Where it all begins - the vineyards
Over the generations, our vineyards have changed. Once, they had been planted in horizontal rows on sunny hillsides in a way that conformed to the configuration of the ground as much as possible. They grew on narrow and short terraces that had been dug out by hand, and on inclines that had been walked over countless times during year-round manual labour chores. They were cultivated with grub hoes, mowed with scythes, and bound with osiers growing along the edges. They had been sprayed with sulphur and blue stone which left a silvery blue patina of time on the acacia stakes. In the vineyards grew mighty cherry trees, sometimes apricots, pears, apples, with occasional olive trees reining supreme on the outskirts. The vineyards were composed of several grape varieties growing alongside each other: one gave an abundant yield, another was very sweet, yet another had more oomph or had the best aroma. Locals called them Tržarka, Garganja, Pogroznica, Poljšakica, Pika, ... Some of these varieties are still being grown today in small quantities.
Gradually, the methods and guidelines regarding grape cultivation advanced, grape varieties evolved. Labour methods were continuously updated, hillside terraces grew wider, and vineyards became focused on only one variety.
Today, all our vineyards are situated on sun-kissed, airy slopes and ridges, which combined produce healthy and beautiful grapes.
The soil consists of marly sandstone and flysch, locally called opoka, and which disintegrates into fertile soil under the influence of rain and temperature differences over the year. In its depths the grapevine will find valuable minerals, and its long roots make it resilient to dry spells.
Patience and perseverance are key for bringing our grapevines into harmony with their environment and the surrounding energy so it can express the qualities of its terroir to the fullest.
Each grapevine is pruned individually to guide it in terms of the number of grapes it can easily grow. Farmyard manure and compost feed the soil in which the grapevines grow with the nutrients it needs the most can and can use to the full advantage. The use of biodynamic preparations aims at enhancing the vitality and resilience of the soil. Mulching and cutting grass take place only on a need-to-do basis so that the insects living there can go about their mission without interruptions.
By adhering to the moon cycles and especially the rhythms
of Nature which give us clues about the best time to carry
out certain tasks we enhance the effectiveness of our efforts. Using only the absolute minimum of heavy machinery on fertile soil (and most certainly never on wet soil) lets the legions of living organisms till and invigorate the soil naturally. As a result, the vineyard can better abide by the laws of nature and better handle weather changes occurring during the year, culminating in the finest grapes the vineyard was able to produce, thereby bringing the yearly viticulture cycle to an end. What we have before us at this point is the product of Nature and backbreaking human work culminating in the autumn harvest. Humans, plants and soil in harmony.
