Why Krasno Orange impressed so many wine lovers in the USA?
Krasno Orange is a unique orange wine that our oenologist Darinko Ribolica prepared from three varieties typical of the Brda region – Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, and Sauvignonasse, each of them requiring different production method and maceration time. Ribolla Gialla was macerated in oak barrels for one year, while Malvasia and Sauvignonase were only macerated for one month in stainless steel containers. Each variety brings different characteristics to the wine, which makes Krasno Orange stand out among our other white wines. Krasno Orange is a rich, complex, and structured wine with a specific and intense aromatic profile. Because it is macerated, it contains more tannins, which protect the wine and contribute to a very long shelf life. This wine can be aged from 5 to 10 years, and we expect it to become softer and more harmonious with time. It pairs perfectly with Asian cuisine, which is known for its intense and spicy flavours. We recommend you serve it with sushi, pad thai, chow mein, bulgogi, and other Asian specialties.
Our oenologists have been interested in white macerated wines for a long time, especially those from Ribolla Gialla, the indigenous variety of Brda. Their modern approach to a traditional production of Ribiolla Gialla, macerated for 10 months, resulted in Single vineyard Motnik 2014. In the light of the great results and positive feedback from our customers, we decided to continue our story of orange wines. In 2020, we introduced to the market our macerated white wine, which we named Krasno orange because of its intense orange colour. In the USA, the wine is branded as Krasno white wine with maceration. It was launched in 2020 and shortly became available in the 36 states, in which we have a distribution agreement. We noticed that the demand for macerated wines in the USA is high. These wines appeal to wine lovers in trendy cities, such as New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles, as well as in Atlanta (Georgia) and Montgomery (Alabama).
The answer is simple. Orange wines are wines produced from white grapes using the method for producing red wines. The key step for producing red wines is maceration, which is why orange wines are also known as macerated white wines. To produce white wines, we destem the harvested grapes and press them into must, which is then fermented separately. Orange wines, on the other hand, are produced like red wines, which means that after destemming grapes, must and grapes are poured into special containers, where must is fermented together with skins and seeds. This process, which can last from one day to a year, is called maceration. While the must is fermenting, skins and seeds are releasing compounds, which give colour and flavour to the wine. Therefore, orange wines have more tannins than white wines and are in this regard more similar to red wines. After maceration, grapes are pressed, and wine or fermenting must is separated from the skins – pomace. Wine then continues to ferment or age in wooden barrels or stainless-steel containers. The process of producing orange wines is longer than the one used to produce fresh white wines and is performed at higher temperatures. This is reflected in the structure of orange wines, which are richer in taste, more structured, and significantly different. Along with the primary fruity notes, we can sense secondary and tertiary notes of honey, almonds, dried fruit, and other ripe notes, which contribute to the nice complexity of these wines.
Colliano white wine with maceration
Krasno White Wine With Maceration
Krasno White Wine With Maceration is an orange wine that our oenologist Darinko Ribolica prepared from three varieties typical of the Brda region – Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, and Sauvignonasse. The wine took one year to macerate. Each variety was macerated separately, Ribolla Gialla in oak barrels and Malvasia and Sauvignonase in stainless steel barrels. Compared to our white wines, Krasno White Wine With Maceration is a richer and more complex wine with more structure. It has a different aromatic profile and more tannins, which is why its shelf life is very long. It can be aged from 5 to 10 years, and we expect it to become softer and more harmonious with time. We recommend you pair it with food with stronger flavours, such as spiced chicken or grilled spicy vegetables.
Orange wines in Slovenia
Slovene winemakers are considered as modern pioneers in the development of the fourth wine color – orange. In fact, several Slovene orange wines are among the best in the world. Orange wines are produced all over Slovenia and by some of the most internationally recognized Slovene winemakers.
Krasno White Wine With Maceration was produced according to the principles of sustainable production. At Klet Brda Winery, we are aware that there are no vineyards without nature, and no future without vineyards. By cultivating the land in a professional and responsible manner, our winegrowing families have reached a sustainable harmony with nature and ensured their stable future.
Our vineyards are under a careful supervision of two agronomists, who advise our winegrowing families on the best sustainable production practices. We pay special attention to the preparation of the land and the selection of suitable varieties for individual locations to minimise the need for vine protection treatments. Striving to preserve species diversity, we provide shelter for wild animals, birds, and insects by implementing permanent greening and maintaining the hedges between vineyards.
