Discover Central Europe
SLOVENIA UNPACKED
Wine production has a long history in Slovenia - existing here since Roman times when today's Slovenia was populated by the Celts in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. The deep rooted traditions have produced a nation where wine runs through the blood of its people.
"We can joke that every Slovenian either produces wine or knows someone who does."
Robert Gorjak - "Slovenija, vinska dežela" (Slovenia, Wine Country)
Wine is part of life here.
We are excited to bring a taste of Slovenian wine to Ontario, and with it, a taste of Slovenian life.
THE REGIONS
Due to its location and geography, running from the Adriatic in the west, over the Alps to the Pannonian Basin in the east, Slovenia's three primary wine regions are extremely diverse. Each region has much to offer to the discerning wine lover - local and international grapes feature strongly, as do an intriguing variety of wine styles.
PRIMORSKA
Slovenia's most western and warmest wine region. The influence of the Adriatic and the Alps creates the perfect micro-climate for viticulture.
Home to Goriška Brda, Vipava Valley, the Karst (along the border with Italy) and Slovenian Istria, bordering on the Adriatic.
PODRAVJE
The largest of Slovenia's wine regions. Located in the North east, the continental climate is perfect for the production of exquisite white wines.
Home to the rolling hills of Prekmurje and bordering Štajerska Slovenija with its mineral rich opoka soil.
POSAVJE
Slovenia's least well trodden wine region. Located on the lower Sava River valley, the cooler climate lends itself to sparkling wines and lighter reds.
Home to limestone rich Bela Krajina, Pannonian influenced Bizeljsko-Sremič and Alpine influenced Dolenjska.
THE PRODUCERS
Central Europe produces some extraordinary old world wines.
Last year we were fortunate enough to discover and partner with two renowned wineries from the Goriška Brda region, nestled in the heart of Europe between the Alps and the Adriatic. One winery is old and wrapped in the history of the region, the other new, founded and run by one of Slovenia’s leading sommeliers. Both wineries work with a variety of grapes - both international and prized local varieties - grapes that thrive in the distinct climate of the Brda region.
KLET BRDA WINERY
Klet Brda Winery was founded in 1957 as a cooperative of the local wine growing families. It remains to this day under the same collective ownership, resulting in an organization that has become intrinsic to the life of the local community, in effect uniting four hundred families that cultivate vines on the steep slopes across the region’s hilly landscape. It is Slovenia’s largest cooperative, and despite its size, is very forward thinking and innovative. Regular international awards speak to the quality and consistency of production.
GASPER WINERY
Gasper Winery is the brainchild of Gašper Čarman, a voracious student of wine, who has been voted Slovenia’s best Sommelier twice - in 2013 and 2015. It was in 2013 that he created his own wine label, working in partnership with a selection of the Klet Brda cooperative families. His mission is to make a modern style of wine which reflects the unique terroir of Goriška Brda. The Gasper brand has been quickly embraced by the international community, receiving a plethora of Decanter awards, year in year out, during its young life to date.
SLOVENIA PORTFOLIO
We are excited to launch our Slovenia portfolio with wines from two renowned wineries located in the heart of Goriška Brda.
* With many thanks to the Slovenian Tourism Board for their support in the sharing of images & content.