Slovenska Istra

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The vinorodni okoliš is built on Eocene fliš sediments; Izola is the exception, where Eocene apnenec appears.
• Brown soils predominate; the microrelief on fliš creates local zones with distinctive pedological conditions.
• The climate is an interplay of Mediterranean and continental influences, with high daytime and low night-time temperatures.
• The relief is characterised by the broad, flat ridges of the Šavrinsko gričevje (400–500 m a.s.l.); flat land is very scarce.
• Landslides are managed through cultivation terraces; approximately 20.6 % of vineyards are situated on terraces.

• Harvest begins earlier here than anywhere else in Slovenia; grapes reach optimal ripeness as early as August.
• The traditional form of direct sales is the osmica — sold on-site at the producer's premises, open for no more than eight days.

• The wines are rich in alcohol, with lower acidity and higher extract; they yield mineral-rich, warm wines with long finishes.
• In red varieties, the climate and fliš produce colours ranging from ruby-red to blue-violet, and tannins that allow ageing in wood.

• The interplay of Mediterranean and continental podnebje together with Eocene fliš gives rise to wines rich in alcohol, with a mineral note and long finishes.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-SI-A0609
• Official trade body site — Vinakoper d.o.o.