Marjan Simcic – Goriska, Brda

The Slovenian region of Brda lies immediately to the east of Italy’s Collio region. The two denominations, in reality, comprise one contiguous quality wine zone whose terroir is rudely bisected by an international border. Today many winemakers and grapes cross the border in both directions in short journeys from vineyard to cellar. The Simcic family trace their wine making story in the region back to 1860. Their aim is to respect the historic traditions of the region in both viticulture and wine-making. The vineyards are farmed organically and with many biodynamic practises followed here and in the winery, yields are kept low and only natural yeasts are used. Marjan is one of the best winemakers in Europe and has honed his knowledge of his land all his life and works to progress the quality of the wines tirelessly every year. The wines are divided into three distinct ranges. The Classic range is from the youngest vines (often up to 35 years old, however) and is made to provide wines for earlier release. Fermentation and aging takes place in stainless steel following 2 days of maceration, they then age for up to 8 months on the fine lees. The Cru Selections are all sourced from old vines growing in the very best sites and will see extended skin contact and ferment and aging in oak. Opoka is the local term for the prized marl mineral soil of the area and the name given to Marjan’s very top wines. They are the product of experience and knowledge gained from extensive surveys of the vineyards Marjan undertook involving deep core samples for soil analysis. Winemaking for these wines involves skin contact and ferment, often in concrete eggs, with aging in large and small format oak.