A visit to Slovenian Sparkling Wine Carga since 1767

I simply love visiting wineries across the world that have previously won a medal or trophy at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly awards so it was a real pleasure to pop in to see  Čarga | Since 1767 and taste on site their gold winning (Meditation) Donna Regina Extra Brut 2009.

The winery is located in the hilly region of Goriška Brda which for those yet to discover this great wine area is full of hill top villages which come alive at night as each church bell tower is lite up giving you a most wonderful view. As you drive through 2,000 hectares of vineyards you can find many small wineries nestled close together, rather like when you are in the surrounding Champagne villages close to Epernay, and one such location takes you on a steep and winding drive up to what appears from a far a small hamlet tucked in within one of the many hills.

Čarga estate comprises 25 hectares of land with vineyards extending over 13 hectares, the focus is on quality over quality and quoting from their website:

“We grow around 47 000 vines. The yield per hectare is extremely low which benefits high wine quality. For one thing is sure: the lower yield, the better quality of the wine.”

This wine has a good variety of Slovenian sparkling wines to choose from including brut, dry, brut nature and a sparkling red. For anyone taking a tour of the Carga winery then the highlight is the tasting room where the serious part of tasting takes place and if you are lucky then winemaker Agata with talk you through the range:

Do not miss their unique bubbly with gold flakes!