- Schilcher
Schilcher is a wine produced solely in the
Austria n region of Western Styria ("Weststeiermark"), in the districts of Deutschlandsberg and Voitsberg, sharing a border withSlovenia and Carinthia to the south and west. The wine growing area is the smallest in Europe.The Schilcher wine itself is a distinct
rosé made from the indigenous Blauer Wildbacher grape. The colour ranges from a light onion tinge to a deep ruby. The grape was once a wild variety which was said to contain alcohol compounds which, in turn, allegedly would induce wild inebriation, hence its colloquial name "Rabiatperle" - rabid pearl. The name Schilcher originates from theMiddle High German word "schillern" meaning to radiate with colour.Wine from the Schilcher grape is also used for blending and for the production of sparkling wine.
The wine has a strong acidity and is renowned for its exclusive aroma, often associated with strawberries. It should be drunk relatively young at a temperature of 9 to 11°C accompanied with traditional
Austria n cold cured meats.Authentic Schilcher wine must carry the official emblem of the white horse (bred in Piber for the world-famous
Spanish Riding School inVienna ) and also carry the official certification number of denomination.
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