Wines Koper Boris Lisjak - Izbrani Teran - 2023

Viniou Reviews

The 2023 Cuvée Izbrani Teran from Boris Lisjak is a remarkable red wine crafted in the Koper appellation, located within the coastal Primorska region of Slovenia. This cuvée is made predominantly from the Teran grape, a variety celebrated for its deep colour, pronounced acidity, and distinctive minerality. The 2023 vintage was shaped by favourable weather conditions, offering wines with fresh acidity and vibrant fruit character. The grapes are traditionally vinified to preserve their lively, tangy profile and signature rusticity, lending the wine a robust structure with notes of wild berries, black cherries, and a faint echo of iron—characteristic of Teran thanks to the iron-rich soils.

Koper, and more broadly the Slovénie Littorale region, benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the proximity of the Adriatic Sea, providing warm days and cooler nights which help build complexity and freshness in the wines. The soils are composed primarily of Terra Rossa, a red, iron-laden clay that imparts a certain earthiness and a subtle saline note to the wines. The Primorska region boasts a long viticultural tradition, influenced by centuries of winemaking heritage that blends Slovenian innovation with Venetian and Austro-Hungarian tradition.

This vibrant Teran pairs beautifully with robust and earthy dishes. Regionally, it excels alongside štruklji (Slovenian dumplings), prosciutto from the Karst plateau, and mature hard cheeses. The wine’s lively acidity and tannic grip complement slow-cooked beef goulash, grilled lamb skewers, or even an oven-baked mushroom risotto. For a true local match, serve it with jota, the traditional Istrian bean and sauerkraut stew.

To appreciate its bold fruit and mineral edge, decant for half an hour before serving and pour at 14–16°C. This slightly cool temperature will enhance the wine’s refreshing quality and showcase its aromatic vibrancy, making it an ideal red for convivial meals and hearty fare.