Guerila is a Biodynamic winery in the Vipava valley region of Slovenia.
Owner: Jozef Petric had six children. In 2005 his son Zmagoslav Petrič founded the Guerila winery. Zmagoslav (Zmago) Petrič says he ‘was born in 1956 into a family of farmers. That same year, my father Jožef received a prize for his grapes of an old Pinella variety. Childhood memories take me back to the time when I was working on a small farm, to the vineyard, and into the cellar. To a time of humility, sincerity, responsibility, respect and love for the earth, nature and neighbour. My father subconsciously passed these values onto me. In 2005, a decision had matured in me to found Guerila, a biodynamic wine-growing farm in the village of Planina near Ajdovščina in the Vipava valley. Based on my own research, I selected the best spots and planted vineyards using local varieties.
Contact: Martin Gruzovin (+386 (0)51.660265).
Vineyards: 9 hectares (22 acres). On the southern slopes of Vipavska brda in the Brda sub-region of Primorje, Slovenia. 300-400 metres (984-1,312 feet) above sea level. Flysch (‘ponka’) soil. White wines are made with local grapes but the reds have to come from international grapes as the local red grapes did not survive Communism.
Terroir: The soil is a mixture of sand, sandstone, marl, limestone and clay from the Eocene Epoch. The decomposition of marl results in clay particles rich in mineral substances. All of the vineyards lie on the southern slopes of the Vipava hills, flirting dangerously with the Karst region. The southern position on the steep slopes allows for good exposure to wind, high temperature fluctuations between day and night, and optimal exposure to sun. All the vineyards are terraced and the single Guyot cultivation method is used in all of them. When pruning, we take care not to make excessive cuts to the vines, thus enabling the flow of internal juices of the vines and preserving their vitality.
Biodynamics: The estate makes its own Biodynamic compost 502-507, and Horn manure 500 from organic cow manure. A home-made dynamizer is used to stir Biodynamic sprays.
Certification: 2011 First vintage with full organic certification. | 2014 First vintage with full Demeter Biodynamic certification.
Winery: The cellar is at the top of the Planina village, just above the hamlet of Koboli. It offers a magnificent view of the Vipava valley and the slopes of Nanos, Čaven and the Trnovo plateau. The facility extends over four levels. The first and second floors are intended for tourism activities, while the lower two house a modern wine cellar. The tourism and catering facilities include a wine bar, a tasting section, a large multifunctional conference hall, a professional kitchen, two large terraces, and three modern apartments
Sparkling wines
Castra Brut Nature: Traditional method sparkling white. Zelen, Rebula and Pinela.
Castra Rosé: Traditional method sparkling rosé. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
White wines
Malvazija:
Pinela: Made with Pinela. Local variety. Small berries, high acidity. 2014 Cool fermented in stainless steel, 6 months on lees, bottled. Crisp, citrus pear drops (Millésime Bio 2015) | 2017 Spritz lemon peach, clear, refreshing (Demeter Austria tasting, 2018).
Rebula Extreme
Retro Selection: 2016 White blend. 12 months in 1,000-2,000 litre oak. Lovely green-yellow fruit (Demeter Austria tasting, 2018).
Roma: From Rebula, Zelen, and Pinela. 15 months in America, French and Slovenian oak.
Tabu: Sauvignon Blanc, Rebula, Zelen. Fermented in tank with heavy less, then racked and finished ferementation in American, Slovenian and french oak.
Zelen: Made with Zelen. Some direct pressing, some skin contact (62 hours). | 2014 Lovely, individual, very saline, depth and levity (Millésime Bio 2015). | 2016 Fermented in stainless steel. MLF. Delicate, very salty, good (Demeter Austria tasting, 2018).
Red wines
Barbera Selection: 2016 Aged in 10-20 hl oak vats. Rich, clear, sappy red, clear, lovely acidity (Demeter Austria tasting, 2018).
Cuba: Merlot, Barbera. 16 months in Slovenian and French barrels.
Nika: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Made like a Tokaji. Skin contact for several hours. 6m on the lees in tank.
Contact
Guerila
Planina 111
5270 Ajdovscina, Slovenia
Tel+386 51660265 | Website: www.guerila.si