Portrait of Markus Sieben
i. Biography
Career
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Signature
Markus Sieben’s signature wines include Pinot-noir-Abfüllungen, Cuvée Impérial, Grand Vin TBA, and Chardonnay 2012. Read together, they point to a cellar practice that can move between structure and nuance: the lifted line suggested by Pinot-noir-Abfüllungen, the blend logic of Cuvée Impérial, the tension held in Grand Vin TBA, and the direct clarity of Chardonnay 2012.
In Their Words “We use biological pest control but conventional spraying against oidium, botrytis, and powdery mildew.” That is a working line, not a slogan. It describes a vineyard approach that keeps biological control in play while also using conventional spraying where disease pressure demands it. The method is pragmatic: choose the tool that fits the problem, and do not pretend the season is anything other than it is.
“We give the wines the most expensive thing there is — and that is time.” Time is presented here as a material input, not an abstract ideal. It means waiting, monitoring, and resisting the pressure to force a wine into readiness before it is ready. For Markus Sieben, that patience is part of the craft itself, shaping how the wines settle, open, and finish.
FAQ
Asked of Markus
Where is Schloss Halbturn based?
Halbturn, Austria.
What is Markus Sieben's current role?
Markus Sieben is a winemaker at Schloss Halbturn Winery in Halbturn.
The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like Markus Sieben in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.