Goriška Brda

Goriška Brda are located in the far west of Slovenia and has all the characteristics of a wine-growing region. Wine is the most important crop. It is here that new winemaking techniques are first emerging, and where the greatest number of wines of high quality and high ratings are produced. Brda is a very popular tourist destination for wine lovers. It is surrounded to the west and south by the famous Italian Collio region. Mount Sabotin closes Brda to the north-east and mount Korada to the north. To the south, the area is open towards the lowlands. There are no towns in Brda, but many villages such as Dobrovo, Medana, Ceglo, Vipožle, Kozana, Višnjevik and Plešivo.
The vines grow at altitudes of 80 to 400 metres above sea level. Wines produced at higher altitudes are very harmonious, elegant, with slightly less alcohol and more acidity. The wines from the lower slopes are fuller, richer and slightly more alcoholic.

Brda is strongly influenced by the mediterranean, coming from the south. To the north of Brda are the Alps. The climate can therefore be described as mediterranean, with an alpine influence. Summers are hot and winters mild. Storms are quite frequent and occasional spring frosts show the influence of the Alps. The soil is flinty and is characterised by layers of clay, lapis, known as marl, limestone and sandstone.

The synonym for Brda is the variety ‘rebula’. One fifth of the vineyards are planted with this variety. Rebula is produced in various styles, as fresh wine, aged in stainless steel tanks, aged in wooden barrels, with extended maceration, as sparkling wine and as wine made from dried grapes. It can also be found in various varieties.
Other white varieties include chardonnay, sauvignonasse, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc and, of the red varieties, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and pinot noir.
Brda is also home to the largest number of top sparkling wine producers and the largest cooperative winery in Slovenia.