A bee sign was chosen to symbolise our commitment to sustainable production, as the presence of bees in our vineyards reflects their ecological balance and biodiversity. Furthermore, bees play a key role in pollination – the most important ecosystem function, without which cultivation of food would be impossible. You can read more about sustainable production at Klet Brda here.
Slovenia Green Attraction
Klet Brda is the first winery in the world to receive the international Green Key. Awarded to us in 2019, this certificate allowed us to take part in the national programme and certification system Green Scheme of Slovenian tourism and become the first recipient of the Slovenia Green Attraction certificate.
The Green Key is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco certificate represents our commitment to comply at our certified premises with the strict standards of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Green Key stands for an establishment’s promise to its guests that by opting to stay with such an establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental and sustainability level. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits.
As holders of the Slovenia Green Attraction certificate, we work for sustainable development of tourism, which ensures conservation of nature, culture, and local community and brings profit to all participating parties. Naturally produced wines place Slovenia among the top countries in the world.
How to properly store bottles of wine
- Aging
We subconsciously place significant meaning to aging of wine: we associate it with the romance of special anniversaries, knowledge, and prestige. However, only one percent of the wines in the world are supposed to be aged and actually improve in quality when stored in a cool and dark place for several years. The rest of them are placed on the shelves in the stores when they are perfect to consume. There is different data on how long we can store a bottle of wine, ranging from one to five years. Young wines should be stored for the least amount of time and white wines are usually not suitable for long storage either. The often-heard unwritten rule is that the cheaper the bottle, the quicker you need to drink it. Do not wait too long to drink the wines you buy at a supermarket and consult the seller or cellarman about storing the more expensive, higher-quality, and more complex wines.
- Temperature and humidity
The ideal temperature for storing wine is 12 or 13 degrees Celsius, which makes your kitchen a bad place for storing it. Wine should be stored in a humid place, preferably at 75% humidity. This prevents the corks from drying out, which would allow oxygen to get into the bottle and affect the wine. This is also why wine should always be stored horizontally, so that the wine is in contact with the cork and keeps it damp. Unfortunately, not everyone has the capacity of storing their wine in such a humid place, and these conditions are essential for professional storage and aging of wine. But do not worry: if you make sure that your bottles are stored in a horizontal position, the wine will most likely retain its quality. You can also fill a cup with water and leave it in the room where you store the wine. If you are going to open the bottle soon, you can leave it in a vertical position.
- Light
Light can completely change the quality and structure of wine, so you should always store your bottles in a dark place. In extreme cases, strong light can trigger chemical reactions that make the wine go bad, give it an unpleasant smell, and cause it to attract insects.
- Vibrations
When storing your bottles, you should make sure that they are not moving, so that they can age uninterrupted. But in most cases, you should not worry too much about that, as you are not likely to take out your bottles every day and play bowling with them, are you?
- Storing opened bottles of wine
You should store opened bottles of white wine in a refrigerator, while red wines can also be kept on the counter. In both cases, you need to make sure that the bottles are sealed well. Use the original cork and insert it in the bottle in the same direction you took it out to prevent any dirt on the dry side of the cork from getting in the bottle. But even that does not guarantee optimal storing, because the air in the bottle will still contribute to oxidation. On the market, you can find vacuum pumps or special stoppers, which squeeze out the air and keep your wine fresh for a day longer, or gas tools for prolonging the freshness of wines. However, these tend to be unnecessary for moderate domestic use.
Choosing the right wine for a gift
When choosing the right wine as a gift, it is important to consider the occasion for which you are giving the gift, your budget, and the lifestyle of the person you are buying the gift for.
For example, if it is a special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary, you may want to consider a higher-end wine that is suitable for celebrating. If it is a more casual event, you could consider a mid-priced wine that is still of good quality.
In terms of budget, it is important to set a reasonable limit that is appropriate for the occasion and your relationship with the recipient.
Lastly, consider the lifestyle of the person you are buying the gift for. Do they enjoy wine on a regular basis, or is it something they only drink occasionally? Do they have a preference for red or white wine, or a specific region or grape variety? This information can help you choose a wine that is more likely to be appreciated and enjoyed.
Budget
How much are you willing to spend? Five, ten, twenty, or even over thirty euros? It is best to buy the most expensive bottles to people who know more about wines and will not hesitate to open an expensive vintage. Some people tend to leave the more expensive wines in the cupboard, waiting for the special occasion, and end up with a less than satisfying experience once they finally drink it and the wine is no longer in its best condition. A bottle of wine that we can enjoy with our family, our partner, or our friends does not need to be expensive. In fact, more than the price tag it is important to choose the wine according to the occasion and the lifestyle of the person we are gifting it to.
