Klinec

is a renowned winery situated in the picturesque village of Medana, within Slovenia's Goriška Brda region—an area often referred to as the Slovenian Collio. The estate has been in the Klinec family since 1918, with Aleks Klinec representing the fourth generation of winemakers. Under his stewardship, the winery has gained international acclaim for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture and natural winemaking practices.

🍇 Vineyard & Terroir

The Klinec estate encompasses approximately 6.5 hectares of vineyards situated at an altitude of about 180 meters. The soil is primarily composed of ponka—a marl and sandstone mixture rich in minerals, characteristic of the Brda region. This unique terroir imparts a distinct minerality to the wines, often described as having a salty or oceanic quality .

The vineyards are managed biodynamically, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity. The estate is home to various animals, including pigs, goats, and chickens, which contribute to the ecological balance of the farm .

🍷 Winemaking Philosophy

Aleks Klinec has been a pioneer in Slovenia's natural wine movement. His winemaking approach is characterized by

  • Spontaneous Fermentation: Utilizing indigenous yeasts without the addition of commercial starters.

  • Extended Skin Contact: Particularly for white wines, to extract deeper flavors and textures.

  • Minimal Intervention: Wines are typically unfined and unfiltered, with only minimal sulfur dioxide added before bottling.

  • Aging in Traditional Vessels: White wines are aged in used acacia and mulberry barrels, while reds mature in cherry and Slavonian oak barrels .

This philosophy results in wines that are pure, expressive of their terroir, and often described as "living wines" .

🏡 Wine Tourism & Gastronomy

The Klinec estate also operates a family-run inn, offering guests a chance to experience traditional Brda cuisine paired with their wines. Open on weekends, the inn serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, many of which are produced on the estate itself .

🍷 Notable Wines

  • Jakot: A skin-contact wine made from Friulano grapes, showcasing the estate's signature minerality and complexity.

  • Rebula: A white wine that undergoes extended skin contact, resulting in a rich and textured profile.

  • Malvazija: A white wine known for its aromatic intensity and balance.

  • Quela: A red wine made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged in traditional wooden barrels.

These wines have garnered international recognition and are available through various online retailers .