Wine Wednesday!
- aubrey graf
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Welcome to our first Wine Wednesday. Today, we will discuss an amazing, refreshing, low ABV of 11.5% wine from Slovenia.
Jareninčan is the village white wine of Jarenina, made by Silvo Črnko.
Easy drinking with subtle floral aromatics, think spring flower notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom. It comes from the eastern side of Slovenia, an idyllic landscape of rolling hills. The rich agricultural diversity owes itself to fertile soils and the unique convergence of Continental, Alpine, and Mediterranean climates.
Pale lemon, with bright acidity, this white blend made from Laski Riesling, Revenec, and Muscat of Alexandria carries notes of jasmine, lychee, green apple, pear, and quince on the palate. It is the perfect springtime wine to drink during the day. Add some sparkling water, and you will have the perfect spritz.
And you will NOT want to put it down.
Now let's learn a little more about this ancestral and indigenous variety.
The Črnko Jareninčan wine region is located in the eastern part of Slovenia, near the Austrian border, specifically within the Maribor region. It's part of the Podravje region, Slovenia's largest wine-growing area. The region is known for its unique marl soils and sustainably farmed vineyards.
Slovenian wine — the unsung hero of the European wine scene. Nestled between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia punches far above its weight in the wine world. Its vinous legacy is older than many realize, dating back thousands of years, yet its big-name neighbors often overshadow it. Let’s uncork the history, shall we?
Ancient Beginnings
Pre-Roman Era: Winemaking in Slovenia likely predates the Romans, with Celtic and Illyrian tribes cultivating vines and producing fermented grape beverages.
Roman Times: The Roman Empire gave structure to Slovenian viticulture. Vineyards were systematized, amphorae were used, and wine began integrating into trade and everyday life.
Fun Fact: Roman poet Martial mentions wine from this region — a pretty solid ancient shout-out.
Medieval to Habsburg Era
Christian monasteries became the stewards of wine knowledge, especially Benedictine and Cistercian monks, who cultivated vineyards for communion wines (and let’s be honest, personal enjoyment too).
Under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Slovenian regions like Styria and Carniola developed structured viticulture. The empire’s bureaucratic love for regulation meant improved classifications and better vineyard management.
19th & 20th Century: Phylloxera, War, and Rebirth
Phylloxera (that pesky root-munching bug) devastated Slovenian vineyards in the late 1800s, as it did across Europe. Native vines had to be grafted onto American rootstock.
Yugoslavia Period (1918–1991): Slovenian wine suffered from a slight dip in quality under the centralized, bulk-production model of socialist Yugoslavia. The focus shifted to quantity over terroir-driven quality.
But — and here’s the kicker — local producers never lost the craft. Many family winemakers kept small, high-quality operations alive, even during collectivization.
Post-Independence Renaissance (1991–today)
Slovenia gained independence in 1991, and its wine industry experienced a renaissance.
Winemakers reconnected with international markets and invested in modernization. Organic and biodynamic viticulture gained popularity.
Slovenia now boasts three official wine regions:
Primorska (Western Slovenia): Mediterranean influence, similar to Friuli in Italy. Known for Rebula(Ribolla Gialla), Malvazija, and bold reds.
Podravje (Northeast): Cooler climate, perfect for Šipon (Furmint), Riesling, and elegant whites.
Posavje (Southeast): Known for Cviček, a unique low-alcohol blend, and increasingly serious sparkling wines.
Today’s Reputation
Slovenia produces about 80–90% white wine, which is crisp, mineral, and food-friendly.
Known for:
Orange wines: Skin-contact whites from varieties like Rebula and Malvazija.
Natural winemaking: Many Slovenian producers lean into organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention practices.
Boutique quality: Small-scale, family-run, high-craft wineries dominate the landscape.
It’s a darling of somms and wine geeks who whisper, “If you know, you know.”
And for around $23.00 for a 1-litre bottle, it's a steal!
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