Wines Goriska Brda Kristancic - Pavo Red - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The Kristančič Cuvée Pavo Red 2020 is an intriguing red blend hailing from the Goriška Brda appellation within Slovenia’s Primorska region. This cuvée typifies the house style of Kristančič, combining international and local grape varieties—frequently Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sometimes indigenous grapes like Refošk or Pinot Noir, although the specific blend for this vintage is not detailed. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm, stable growing season, yielding ripe fruit and balanced structure. Vinification is carried out with attention to freshness, often utilising stainless steel and moderate oak to preserve both varietal character and a sense of place.

Goriška Brda, within the Slovenian Littoral, is a region celebrated for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, reminiscent of neighbouring Friuli in Italy. Its climate is profoundly influenced by the proximity to the Adriatic Sea, bringing both warmth and humidity, while the Julian Alps in the north temper extremes and encourage cool nights, ideal for retaining acidity. The soils are a mixture of marl and sandstone, locally known as "opoka," providing excellent drainage and imparting a distinct mineral character to the wines. Historically, this crossroads of cultures has long been famed for its high-quality wine production, integrating both Slovene and Italian viticultural traditions.

For food pairings, the Cuvée Pavo Red’s supple tannins and generous fruit make it a versatile partner. Traditional Brda dishes, such as jota (a hearty sauerkraut and bean stew) or roast pork with herbs, are particularly harmonious. The wine’s freshness also allows it to complement grilled vegetables, wild mushroom risottos, or rich poultry dishes like duck breast with cherry sauce.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes will help the flavours open up and soften the youthful tannins, revealing layers of red and black fruit, spice, and a subtle mineral undertone characteristic of the Brda terroir. This wine promises both immediate pleasure and a few years’ cellar potential for added complexity.