Description

The largest and most continental of Slovenia’s wine regions contains what the Guinness Book of World Records says is the world’s oldest vine: located in the town of Maribor it is a 400-year-old Žametovka vine that still bears fruit every year. Podravje is experiencing a shift from reliance on Welschriesling, its traditional varietal, to the Furmint grape, which is showing great promise. Renski Rizling (Rhine Riesling) and Sauvignon Blanc are also produced along with very few red wines. Cold fermentations and stainless-steel aging are the norm, and the resulting wines are high-acid, light, and aromatic. Some producers make sweet botrytised wines and ice wines in suitable vintages, but three red varieties are gaining ground––Pinot Noir, Blaufrankisch, and Zweigelt