RELATIONSHIPS
Steiermark: The three DACs and local names: comparative perspectives
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Region
The three DACs: south, volcanic zone, and west.
Alias
Morillon = Chardonnay
Rosé
Schilcher
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Distinguish between the three regions.
Steiermark has three DACs: Südsteiermark, Vulkanland Steiermark, and Weststeiermark. The official regional body presents the DAC system from the 2018 vintage, designating hand harvesting as a common requirement.
Do not assemble the southern hills as a single region; read all three designations of origin. Even when focusing on more detailed indications such as villages or vineyards, start by confirming which DAC they belong to.
FIELD NOTE 02
Morillon is Chardonnay
Morillon is the local name for Chardonnay in this region. When studied alongside Sauvignon Blanc and others, it is not necessary to memorize it as a new, separate variety.
Even with the same variety, expression changes with stainless steel or barrel aging, or the presence or absence of malolactic fermentation. Do not assume barrel use from the name ‘Morillon’ alone—check the production process with the producer's materials.
FIELD NOTE 03
Schilcher and grape material relationship
Schilcher is a rosé made from Blauer Wildbacher. It is especially important in the study of western regions. Distinguish the relationship between wine names and grape names, as seen with Morillon and Chardonnay synonyms.
In your comparison notes, create four columns for origin, grapes, color, and skin contact. Rather than dividing white and rosé by country, tracing their raw materials and processes will make it easier to apply to unfamiliar labels.
Chardonnay is locally called Morillon. Schilcher is a rosé made from Blauer Wildbacher.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Is Schilcher an alias for Chardonnay?
Read the explanation ＋
Chardonnay is locally called Morillon. Schilcher is a rosé made from Blauer Wildbacher.
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View saved notes →Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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