Slovene Wines: red vs whites?

Question

As I spent about 10 days in Slovenia recently, I had the opportunity to taste a number of wines. While I was more than happy with almost all whites I sampled, I found their red wines rather dull, often with a not-so-clean nose and jammy, sometimes oxidized flavours. Was it just bad luck or are reds generally inferior to whites in Slovenia?

If so, why should it be the case if you consider that neighbouring Veneto, Frioul and Styria have comparable climatic conditions and produce excellent whites and reds?

Thanks for any explanation...or for tips regarding red wine growers one should really look out for!

Yves

Mike Tommasi · Accepted Answer

I am a frequent visitor there, and do appreciate the whites, especially from the younger winemakers with a "natural" bent, these wines tend to have lots of character and much less (excess) wood than their Firuli counterparts. I go for Walter Mlecnik, Edi Simcic, Batic, Scurek, all with top QPR. Movia is very good but getting pricey.

Keep in mind that within an hour's drive you go from Mediterranean syrah country to sub-alpine Burgundy-like chardonnay conditions. I do agree that the reds tend to be less interesting. The whites offer plenty of great local grapes like rebula, but the reds tend to the other extreme, highly wooded cabs and jammy syrahs. I think they would do better to replant the med region with grenache and carignan. :-)

Slovene Wines: red vs whites?

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