Kristina Keber Brda 2022

Over the border in Slovenia, just minutes away from their home base in Collio, Kristian makes a wine from the same three grapes but based more on Ribolla, or Rebula as its known in Slovenia. Both vineyards are planted on the regions ponka (Italian) or opoka (Slovenian) soil and farming at both estates is biodynamic/organic (certified). During the winter cows and sheep graze between the rows which eliminates the need for aggressive mechanical mowing, distributes natural fertilization and lightly tills the soil. Between the rows of vines, grass grows over 1.5 metres tall to allow as many species as possible to flower and then go to seed, enabling the soil to decide which plant to grow with the aim of enriching the soil with missing nutrients. Many wild species are nitrogen fixers, while others provide natural sources of sulphur and other microelements. Tall and large grasses also mean strong roots, which work to aerate the soil without using plows or harrows.

The vineyard in Brda is just 1.7ha and belonged to Kristian’s grandfather. At harvest, the grapes (mostly Ribolla with Friulano and Malvasia) are picked together and placed whole into 700l casks called ‘Strettin’, made from a combination of Slavonian oak, traditional chestnut, ash and acacia. The grapes macerate for seven days and are then pressed and aged in the same barrel for two years.  The wine is bottled unfiltered with just 28mg/l of sulphur. A bright orange colour with hints of copper, there are notes of dried herbs, apricot, yellow nectarine, paw paw, dried figs and candied orange peel. The palate is incredibly complex, finishing a little salty with refreshing acidity.