rely on absolutely nature-friendly treatment measures, in the vinification only on natural processes.
Visualised by the Classificationpyramid . . .
THE ORIGIN OF OUR WINE
Wines can be differentiated according to various criteria. The most common used distinguishing criterion is the grape variety. Our wine assortment consists of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Yellow Muscat, Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir.
From our point of view, a much more essential differentiating characteristic is the “origin” of wine – meaning the “wine-growing areas” and “wine-growing regions”.
Since presenting the wines of vintage 2018 a system of origin, “DAC” (= Districtus Austriae Controllatus), applies in Styria.
100% HARVESTED BY HAND
8 TRADITIONAL WHITE GRAPE VARIETIES
REGULATED RELEASE DATES
To categorise the wines of entire Styria under one and homogeneous system of origin, we apply the “Styrian system of origin”. Our STK-classification-system has been integrated into this system.
(“STK” means “Steirische Terroir- und Klassikweingüter” = “Styrian Terroir and Classic Wineries”. It is a free association of 12 Styrian wineries with the highest commitment for a typically regional wine culture – the Erwin Sabathi winery is member of this association).
In support of one, homogenous system of origin and of one, homogenous presentation of the Styrian wine, we qualify our wines since the vintage 2018 under the label of “SüdsteiermarkDAC“.
(Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg, Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg Alte Reben, Single Vineyard Pössnitzberger Kapelle I, Sinlge Vineyard Pössnitzberger Kapelle, Single Vineyard Pössnitzberger Sorgenbrecher)
Wines classified as “Große STK Ried” (Grand Cru STK) represent the highest quality level. The average age of these vines is at least 15 years, the drinking maturity 15 years and longer.
(Single Vineyard Poharnig, Single Vineyard Krepskogel, Single Vineyard Jägerberg)
These wines are typical for the region and have a high ageing potential. The average age of these vines is at least 12 years, the drinking maturity is 10 years and longer.
(Single Vineyard Saffran)
These are wines of a young single vineyard, which will be classified in the future, based on the STK-criteria. Our wine of the Single Vineyard Saffran is ageing 24 months in small wooden barrels, the drinking maturity is 10 years and longer.
Our village wines grow in various vineyards within our home village Leutschach a.d.W. These wines are the representatives of the terroir of our home village.
Fresh and fruity wines. The vines of these wines flourish in numerous small vineyards in Southern Styria.
Wines with the expression and potential of the best vineyards. Into the top part of this pyramid, the former STK-classificationsystem of the STK-association has been integrated to divide into 3 additional levels:
GROSSE STK RIED (GRAND CRU STK) | ERSTE STK RIED (PREMIER CRU STK) | STK RIED (CRU STK)
Our “Chardonnay Brut Nature” is a sparkling wine made of „Leutschacher Chardonnay“ grapes – „Méthode traditionelle“, zero dosage.
Our “Yellow Muscat Brut” is a sparkling wine, very fresh and fruity. The vines of this wine flourish in numerous small vineyards in Southern Styria – “Méthode traditionelle”.
Our “Brut Rosé” is a sparkling wine, very fresh and fruity. The vines of this wine flourish in numerous small vineyards in Southern Styria – Méthode traditionelle, Zero Dosage.
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.
A barogue Prädikat Wine (sweet wine) from our top single vineyard, the Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg.
The Single Vineyard Pössnitzberg is predestined as a great white wine terroir.