Let me preface this, by saying, that the question above is something I may have asked a few years ago. But, after visiting Slovenia three times, as a judge at the Vino Ljubljana wine competition, and cruising through the Slovenian countryside, I can answer that question. And, I absolutely love the place. If I ever hit the lottery, you’ll find me spending quite a bit of time at my place on the Adriatic Coast, and hour’s drive from Ljubljana and about the same distance from Trieste. The people are exceptionally friendly, many of them speak English, and the country is both lovely and very diverse. If you’re looking for complete objectivity, don’t look here.
The wine producing regions of Eastern Europe remain a mystery to most consumers in the United States, and the country of Slovenia is no exception. As a former state within Tito’s Yugoslavia, the perception might be of a country of dull and gray cities, landscapes, and people. Nothing could be further from that concept. With an area smaller than that of New Jersey, Slovenia is a country of many contrasts, with an undeniable energy in its vistas, population, and certainly its wines.
You can find different styles of wines across Slovenia, due to the mix of various influences. Bordering the Fruili region of Italy, the two countries share the grape growing region of Collio. In fact Slovenian grapes can be transported into Italy and used for the wines, as the appellation is shared. In the north there are the Julian Alps, just a few hours drive from the seaside, south of Trieste. In the warm Adriatic coast, on the western edge of the country, wineries by the city of Koper are well known in the region for their robust red wines. Across the country, traveling to the northeastern part of Slovenia by the Croatian border, the towns of Ptuj and Jeruzalem are known for elegant and lively white and sparkling wines.
Slovenia declared its independence from Yugoslavia back in 1991, and much has been done to create an environment of change and contemporary international values. The Pullus winery re-branded itself from the former Ptujska Klet, which has existed for centuries in the same location. With a winemaker in his early thirties, Bojan Kobal, who is already receiving accolades with his wine in many international forums, the aim is to appeal to a younger crowd with a selection of bright fresh wines. Many of these are produced from international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. But they are also using more local and regional varieties such as Welshriesling, Yellow Muscat, and Traminer.
Slovenian wines are also receiving very positive international recognition, with one of the wines of the Santomas winery in western Slovenia winning a silver medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, for their Refošk, a rich and structured red wine. An investment in a new wine cellar and production facility has paid off with substantial positive exposure, and they have plans for increased production of both their wines and high quality olive oil.
The world’s oldest grapevine, at four hundred years of age, may be in the Slovenian city of Maribor, but this is a country that is more intent on looking forward. If given the opportunity to taste some of the vibrant, dynamic high-quality wines from Slovenia, don’t hesitate. You will find it a wonderful discovery. There are an increasing number of importers bringing in these wines. If you have access to any type of beverage guide, or list of your state’s available wines, you should explore these finely crafted, high quality products.
The wine producing regions of Eastern Europe remain a mystery to most consumers in the United States, and the country of Slovenia is no exception. As a former state within Tito’s Yugoslavia, the perception might be of a country of dull and gray cities, landscapes, and people. Nothing could be further from that concept. With an area smaller than that of New Jersey, Slovenia is a country of many contrasts, with an undeniable energy in its vistas, population, and certainly its wines.
You can find different styles of wines across Slovenia, due to the mix of various influences. Bordering the Fruili region of Italy, the two countries share the grape growing region of Collio. In fact Slovenian grapes can be transported into Italy and used for the wines, as the appellation is shared. In the north there are the Julian Alps, just a few hours drive from the seaside, south of Trieste. In the warm Adriatic coast, on the western edge of the country, wineries by the city of Koper are well known in the region for their robust red wines. Across the country, traveling to the northeastern part of Slovenia by the Croatian border, the towns of Ptuj and Jeruzalem are known for elegant and lively white and sparkling wines.
Slovenia declared its independence from Yugoslavia back in 1991, and much has been done to create an environment of change and contemporary international values. The Pullus winery re-branded itself from the former Ptujska Klet, which has existed for centuries in the same location. With a winemaker in his early thirties, Bojan Kobal, who is already receiving accolades with his wine in many international forums, the aim is to appeal to a younger crowd with a selection of bright fresh wines. Many of these are produced from international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. But they are also using more local and regional varieties such as Welshriesling, Yellow Muscat, and Traminer.
Slovenian wines are also receiving very positive international recognition, with one of the wines of the Santomas winery in western Slovenia winning a silver medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, for their Refošk, a rich and structured red wine. An investment in a new wine cellar and production facility has paid off with substantial positive exposure, and they have plans for increased production of both their wines and high quality olive oil.
The world’s oldest grapevine, at four hundred years of age, may be in the Slovenian city of Maribor, but this is a country that is more intent on looking forward. If given the opportunity to taste some of the vibrant, dynamic high-quality wines from Slovenia, don’t hesitate. You will find it a wonderful discovery. There are an increasing number of importers bringing in these wines. If you have access to any type of beverage guide, or list of your state’s available wines, you should explore these finely crafted, high quality products.
