Gašper, Malvazija

The Gašper wine estate is a joint venture between a local co-operative and the Čarman family, who have been in the hospitality and wine industry for over 50 years. The estate is in Goriška Brda, an area within Collio that stretches into Slovenia from Friuli Venezia Giulia, in northeast Italy. The climate here is ideally suited to viticulture, with its proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the Alps providing dry, warm summers and cooling breezes during the crucial ripening period.

Tended by 250 members, Gašper’s 1,100 hectares of vineyards are characterised by ‘opoka’ marl soil and excellent sun exposure on their terraced, hillside rows. They also benefit from high elevations, ranging from 80 - 200 metres above sea level, which helps the grapes retain acidity and aromatics. Hand harvesting is undertaken by the cooperative’s partners, family members and friends, allowing for a careful selection of fruit that enhances the quality of the final wine.

At the helm of the cellar is Darinko Ribolica, a respected oenologist from Goriška Brda. For the whites, he uses Slovenia’s local varieties to create wines in a modern, fresh style. The Chardonnay/Rebula dominant blend is 55% Chardonnay, 45% Rebula, with the varieties fermented separately in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and fruitiness of this wine, which displays hints of peach and citrus. The Pinot Grigio is fermented in stainless steel, creating an aromatic expression with pear and white flowers on the nose and refreshing grapefruit on the palate. The Malvazija (also known as Malvasia Istriana) is native to the Croatian and Slovenian coastal areas that once belonged to Italy. This variety is known to create wines which are taut and zesty, while also slightly honeyed in character. It is made solely in stainless steel and offers a slightly richer expression than the other whites, with aromas of tropical fruit and hints of almond on the finish. All the Gašper white wines have a vein of lively acidity running through them and are designed to be drunk while young and fresh.

Only made in the best years, from two selected `crus`, the Rebula Selection is elegant and precise with excellent fruit weight and well-integrated oak notes, making it suitable for ageing. The Gašper range also includes a 100% Cabernet Franc, sourced from low-yielding, 50-year-old vines. Hand-picked grapes are crushed and macerated on their skins for eight days before fermentation. The wine ages for 18 months in a combination of new, 350-litre French oak barrels, large neutral casks and stainless-steel tanks. This is a delightful wine, with an aromatic nose of red cherry and blackcurrant, coupled with a lovely spiciness from the oak and a smooth, fruit-driven palate with supple tannins. The Cabernet Franc is the only Slovenian red wine to ever win a Platinum Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards.