Terroir

The whole Fertő region is hooked around the mistery of the magic number of three. The soil is composed of three main elements, out of which the most interesting is the mica schist, occuring in the upper layers/topsoil (of the soil) only here in Hungary.

The other two complementing elements are limestone and forest soil, rich in humus. The three together form a unique and extraordinary soil structure, which lends our wines distinctive character.

The microclimate is decisively influenced by Lake Fertő (Fertő-tó), the westernmost saline, salt lake of their continent. Though the wine region is located at the northermost borderline of viticulture, the cold in winter is mildered and the heat in summer is eased thanks to the body of water of Lake Fertő. The excessive humidity, caused by the vicinity of the Lake is moderated by the continuous breezes originating from the Alps, especially from the nearby Schneeberg, creating ideal conditions for viticulture and winemaking. Lake Fertő, the slopes of the Soproni Mountains and the snow-covered peaks of the Schneeberg, respectively the winds blowing from their influence the climate conditions of this area.

Winery

Steigler Winery can be found at the outskirts of downtown Sopron. The cellar system, carrying all local characteristics was carved out under dwelling-houses several hundred years ago. Throughout the stormy centuries of history, the Poncichters (jokingly bean growers) were on the opinion that the safest is to keep their most valuable treasure, their wine, under their houses. It even made easier to sell wine. Unique signs were used to make the citizens know whether they had wine to offer, and what type it was. The building of the Steigler Winery was left to them from that age, however, the trace of the hands of the different generations could be detected. Following considerable reconstruction, however, it opened its gates again to customers, wine-tastings, and visitors in 2020.

Vineyard

The grapes for the wines, produced in outstanding quality by Steigler Winery is ensured by its own, organic vineyard of 21 hectars. The vineyard is located in the sites named Steiger, Frettner and Spern Steiner in the best areas of the Sopron wine region. The basis for the plantations is provided by Green Veltliner, Zweigelt, Blue Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented with the newly planted Cabernet Franc, Syrah and the „Crown Jewel“, Furmint.

An exciting project of the Winery is the reintroduction of the Furmint, as it was a variety predominant in the Sopron wine region until the beginning of the 20thcentury. Hardly known, that Aszu-wine was crafted from Furmint here in the Sopron wine region first in Hungary, ahead of Tokaj by 200 years. The Steigler Furmint of Sopron, the wine engendered by the incomparable, peculiar mica schist, has a more explicit smell/scent and totally different virtues than similar wines originating from vulcanic soil.