Season
Be it spring, summer, fall, or winter, every season calls for a different wine. In spring, we tend to prefer lighter and more fresh white wines, such as Avia white wines, which go well with spring dishes. Summer is the perfect time for aperitifs, less alcoholic wines, rosé wines, or sweet wines, which are perfect alongside summer fruits and desserts. In fall, when the temperatures drop and we start craving more hearty meals, we tend to reach for more structured wines, nurtured in wooden barrels (Bagueri superior). Winter, on the other hand, is the time of holidays and gatherings, when we enjoy mulled wine and sparkling wines.
Lifestyle
Younger people, who are more likely to socialise outdoors, do not enjoy wine at home as frequently and even if they do, they opt for sparkling wines or aperitifs. OThose who love glamour, swear by sparkling wines, produced according to the classic method (Bagueri brut, rose, or zero), or still wines from the ultra premium line, produced in our exclusive wine cellar de Bagueri (Single Vineyard Motnik). Of course, you should always consider the personal preferences of the person you are buying for. Do they prefer white or red wines, dry or sweeter wines, are they a fan of bubbles?
By gifting wine, we give the person the story of the harmony between humans, nature, and vines. This will not only be appreciated by wine lovers, but also by those who are just starting to discover the enchanting world of wines.
Fill life with joy that a carefully selected bottle of wine can bring in the person receiving it. To top it off, add a personal touch with a handwritten message or a card.
In our online shop, you will find a wide selection of wines you can gift. Furthermore, we have prepared several gift sets which will make you present even more special.
Choosing the right sparkling wine
Any celebration is incomplete without a good sparkling wine. The most important moments of our lives are commemorated with a glass of sparkling wine in our hand.
We drink sparkling wines to celebrate a birth of a child, a graduation, a wedding, to mark special milestones, to start a new year, a new job, or a new decade.
December is the month of joy and social gatherings, the month when we come together with our loved ones, our family, friends, and co-workers, to end the year on a high note. At these gatherings, the right sparkling wine can be the icing on the cake.
If you want to learn how to choose the right sparkling wine and serve it in style to impress your guests, here are some tips to make your bubbles truly sparkle.
Charmat or classic sparkling wine?
It depends on what budget you have and who you are hosting. Classic sparkling wines tend to be more expensive, as it takes at least two years, often even longer, to make them. The classic method of producing sparkling wines requires the wine to be fermented twice, the second time in the bottle where the sparkling wine is in constant contact with lees.
Classic sparkling wines have a more complex aromatic profile and fine bubbles – they are perfect for more demanding wine lovers.
Sparkling wines produced with charmat or tank method mature in stainless steel vessels for just a few months. They are more affordable and tend to have fruity notes. They can be appreciated by a wider range of consumers.
Clinking glasses, yes or no?
Although opinions on this matter differ, we generally do not clink glasses when drinking sparkling wine. You simply raise your glass, look the person you are toasting with in the eyes, and take a sip. Is this rule carved in stone? Of course not.
How to serve and taste sparkling wine?
To showcase its qualities to the fullest, sparkling wine is to be served at 6 °C. Before serving it, you should leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours to cool. Do not keep it in the freezer, as sparkling wine is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature.
Ideally, you should drink sparkling wine from a glass that allows you to observe the bubbles. We recommend using tulip glasses with an effervescent point notched in the bottom, which accelerates the flow of bubbles. Remember, the better the sparkling wine, the smaller the bubbles are and the longer the foam lasts.
We always drink sparkling wine as an aperitif, as it prepares our taste buds for the more intense flavours of our food. We can enjoy it alone or alongside refreshments. However, we should avoid serving sparkling wine with desserts, unless we are having a sweet sparkling wine, in which case the wine needs to be sweeter than the dessert.
Wine at weddings
Aperitif
We always recommend serving sparkling wine as aperitif. If you are looking for something fresh and affordable, you cannot go wrong with Sparkling Rebula. If, however, you want nothing but the best for you special day, we recommend choosing one of our Bagueri sparkling wines.
