PHILOSOPHY
Borut Leban is a winemaker of the younger generation and is following his own path of producing natural wines from kvevrs. Classic wine production is upgraded in the direction of orange wines."It is important that we try to understand each location separately and interfere as little as possible with natural cycles in the cellar, so that the wine expresses our Vipava terroir".
Borut swears by stylistically perfect cuvées that best reflect their origins. He produces white varieties with prolonged maceration, which is reflected in the rich body, complex ripe aromatics and intense amber shades. Even the red wines are elegant Bordeaux blends, but they have a typical Vipava aroma and nicely discreet notes of aging in wood.
PROCESS
The production of wines in kvevri has more than 8,000 years of tradition, which has its roots in present-day Georgia. "Our ancestors were already using a similar process, when they let the must ferment on the berry skins. Of course, they did not use clay vessels, but large wooden barrels. And I thought it was interesting to build on that story. Kvevri are in a way a novelty that has an ancient tradition. At the same time, I remain loyal to the family tradition. Expressing your own style in all this is an art. And I want to present this story to you too ".
TRADITION AND KNOWLEDGE FROM THE VIPAVA VALLEY
We are aware that we stand on the shoulders of giants. Our compatriot, Matija Vertovec, already wrote the first professional book on viticulture, winemaking in Slovenia in the 19th century. With scientific discipline and love for his native land, he laid the foundations for all of us who continue this tradition today.
WORK IN THE VINEYARD
Vineyards are our pride and way of life. Steep slopes demand a lot of effort and perseverance from the caretaker. We work in the vineyard all year round in the company of family and friends. Manual harvesting in organic vineyards only takes place at the end of September or the beginning of October, when the grapes are optimally ripe. Such a decision is risky, because autumn brings heavy rains at that time. But we know no compromises when it comes to quality.
