Guerila Retro 2019

Wines from Slovenia are gaining increasing recognition. The Primorska region, nestled between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, offers ideal conditions. A special terroir shapes the landscape and vines. Vineyards benefit from a mild climate and diverse soils. This creates wines with a unique character and high quality. »Guerila Retro 2019« is an outstanding example of this tradition. It embodies the philosophy of a winery that focuses on sustainability and biodynamic cultivation methods. A harmonious balance between nature and craftsmanship defines this exceptional drop.

Cuvée with Character

This white wine from Slovenia is more than a drink. It is the result of careful work and deep respect for nature. »Guerila Retro 2019« unites the best properties of various grape varieties. Pinela, Zelen, Rebula and Malvazija grow on the Pri Pili vineyard. Sand, sandstone, marl, limestone, and clay form a unique soil structure here. This diversity gives the wine a special complexity and texture. The vines thrive on terraced slopes that shape the landscape. A week-long maceration of the grape must begins the gentle winemaking process. Spontaneous fermentation follows, before a gentle pressing takes place.

A year of maturation in oak barrels on its yeast completes the process. This creates a golden-yellow wine that impresses with its vibrancy. The grape varieties Zelen, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Bianca and Pinela each bring their aromas. Zelen, an autochthonous Slovenian variety, gives the wine a crisp acidity. Ribolla Gialla, also known as Rebula, contributes floral notes. Malvasia Bianca lends fruity accents to the cuvée and Pinela provides mineral freshness. The combination of these grape varieties makes »Guerila Retro 2019« an exceptional taste experience.

Vipavska Dolina – Terroir with Tradition

The Vipavska Dolina region, also known as the Wipptal, is a jewel in Slovenia. It stretches along the Vipava River and is protected by the Julian Alps. The landscape is characterised by gentle hills, vineyards and picturesque villages. A Mediterranean climate ensures warm summers and mild winters. The soils are diverse, ranging from sand and gravel to marl and limestone. These conditions are ideal for viticulture.

The wine-growing tradition in Vipavska Dolina dates back to Roman times. For centuries, wines with a unique character have been produced here. Autochthonous grape varieties such as Zelen, Pinela and Rebula are particularly widespread. They reflect the terroir of the region and give the wines a distinctive note. Winemakers place importance on sustainability and biodynamic cultivation methods. In this way, they preserve the natural diversity of the landscape and produce wines of the highest quality.

Guerila – Biodynamics and Innovation

Guerila is a winery known for innovative and sustainable wines. Zmagoslav Petrič, founder and winemaker, relies on biodynamic cultivation methods. He believes that authentic wines are only created harmonizing with nature. The vineyards are cultivated without chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Instead, biodynamic preparations are used to strengthen the natural resilience of the vines.

The philosophy of Guerila is based on respect for the earth and responsibility towards future generations. The winery is certified according to the Demeter standard, which sets the highest requirements for organic farming. In addition to wine growing, Guerila is also committed to sustainable tourism. Visitors can participate in wine tastings, visit the vineyards and enjoy nature. The winery also offers accommodation in cosy flats.

Grape Varieties in Detail

Zelen is a white grape variety with Slovenian origins, its name referring to the emerald green colour of the must. The origin of the variety is unclear, as DNA analyses show genetic heterogeneity. A possible relationship to the Italian variety Verduzzo Friulano is suspected. Zelen is primarily grown in the Slovenian Vipava Valley.

Ribolla Gialla is an autochthonous white grape variety from Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Slovenia. Its cultivation history dates back to the 13th century. Until the 19th century, the variety was widespread before the phylloxera disaster greatly reduced its stock. Today, it is primarily grown in the hilly areas along the border between Italy and Slovenia.

Malvasia Bianca Lunga is a historical white wine grape variety from the Malvasier family, which is predominantly grown in Italy. Its roots probably go back to the Greek island of Crete. In Italy, it is known under numerous synonyms.

Pinela is an autochthonous, white noble vine, which is exclusively grown in the Euganean Hills of the Italian region of Veneto. The grapes thrive primarily on volcanic, strongly calcareous soils.

Enjoyment and Culinary Accompaniment

»Guerila Retro 2019« is a versatile companion for special occasions. The 0.75 l wine bottle is perfect for an elegant dinner or a relaxed evening with friends. At a temperature of 15°C, the wine unfolds its full aroma. It harmonises wonderfully with light appetisers, such as fresh salads or seafood. It is also an excellent partner for white meat and mildly spiced Asian dishes.

Its fresh acidity and aromatic complexity make it an ideal companion for dishes with creamy sauces or light cheeses. The wine also goes well with spicy goat cheese or grilled vegetables. A particular highlight is the combination with truffle dishes, which highlight the earthy notes of the wine. »Guerila Retro 2019« is a wine that invites you to linger and enjoy.

Quality and Ageability

This wine is classified as ZGP (Protected Designation of Origin with Attribute). This means it meets the highest quality standards. The grapes come from selected locations and are carefully processed. The wine matures in oak barrels, which give it additional aromas and complexity. Minimal sulphur addition underscores the natural character of the wine.

»Guerila Retro 2019« is already drinkable now, but can also be stored for a few more years. This allows its aromas to develop further and become even more complex. For optimal storage, a cool, dark place at a constant temperature is recommended. Before enjoyment, the wine should breathe for a while to unfold its full flavour profile. It is ideal to open the bottle an hour before serving.

Price-Performance Ratio

With a price of around €18, »Guerila Retro 2019« offers excellent value for money. For a biodynamically produced wine of this quality, the price is more than reasonable. It is in the upper mid-range, but offers an exceptional taste experience. This wine is an investment in enjoyment and sustainability. It is a gift for the senses and an enrichment for every wine cellar.

Conclusion

»Guerila Retro 2019« is an exceptional white wine from Slovenia. It embodies the philosophy of a winery that focuses on sustainability and biodynamic cultivation methods. The combination of different grape varieties, the unique terroir of the Vipavska Dolina and careful processing make this wine a special taste experience. It is a versatile companion for special occasions and harmonises wonderfully with various dishes. With a price of around €18, it offers a perfect price-performance ratio. This wine is a discovery for wine lovers who are looking for authentic and sustainable wines. It is an expression of Slovenian wine tradition and an ambassador for the beauty of the Vipavska Dolina.