Garanza (Merlot) 2015, Slovenia, Atelier Kramer, 750ml, 14%ABV

Garanza is an incredibly elegant Merlot from the Atelier Kramar cellar. The wine is ruby red in colour. Nose is a blend of fruity notes (blueberry, cherry, blackcurrant) with delicate notes of dried herbs. On the palate, the wine bursts forth in all its richness. Fruit is intense, very ripe, with a hint of ripe plum alongside the berries. Tannins are pronounced but soft, acids nicely balance a bit higher alcohol level, which is not really perceptible. Notes of dark chocolate and sweet spices gently enter from the background. The aftertaste calls for another sip.

Matjaž and Katja

They studied painting together at the Accademia di Belle Arti, and after their studies they fell in love with Barbana in the western part of the Goriška Brda. Here, a German from Baden-Württemberg and a Slovenian from Hiša Franko in Kobarid have made their home and homestead. As they say: "There is less creative melancholy in wine processing, you have to be more pragmatic. A glass of wine in your hand.... is the process of ripening, the cluster is the fruit that evokes joy, the earth is the element of connectedness, nothing is abstract, everything is concrete; rain, heat, hail, frost, a sore back at the end of a working day. A glass of wine in your hand.... is more than just a reward, it is like a little miracle that wants to be revealed. A work of art invented by man for the well-being of his soul and body. We are artists who make wine with great love, dedication and perseverance."

Vineyards and winery

Just under 15,000 vines of Rebula, Tocai Friulano, Malvasia and Merlot grow on 5 hectares of land.

Most of the work in grassed vineyards between 9 and 67 years old, is done by hand with organic practices, i.e. without the use of herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. Careful selection of the grapes takes place in the vineyard at harvest time. Until 2013, fermentation was carried out with the help of selected yeasts, but since 2014 it has been spontaneous, which undoubtedly influences the complexity and character of the wines, both the reds and, even more so, white macerated wines.

The minimalistic approach continues in the cellar, where fermentations are spontaneous and interventions are kept to a minimum, including the addition of sulphur. In both the vineyards and the cellar, work is subject to the moon phases.

Wines

Atelier Kramar produces wines of subtlety, elegance and complexity. A pleasant, bohemian character is part of the terroir that Katja and Matjaž contribute directly and takes their wines in a unique direction