Brda are such a fantastic location. The combination of Sub-Mediterranean and Alpine climates, the Opoka soil and thorough vineyard planning and management can give outstanding, world-class wines. And such is the case with Klet Brda‘s deep, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon.
This one merits the title of Champion, as it was crowned champion of reds at Slovenia’s most prominent wine competition in Gornja Radgona. Such titlist deserves to wear the golden label, and here’s why.
Only the best, healthiest and concentrated hand-harvested grapes were used in its production. Terraced vineyards are facing south-west to south-east, and vines there count between 10 to 30 years of age. The altitude varies from 100 to 300 meters above sea level, and the soil changes from sandstone at peaks to clay, mixing in between. You should also know that Brda follows strictly low-intervention and sustainable agricultural and vinification methods.
After destemming, berries of Cabernet Sauvignon were left to macerate for almost 15 days at temperatures between 25 and 28 ° Celsius in a combination of 80 % in French and American barriques and 20 % large oak barrels. After gentle pressing, the wine matured for 24 months “sure lie” in the same combination of wooden vessels where it also completed malolactic conversion.
And this results in an outstanding expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep ruby red coloured, with a slightly translucent edge and thick, viscous texture.
Its intense bouquet is reminiscent of dried blueberries, chokeberries, black currants, cherries in alcohol, hummus, black pepper, chocolate, coffee, eucalyptus, laurel, leather, note the tip of a pencil, incense and leather.
The taste is soft, with a reasonably warm sensation indicating well-integrated alcohol. With lively freshness, pronounced, velvety tannins and a minerally salty taste. Plus, you notice a pleasant umami sensation that caresses your mouth. A wine indicating it has vast ageing potential, with a noble character, vigorous body and lasting persistency.
A nobility worth of all the praise and admiration, with tremendous ageing potential. Darinko Ribolica and the team at the cellar managed to create such a noble rendition. It’s kind of like they outdid themselves.
A bottle will cost you 18,30 Eur, and for such a wine, you shouldn’t even think twice before buying. You can order it straight at their online store, Koželj, or find it Klet Brda’s physical outlets. It shouldn’t be too tricky finding it aboard too.