2022 Hochgrassnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc Walter Polz Southern Styria 0.75l

2022 Hochgrassnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc Walter Polz - Southern Styria
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Hochgrassnitzberg vineyard is one of the most famous Sauvignon sites in Southern Styria. This southeast-facing, sun-drenched site is characterized by shell limestone and sandy marl , which lend the wines a distinctive , cool minerality and finesse. The vines, over 30 years old, have deep roots and produce grapes that reflect the soul of this terroir in concentrated form. For the Walter Polz winery, the Hochgrassnitzberg is an iconic parcel of land with international appeal.

Expansion:

The grapes were carefully harvested by hand. Fermentation took place spontaneously in 2,000-liter oak barrels without refrigeration, where the wine matured on its lees for a year without sulfur . It was then refined for another year in steel tanks . This careful combination of wood and steel ensures structure, depth, and clarity.

Aroma & Taste:

The Hochgrassnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc 2022 opens with delicate, restrained aromas of quince, white peach, and a hint of flint . On the palate, it displays Burgundian elegance , with a tight structure, saline minerality, and a cool, precise finish. Despite its power, it remains subtly refined—a wine of great depth that unfolds its refinement over time.

Food recommendation:

Perfect with scallops with lemon butter , grilled turbot , or poultry in truffle sauce . Equally exciting as an accompaniment to Asian cuisine like dim sum or mildly spiced curries.

Special features of the 2022 vintage in Southern Styria:

The 2022 vintage produced outstanding quality in all three Styrian regions. Thanks to balanced precipitation and essential rainfall shortly before the main harvest, healthy, ripe grapes were harvested. The early harvest in September produced Sauvignon Blancs with powerful fruit, fine acidity, and remarkable structure . They are considered worthy successors to the cool, racy 2021 vintages, albeit with slightly more ripeness and early-appealing elegance.

Conclusion:

The Hochgrassnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is a flagship of Southern Styria —a wine of international stature that combines true terroir, elegance, and precision. It demonstrates how deeply rooted old vines and the sensitivity of traditional vinification can produce great Sauvignon Blancs. A wine with staying power that already delights today and will reveal even more facets in the years to come.