Weingut Schauer, Südsteiermark (South Styria, Austria) Sauvignon Blanc 2018

 While Grüner Veltliner may produce Austria’s most recognized wine, Sauvignon Blanc makes  delicious wines like this one from the Shauer family.  It displays a pale golden color and offers aromas of lemon blossoms, lime, lemon, and grapefruit, mingling with notes of dusty minerals.  It is dry and light in body with intense citrus flavors and crisp and lively acidity, perfect for oysters on the half shell, gazpacho or sushi.  The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are sourced from three vineyards in Kitzeck-Sausal, the highest wine-growing village in Austria.  Growing wine grapes and winemaking is a tradition in the Shauer family.  Karl  Schauer is credited with converting all farming to grape vines in 1980.  His sons took over the estate in 2010.  Stefan is the winemaker; Bernard is in charge of administration and marketing.  Together they have increased their vineyards from 10 hectares (24.7 acres) to 28 hectares (69.1 acres) in 2019.  They eschew herbicides and pesticides, practicing sustainable agriculture.