Bjana – Brut terroir, N.V.

Finally, the time has come to write about a true beacon when it comes to sparkling wines. It’s time to present the story of Bjana and the Sirk family, who stands behind one of the most renowned sparkling powerhouses in Slovenia. Tonight we’ll have a look at their Brut terroir, a wine produced from 100 % Rebula, to emphasise the versatility of this variety.

The Sirk family has been known for producing high-quality méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines. The cellar is situated in the village of Biljana or, as locals refer to – Bjana, hence the given name. In the year 1990, Miran Sirk started with serious production, with his first 500 bottles produced. The following year this number rose to 5,000 and has grown to produce approximately 35,000 litres of wine annually.

They started it all in one of the oldest wine cellars in Brda, below the mansion Dorišče that dates back to the 13^th century and ever since expanded by renovating it and this year, by having their first harvest in the newly built wine cellar who welcomes you when entering the village Biljana.

Bjana is what everyone can understand when meeting Miran and Petra Sirk, the story of precision. This is the fil rouge of each of their noble sparkling wines. Such is the case with their Brut terroir, with this one scoring 88 points and bronze medal at 2018’s Decanter World Wine Awards.

This is a pure Rebula produced with the traditional method with secondary fermentation and ageing sur lie for thirty-six months. This is quickly becoming a rarity, as Miran decided not to produce it anymore, and I’ve been thrilled when today Patrizia from Rizibizi restaurant said she has one last left. So, of course, we didn’t think twice and quickly popped it open.

Our glasses were filled with a brilliant, golden yellow coloured wine with numerous medium-sized and relatively persistent bubbles.

Its intense bouquet was speaking of maturity, with primarily secondary aromas first. Bread crust with butter, peanuts, marzipan, pan-brioche, apple slices and dried lemon peel, as well as dried Mediterranean herbs and a note of hot marlstone.

Rather extra-brut on the palate with perceivable softness. Vividly refreshing and leaving a mineral, almost salty taste. A wine of intensity and structure, with a very lasting and elegant aftertaste. Concluding with flavours of dried fruit, pandoro and salty mineral notes.

A harmonious wine, showing the potential and vivacity for long-term ageing. If lucky, some bottles are still available at Vinoteka Sodček and Sloveense Wijnen for the price of approximately 21,50 Eur.