True advocates and pioneers of a natural approach to viticulture and cellar management, Maria and Sepp Muster began their wine journey in 2000, when they took over the family winery in southern Styria from Sepp’s father. Inspired by their encounters with biodynamics, as well as a trip to India and Australia, the couple knew from the very beginning that the path of respecting natural processes and focusing on the health and vitality of the soil was the only path they wanted to take. In 2003, they obtained a certificate from the Demeter organization and were one of the pioneers of the Styrian winemaking group “Schmecke das Leben,” whose goal from the very beginning was to strengthen the local scene of natural viticulture and share the experiences of young winemakers. The strength and minerality in their wines stem from the Opok soil—a mixture of limestone, clay, and silt that bestows the wines with a unique character once it ends up in the right hands. All grapes are hand-picked, spontaneously fermented, and aged for a minimum of 18 months in wooden barrels, after which they are bottled without added sulphites. In addition to barrels, a few amphorae can be found in their cellar. Maria’s and Sep’s simplicity, as well as their meditative and strong presence, can also be felt in their wines, which are certainly one of the more special wines we offer in our portfolio.
Winemakers: Maria i Sepp Muster
Region: Styria, Austria
Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Yellow Muscat, Welschriesling, Zweigelt
Vineyard size: 10 ha
Yearly production: 25000 – 30000 kg
Altitude: 460 meters
Soil: opok
Farming: biodynamic
Schmecke das Leben
“Schmecke das Leben”, meaning “Taste Life”, is an association founded by five Styrian wineries – Tscheppe, Werlitsch, Muster, Tauss and Strohmeier – at the beginning of the 21st century. They were brought together by the values they share regarding the importance of respecting nature, as well as the idea of sustainable and biodynamic agriculture. Through the community, they shared experiences, learned from, and supported each other, thus laying the foundations of natural winemaking in Central Europe. Today, their wines are recognized and appreciated around the world and adorn numerous wine lists of top restaurants and wine bars.
