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Slovenia, though a young country, has a very long and rich history in winemaking. Celtic and Illyrian tribes cultivated wine as early as the 5th century BC, demonstrating the ancient roots of Slovenian vineyards. In Slovenia, there are three magnificent wine-growing regions, known for their top-quality wines that receive numerous prestigious awards worldwide. Each of these areas is unique and offers a variety of excellent and original wines, characteristic of their specific wine-growing area in Slovenia.
Slovenian wine-growing areas
The Primorska wine-growing areas proudly cultivate their famous Teran, the Posavje region is known for its refreshing Cviček, while in the Podravje region, you can enjoy exceptional white wine varieties such as Riesling and Traminer. Slovenia boasts 14 wine-growing regions, each with its own wine road where you can explore Slovenian viticultural tradition and taste local specialties. Slovenia proudly showcases indigenous wines and those with a protected geographical indication, reflecting the richness of Slovenian wine-growing areas.
Podravje Wine Region
Podravje, the largest wine region in Slovenia, is famous for its sparkling wines and top-quality desserts, and the most common varieties include Riesling, Chardonnay, Šipon, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon. These wines pair well with light and delicate dishes such as raw or lightly cooked shellfish, steamed or grilled fish, fish pâtés, chicken or vegetable terrines, and pasta or risottos with fresh spring vegetables.
Primorska Wine Region
Wines of Primorska
Wines in all four districts of the Primorska region vary greatly, generally being dry, with higher alcohol content and lower acidity levels. Italy's proximity has influenced the Primorska region's fashion trends, evident in the style of older labels. Italy has always ensured that Primorska keeps up with the times, and this proximity is also the main reason why young wines as a serious sales subcategory first appeared in Brda. The so-called Red Earth is still famous today as the main reason for the development of a specific aroma in Karst wines. The Primorska region, dominated by a warm Mediterranean climate with very little rainfall, warm summers, and mild winters, produces wines that are rich in extract and complex. Today, the Primorska region is home to Slovenia's most famous red wines and is increasingly known for its orange wines, whose production presents a unique challenge for winemakers.
List of: Slovenian Wines from the Primorska Wine Region
Goriška Brda wines Slovenian Istria wines Vipava Valley winesThe Primorska wine region is located in the west of the country and is divided into 4 wine districts: Vipava Valley, Slovenian Istria, Goriška Brda, and Karst. The region covers approximately 8000 hectares and rises from the sea to 400 meters above sea level. The proximity to the sea also conditions the warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The soil of the Primorska wine region consists of limestone dolomite and flysch. On the Karst, specific red soil has developed on the limestone dolomite, proudly named Terra Rossa. It's worth mentioning that the geopolitical position of Primorska ensured that the region always followed the latest trends.
Goriška Brda Wine District
The quality of wine in Goriška Brda is legendary. Here, it's important to highlight the very famous Klet Brda and their top-quality wines, as well as the family farm Čarga, the Kabaj homestead in the village of Šlovrenc, the Kumar homestead - Primar in the idyllic medieval village of Šmartno in the heart of the Brda landscape, and other excellent providers who continuously strive for the development and progress of their wine house and the grape's journey to top-quality wine.
The area of 140 km2 between the Soča Valley, Mount Sabotin, Mount Korada, and the Idrija River is the Goriška Brda region. Brda is predominantly a hilly world that gently descends towards the Prevalje plain. If you are looking for the best view in Goriška Brda, we invite you to climb the tower at Gonjače, where, in suitable weather, you can see the Italian Dolomites, the Alps, and the Adriatic Sea. The soils of Brda, formed from oceanic sedimentary mass, are mainly composed of flysch, sandstone, and limestone. The soils are poor in mineral content and humus and are very difficult to cultivate, but they are ideal for growing grapevines. The composition of the soil and the mild climate with mild winters and hot but not too dry summers have created perfect conditions for wine production. Goriška Brda is a typical Mediterranean wine region, where, in addition to grapevines, olive groves, cherry, and peach orchards are also cultivated. In Goriška Brda, wines are produced up to 600 meters above sea level.
Goriška Brda Wines
Wines from higher elevations are more harmonious and elegant, with less alcohol but more acidity. Lower elevations, on the other hand, allow for the production of fuller and richer tasting wines. Goriška Brda is most famous for its red Rebula, but here you can also find Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet.
