Jaunegg

South Styrian Vision at Eichberg

Set on the slopes of Eichberg in the heart of southern Styria, Weingut Daniel Jaunegg is a small, purposeful estate where clarity, time, and nature guide every decision. Jaunegg is more than a name—it’s a philosophy rooted in restraint, organic methods, and a deep sense of place.

From Humble Beginnings to Artisanal Expression

The Jaunegg story begins in 1975, when Johann and Johanna Jaunegg started a modest family farm with vines and a small Buschenschank (wine tavern). Over the years, they nurtured their land with patience, passing it on to their son, Daniel, who assumed full responsibility around 2001. From that point, Daniel began emphasizing single-vineyard identity, quality, and minimal intervention.

In 2016, Jasmin (Daniel’s wife) joined the operation. Though she did not come from a winegrowing background, her fresh ideas and energy have been integral to the estate’s evolution. Together, Daniel and Jasmin keep things hands-on: most of the vineyard work and cellar decisions are made by them directly.

Site, Soil & Microclimate

Jaunegg’s vineyards sit at around 550 meters above sea level on Eichberg, in a rugged, amphitheater-style slope sheltered by forests. The influence of the Koralm mountains helps bring cooler air, creating a microclimate that tempers summer heat and preserves acidity in the wines. The soils are a mix of gravel, sandstone, and weathered rock, lending structure, minerality, and finesse.

Their two flagship vineyards are Knily and Muri. Knily is steep, finely textured, and known for its stony, taut character. Muri is more sun-exposed, favorable for expressive whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The vines in these vineyards are mature—many planted between the early 1990s and 2003—bringing both concentration and harmony.

Philosophy & Practices: Organic, Patient, Minimal

Jaunegg works with a biological-organic regimen, and is currently in conversion toward biodynamics. They use minimal machinery, practice selective mowing, and even borrow sheep to graze naturally in the vineyards. The guiding idea is to tread lightly, reduce intervention, and let the vineyard speak.

In the cellar, their method is equally restrained:

• Spontaneous fermentations with wild yeasts

• No fining, minimal filtration

• Only a small amount of sulfur added, ideally just before bottling

• Extended lees aging (some wines rest for two winters) to gain texture, depth, and complexity

This gives their wines energy, nuance, and a poised balance between primary fruit and mineral backbone.

Wines & Signature Expressions

Jaunegg’s range spans delicate whites, skin-contact wines, and occasionally sparklers, all with clarity and precision. Some highlights:

• Sauvignon Blanc “Muri” – their showcase white, often fermented and aged on lees for two years, combining aromatic vibrancy and depth.

• Knily bottlings – leaner, more linear expressions with crystalline minerality.

• “Sand and Gravel” series – wines that reflect the influence of local soils, acting as ambassadors of the Eichberg “Ortswein” style.

All Jaunegg wines show vitality, restraint, and a quiet complexity that unfolds with time.

Recognition & Future Promise

Jaunegg has earned praise in Styrian wine circles for its quietly ambitious approach and its elegant, site-driven wines. The estate is now widely seen as one of the notable names in the region’s organic and low-intervention movement.

Wines like the Sauvignon Blanc Muri have received acclaim, underlining both the quality of fruit and the care of vinification.

Looking ahead, Jaunegg’s trajectory is toward deeper expression, continued biodynamic conversion, and a consistent voice that balances freshness, ageability, and terroir.