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The Blauer Wildbacher is a relative of Blaufränkisch and originates from a Gouais Blanc seedling. Despite the very small acreage of plantings in its native Weststeiermark, the Wildbacher is much better known as the Schilcher rosé wine.
Origin
Austria, Wildbach, Steiermark
Parentage
Natural seedling from the Heunisch variety
Vineyard area
519.96 ha; 1.2%
Vineyard area
It is grown only in Steiermark, especially the Weststeiermark. Only Blauer Wildbacher from Steiermark is permitted for the production of Schilcher.
Ripening
Ripening
Significance & conditions
Although its vineyard presence is very small, this grape is nevertheless very well known for its rosé-style wine - a Steiermark speciality called Schilcher. With its pink to onion skin colour, the Schilcher is vinified just like a rosé. The variety demands the best vineyard sites. It is sensitive to late frosts and highly prone to oidium and peronospora.
Area under vine in Austria
(as a proportion of the variety’s total area)
Characteristics of the wine
Racy acidity as well as a distinctive aroma and taste characterise the fruity-fresh, robust wine - which can be enjoyed also as an apéritif. In gneiss and slate soils, the variety achieves a grassy and spicy expression. Red wine is also made from Blauer Wildbacher, as is Prädikatswein (including Eiswein).
Link
Source varietal specifications: Höhere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau (Federal College and Federal Office for Viticulture, Oenology and Fruit Growing) in Klosterneuburg, “Austria’s Qualitätswein grape varieties and their clones“ („Österreichische Qualitätsweinrebsorten und deren Klone“), 2nd, reviewed edition, September 2015
Source area under vine: Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism according to IACS (as at 31 May 2022)
