The world of Sauvignon Blanc is widely diversified today: there are the famous classic regions such as the Loire Valley (and Bordeaux) in France, or Marlborough and Central Otago in New Zealand. In other corners of the New World one encounters large-scale producers of Sauvignon in the lower- and mid-priced segments. Beyond this, there are a few outstanding terroirs for this attractive grape variety which are now being more thoroughly discovered by international winelovers. And the Steiermark is certainly one of these.
Steiermark: an outstanding source for Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blanc has found an ideal match in the conditions that prevail on the steep hills of the Steiermark, here in the heart of Europe. Nearly 700 hectares in Vulkanland Steiermark, Schilcherland (Weststeiermark) and Südsteiermark are currently planted to Sauvignon – this represents an increase of some 150% in the past fifteen years. And the finest examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc are now finding their way into the winner’s circle at internationally diverse Sauvignon tastings with continually greater frequency. Indeed, a few of the most highly respected international wine writers and critics have begun to regard Sauvignon Blancs from the Steiermark among the best dry white wines in the world.
A test of strength in Graz
Now, the Steiermark has received the honour of hosting the ninth edition of the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon! This is the largest and most comprehensive international Sauvignon competition, and one of the most influential white wine competitions in the world.
From 2–3 March this year, some eighty internationally based tasters will put Sauvignons from all over the world under the microscope.
In the previous two years, winegrowers from the Steiermark enjoyed great success at the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, winning gold medals in two important categories (Revelation Sauvignon 2016 and the Dubourdieu Wine Trophy 2017). This leads to high hopes for more gratifying results in this year’s edition – which we could call a ‘home game’ for Austria and the Steiermark. In any event it is certain that the Concours will internationally enhance the Steiermark’s image as one of the world’s best Sauvignon terroirs.
