Primorski (known in English as The Slovenian Littoral), is a long-established wine region in the west of Slovenia that has re-established its repuation in recent years. While it is producing wines that are gaining considerable international attention, the typically high price tag that comes with them may prove to be an obstacle to their commercial success.
Local, traditional wine grape varieties remain important in the Primorski region, notably Refosco, Tokaj (Tai) and Rebula (Ribolla) – the latter is as successful here as in its homeland across the Italian border in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. However, the region's modern reputation is increasingly earned by the 'international' varieties. The red Bordeaux grapes which have proved so globally successful over the past 50 years are particularly popular. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and even their ancient stablemate, Carmenere, are used to make quality Primorski reds. Burgundy's key duo, Pinot Noir (Modri Pinot here) and Chardonnay, are also popular, as are dry whites made from Pinot Gris (Sivi Pinot) and Sauvignon Blanc.
The climate here is significantly influenced by its proximity to the Mediterranean, or more specifically, the northern Adriatic Sea. This results in more moderate temperatures, and less seasonal variation than in the wine regions further inland.
Primorski is divided into four sub-regions, all of which benefit from the maritime influence. From north to south they are Goriska Brda, Vipavska Dolina (Vipava Valley), Karst (Kras) and Slovenska Istra.
A narrow coastal strip around Trieste, in northeastern Italy, is all that separates Vipava and Kras from the coast. It once belonged to Slovenia, but was annexed by Italy during WWI, and in 1947 the Primorski region was formally divided up between Italy and Slovenia (part of socialist Yugoslavia at that time). Italy retained both Goriska (Gorezia) and Trieste, leaving Primorska (the name means 'by the coast') and indeed all of Slovenia, only ten miles (16km) of coastline.
Primorski's location has had cultural as well as climatic consequences. The proximity of Italy and its influence is evident in the local food and wine and in the architectural and sociological spheres. The region is in fact officially bilingual; both Slovene and Italian can be used in legal and administrative contexts, as well as in schools.
