Wines Goriška Brda Jakoncic - Bela Carolina - 2018

Viniou Reviews

The Bela Carolina Cuvée from Jakoncic, hailing from the excellent 2018 vintage, is a white blend from the Goriška Brda appellation in the Primorska region of Slovenia. This cuvée is typically a sophisticated assemblage of classic varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Ribolla Gialla, though exact proportions can vary by vintage. The 2018 harvest benefited from a warm, balanced growing season, encouraging full phenolic ripeness and expressive aromatics. The wine is vinified with a precise touch, generally seeing partial fermentation or ageing in oak barrels to enrich its texture and add a subtle spice dimension, whilst preserving the natural freshness and distinct varietal character.

Primorska is Slovenia’s most westerly region, bordering Italy's Friuli, and Goriška Brda in particular is famed for producing elegant, mineral-driven wines. The area enjoys a unique microclimate, receiving both the cooling influence of the Julian Alps and the milder breezes from the Adriatic Sea, which ensures a long and gradual maturation for the grapes. The soils are composed primarily of marly sandstone (locally known as “opoka”), contributing vibrancy, complexity, and longevity to the wines. The winemaking culture in Goriška Brda draws on centuries of tradition, blending Slovenian and Friulian techniques for finesse and balance.

For food pairings, the Bela Carolina Cuvée reveals its richness and versatility at the table. Its harmonious structure and depth make it a superb match for dishes such as roast chicken with tarragon, grilled sea bass with Mediterranean herbs, or a saffron-inflected risotto. For a regional touch, try it with štruklji (Slovenian rolled dumplings filled with herbs and cottage cheese), or a platter of aged Tolminc cheese. The wine's fresh acidity and mineral backbone also make it a lovely partner to shellfish or mildly spiced Asian cuisine.

To fully enjoy its aromatic complexity and silken texture, serve this wine at around 10-12°C. Decanting for 20 to 30 minutes can help it open up, revealing additional layers and subtle oak notes. This is a wine designed to impress both on its own and at your most convivial meals.