In Medot we Trust – A look at one of Slovenia’s Finest

Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Italy, Croatia, Hungry and Austria. Highest peak of 2,864m altitude above sea level (Triglav) and 1,502 m in depth when heading downwards (Cave Čehi 2).  Population of 2.081 million, more than 28,000 wineries and it is said some 90,000 people practice beekeeping! Welcome to Slovenia.

Slovenia is split into three main wine growing regions:

• Podravska Wine Region
• Posavska Wine Region
• Primorska Wine Region

Each of these wine regions, for me and from my many tastings there, produce equally impressive sparkling wines. Each region holds a wide selection of wineries and wines from smaller growers to those larger producers with a global exportation process in place. What you will also find, depending on the depth of your experiences, is that some wine producers stand out over others which will show in the quality of wine down to the likes of the winemaker, terroir, experience and more.

“I have visited Slovenia a few times thank to my good friend Marin Berovic, each time I am educated on new wineries and new labels. Just like most wine regions I have visited, the best always stick out for me and as you experience more and more examples my preference for certain wineries increases. One such winery is Medot who are located close to the Italian border in the wine region of Goriška Brda. Always solid traditional method sparkling wine examples with great expressions from the added ageing of ‘lees contact’.” Christopher Walkey

A little known, yet a dynamite ‘wine’, quarter of Slovenia is Goriška Brda which contains some of the country’s ‘Oscar winning‘ wine producers. This includes Bjana, Silveri and also for me Chateau Intanto (especially their red sparkling label aged for eight years – Jožef Jazbec Črna Penina).

 

Another one of the ‘Oscar nominations’ is Medot Winery. A five minute drive from the Italian border and set amongst some amazing terroir for its vineyards with rolling hills and mostly warm weather for grape growing along with both Alpine and Mediterranean stream influences. Quite a bespoke sparkling wine house (producing still wines also) with a fine selection of labels that see extensive ageing from 48 months to over 7 years on their current vintage.

 

“Speaking to Luka their winemaker, he shares with me that they are focused on preparing the wines to including storing so that upon release thy are at the perfect timing to be opened and enjoyed.“

Their sparkling wine range includes:

 

Brut 48:

 

Tasting notes: “Rested on the lees for 4.5 years – A big commitment for the junior label of their range! Fresh minerals, yellow stone fruits, dried lemon slices and hints of flaky pastry on the nose. Fresh and crisp flavours with initial burst being dry style then quickly to green fruits with a creamy edge. Added brioche and nutty hints.”

 

Extra Brut:

 

Tasting notes: “Creamy caramel, honey butter, soft spices, dried apricot and pastry on the nose. Plenty of deep flavours wit dry yellow fruits, a touch of orange peel, soft spices and much more.”

 

Rosé Brut:

 

Tasting notes: “Just under six years on the lees. Creamy red berry fruits, cream cheese, pink floral on the nose. Absolutely delightful. Nice balance between dryness and acidity yet allowing creamy red fruits in at the same time. Length gives you so many taste experiences from rhubarb to red apples.”

 

Vintage (currently 2012):

 

Tasting notes: “Nose promises so many delights. Honey on toast, overripe yellow stone fruits, honeysuckle and a touch of shortbread. Dry initially in flavours with soft citrus and heavy floral notes then mellows nicely to dry golden fruits, honeysuckle and minerals.”

 

• This winery is seeking distribution in the UK. An award winning Slovenian sparkling wine house with focus on longer lees ageing.