Primorska

One of the three wine-growing regions in Slovenia, located in the west of the country on the border with Italy. The name translates as “on the ocean”, although only a small part is located on the Adriatic coast. The climate is characterised by a hot summer, and an autumn that provides many severe thunderstorms. In addition, viticulture is influenced by the Bora, a cold wind from the north. The vineyard area totals 7.055 hectares. The region is sub-divided into four districts: Goriška Brda (Goriska hills) with 1.980 hectares, Kras with 575 hectares, Slovenska Istra (Slovenian Istria) with 2.400 hectares and Vipavska Dolina with 2.100 hectares. In a sense these form the extension of the Carso and Collio Goriziano wine-growing regions in Friuli in Italy, these have very similar geological and climatic conditions. Around half the wines produced here are red, while in the two other wine-growing regions in Slovenia white wines dominate. The most important red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, as well as Refosk (Terrano = variant of Refosco). This latter variety is used to produce the famous PTP quality wine Kras Teran in the Kras district, this grows on iron-rich soil known as Teran. This could possibly be a successor of the Pucinum wine of antiquity, mentioned by the Elder Pliny (23-79 AS). A well-known white wine of origin is Vipavec. The leading white grape varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sivi Pinot (Pinot Gris), Rebula (Ribolla), Pinela, Pikolit, Vitovska and Zelen. The Vinakoper cooperative on the Adriatic coast is one of the largest producers in the region, with a vineyard area of 500 hectares. Movia is an outstanding producer of quality wines.