Primorska is the warmest wine-growing region
All four wine-growing districts in Primorska – Brda, Vipavska dolina (the Vipava Valley), Kras (the Karst), and Slovenska Istra (Slovenian Istria) can feel the greater or lesser influence of the Mediterranean.
Brda
Primorska is the warmest wine-growing region in Slovenia, and also the most popular among wine lovers. Brda winemakers might have built their reputation with superb white wines based on Chardonnay and Rebula, and red wines based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but recently more attention is drawn to its majesty – Rebula. Let us tell you that although Brda is a warm district, its winemakers produce amazing sparkling wines.
Vipavska dolina
At the moment, the Vipava Valley is the most dynamic wine-growing district in Slovenia. And that’s that. Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc might be the most widespread varieties with good, even excellent, results, but slightly more adventurous winemakers have gone back to old varieties which have been in the Vipava Valley for centuries: Rebula, Istrian Malvasia, Pinela, indigenous Zelén, and even Welschriesling. They have been rediscovering their properties and placing them in unseen blends. The Vipava Valley is gaining its own completely new, authentic image unparalleled in the world. There is also the aromatic, spicy Zelén which only grows in the Vipava Valley.
Kras
The Karst is located between the Adriatic Sea and the easternmost part of the Alps. In the Karst, Teran is the king of wines, produced from the red variety of Refošk, and takes up three quarters of all vineyards. Teran is a wine ruby red in color with shades of violet, moderate or lower in alcohol, and highly acidic. It is also characterized by red berry flavors. Istrian Malvasia and indigenous Vitovska Grganja, stand out among white varieties.
Slovenska Istra
The most sunlit and the warmest Slovenian wine-growing district, Slovenian Istria, is located by the Adriatic Sea between Italy and Croatia. Vineyards extend from an altitude of 250 m all the way to the coast. The most represented variety is the red variety of Refosco, which covers over 45 per cent of all vineyards. Refosco produces wine deep violet in color, with full to medium body, high acidity, and the characteristic flavors of red and black fruits, and spicy notes. International varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and lately Syrah also thrive.
The most important white variety is Istrian Malvasia planted in over 30 per cent of vineyards. This aromatic variety is low or moderate in acidity, and with characteristic acacia and yellow fruit flavors will be the ideal pairing for a seafood plate in the summer months. Certain producers age Malvasia in wood or produce orange wine with longer skin maceration. In addition to Malvasia, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Yellow Muscat are also grown in Istria.
