This year's Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Trophy for Slovenian Red over £15 went to Zlati Grič, Modri Pinot, Podravje 2012 (14%)
Tasted against:
- No other Golds in this category
Profile:
‘You can’t make good wine from bad grapes,’ says Saso Topolsek, head winemaker at Zlati Gri˘c. Topolsek first starting working at the winery in 1995 as assistant winemaker to his father, but since 2002 has assumed the top job.
Zlati Gri˘c was established in 1991 with 80 hectares of vineyards and an old wine cellar. These were soon complemented by a restaurant, accommodation and a golf course which winds its way through the vines. In 2008 a new cellar was installed.
Although this Trophy-winning wine is red, 90% of Zlati Gri˘c’s planted grapes are white: Chardonnay, Riesling and others. ‘Our aim is to make fresh, fruit-driven, aromatic wines,’ says Topolsek. ‘Because of our specific soils and climate, we have very good aromatic potential in our grapes. In top vintages, we can make Pinot Noir from selected vineyards.’
It’s of no surprise that production leans towards whites due to the tricky conditions in the region, as explained by Topolsek: ‘It can be challenging to maintain healthy grapes if there is too much rainfall in August and September. Because of this, 2009 was the first vintage of this Pinot Noir and the second vintage was only in 2012. The wine expresses Slovenia’s cool climate, with its floral, herbal tones, fresh acidity, soft tannins and elegant finish.’
Written by Decanter
