SLATE, ALTITUDE & HANDCRAFT. At 564 metres above sea level, Kitzeck-Sausal is one of the highest-lying viticultural communities in Central Europe. It is the home of the Schauer winery, whose roots date as far back as 1757 – tradition has always been and will always remain an important pillar of the estate. Today, brothers Stefan and Bernhard hold the reins. Schauer farms 25 hectares of vines – a particularly labour-intensive feat considering the steepness of the vineyards and the impressive slopes. Manual labour is essential and guarantees meticulous grape selection and the top quality of the fruit harvested. In line with this particular wine region, Sauvignon Blanc dominates the range of grape varieties. It is grown to express several individual characters, always showing the smoky-spicy notes of the region’s typical schist soils. Riesling is also a particular speciality of the house. In Kitzeck-Sausal, this world-renowned grape variety expresses itself in a completely unique way. The schist soils lend this Riesling distinctive minerality and freshness, mingled with herbaceous and peachy aromas. Longevity is a given in this wine.