Slovenia’s winemakers produce stunning whites and seductive reds
Slovenia’s Littoral is one of the most famous wine-producing regions
“The terroir, landscape and people are so unique,” says Postrivoro’s Enrico Vignoli. “The wines express an identity strongly influenced by the area’s complex history.”
Winemaking in Slovenia predates Roman times and can be traced back to Celtic and Illyrian tribes, who began cultivating grapes in the fourth and fifth centuries BC.
Of the country’s three main wine-producing regions – the Drava (Podravje), Lower Sava (Posavje), and Littoral (Primorska) districts – the Littoral has gained the most renown.
In the prominent Goriska Brda sub-region, which borders Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy, Ales Kristancic, the winemaker behind biodynamic pioneer Movia, has been crafting seductive reds from international varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir for more than 20 years. Kristancic’s beguiling Rebula has a savoury character and amber hue that comes from extended contact with the grape skins.
The intersection of warm Mediterranean and cool Alpine climates in nearby Vipava Valley gives rise to growing conditions that result in crisp, aromatic whites. Top organic producers Batic and Burja employ extreme winemaking techniques to create some of the Littoral’s most stunning whites based on indigenous grapes such as pinela and zelen.