Goriška Brda wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Goriška Brda is a wine appellation in Slovenia's Primorska region, on the border with Italy, where it forms a geological continuation of the Collio vineyards across the frontier. The vineyards cover terraced hillsides, farmed largely by hand because of the steep slopes. The soils are flysch, an alternating sequence of marl and sandstone locally known as opoka, which gives the wines a distinctive mineral character. The climate is Mediterranean, tempered by the nearby Julian Alps and by breezes reaching inland from the Adriatic, producing warm summers and mild winters. White varieties dominate, led by rebula, a traditional grape grown here for centuries, alongside chardonnay, sauvignon blanc (or sauvignonasse) and pinot gris. For reds, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc are the main varieties planted.

The wines of this appellation

Goriška Brda produces mostly dry, taut, mineral white wines, driven by the fresh acidity that comes from the climate and the flysch soils. Rebula yields lively wines with aromas of white flowers, citrus and almond, while chardonnay and sauvignon add roundness and riper fruit notes. The region is also known for its macerated, or "orange", whites, made through extended skin contact, which develop notes of dried fruit, honey and light tannins. The reds, based on merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, are structured, with present tannins and aromas of dark fruit and spice; some can age for several years. The whites pair naturally with fish, seafood and fresh cheeses, while the reds suit red meats, cured meats and matured cheeses.