A Splash of Slovenia
22nd June 2020
A Country you might not know the location of, but still holds a charming selection of Sparkling Wines to explore.
Slovenia is located in Europe, it borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, their population is just over 2 million.
Slovenia is one of the countries which is gifted with beaches of the Mediterranean on one side and snowy mountains with ski resorts on the other.
Here are 5 Interesting Facts About the Country of Slovenia.
- Slovenia is home to the world’s oldest vine, it is believed to be around 400 years old and it still produces grapes to this day.
- It’s claimed that there is approximately one vineyard for every 75 people in Slovenia.
- If you have ever wanted to spend a night in a prison cell without committing a crime, then the Hostel Celica in Slovenia is the place for you to go, you can spend a night locked inside a real prison.
- Around 54% of the total land area in Slovenia is covered in forests.
- The Capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana, pronounced lub-lee-yana translates into ‘The Loved One’.
The Slovenian Sparkling Wines
Radgonske Gorice
Radgonske Gorice – Zlata Radgonska Penina Selection Sans Dosage – Tasting Notes
Aroma – “It has a sweet expression on the aroma, almost like candy and ripe yellow fruits.”
Flavours – “A dryer taste than expected, but one that doesn’t disappoint, it starts off small and ends large with flavours that live on in the mouth with green apple skins.”
This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Silver Medal in the Zesty & Zingy Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Radgonske Gorice is the oldest Sparkling Wine producer in Slovenia, they started over 160 years ago in 1852, they produce 4,500,000 litres of wine every year, with a production that high, it makes sense that Radgonske Gorice is the largest producer of Sparkling Wine in Slovenia.
Martinčič
Martinčič Plus Polsuha Penina – Tasting Notes
Aroma – “Honeydew melon and olive oil on the aroma.”
Flavours – “Green fruits and a hint of zestiness with a dry ending, great to pair with food.”
This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Bronze Medal in the First Date Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
On January 10, 2020, a bottle of Martinčič was chosen by the 24th Wine Queen of Slovenia – Ana Pavlin, she comes from Dolenjska and was crowned in Radenci. Martinčič is ‘happy and proud that the new wine queen has chosen a wine from our cellar-Modra frankinjo’.
Penine Simonič
Penine Simonič Semiška Penina Zelo Suho Brut – Tasting Notes
Aroma – “A Light & Fruity/Spring Fling aroma with floral, zesty tropical and sweet sherbert notes.”
Flavours – “Soft floral and green fruit flavours.”
This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Bronze Medal in the First Date Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
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.
Žaren – Albiana
Žaren Albiana Brut – Tasting Notes
Aroma – “Soft Champagne aromas of toast and melted butter.”
Flavours – “Your mouth is filled with popping bubbles, a zestiness bounces of the tongue up to the roof of the mouth with green fruit flavours.”
This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Highly Commended Medal in the Spring Fling Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Brič
Brič Penina Brič Brut Tasting Notes
Aroma – “Herbal and smoky red berries with a hint of yellow floral on the aroma.”
Flavours – “Fresh wood, apricot and peach flavours.”
This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Bronze Medal in the Winter Warmer Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Oliver Walkey
WSET 2 Journalist focused on sharing Champagne and Sparkling Wine reviews and cocktails to the world.