Austria
Weststeiermark
About 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.
What Weststeiermark produces
Rosé
Schilcher — the iconic Blauer Wildbacher rosé, tart and pale-pink. Around 95% of DAC production.
Red
Small amounts of Blauer Wildbacher made as a red, plus Zweigelt and St. Laurent.
Sparkling
Schilcher Sekt — traditional-method sparkling rosé from Blauer Wildbacher, a small but growing category.
Climate
ContinentalCoolAlpine influenceStrong diurnalsHigh rainfall
Cooler than the other Steiermark DACs, with strong alpine influence from the Koralpe — fresh nights, sharp diurnal swings, and noticeable rainfall. The cool climate is essential for Schilcher's electric acidity.
Terroir
GneissSchistLoamSand
Gneiss and crystalline schist on the slopes of the Koralpe; loam and sand in the valley. Hilly terrain with steep south- and southeast-facing terraces.
Typical Aromas
CranberryWild strawberrySour cherryRhubarbWhite flowersCitrus zest
Explore the aroma wheel
