Wines Goriška Brda Klet De Baguer - A plus Rdece Special Selection - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Cuvée A plus Rdece Special Selection 2017 from Klet De Baguer is a distinguished red blend hailing from Goriška Brda, one of Slovenia’s most celebrated wine-growing regions in the Primorska subregion. While the precise blend composition isn’t specified, this area is renowned for its creative cuts of international and local grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and indigenous varieties like Refošk. The 2017 vintage reveals a year characterised by moderate weather conditions, with an early budburst and a sunny, warm summer tempered by cooling breezes from the nearby Alps and Adriatic Sea. These conditions favour slow, even ripening of the grapes, allowing for expressive fruit character and well-integrated tannins. Klet De Baguer’s vinification typically involves careful hand-harvesting and ageing in oak barrels, resulting in a wine of depth, structure, and polished complexity.

Goriška Brda, considered the “Tuscany of Slovenia”, boasts undulating hills, terraced vineyards, and a patchwork of soils ranging from marl and sandstone to clay. This diverse terroir, combined with a sub-Mediterranean climate, gives rise to wines with vibrant aromatics and remarkable freshness. The area has a rich winemaking tradition stretching back centuries, influenced by its unique location at the crossroads of Italy and Central Europe. This cultural and geographic confluence is reflected in the character and style of the region’s wines, which marry finesse with a distinct sense of place.

Given its robust yet elegant profile, the Cuvée A plus Rdece Special Selection 2017 pairs beautifully with dishes featuring game meats, roasted lamb, or slow-cooked beef, enhanced by Mediterranean herbs. Classic regional pairings might include Slovenian jota (a hearty bean-and-sauerkraut stew with pork) or grilled polenta with wild mushroom ragout, both of which resonate with the wine’s earthy undertones.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C, allowing its bouquet of ripe red fruits, subtle spices, and gentle oak to fully emerge. Decanting for up to an hour prior to serving will further enhance its aromatic complexity and elegant structure.