NA ZDRAVJE, AS THEY SAY IN SLOVENIA

Published: 23 July, 2008

The first-ever major tasting of Slovenian wines took place in London on 14 November, with 27 producers showing approximately 130 wines. Tomz Srsen of Wines from Slovenia told Harpers that the UK market is a vital one for establishing the credibility of Slovenian wines. He said exporters would be concentrating on specialists and some on-trade listings. Steven Spurrier told Harpers that Slovenia is keen to have its wines perceived as similar to those of neighbouring Austria and Italy. The country produces approximately 900,000 hectolitres of wine annually from 24,500 hectares in three regions: Podravje in the northeast, Posavje in the southeast and Primorje in the west. The main grape varieties of Podravje are: Kraljevina, Zametovka, Frankinja and Laskiriesling; in Posavje, Laskiriesling, Sipon-Mosler, Chardonnay and Frankinja; and in Primorje, Malvazija, Refosk, Rebula and Merlot. For more on Wines of Slovenia, contact Debbie Collinson on 020 7373 0774, e-mail: winepr@aol.com (The salutation Na zdravje', or good health', features in the Slovenian national anthem.)

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