Sveti Nikolai
Reuniting two territories divided by a border.
There are wines that from their birth carry with them an important legacy and at the same time become ambassadors of a project, of a future vision. Sveti Nikolaj was born out of Robert Princic’s desire to pay homage and enhance those territories, which 74 years ago were divided by an invisible but insurmountable border that forever changed the identity of many families.
A wine that goes beyond just tasting, but one that manages to reconnect a family with its roots and history. Its ambition manifests itself in the role of messenger, bearer of the need to redefine for this grape variety a new identity. The key words that guide this process are the relentless pursuit of the highest quality and a deep respect for the terroir of origin, values that today, more than ever, are of crucial importance.
The story
” The inhabitants of the hill lands surrounding Gorizia found themselves overnight living in two territories, two countries, two different and opposing states in spirit, identity and ideology. The border cut across municipalities, roads, houses and families, so Giasbana, where my father’s family lived and where my mother’s family went to live, remained in Italy, while the rest of the municipality of Cerò di Sopra became part of Yugoslavia. The land and vineyards that my grandfather once cultivated was then abandoned by my family.”
The experience
” The experience gained over the years that led me to make this wine. confirmed in me the deep conviction that the heart of Ribolla, the most suitable place for its cultivation, is right there where it originated: the Ponca hills, i.e., Collio, Slovenian Brda and the hills of the Colli Orientali. That is why I like to think of Sveti Nikolaj as a wine that encapsulates an intense past history but at the same time is capable of offering us a direction for the future enhancement of this grape variety. Imagine an ad hoc designation with a broad horizon, where our gaze can go 360 degrees, with no boundaries whatsoever. This is my hope, to be able to give this grape variety an authentic and strongly territorial interpretation.”
Labels
The territories that are historically devoted to Ribolla Gialla production are located a few meters across the border, so these grapes produced in Slovenia are traced back to the culture from which they came. Grapes are harvested at full phenolic ripeness and vinified at the winery in Italy in the traditional local style, with short maceration and a full year of aging in large barrels.
Rebula
Rebula from the Zali Breg region of Slovenija is a sublime expression of the Romanian Rebula variety. The terroir characterized by Opoka soils, rich in marl and sandstone, gives the wine extraordinary complexity and depth. The grapes, grown at an altitude of about 200 meters, offer moderate yields of 7.5 tons per hectare, ensuring concentration of flavors.
Vinification for 9 months in large barrels helps develop the wine’s structure, while aging for an additional 12 months in the bottle allows for perfect integration of the components. The result is a wine with an intense straw yellow color, capable of seducing both the nose and the palate.
On the nose, clear spicy notes emerge that blend harmoniously with the essence of citrus, offering a compelling sensory experience. The juicy, rounded taste, enhanced by subtle nuances of tea leaf, makes this Rebula an ideal companion for special moments and fine dinners. The recommended serving temperature of 9°C allows full appreciation of the complexity and elegance of this extraordinary Slovenian wine.
Name
Slovenija
Origin
Zali breg
Soil
Opoka (marls and sandstones)
Elevation
200 mt. approx.
Varieties
100% Romanian Rebula
Average yields
7.5 t/ha
Vinification
9 months in large barrel
Refinement
12 months in bottle
Appearance
Intense bright straw yellow
Olfaction
Spicy notes , citrus , vanilla
Taste:
Juicy , round , tea leaf
Serving Temperature
9°C
Serendipità
Serendipity Wine, from the renowned Zali Breg region of Slovenija, is a wonderful expression of the Romanian Rebula variety. The vines grow on Ponka soils, characterized by marls and sandstones, which give the wine extraordinary depth and complexity.
Vinification for 20 days in contact with the skins, followed by barrel fermentation, helps to optimally extract the aromas and flavors from the skin of the grapes. Aging in large barrels, followed by a further period in the bottle, completes the process, allowing the wine to reach its maximum expression.
On appearance, Serendipity presents itself with a bright amber color that heralds an extraordinary sensory experience. On the nose, fragrances of chamomile, lemongrass and green apple emerge, accompanied by suggestive notes of wet stone.
The palate is rich and enveloping, with complex nuances of dried fruits, herbs, hazelnuts, vanilla, and truffle blending harmoniously. The recommended serving temperature of 9°C allows the complexity of this wine to be fully enhanced, making it ideal for moments of contemplation and tasting. Serendipity, a journey of discovery in every sip.
Name
Slovenija
Origin
Zali breg
Soil
Ponka (marls and sandstones)
Elevation
50-220 m approx.
Varieties
100% Romanian Rebula
Average yields
7.5 t/ha
Vinification
20 days in contact with skins , barrel fermentation
Refinement
Big barrel , bottle
Appearance
Bright amber
Olfaction
Chamomile, lemongrass and green apple, wet stone notes
Taste:
Dried fruits , herbs , hazelnuts , vanilla , truffle
Serving Temperature
9°C