Pannonian lnfluence
All these detailed explanations are important to our knowledge of wine. It is clear that vines growing on tuff show an entirely different uptake of nutrients than those growing on basalt, which in Austria can - incidentally - only be found in the Vulkanland. Ljubo Vuljaj, an instructor at the vocational school for tourism in Gleichenberg, is convinced, saying, 'But in the end, it is the soil, microclimate and the grower's impact combined, which characterise a wine'.
Vulkanland borders Slovenia to the south and Burgenland in the east. Thus, it is heavily influenced by the Pannonian climate, thus the warmest of the Steiermark's subregions. This can especially be noticed on the far-southern tip, for instance in Klöch, stronghold of the Traminer, which requires a warm climate with little precipitation. Gewürztraminer in particular appreciates nutrient-rich volcanic soils. The clue is in the name (Gewürz, 'spice' in German): it is spicier with lower acidity levels than the Gelber Traminer, which also matures earlier and does not only grow in Klöch. Basically, wines growing on volcanic soils are a bit more powerful, though this is true primarily with respect to the other Styrian regions. Altogether, the Vulkanland has the requisite cool climate, which brings lovely freshness to the wines; this is by no means common elsewhere in the world. The most important vineyard sites in Klöch are Hochwart and Ölberg. Klöcherberg and Königsberg form a ridgeline that separates the villages Klöch and Tieschen.
Perfect Preconditions
Königsberg is a volcanic cone with red soils, a great proportion of ferric oxide. This is why Zweigelt and Sankt Laurent find perfect conditions in this area. 'The warmer climate is also the reason why Vulkanland produces more reds than the Südsteiermark', Vuljaj explains. Red grapes amount to a total of 18% of total area. Austria's most important red, Zweigelt, is also of great importance in the Vulkanland. It comes in second, right after Welschriesling. Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) comes third and Sauvignon Blanc is in fourth place.
Welschriesling does not take the first place without a reason, this being that the variety does particularly well in the volcanic soils. Number two, Weissburgunder, is also no surprise. Not only does this Pinot-family member like the warmer climate, but it also flourishes in the widespread soils of fossil limes tone (Muschelkalk) prevalent in this area. Besides the volcanic and Muschelkalk soils, gravel and sandy surfaces can be found here as well. As is often the case, numerous transitional, mixed forms also come into the picture.
Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) is especially at home planted in the heavier soils. Even though it is not as wide-spread as Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), it can be very impressive for its high quality. Pinot Gris usually shows full body coupled with low acidity. Here growers always find the middle ground: not too lush and broad, never lacking the necessary density. A tight structure means great elegance, especially upon maturity. 'The Vulkanland has seen many positive developments in the last few years. The region used to be a "poor relation", but this has long since changed', Ljubo Vuljaj rejoices, considering Vulkanland 'one of the most beautiful regions in the world'.
