Author: Peter Douglas

The unique interplay between the Alpine, Mediterranean, and Pannonian climates provides Slovenia with three distinct wine regions, each with its signature offerings:

Primorska: Blessed by the Adriatic Sea, Primorska enjoys a Mediterranean climate ideal for growing a variety of grape types. The region is renowned for its white wines, especially Rebula, characterized by a medley of citrus and herbal notes.

Podravje: Between continental breezes, Podravje is a haven for red grape varieties. Thermal springs and mineral-rich soils foster an environment conducive to producing robust reds like Merlot and Blaufränkisch. Welschriesling, Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Furmint, and Yellow Muscat are also common. 

The Sub-region Štajerska Slovenija is the 2nd largest wine-growing region in Slovenia, which is held by Prekmurje in the north. It is a very varied landscape with steep slopes in Haloze, distinctly anthropogenic terraces in Ljutomersko-Ormoška gorice and Maribor, which can boast of a vineyard in the middle of the city and the oldest vine in the world – zametovka or blue sofa, which has been delighting wine lovers for more than four centuries . In the northern part, the hills end with the Radgonska-Kapelski mountains, which descend towards Prekmurje into the Pannonian plain. 

The surroundings have already known locations from the past, which are ranked among four percent of the best wine-growing locations in the world. The soil developed on soft carbonate rocks. Although until recently, mostly semi-dry wines came from the Styrian area, today winemakers are betting on fresh dry wines, and the flagship is predicates.

Posavje: Known for the harmonious Cviček, a blend of red and white grapes, Posavje is a region where tradition defies convention. Remarkably, the grapes used are typically for sparkling wine production, accentuating its freshness and light body. This was one of my personal discoveries this year!

The treasure of Slovenian wines lie in their diversity. While international grape varieties take on a unique character in Slovenia, it is the indigenous varieties that truly embody the nation’s vinous identity:

Rebula: Known in Italy as Ribolla Gialla, this grape captures the sunlight of Primorska in wines with a fresh, mineral essence and a light, chalky tannic texture. It is commonly used for orange wine production.

Furmint: Locally known as Šipon, this variety produces wines that balance sweetness with lively acidity, mirroring the complexity of Podravje’s terroir.

Žametna Črnina: Indigenous to Posavje, this red variety yields wines with a soulful purple hue and an aroma of dark berries. It is one of the key varieties for Cviček.