Uncover The Treasure of Slovenian History – The Ljubljana Castle
19th July 2021
Love Wine Love Slovenia
Slovenia has a medieval history, one filled with wonder and beauty, there are over 500 castles in Slovenia and over 10,000 caves, as well as a castle build into the mouth of a cave, called the Predjama Castle, but here we’ll learn a little bit about the history of the Ljubljana Castle.
Located on a small hill looking over the city center of Ljubljana, it was first built sometime in the 11 or 12th century, it later underwent a major reconstruction which ended up giving the castle its current footprint which we see today, this happened in the 15th century.
The castle was originally built as a defense structure, it most likely became a Roman army stronghold for a while, it was mentioned in a document in 1256 as the most important castle of the rulers of Carniola, it was conquered by King Ottokar II of Bohemia in 1270, then after Ottokar was defeated in 1278 Rudolph of Habsburg laid claim, then since the 14th century it became the seat of the lords of Carniola, nowadays it is open to the public where you can book tours to explore and learn first hand the beauty of the structure and even more of its history.
As you’ve been talking about the history of the Ljubljana Castle in Slovenia, I think it’s a good idea to pop open a bottle of Slovenian Sparkling Wine.
The Slovenian Sparkling Wine – Simonic
The story of Penine Simonič begins in the late 1990s, where Ivan Simonič decided to focus on making Sparkling Wine, he became the first Sparkling Wine producer in Bela Krajina, the first bottle of Semiška Penina was created in 2000.
Simonic – Semiska Penina Barrique Tasting Notes
Aroma – “👃Lemon, cooking apples, green apples and yellow apples with a sherberty hint on the aroma.”
Flavour – “👅A sweet citrus touch of lemon and yellow apples on the palate.”
This Slovenian Sparkling Wine Won a Gold Medal in the Meditation Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2020.
Facts Sourced From:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ljubljana_Castle
- https://www.culture.si/en/Ljubljana_Castle
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/slovenia/ljubljana/attractions/ljubljana-castle/a/poi-sig/421675/360721
- https://fsgfort.com/fortfinder/poi/ljubljana-castle/
Oliver Walkey
WSET 2 Journalist focused on sharing Champagne and Sparkling Wine reviews and cocktails to the world.