Weststeiermark

A small DAC west of Graz on the eastern slopes of the Koralpe range, dedicated almost entirely to Schilcher — a tart rosé from the indigenous Blauer Wildbacher grape, a regional specialty produced nowhere else at scale. The wines are bracingly acidic, pale-pink, and unmistakable. Around Stainz and Ligist, growers are also producing Schilcher Sekt (sparkling) under the DAC. A few producers (Strohmeier, Friedrich) make red Wildbacher and natural-style whites; the broader category is small but loyal.