Vipava Valley Wine District
The Vipava Valley impresses with offerings from Vipavski križ with its Castle Cellar, Winestronaut, Vinoteka Faladur, Agencija Wajdušna, and the Lepa Vida wine cellar, some of the young Vipava enthusiasts putting the Vipava Valley on the map of wine tourism. Winemakers in the Vipava Valley are increasingly aware of the importance of welcoming guests in specially designed tasting rooms, where they can offer an authentic experience and share their story and wines.
The Vipava Valley is the second largest wine district in Slovenia. It is squeezed between the Trnovo Plateau to the north, the mighty hills of Nanos to the east, and the Karst Plateau to the south, while it opens to the west towards the Friulian Plain and the Adriatic Sea. The Vipava Valley is actually a former sea bay, as evident from the soil structure. The soil in the valley developed from flysch and sandstone, making it one of the most suitable soils for viticulture. The Vipava Valley has a Mediterranean climate – winters are mild and summers are hot and dry. Despite being a valley, the area is known for the strong wind called bora - interestingly, the bora does not break the vines but strengthens them.
Vipava Valley Wines
Vipava Valley WinesVipava is known for its quality white and red wines, which are fresh, fruity, and drinkable. Experts rate them as harmonious and elegant wines with a distinct bouquet. In addition to classic varieties, predominately Merlot and Rebula, the Vipava region also has several indigenous varieties, the most famous being Zelen and Pinela. Vipava varieties were first mentioned by the priest Matija Vetrovec in his writings in 1844. Today, the largest vine nursery in Slovenia, located in Vrhpolje near Vipava and dating back to 1905, is responsible for preserving these old varieties.
Karst Wine District
Karst and Karst Teran, who among Slovenian wine enthusiasts does not know these two synonyms for what we consider the most famous red wine among Slovenians. Winemakers in the Karst region, in addition to this top-quality wine from the Refosco variety, have also developed many traditional osmice (wine tastings) and numerous tourist events.
The Karst is the smallest wine district in Slovenia, covering just under 600 hectares. The Karst lies between the Vipava Valley, Brkini Hills, and the Gulf of Trieste. Despite its seemingly large area, the region suitable for wine production is much smaller. In this district, you'll find typical Karst terrain with limestone, sinking rivers, dolines, and Terra Rossa, the red Karst soil. Most vineyards are located in dolines and sinkholes, as these areas have the most soil suitable for successful grapevine growth. The climate in the Karst is Mediterranean, characterized mainly by little rainfall and the strong wind bora.
Wines of Karst
Teran predominates among the wines. Teran is presented as a Slovenian specialty, produced from the Refosco grape variety, but due to the harsh conditions and red soil, it has acquired a distinctive, unique taste. In addition to Teran, this area also produces the Slovenian indigenous white variety called Vitovska Grganja, which Slovenian minorities in Italy have more successfully popularized than in Slovenia itself.
Slovenian Istria Wine District
The rich Istrian landscape of Slovenian Istria offers a home to juicy grape varieties, from which a rich red wine, Refošk, and a white wine, Malvazija, are produced. Visit the local wine cellars, among which the most notable is the largest in Istria, Vina Koper, and indulge yourself with a glass or two of this authentic noble beverage. The tastes and aromas will take you on a journey through the wine-producing land, enriching your gastronomic experience. Also, try the semi-sweet wine Portorosé – a semi-sweet muscat rosé, elegantly scented with rose, and often regarded as the "wine of love."
The Slovenian Istria wine region extends over 2,400 hectares along 40 km of the Slovenian coast, characterized by cliffs, river valleys cut into them, and the immediate proximity of the Adriatic Sea. The coastal area has the warmest climate in Slovenia, with an average annual temperature of 13.8 degrees Celsius, making frost a rare occurrence in this part. The cultivation of land on flysch soil dates back to the ancient Romans, who were the first in this area to start cultivating steep slopes and establishing terraces. These terraces increased the cultivable land area and contributed to better land utilization. Even today, vineyards can be observed standing on these terraces.
Wines of Slovenian Istria
In this region, Refošk and Malvazija wines thrive the most. In addition to these two most common types, the area also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
The Posavje region is home to the 200-year-old wine Cviček, a fresh, light, and slightly tart red wine.
Each Slovenian wine has a unique and elegant taste, representing the region from which it originates. The characteristic full-bodied Modra Frankinja wine from Posavje pairs excellently with rich dishes, while Zelen from Primorska can be enjoyed with river fish or tender beef.
Slovenian wines will always be your best choice, suitable for any occasion.
