Rebula ★ 4.9
The native white of these hills, known as Ribolla Gialla in Italy and Rumena rebula in Slovene. DNA work in 2007 and 2008 placed its origin in the Gorizia Hills, and Brda holds most of the world's plantings.
The grapes that define Brda: the canonical varietals and how the region expresses them.
Canonical grapes of Brda
Chardonnay ★ 4.5
Widely planted across the Gorizia Hills and handled two ways in Brda: pressed and fermented cool for the fresh tier, or macerated and barrel-aged, as in Kabaj's 60-day skin contact.
Sauvignon Blanc ★ 4.3
Planted widely across the Gorizia Hills on both sides of the border. Brda bottles it both tank-fermented and, at Kabaj, with a seven-day maceration and two years in French oak.
Sivi Pinot ★ 4.3
Pinot Gris, called Sivi pinot here and Pinot grigio across the border, planted throughout the Gorizia Hills. Brda growers bottle it pale and dry, and also copper from its pink skins.
Sauvignonasse ★ 4.2
The grape Slovenian growers long called Tokaj and now label Sauvignonasse, Jakot or Zeleni sauvignon, the variety Italy bottles as Friulano. Brda treats it as a local white beside Rebula.
Merlot ★ 4.3
The main red of the Gorizia Hills, blended with the two Cabernets under the Collio Rosso name on the Italian side and bottled as a varietal or in house blends in Brda.
Pikolit ★ 4.0
A low-yielding white known in Italy as Picolit, grown in small quantity in Brda. Ščurek bottles one under its own name and the cooperative cellar lists Pikolit among its whites.
Signature Grapes in Brda, FAQ
When is the best time to visit Brda for wine?
Peak wine-travel season in Brda is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
Do I need an appointment to taste at Brda estates?
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
What hours do Brda cellars and tasting rooms keep?
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
How does tipping work at Brda tastings?
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
What is the one wine to try in Brda?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Brda rewards trust.