The original meaning of Opok, the geological foundation beneath many South Styrian vines, likely derives from its density — the early Styrians believed it was “zsommpockt,” meaning tightly compressed and virtually impenetrable. As an actual rock type or clearly defined geological unit, however, the term is nowhere to be found — rather like the so-called “primary rock” (Urgestein) of the Wachau.
What one can agree on is that Opok is fundamentally based on marl. In the case of South Styrian Opok, it is mostly calcareous marl: the high lime content can be traced back to the fact that the sites where vines grow today were once covered by the sea, whose remnants gradually mixed with the marl over time.
Among the varieties that feel particularly at home here is Chardonnay, which often shows its finest expressions on calcareous soils. In the case of Roland Tauss, this advantage is further enhanced by his long-standing biodynamic vineyard work, resulting in soils that are vital and rich in nutrients.
In the cellar, he allows his Chardonnay to ferment spontaneously in small oak barrels, where it remains for the entire 12-month maturation period. The wine is neither fined, filtered, nor sulfured.
Style & Aromas
Purist, open, and precise. Subtle and delicate aromas. Orchard fruit, herbs, stones, a hint of wood. Cool texture. Full-bodied, with a clear and purposeful acid profile. Mineral finish. Those with patience can cellar the wine for a few more years — it will be worth it.
Data sheet
- Grape variety: Chardonnay
- Vineyard: Opok
- reading: By hand
- Fermentation: spontaneous | wild yeast
- expansion: Over a year in used wooden barrels
- Filtration: no
- SO₂: unadulterated
- Alcohol content: 13,5%
- Closure: Natural corks
- Drinking temperature: 10-12°C
- Perfect drinking maturity: From now on - 2030
- Content and price per liter: 0.75 l/(€ 29.87/l)
- Maxim: All winemakers listed at Vinonudo work in their vineyards with compost, organic fertilizer and natural preparations and do without the use of herbicides, pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
