At the 52nd Open National Wine Competition, Vino Slovenija Gornja Radgona, Klet Brda, once again confirmed the outstanding quality of its wines. Championship titles went to the 2025 RebUla Ula and the 2022 Krasno Syrah, two wines that, each in its own way, showcase excellence in the production of still wines.
These awards carry particular significance because they went to premium wines from a broadly accessible price segment. In addition to the two championship titles, Klet Brda wines received one Grand Gold Medal and 17 Gold Medals.
RebUla Ula: a story that brings together the strength of Rebula and Ula, a blind dog
RebUla Ula comes from selected vineyards that also produce the fresh and fruity wines of the Quercus range. The championship title confirms that Rebula is particularly well suited to producing fresh wines with pronounced fruit-driven character.
Rebula continues to lead sales on the Slovenian market, while demand is also growing abroad, particularly in Italy.
However, RebUla Ula is more than a story about wine. At its heart is Ula, a small, cheerful dog and the mascot of the Klet Brda wine shop in Dobrovo. Although she lost her sight several years ago, her perseverance and joyful spirit continue to guide her through life with the same ease and enthusiasm.
Ula’s story symbolically reflects the story of Rebula itself. Just as Ula learned to live beyond the visible world, the grape variety has adapted perfectly over the centuries to Brda’s distinctive soil, locally known as opoka.
This soil forces the vine’s roots to reach deep into the ground, giving the plant the strength, resilience, and ability to withstand the increasingly visible effects of climate change. From this close connection with the land, Rebula draws its minerality, energy and distinctive character.
Both stories speak of joy, inner strength and a beauty that cannot be perceived through sight alone.
This is also the message behind Klet Brda’s long-standing cooperation with the Nova Gorica Intermunicipal Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Members of the association take part in various initiatives and projects organised by the winery, as well as in its sporting and recreational activities. The association also focuses on introducing members to the world of wine and wine culture in an accessible, engaging way.
Krasno Syrah: a rarity that captivates
Contemporary Slovenian cuisine, rooted in tradition, local ingredients and the creative reinterpretation of classic dishes, seeks wines that do more than accompany food. These wines help shape the entire culinary experience.
The Krasno range emerged from this philosophy of creating flavours together and was conceived as a natural partner for fine dining in Slovenian restaurants. It is intended for menus in which traditional Slovenian dishes are transformed into contemporary culinary stories.
The range takes its name from the village of Krasno, surrounded by some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the region. Here, altitude, climate and soil composition combine to produce wines distinguished by pronounced freshness, elegance and minerality.
Every bottle is the result of a precise understanding of the terroir and carefully considered work, from vineyard to glass. With their freshness, minerality and fruit-driven aromas, Krasno wines complement contemporary dishes and bring a harmonious finish to the culinary experience.
Krasno Syrah stands out for its bold, slightly extravagant character, herbal and spicy notes, and pleasing texture. It is particularly well suited to dishes with intense, spicy flavours, especially contemporary meat dishes that allow the wine’s complexity to come fully to the fore.
Soft, mature tannins and good ageing potential also characterise the red wines in the Krasno range. As they mature, they retain their lively fruit character and full body. They are made with a clear objective: to achieve the ideal balance between the grape variety and its growing site, allowing the wine to express its character to the fullest.
Krasno Syrah is available at Klet Brda wine shops and selected restaurants.
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