Wines Prekmurje Marof - Goričko Noir - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Marof's Cuvée Goričko Noir 2019 from the Prekmurje appellation in Slovenia's Eastern wine region is a striking example of the new wave of Slovenian reds. This wine is a blend, although the exact grapes are not specified, the name ‘Noir’ suggests the inclusion of dark-skinned varieties such as Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch (known locally as Modra Frankinja), or possibly Zweigelt, which are all well-adapted to the continental climate of Prekmurje. 2019 was a balanced vintage in this part of Slovenia, yielding wines that combine ripe fruit with freshness. The winemaking at Marof is detail-oriented, focusing on expressing terroir, with restrained use of oak and thoughtful handling to preserve purity of fruit and a gentle texture.

Prekmurje sits in the far northeast of Slovenia, separated from Austria and Hungary by the Mura River. The region enjoys a cool continental climate, characterised by cold winters and warm summers with large day-night temperature variations. These conditions provide grapes with the opportunity to ripen slowly, ensuring good sugar levels while retaining acidity. The soils here are mainly clay and sand with deposits of loam and marl, which can offer both structure and elegance to the wine. Prekmurje's winemaking tradition goes back centuries, but it’s only in recent decades that estates like Marof have showcased the region's high quality and potential for characterful wines.

This Cuvée Goričko Noir is ideally matched with dishes that highlight both its fruit-forward style and savoury undertones. Slow-roasted duck breast with sour cherry sauce plays beautifully with the red fruit notes and gentle tannic structure. Traditional Prekmurje pork dishes, featuring caraway and paprika, are also a perfect fit, as are wild mushroom ragouts or a plate of aged Tolmin cheese.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decant for thirty minutes prior to serving to help the bouquet fully open. The wine can be enjoyed now for its freshness or cellared for another few years to allow its complexity to evolve further.