Steiermark (Styria in English) is the most southern wine growing region of Austria bordering Slovenia. It also shares the eastern boundary with Sudburgenland. Following a 2002 amendment of the wine laws, 'Steirerland' replaced the word Steiermark although for simplicity sake the wine world still refers to it as Steiermark.Although geographically a large area, Steiermark hardly produces more than 7 per cent of the national output.
The region's climate is warmer than other parts of the country resulting in wines of a bit more body and alcohol which are quite unlike their counterparts from the north. The vineyards in this hilly terrain also ensure that the wines are expressive and fruit driven, most of which are based on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc (Klevener/Weissburgunder) and Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder). Zweigelt leads the red grape varieties.
One of the region's unique specialties, found nowhere else in the country, is the piquant rosé wine called Schilcher rosé made from the Blauer Wildbacher grapes.
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