Goričar – Cviček P.T.P., 2020

It is time we take a look at another one of those specialities coming from the Dolenjska region. We’ll be tasting Goričar‘s Cviček which marks a new chapter in their winemaking approach.

Winemaking at the Goričar family has been a tradition. Their Zidanica (a house traditionally used to store tools and crops) counts for more than 300 years, and the last three generations have been devoted to wine production. They look currently after 1,5 hectares of vines, which are divided into Žametna črnina, Blaufränkisch and Welschriesling, plus they purchase some of the grapes to produce qualitative Cviček.

Cviček is Dolenjska’s speciality with the designation of origin, or as in Slovenia – PTP. Its production must follow the following ratio between 40 % to 50 % of Žametna črnina (exceptionally up to 60%), from 10 to 15 % of Kraljevina, from 15 to 20% of Blaufränkisch (exceptionally up to 30%), up to 10 % of Welschriesling and up to 15% of other allowed varieties. Quite complicated, but these allow for the optimal final result, which usually has between 8,5 and 10 % ABV.

The Goričars, who are also known for their fish farm – hence the theme on their retro-styled etiquette, turned a new page in their winemaking chapter as they hired Uroš Bolčina, a renowned oenologist to help them elevate the final wine. And the result speaks for itself.

This cviček shows a cherry-pink colour with a fairly dense texture. Its intense bouquet is reminiscent of cherries, raspberries, roses, and a slight hint of grass.

The taste is gentle, relatively soft but expressive, vivid freshness with a slightly salty taste. An intense wine with medium structure and rather lasting persistency. With flavours of red berries and grass in its refreshing aftertaste.