Weingut Polz
The family vineyard of Erich Polz is situated in an idyllic field in the middle of hilly Southern Styria, about an hour’s drive south of Graz. The business was originally founded in 1912. In the late 1980s, the brothers took over their parents’ vineyard. Christoph Polz, Erich’s son, became the fourth generation to assume the role of winemaker in 2011.
The Polz vineyards are situated in one of the best winegrowing regions of Southern Styria around the Grassnitzberg where the Illyrian climate prevails. The area is characterised by a special harmony of Alpine, Pannonian and Mediterranean climates. As a result, the wine grown here is of the finest quality. The geological composition of the soil, many hours of sunshine and well-distributed rainfall offer almost perfect conditions for viticulture.
The Polz family produce white grape varieties on more than 90% of their 70 hectares, with Sauvignon Blanc being the predominant grape variety. Furthermore, Chardonnay (known as Morillon in this region), Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc and Yellow Muscat thrive here. All grapes are carefully harvested by hand and reflect the great passion and competence of the winery.
The DAC wines present themselves as very aromatic, fruity and clear. They are left to mature in stainless steel and are therefore particularly typical of their variety and vintage. The single vineyard wines such as Hochgrassnitzberg exhibit a unique character and independence and have an ageing potential of up to 15 years. The Hochgrassnitzberg vineyard is generally regarded as one of the best in all of Southern Styria. Most of the vineyards lie on extinct volcanoes. As a result, the Toscana-like landscape is characterised by basalt soils with marl, schist and shell limestone.
When wandering through the beautiful vineyards, you may be startled to hear a loud rattling. That’s the Klapotetz! It’s a small Styrian type of windmill that scares away starlings and other pests. A trip to the region is a must for white wine lovers. Don’t forget to visit one of the cosy Buschenschänke (wine taverns) and try the typical dishes such as beetle bean salad with pumpkin seed oil. The Polz family have their very own wine tavern, where you can sample their delicious wines.
For more information on the Polz Winery and the region, please visit:
www.weingutpolz.at
www.polz-buschenschank.at
www.steirische-spezialitaeten.at
www.oesterreichwein.at/unser-wein/weinbaugebiete/steiermark/suedsteiermark/
Producer
Il Molino di Grace
Frank Grace acquired this estate in 1995 after holidaying in Tuscany with his wife and having fallen for the charm of this idyllic region.
Sette Cieli
It isn’t easy to ascend to seventh heaven. And indeed, the road to the wine estate Sette Cieli is fraught with some difficulties. You might need to take a few detours (seventh heaven isn’t on Google Maps’ radar), but the Ratti family’s wine paradise is more than worth the effort.
Château Biac
Sometimes life is full of surprises. The Lebanese Asseily family experienced this first-hand when they became the owners of Château Biac as if by accident in 2006. They regularly spent their summer holidays near Biac, but never would they have dreamt that they would own and manage this wonderful property themselves one day. It’s a fascinating story that Tony and Youmna Asseily are happy to share over a glass of their wine.