Main courses
White meat is nicely complemented by white, fresh, fruity, and mineral wines from our Avia line (Chardonnay, Pinot grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc), while red meat goes perfectly with our red Avia wines (Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, and Pinot noir). More complex dishes call for more mature wines, aged in wood, such as our white or red wines Bagueri Superior.
Vegetarian dishes
With vegetarian dishes, we recommend serving Krasno White, a blend of Rebula, Sauvignonass, and Chardonnay.
Fish main courses
Fish goes perfectly with Villa Brici Ribolla Gialla sl. Rebula, Avia Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, or Krasno White blend.
Desserts
You should always serve desserts with sweet wines, such as Sweet Avia.
Asparagus risotto
- 320 g round grain rice
- 200 g asparagus
- 1 shallot
- 30 g butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 200 ml vegetable stock
- 1 glass white wine
- 100 g grated parmesan
- salt
• Wash the asparagus and cook them in salted water. Once cooked, chop them into pieces and save the tips for later.
• Finely dice the shallot and sauté it on low heat for 10 minutes.
• Add the rice and continuously stir for 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and let it evaporate.
• Add the vegetable stock or water if needed, a ladleful at a time. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
• After a few minutes, add the asparagus (not the tips). Right before the end, stir in the tips of the asparagus and the parmesan and mix well for 1 minute to melt the cheese. Cook the risotto until the rice is nicely cooked, which usually takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
We recommend it with
Food and wine pairing basics
The basics
To help you fill your life with all the greatness that wine has to offer, we have prepared for you some basic food and wine pairing tips. The purpose of food and wine pairing is to enrich the taste of both food and wine by combining the right elements. The basic principle dictates to pair red wines with stronger dishes and white wines with lighter ones. However, this is not always enough.
When making your choices, you also need to consider how the food was prepared, what spices were used, who will be eating the food, what part of the year it is, and even your budget. At the end of the day, there is only one universal rule – choose the wine that you know and like. You may create an eccentric combination, but at least you will enjoy your favourite wine.
Things used to be simple: local food was paired with local wines, while outside of the wine-growing regions, there was a tendency to drink white wine with white fish and meat and red wine with red meat and game. Light wines would precede the heavier ones and dry wines would come before sweet wines. Furthermore, there were some well-established combinations, like drinking Sherry or Madeira with soup and Sauternes with foie gras.
These old rules have in most part changed; however, it is still a good guideline to combine wine and food according to colour. For example, chicken and pork go well with red and white wines, while tuna, salmon, and other fish prepared in red sauce pair perfectly with red wines, which contain less tannins. You may also find that roast chicken is more enjoyable with red wine, while cold cuts go better with Chardonnay.
When pairing food and wine, the taste of food needs to be balanced with wine so that one does not overpower the other. A lasagne cooked with red wine, bacon, garlic, and mushrooms, needs to be accompanied by a heavier red wine, whether it is based on poultry or beef. Furthermore, poultry prepared in rich sauce requires heavier, more structured wines (e.g. Pinot grigio Bagueri or Chardonnay Bagueri).
In addition, you need to consider the acidity and sweetness intensity. The acidity of the food needs to be balanced with the acidity in your glass, otherwise the wine will feel bland. Dishes with a more intense acidic profile pair well with the more acidic white wines and even lighter red wines, such as the Quercus young red wine. However, you should not mix them with red wines rich in tannins, as these become more intense and bitter in acidic environment.
Desserts: wines that are served with desserts need to be at least as sweet as the food, otherwise they will taste bitter. Very sweet food makes red wines astringent, dry, more tannic, or even bitter.
Pairing food with wines matured in barriques also requires special consideration. These wines are good to balance food with a robust flavour profile, such as grilled dishes, red bell peppers, cheese dishes, etc. If your combination is not great, you can cleanse your palate with water. Furthermore, butter and cream also soften intense flavours and can decrease the metallic or bitter taste that spinach and anise give to some wines. The same can be achieved with moderate amounts of cheese.
Wines should be served in such order that no wine overpowers the one that came before it. Also worth considering is the geographic origin of wine, as wine and food from certain regions simply belong together.
Sparkling wines: served as aperitif to whet the appetite or alongside food to complement the dish. Fresh dry sparkling wines go well with sea food entrees and even with other dishes, such as cod or English roast beef, depending on their sugar content and maturity. We recommend trying the Klet Brda Sparkling Rebula.
Lighter white wines are usually served with entrees, sea food, and simple fish dishes, while fish in sauces go better with stronger white wines. White wines with residual sugar perfectly complement almond or hazelnut desserts and goat cheese (Avia Sauvignon Blanc, Avia Pinot Bianco).
