Krasno 2019 Orange, Goriska Brda, Slovenia

Over the centuries, heroic winegrowers have tenaciously terraced the steep marly slopes below the little village of Krasno to plant their vines. Goriška Brda is the enchanting westernmost region of Slovenia, nestled halfway between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Its rolling hills, stretching from the emerald Soča River to Friuli in Italy, are dotted with houses and farms. This unique land produces distinctly mineral wines, with a character only found in Slovenia’s Brda region. Up to the end of World War II, when the Brda hills were split in two by the border between Yugoslavia and Italy, this area had known a special type of feudalism called the colonate system. Peasants cultivated small patches of land, and wine was only produced by 17 local castles owned by foreign nobility. The Goriška Brda Wine Cellar was established in 1957 as a cooperative, which is still fully owned by local wine growers. Preserving viticulture in Brda in all its authenticity – among the vineyards grow fruit, olive and other trees. Thus, the cultural landscape remains varied and very hospitable. Traditional know-how is passed from the older generation to their daughters and sons, viticulture practices are done manually with great attention to natural cycles.

This special skin macerated white known as orange wine is a blend of 40% Ribolla Gialla (Rebula), 30% Malvasia, 30% Sauvignonasse sourced only from the winery’s organic growers. The Rebula sees 10 months of skin contact in large oak foudres. The Malvasia and Sauvignonasse see one month skin contact and 8 months on lees in stainless steel. Before blending the Rebula is aged in large oak for 14 months, and the Malvasia and Sauvignonasse in stainless steel for 15 months.

It shows the refreshing acidity and bright minerality of a cool climate white with added depth, backbone and mouthfeel. Notes of citrus, stone fruits, passion fruit and almonds.