Simcic Marjan Cru Selection Ribolla 2023

Located in the Brda wine region in the far west of Slovenia, the Simčič Marjan estate cultivates Ribolla on steep slopes near the Italian border. The vines are rooted in marl and flysch soils, locally known as "opoka," which ensure good drainage and promote slow and even ripening of the grapes. The climate is characterized by the combined influence of the Adriatic Sea and the Alps, providing sunny days, cooler nights, and natural ventilation that preserves the aromatic freshness of the grape variety.

Ribolla grapes are hand-harvested at perfect ripeness, then destemmed before a short skin maceration. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, primarily in oak barrels, at controlled temperatures. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in oak barrels and large casks, with regular stirring to develop complexity and texture, before blending and bottling after extended cellar maturation.

This wine reveals notes of white-fleshed fruit , citrus zest , and ripe apple , complemented by delicate floral touches, subtle spicy nuances, and a pronounced minerality reminiscent of wet stone. The palate is ample yet taut, driven by a lively and perfectly integrated acidity, with a harmonious structure and a long, slightly saline finish that prolongs the aromatic impressions and provides a lingering sensation of freshness.

Slovenia is a small European country with a long history of wine production. Viticulture dates back to the Celts, who were the first to produce wine in what is now Slovenia, 400 years before Christ. With the arrival of the Romans in the first century AD, viticulture developed further. But let's talk a little about what happened during the last century: despite the cultural and political turmoil that plagued the Balkan states, Slovenia maintained its wine industry, which has been particularly prosperous since the country gained its independence from the former Yugoslavia. Slovenia has a diverse geography, offering a wide variety of microclimates. The region is bordered to the north by the Austrian Alps, to the west by Italy and the Adriatic Sea, to the east by Hungary, and to the south by Croatia. The grape varieties cultivated in Slovenia show Italian influence in the west, Germanic influence in the east, and a growing "international" French influence overall. This multifaceted influence contributes to a very diverse and surprising range of wines!