Rosé wines have a lighter and fresher taste, which makes them perfect with entrees and smoked or white meat (Avia Rose).
Predicate wines with their interesting aromatic profile pair well with duck and goose liver, truffles, and Roquefort cheese (Avia Sweet Red).
Red wines differ by their tannin content. They go well with medium sharp cheeses and slightly spicy poultry, veal, lamb, or rabbit dishes. Game and grilled dishes are usually accompanied by stronger red wines (Merlot Bagueri), while duck and goose are great with young red wines (Krasno Red blend).
Cooking with wine:
In cooking, we use wine for marinades, seasoning, or special dishes and colour combinations (red risotto). When preparing meat, we use it as a condiment to improve the taste but also to soften the meat.
If you used wine to prepare your dish, you should serve that dish with the same wine. Your cooking wine should be of good quality and chosen carefully. It is misguided to think that any wine is good enough for cooking.
Chardonnay – a true classic
Chardonnay is a variety that suits different wine styles. It is one of the few white varieties that can have either partial or full lactic acid fermentation (LAF), which contributes to a distinctive aroma of the wine. LAF is a process in which lactic bacteria convert wine acid into lactic acid, giving the wine a softer and more rounded buttery taste.
More or less complex?
Chardonnay is commonly produced with the battônage method, which gives the wine more complexity. After fermentation, yeasts coagulate at the bottom of the wine vessel, which creates lees. By carefully mixing lees and wine, we achieve a creamy texture and a more intense flavour.
With or without wood?
The French barriques and the large Slavonian oak barrels allow Chardonnay to develop diverse aromatic profiles. Wine that matures in these barrels is more complex and has a distinctively buttery character with vanilla and caramel notes.
If aged solely in stainless steel vessels, Chardonnay is completely different. It features the typical characteristics of the variety and has a lemon, green apple, and sometimes even pineapple aroma. This style of wine is globally referred to as “naked”. The most popular of the naked Chardonnay wines is the French Chablis.
Wine that speaks to its origin
The character of the wine is greatly influenced by the area in which the grapes are grown or the so-called terroir. Chardonnay has found its second home in Brda, where thanks to the Mediterranean climate, marl soil, protection against frost, sunny conditions, and meticulous cultivation, it can shine in all its beauty.
What pairs well with Chardonnay?
Chardonnay wines are perfect during warm summer evenings, when enjoyed alongside grilled dishes. This multifaceted variety can be served with a wide selection of dishes; however, it is most commonly paired with white meat. Chardonnay wines matured in oak barrels go well with smoked fish and spicy Asian cuisine, the fresher Chardonnay wines perfectly complement dishes with tomato sauce, while older, softer Chardonnay wines are often served with more “earthy food”, such as mushroom dishes or aged cheese.
When is it best?
Chardonnay is a variety found all over the world, in different variations. Naked Chardonnay, aged in stainless steel vessels, should be consumed quickly, while the more complex Chardonnay wines, matured in barriques, can only improve as they age in the bottle. To find out how long you can store Chardonnay in your cellar, refer to the label or ask your vendor.
Modern Chardonnay
To achieve harmonious and elegant wines, all the cellaring elements need to be balanced against the fruity nature of Chardonnay.
Chardonnay Bagueri retains its bright, elegant, and mainly fruity notes, allowing its varietal characteristics to reflect themselves fully.
In the words of our main oenologist and the author of this wine, Darinko Ribolica, “Chardonnay Bagueri is the result of the optimal wine-growing sites, small crops, and meticulous cultivation, followed by the diligent work in the cellar. We wanted to reflect the wine’s varietal aspect, freshness, and softness. We have reduced the influence of the wooden notes by using the used barriques and large oak barrels. In doing so, we express the richness of the Chardonnay from our carefully selected vineyards to its fullest.”
Those who like fresh Chardonnay wines, that is naked Chardonnay wines, will appreciate Chardonnay Quercus. Be sure to try its 2020 vintage, which was awarded a silver medal at the prestigious international wine competition Chardonnay du monde.
Quick facts
- Grown on approximately 200,000 ha of vineyards, Chardonnay is the second most common white wine variety worldwide.
- Chardonnay is cultivated in all wine-growing areas in the world, from the USA to France, Australia, Italy, South Africa, Chile, Bulgaria, Hungary, and China.