Bela Krajina

Bela krajina lies on the sunny side of the Gorjanci hills and is the smallest wine-growing region… Most of the vineyards lie to the north of Metlika, the wine capital. Warm southerly winds penetrate into Bela krajina from the south and east. The Kolpa river contributes significantly to the formation of noble rot, resulting in the production of prestigious wines.

The climate is sub-pannonian. The warm influence of the northern adriatic is felt, and the development of the vine in Bela krajina is faster than in Dolenjska, thanks to the Gorjanci. The soil composition is very varied, with limestone and dolomite being the most common.

The most common varieties are modra frankinja, welschriesling, royal, žametna črnina, yellow muscat and sauvignon blanc. The surrounding area is famous for the metliška črnina (tradicional couvee), where the proportion of modra frankinja is no more than 60% and of žametna črnina no less than 30%. The best yellow muscats and modra frankinja also come from the Bela krajina. The indigenous portugalka variety is excellent as a young wine.

The Bela krajina is noted for its sweet wines, produced with the help of noble rot, and, if nature permits, ice wines or wines made from dried grapes are also produced.