STEMBERGER FARM
STEMBERGER Wines
Wine region: Vipava Valey and Karst / Slovenia
Size of vineyards: 9 ha
Grape varieties: Malvazija, Vitovska, Zelen, Laški Riesling (Welch Riesling), Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Refosko(Teran), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Philosophy: following biodynamic principles, biodynamic cycles, European ecological-certified
Winemaker: Sebastijan Stemberger
When I visited Sebastijan & Loredana Štemberger few years ago it was overwhelming to experience their beautiful medieval looking cellars and tasting from the barrels in the gloomy atmosphere of these stunning catacombs full of colorful fungal life was unforgettable.
In loving harmony with nature, the vineyards are cultivated with biodynamic principles and are located at the 2 ends of the Slovenian side of the Karst at altitudes between 280-360m. The plots surrounding the winery in Šepulje are near the Italian border, while the ones in Štanjel are next to Vipava Valley.
The soil in Šepulje consists of Terra Rossa, a thin fertile mineral rich iron red top layer which covers an ancient rocky mass of limestone. Šepulje has similar top soil containing flysch. From the Adriatic Sea a nice breeze cools the vines, while the katabatic Bora wind that seasonally blows over the plateau from the nearby lower Alps, always challenges. Elements uniquely combined which give wines from Karst their distinct reflection of terroir.
His winemaking is deeply rooted in Karst, yet flirting with the Jura. They take you on a journey from elegant to funky and back.
Sebastijan very genuinely is like the Karst, a bit rough but very welcoming. When you visit the estate, you get a taste of true Slovenian or Karst hospitality. The table will be full of the best homemade salami, lardo, cheese and freshly baked buckwheat bread. Your glass will never be empty and after hours of tasting, the table will be full of opened bottles.
„We live on this soil and we enjoy this land. We embrace the micro climate and we are the extended hand of everything that is surrounding us. We bring the best that the nature of Karst is offering us to our cellar. In the end is the bottle – filled with what Karst truly is – Karst is wonderful. “