Stekar

Goriška Brda, Slovenia

Located in Snežatno. In the Goriška Brda zone of Slovenia, near the border of Italy, the Štekar winery is known for producing red and white wines made in the traditional manner, with extended skin contact and little or no Sulphur added. This area of Slovenia is a border zone which was once part of the Hapsburg empire. The hilly rugged terrain is marked with monuments to both world wars. Local villages list the names of soldiers who died a hundred years ago and whose family names still mark the local wineries. It was here, in 1985, that Roman Stekar decided to forego selling fruit from his small plot of vines to the local cooperative and make his wines in the traditional manner.

Starting with 5 hectares of vines and growing only to 10 hectares, Stekar makes Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Malvazija (Malvasia), Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The vines are all planted on steep slopes at an altitude of 180 meters and grown organically in soils rich in marl. They use neutral oak barrels in the cellar, long macerations, and only tiny amounts of SO2 at bottling. As Jure Stekar, Roman’s son and the current winemaker says: “In the wine cellar we follow our idea of natural wine where nature has been left to take its course. Wine is produced without additives, chemistry and invasive technologies. We like to explore the rich local winemaking tradition made of long macerations and spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts and at the same time seek new challenges. But above all we try to pursue our goal that is to produce genuine wine that inspires emotions, tells about our land and about us.”

Our Selections

Stekar Rebula 2022

Rebula, also known as Ribolla Gialla, is a native to Friuli, Oslavia and this little corner of western Slovenia. Here it is planted in the famous local opoka (marl) soils of the area, and was hand-harvested in late September. As the natural fermentation began, the skins remained with the must for 14 days in a combination of stainless steel and Acacia wood barrels. The wine remained in giant 2000 liter Acacia wood barrels for eight months before being bottled without filtration. The result is expressive and spectacular; aromatic and inviting on the nose, the Rebula showcases yellow fruit, a firm structure. and deep base tones. Another great value in Slovenia. 13% alcohol. Only 29mg/l SO2. 416cs produced. Certified organic.

Stekar Malvazija 2021

Stekar Malvasija is a unique and beautiful wine, full of character and style, from the aromatic Malvazija (Malvasia d’Istria) grape. Hand-harvested fruit from the Pročno vineyard which is rich in opoka (marl). The grapes are pressed then kept on the skins for two weeks in used Acacia wood barrels. After fermentation, the wine is kept for nine months in the same 400 liter Acacia barrels in order to give additional structure and emphasize the floral components of the grape. The end wine is intense on the nose, with beautiful fruit tones, a robust herbal quality, and hints of acacia flower. It is fresh while very full-bodied, harmonious in alcohol and acidity, and overall very balanced. This is a great example of a classic skin contact white wine from the region at a very affordable price. 13% alcohol. 23mg/l SO2. 500cs produced. Certified organic.

Sivi Pinot Gris 2022

This is a classic “Ramato” style of Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio. Grapes are de-stemmed and macerated (skin contact) in stainless steel tanks for two weeks followed by 11 months aging in 20hl used French oak barrels. The wine has a beautiful pink/copper hue with aromas of dried apricot, peach, baking spices and flowers. The palate is medium bodied with just a touch of phenolic character and good fresh acidity. Certified Organic.

Stekar Emilio 2021

The 2021 Emilio is the premier white wine for the Štekar family, and takes its name from Jure’s great grandfather. This is 100% hand-harvested Sauvignonasse (FKA Tocai Friulano) from the Pročno vineyard, which features marl soils. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel and used French oak barrels followed by 14 days of skin-contact. The wine continued through its fermentations and rested in Acacia barrels for 9 months before bottling. Full and deep on the pallet with ripe fruit, herbs, and a salty minerality. This wine is versatile enough to pair with a plethora of cuisines, from umami Asian dishes to charcuterie and hard cheeses. 13% Alc. 22 mg/l SO2. 250cs produced. Certified organic.

Stekar Oliver Red 2021

The Oliver Red is part of the newest line of wine from Stekar. Named for Jure’s second son Oliver, the wine is made in a fresh, bright style. Estate Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are spontaneously fermented on the skins for only two days before a gentle pressing, making for a lightly extracted red wine that is more focused on fruit instead of tannin and structure. Once fermentation completed, the wine was moved to 500-liter used oak barrels to age for almost five months before bottling. The result is a surprisingly delightful, vibrant, and expressive wine with notes of spice, black cherry, and strawberry on the nose. Light in appearance, the palate has gobs of fruit and freshness – this is a great chill-able red that is a wonderfully juicy Cab/Merlot blend.