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
Maison Stéphan
Jean-Michel Stéphan has vinified more than 30 vintages of Côte-Rôtie and is one of the true masters of natural winemaking (vins naturels) in the northern Rhône region. His wines have a vibrant purity that makes them unmistakable, characterised by a balance of energy and transcendence that stems from his vision of making impeccable wines without any additives.
Maria Casanovas
The Bodega or Cava Maria Casanovas is located in the heart of the Penedès, in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the centre of Cava production. It is owned by the Casanovas family and managed by three children of Maria Casanovas. Jordi and Jacint are responsible for the vineyards and the cellar, Rosa for administration and marketing.
Domaine de la Commaraine
The beauty behind the walls of Château Commaraine
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