The New Old World
July / August 2024
DISCOVER GAŠPER
This month we invite you to discover the wines of Gašper Čarman.
We enjoyed a fantastic day with Gašper in early 2023 in Goriška Brda (Slovenia), and are very excited to bring his wines from this beautiful region to market. Great acidity runs through both whites and reds, with both traditional and unique blends on offer.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to a new region and new winemaker.
THE WINEMAKER
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. Having completed his WSET 4 Level Diploma, and now studying to become a Master of Wine, learning, for him, is an ongoing process. After 14 years in the wine business he still believes he is just getting started!
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.
THE WINERY
The vineyards of the Klet Brda cooperative families are located in the beautiful region of Goriška Brda in western Slovenia, bordering directly on the more famous Collio region of Friuli, Italy. Gašper highlights 3 main reasons why this region shines when it comes to winemaking potential:
The first - the location. The vineyards lie in close proximity to the Alps (40 km) whilst also enjoying the Mediterranean climate from the nearby Adriatic Sea (35 km). The delta betwwn daytime and night-time temperatures, due to the cooling breezes from the mountains, result in the potential for greater acidity and aromatics in the wines produced.
Secondly - the vineyards themselves. Gašper works his magic in the steepest vineyards of the region, where everything is done by hand, and yields are naturally low.
The third key ingredient is the soil. "Opoka", as it is called locally, was deposited in the Brda millennia ago by the ancient seas in the region. The Brda hills are built in layers of marl, sandstone, and limestone, and the soil structure varies in every vineyard site due to past tectonic movements and erosion. The nature of these sedimentary rock layers, or flysch, is that allows the roots to penetrate really deep - up to 12m deep - a factor which becomes all the more important with climate change, as the years are slowly becoming dryer.
Although not organic certified, wine making principles follow organic practices. For the wines you have in front of you today, the process starts with selection of the best grapes. Temperature controlled fermentation is followed by maturation in stainless steel (whites) on fine lees with the use of battonage, while the reds mature in large oak casks.
THE WINES
This month's selection is comprised of 4 wines - 2 whites and 2 reds - and a mix of the international and indigenous varieties that thrive in the region of Goriška Brda. All perfect summer wines with fresh acidity and a vibrancy to enhance any patio setting.
GAŠPER SALPA
JOS'S TAKE
The combination of the known (Chardonnay) and lesser known (Sauvignon Vert) along with a nod to the local (Rebula), makes for an interesting blend - fresh and with great acidity.
A bit of a unique find.
GAŠPER SALPA
Harvesting:
Exclusively by hand.
Vinification and fermentation:
100% in stainless steel containers at 14°C.
All varieties fermented separately.
Maturation:
100% in stainless steel containers on fine lees.
SALPA BLEND
A blend of Chardonnay (40%), local favourite Rebula (aka Ribolla Gialla) (30%) and Sauvignon Vert (30%).
Sauvignon Vert delivers freshness & perfume. Rebula - from steep slope vineyards - brings persistance and mineral touch. While Chardonnay completes this blend with body & elegance.
TASTING NOTES
An intriguing blend of Sauvignon Vert, Rebula and Chardonnay. Medium bodied, fresh with lovely aromas. A great summer sipper.
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2023 - Silver Medal (93 pts)
"An approachable, well-made, youthful wine with a fine floral nose, bright acidity and a long finish. Awesome value for money."
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
Best served at 8-10°C.
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
As an aperitif or accompaniment to seafood dishes, salads, white meats and poultry.
GAŠPER MALVAZIJA
JOS'S TAKE
Classic aromas and the expected underlying minerality prevail in this fresh Malvazija.
Simply put, a lovely summer sipper.
GAŠPER MALVAZIJA
Harvesting:
Exclusively by hand.
Vinification and fermentation:
100% in stainless steel containers at 14°C.
All varieties fermented separately.
Maturation:
100% in stainless steel containers on fine lees.
MALVAZIJA
Local favourite Malvazija Istarska thrives in parts of Slovenia, as well as further down the Adriatic coast in the Istrian peninsula.
A very versatile grape, it can be found and enjoyed as a sparkling wine, a fresh or aged white, and is also well suited to skin-contact.
TASTING NOTES
Gasper Malvazija is yellow in color with gentle bright green shades. The aroma is intense with notes of tropical fruit, white flowers and grapefruit. Fruity and pleasantly soft on the palate with a distinct almond finish, crispy and lively.
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2023 - Silver Medal (91 pts)
"Refreshing varietal aromas of peach, flowers and lemon zest. Juicy and vibrant in the mouth with a long, mineral finish."
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
Chill well, to 8 - 10°C.
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
A great aperitif and a perfect summer wine by glass.
That said, we also like to think of Malvazija as a great food companion. Serve it with the seafood, or fish carpaccio with olive oil, or a light summer salad.
GAŠPER BONITA
JOS'S TAKE
High acid reds are top of my list right now and this one definitely hits the mark. It's fresh, spicy, and easy drinking. Perfect lightly chilled on a warm summer evening. A staple in our cellar.
GAŠPER BONITA
Vineyards & Harvesting:
Exclusively by hand from high altitude vineyards.
Vinification and fermentation:
5 days at 25-28°C in stainless steel containers. Maturation:
100% in big 600 l cask.
Undergoes Malolactic fermentation.
BONITA BLEND
Bonita is a new red blend of three varieties from Goriške Brda.
Merlot (54%) provides softness and elegance, Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) is the basis for strength and the old Briška variety Pokalca (Črna Rebula / Schioppettino) (36%) adds spiciness to make this blend quite unique.
TASTING NOTES
An easy drinking red that is perfect for summer, which embraces the concept of the classic blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but with its own twist - the peppery and spicy local variety that is Pokalca (Črna Rebula / Black Rebula). Juicy aromas of plums and cherries with subtle hints of elegant vanilla. Great acidity, very precise, with a long finish.
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
Can be enjoyed lightly chilled. Serve at 14-16 °C.
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
A great partner for your favourite meats, straight off the BBQ.
GAŠPER PALAMIDA
JOS'S TAKE
Red wines do not always need to be complex and hearty. In fact, there is sometimes nothing better that a fresh, easy, drinkable red - lighter on the alcohol, with good acidity giving it great lift and freshness. This one is as effortless and enjoyable as watching Roger Federer in his heyday at Wimbledon.
GAŠPER PALAMIDA
Vineyards & Harvesting:
Exclusively by hand from high altitude vineyards.
Vinification and fermentation:
5 days at 25-28°C in stainless steel containers. Maturation:
100% in big 600 l cask.
Undergoes Malolactic fermentation.
PALAMIDA BLEND
Gasper Palamida is a blend of three great varieties. Strength is represented by Cabernet Sauvignon (45%). Cabernet Franc (20%) feels lighter and brings finesse and peppery perfume, while Merlot (35%) provides softness and timeless elegance.
Together they produce a smooth, silky and juicy blend.
TASTING NOTES
Another easy drinking, versatile and food friendly red wine. This beautifully balanced ruby red wine has a smooth, juicy taste and a pleasant aroma of black currants and prunes.
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
Serve at 16 °C.
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
Pairs well with grilled meats, charcuterie and medium-aged cheeses.