Small tasting of Slovenian wines uncovers some bold, stylish bottles

I wish I had time to taste more Slovenian wines. I appreciate the beauty of the country, the vineyards and the producers. This year we only tasted a few producers’ wines but we discovered some excellent ones, nearly all from Simcic.

The tiny country of a few million people is only about the size of Rhode Island. Vineyards account for a small percentage of the surface (about 20,000 hectares) with Brda being the best area. It borders Northeastern Italy’s Friuli area. Brda accounts for 2,300 hectares of the 3,000 hectares of Collio. Slovenian winemakers say they have the best terroirs and microclimates.

Brda also has a high percentage of organic and biodynamic vineyards as well as low intervention and natural winemakers. I am a fan of Kabaj and Movia, but I haven’t tasted them yet this year. Stekar was in this tasting but most of the wines were too funky to receive outstanding ratings. Simcic was much more modern and precise with bold, ultra-clean, and stylish wines. I like the fact the the family is moving away from slightly overly extracted wines to more balanced ones.

See our tasting notes below. 

Tasting Notes

Simčič Chardonnay Brda Cru Selection 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Chardonnay Brda Opoka Jordano Cru 2016
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Pinot Noir Brda Opoka Breg Cru 2015
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2015
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Sauvignon Blanc Brda Cru Selection 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Sauvignon Blanc Brda Opoka Jordano Cru 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Sauvignon Blanc Brda Opoka Jordano Cru 2016
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Domaine Ciringa Sauvignon Blanc Štajerska Slovenija Fosilni Breg Reserve 2015
Country Slovenia
Region Slovenia
Vintage 2015
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Ribolla Brda Classic 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Rdeče 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Chardonnay Brda Classic 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Pinot Grigio Brda Classic 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Pinot Noir Brda Cru Selection 2016
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Cabernet Franc Goriška Brda 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Cabernet Sauvignon Goriška Brda 2016
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Cabernet Sauvignon Goriška Brda 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Filip Red 2015
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2015
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Brda Teodor Rosso Cru Selection 2014
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2014
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Sauvignon Vert Brda Classic 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Morus Rubra 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Domaine Ciringa Sauvignon Blanc Štajerska Slovenija Fosilni Breg 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Slovenia
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Rebula Goriška Brda 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Sivi Pinot Goriška Brda 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

The Doktor Malvazija Vipavska Dolina 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Vipavska Dolina
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Emilio 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Eros 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Morus Alabaster 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Morus Vinido 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Merlot Brda Opoka Trobno Cru 2016
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Simčič Ribolla Brda Cru Selection 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Rebula Goriška Brda 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

The Doktor Merlot Vipavska Dolina 2016
Country Slovenia
Region Vipavska Dolina
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Goriška Brda Emma Brut Nature
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage No Vintage
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Malvazija Goriška Brda 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Stekar Merlot Goriška Brda 2017
Country Slovenia
Region Goriška Brda
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

The Doktor Vipavska Dolina O'Lala Cuvée Bela Zvrst 2018
Country Slovenia
Region Vipavska Dolina
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN