Wine with character

A conversation about origin, attitude and signature

I meet Stefan Potzinger in the middle of southern Styria, where the slopes of Gabersdorf meet history. A winemaker who not only produces world-class Sauvignon Blancs, but also lives a clear commitment to origin and sustainability. In our interview, he talks about his family's heritage, his latest innovation - a white wine with only 10.5% alcohol - and why, for him, real wine must always bear a signature. A conversation about character instead of quantity, about art instead of labels - and about what remains when the last sip has been drunk.

Origin beats variety

“We were at our winery in Ratsch today,” says Stefan. “My great-great-grandfather bought it in 1860 to make wine for his own inn.” Today, it has become an internationally sought-after winery. But despite all the development, Potzinger remains true to himself: "Variety is important - origin is crucial. A Sauvignon Blanc from Southern Styria is unique in the world."

Southern Styria: lots of potential, little bling-bling

What makes Southern Styria so special? “We can make world-class white wines - and too few people know that yet,” says Potzinger. Even though he is already one of the top names in the region, one thing is clear to him: “We are not yet where we want to be - but that makes it exciting.”

Innovation with responsibility

He never gets bored with his job. "Every year is a new challenge. I sometimes wish I had 30 years more time." One of his latest innovations is a white wine with only 10.5% alcohol: Welschriesling 10.5. “Alcohol-free wines have never convinced me - so we made something of our own that tastes good and goes well with food.”

The star of the farm: Sauvignon Tradition

In the glass: Sauvignon Tradition 2024 - a Südsteiermark DAC. "This is our most important wine. Every farm makes it, so we are directly comparable - that motivates us enormously." The vines come from a wide variety of soils - opok, limestone, slate - and reflect the diversity of the region. Special feature: the wine is vegan, histamine-tested and comes from sustainable cultivation.

Sustainability: a big word with concrete actions

But what does that mean in concrete terms? "Little crop protection, low CO₂ emissions, a lot of mindfulness - also towards employees. Sustainability affects all areas of what we do." Potzinger is convinced: “It's not an option, it's a duty.”

What does home taste like in a glass?

For him, one thing is clear: "Home tastes of freshness, finesse and depth. Styria produces Sauvignon Blanc that is not loud, but touching - very different from New Zealand, for example." His conviction: “This signature makes us unique.”

Climate change and variety selection

Worried about the climate? "Sauvignon Blanc is robust. Few late frost problems, high climate resistance - a stroke of luck for us."

Blue Chip Selection: wine as an investment and further education

Potzinger's passion extends beyond his own vineyards. With his Blue Chip Selection, he curates high-end wines from all over Europe - and offers them online as well as directly at the winery. "It's further education, a hobby, a fascination. I want to know what others are doing - and what inspires me, I pick up." With a smart online store configurator (“built by himself over night”), he makes it easy for his customers to find the perfect wine - from business dinners to connoisseur pieces.

What a blue chip wine needs to have

"A blue chip wine needs character, ageing potential and fascination. I make the selection - completely subjectively." And he is constantly on the lookout: "Wine trips are the best thing there is. Those who make good wines usually also live well - they are simply exciting people."

Taste over label

And how do you recognize a good wine? "By the taste - only by that! Of course, there are also fancy labels that are cult. But ultimately it's what's in the glass that counts."

The last sip: character instead of quantity

What does Stefan Potzinger himself drink when it comes to character? "A Sauvignon from southern Styria - from the winemaker whose signature touches me. And luckily there are many!"

Our conclusion

Stefan Potzinger doesn't just live wine - he thinks it further. With an attitude that puts origin above hype. With innovation that is not loud, but clever. And with the knowledge that good wine doesn't just taste good - it tells a story that you rediscover with every glass.