Franz Strohmeier "Weststeiermark"

July 31, 2023

Franz Strohmeier is an Austrian winemaker known for his natural and biodynamic approach to winemaking. He operates his winery in the region of Styria, Austria. Franz is committed to producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the terroir and the grape varieties he cultivates. In the cellar, Franz Strohmeier takes a minimal intervention approach. He employs spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, allowing the wines to develop their unique flavors naturally. local grape varieties, such as Blauer Wildbacher and Gelber Muskateller, Chardonnay locally called Morillon, Sauvignon blanc, and also hybrid varieties. His wines have garnered praise among natural wine enthusiasts and critics for their purity, complexity, and ability to showcase the distinctive terroir of Styria. Furthermore, he often employs extended skin contact during fermentation and aging. This technique, known as maceration, allows the wines to extract more color, flavors, and tannins from the grape skins. The result is often wines with more depth, structure, and complexity. Biodynamic agriculture goes beyond organic practices by considering the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It incorporates principles of lunar and celestial rhythms, herbal preparations, and composting to improve soil fertility and enhance the health of the vines. This approach aims to create a harmonious relationship between the vineyard and its surroundings, resulting in wines that express a sense of place and a more profound connection to nature.

Weststeiermark enjoys a mild, Mediterranean-influenced climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters. The region benefits from the cooling influences of the nearby Koralpe Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, allowing for optimal grape ripening and balanced acidity in the wines.

The primary grape variety grown in Weststeiermark is Blauer Wildbacher, also known as Schilcher. This red grape variety is unique to the region and is used to produce a distinctive rosé wine called "Schilcher." The wine is known for its bright pink color, lively acidity, and refreshing character.

Schilcher wine is a specialty of Weststeiermark and is highly regarded for its refreshing and vibrant style.

The region is characterized by its hilly terrain, which provides excellent exposure to the sun, as well as a diverse range of soil types that contribute to the complexity of the wines.

In Styria, some winemakers, including Franz Strohmeier, have been at the forefront of the natural wine movement. They have embraced biodynamic principles, eschewing the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and allowing the wines to express their true terroir and natural characteristics. Strohmeier's philosophy centers around sustainability, biodiversity, and a holistic understanding of the vineyard as a living ecosystem.

Strohmeier emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in the vineyard. He encourages the growth of cover crops, allows native plants to flourish, and maintains diverse ecosystems to support a balanced environment. Biodiversity not only contributes to the health of the vines but also helps to create a more resilient and sustainable vineyard system.

Strohmeier takes a hands-off approach in the vineyard, intervening as little as possible and allowing nature to take its course. He avoids using synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides, opting for natural alternatives to manage pests and diseases.

By minimizing intervention, he aims to let the vines express their true character and the unique qualities of the terroir.

Strohmeier hand-harvests his grapes, believing that this gentle approach helps to ensure the best quality fruit reaches the winery. Hand-harvesting allows for careful selection of ripe and healthy grapes and reduces the risk of damaging the vines.

Strohmeier is known for producing single-vineyard wines that showcase the distinct characteristics of each site. He believes that the combination of specific grape varieties, soil types, microclimates, and farming practices results in wines that are truly representative of their terroir.

In the winery, Strohmeier practices spontaneous fermentation. Instead of using commercial yeast, he relies on the naturally occurring yeast present on the grape skins and in the winery environment to ferment the grape juice. This method contributes to the unique flavors and aromas of the wines.

Through his natural approach to vines and winemaking, Franz Strohmeier has gained recognition among natural wine enthusiasts and advocates for sustainable agriculture. His wines are sought after for their purity, complexity, and connection to the land from which they come.