|
|
The Slovenian winegrowing pioneer Edi Simčič has died at the age of 91. Simčič's many years of commitment shaped modern Slovenian viticulture and contributed to the international recognition of wines from the Goriška Brda region. From the 1960s to the 1980s, he cultivated the first 3.5 hectares of vines with his wife Marica. At the same time, he worked in the agricultural co-operative in Dobrovo - until he bottled his first 3,000 bottles in 1989. This laid the foundation for his winery, which today covers 13 hectares and markets 65,000 bottles a year. The vineyards stretch across Fojana, Kozana and Vipolže and are mainly planted with Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Malvasia Istriana, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Edi Simčič is known for his mash-fermented, long-lasting white wines, which are valued all over the world as ambassadors of their homeland.
His credo: "Whatever you do, do it well. Nature itself speaks to those who can listen to it. When the years spent with vineyards and grapes give certainty to feelings and reliability to judgements, predictions are no longer difficult. Change is the only constant on this path from generation to generation."
The winery is now run by his son Aleks and grandsons Jakob and Jure.
(ru / Gambero Rosso)