Welschriesling Schiefer

Welschriesling Schiefer 2021

Region: Styria, Austria

Grape: Welschriesling

Category: White

I'm surprised at this price in the holy land of Steiermark...

This is a refreshing and cool beer that is unique to Steyr. It has a clear green-yellow color and aromas of apple, lemon jam, and linden. Its pleasant, sharp acidity and dry taste will have you drinking more and more.
The slightly bitter aftertaste is also just right.

Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. Unfiltered and unfined.

[Producer information]

Rainer Hack founded Weingut Varga Hack in Sausal, Süd Steiermark, in 1994. Since marrying his wife Jasmin in 2002, the couple have been running the business together and currently own approximately 10 hectares of vineyards.

After graduating from the School of Viticulture in Silberberg, Rainer trained in the fields and winemaking. In 1994, he founded his own Weingut, but also ran a Büschenschang (a bar like a Heuriger) and a guest room to support himself with Jasmin and his parents. However, he felt a strong desire to focus solely on winemaking and to convert to organic farming.

Rainer and Jasmin converted their vineyards to organic in 2004 and obtained organic certification in 2009. Weingut Varga Hack is the first Weingut in Kitzeck, Sausal to practice organic farming and the first to obtain organic certification.

Since then, they have further returned the vineyard to nature, deepening their focus on biodynamic farming, and acquired Demeter in 2017. The acquisition of Demeter not only influenced the brewing and wine style, but also had a significant impact on the vineyard in particular. The biodiversity of animals and plants is increasing day by day, and the difference between other vineyards is becoming clearer. The couple considers the vineyard to be a home for plants and creatures, and also a magnificent playground for their three children.

"Around the grape vines, some of which are 50 years old, flowers bloom, bees fly around, the plants grow tall, and wild birds build their nests in the vines (smiles)," he says with a smile.
Completely handmade, supporting and continuing the biodynamic cycle. For them, it was inevitable that the soil would become more vital and lively, and the vines would thrive without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. The decision and efforts to return the vineyards to nature have determined the character and future of Weingut Varga Hack.