I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most exotic and lesser-known wine regions of the world. One such region that I recently discovered and fell in love with is Slovenia. This small country, nestled in the heart of Europe, has a rich wine heritage that dates back to the Roman era. In this blog, I'll take you on a journey through the vineyards of Slovenia and introduce you to some of its finest wines.
Slovenia is roughly the size of Massachusetts. It's located south of Austria, east of Italy, north of Croatia and west of Hungary. It's coastline is a mere 29 miles. In spite of its diminutive size, this country has had an outsized importance in the history of Europe. Sitting at an important crossroads, this area has traded hands numerous times through the centuries from the Romans to the Austro-Hungarian empire, and in the twentieth century as a part of Yugoslavia.
If you've visited Austria, you'll find many charming similarities in Slovenia. The country's modern history dates from 1991 when it declared independence. The country has been briskly blossoming since then much to the chagrin of its poorer and less well developed former allied countries in Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro.
When it comes to wine, Slovenia has much to offer. In fact, during our trip this one of the greatest surprises. Slovenian wines are only starting to trickle into the US, but they are very much worth seeking out. Slovenian oak for barrels is highly prized by winemakers throughout Europe. Due to the influence of the Julian Alps and its continental climate, there is a crispness, a tension, and vibrancy to the wines.
Slovenia has three main wine regions, each with its own unique terroir and grape varietals. Let's start with Primorska, which lies in the western part of Slovenia, close to the Italian border. The region is known for its Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for growing international grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and a local varietal called Teran. The wines from this region are characterized by their bright acidity, mineral notes, and complex aromas.
One of the most famous wines from Primorska is the Rebula. This white wine is made from the native grape variety of the same name and has a distinct flavor profile of green apple, citrus, and herbs. The wine is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. It pairs well with seafood, white meats, and soft cheeses.
Moving on to the eastern part of Slovenia, we come to Podravje, which is known for its continental climate and hilly landscape. The region is home to the oldest vine in the world, which is over 400 years old and still producing grapes. The grape varietals grown in this region are mostly indigenous, and the wines have a unique character and depth.
One of the most iconic wines from Podravje is the Laski Rizling. This white wine is made from the Riesling grape, which is called Laski Rizling in Slovenia. The wine has a bright acidity, minerality, and notes of green apple, lemon, and honey. It pairs well with spicy Asian cuisine, roasted pork, and poultry.
Lastly, we have the Posavje region, which is located in the south-eastern part of Slovenia, close to the Croatian border. The region has a warm climate, which is ideal for growing red grape varietals such as Blaufrankisch (aka modra frankinja) and Zweigelt. The wines from this region are characterized by their ripe fruit flavors, full body, and firm tannins. There is a lot of similarity with Austrian grapes, wines and styles here.
One of the most celebrated wines from Posavje is the Cvicek. This light red wine is made from a blend of red and white grape varietals and has a unique taste profile of sour cherry, red currant, and wild strawberry. It is a perfect wine to pair with traditional Slovenian dishes such as sausage, roasted meat, and sauerkraut.
In addition to these three main regions, Slovenia also has several smaller wine regions that produce exceptional wines. For example, the Vipava Valley is known for its crisp white wines made from the Zelen and Pinela grape varietals. The Goriska Brda region neighbors Italy (some vineyards are in both countries) is known for its rich and complex white wines made from the Rebula, Sauvignonasse (aka Sauvignon Vert or Friulano), and Chardonnay grape varietals.
When it comes to winemaking techniques, Slovenian winemakers are known for their respect for tradition and innovation. Many of the winemakers use biodynamic and organic farming practices to ensure that the grapes are of the highest quality. The winemakers also use modern techniques such as stainless steel tanks and temperature control to ensure that the wines retain their freshness and complexity.
In conclusion, Slovenia is a hidden gem when it comes to wine regions. With its unique terroir and indigenous grape varieties, the wines of Slovenia are only beginning to be exported to the US. I recommend you expand your palette and seek out some of the enticing wines from Slovenia.
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