Born in 1940, Janez Istenič is a key figure in the Slovenian wine world, particularly in the production of sparkling wines, his great passion alongside football (he was a talented goalkeeper who played for the Yugoslavian youth national team). Fresh from graduating in oenology, he began working at one of the state wineries in what was then Yugoslavia, but it was around 1968 that a major turning point in his career occurred when he won a scholarship to France, in the Champagne region, to perfect his oenological skills. This trip further intensified his love for sparkling wine and, once he returned to Bizeljska, a small hilltop village in the historic region of Lower Styria, he realised that his father-in-law's vineyard produced wines with a marked freshness and similarities to the high-acidity grapes of Champagne. With some savings, he then bought more land and equipment, becoming the first private producer of bottle-fermented sparkling wine in Slovenia. The love story between Istenič and his sparkling wines reached its peak in 1968, the year Janez and his daughter, both named Barbara, produced their first wine.
In almost six decades of activity, the winery has always stood out for its commitment to perfection, combining the use of modern equipment to ensure the best quality of the free-run juice with a long, slow maturation in the bottle to obtain fine, persistent bubbles. In addition to this, Istenič pays great attention to promoting native grape varieties, cultivating the ancient traditional Rumeni Plavec variety alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, known for its fresh acidity, which adds an authentic Slovenian note to the winery's wines.
THE WINES
No.1 Cuvée Speciale M.C.
The winery's flagship sparkling wine, it is a blend of Chardonnay (60%), Rumeni Plavec (30%) and Pinot Noir (10%) produced only in the best vintages. A fresh Metodo Classico, with aromas of lemon zest, cooked pear and toasted notes derived from three years on the lees and a persistent creaminess. With its subtle, toasted and citrus notes, this refined sparkling wine is excellent as an aperitif or paired with smoked fish appetisers.
Cuvée Natura Extra Brut M.C.
A pure Chardonnay, this sparkling wine is made from specially selected grapes and uses only free-run juice. To prevent the grapes from deteriorating, pressing is carried out directly in the vineyard, immediately after harvesting. Incredibly dry, with no added sugar, this sparkling wine does not use sulphur dioxide, resulting in a harmonious wine with predominant apple and pear flavours, making it the ideal accompaniment to seafood.
Gourmet Rosé Brut M.C.
A pure Pinot Noir, produced only in the best vintages and with the finest free-run juice, which gives it its characteristic pale pink colour. An elegant sparkling wine with a full flavour dominated by notes of raspberry and red fruits, overlaid with hints of biscuit and lively, persistent bubbles. Although young, this Metodo Classico shows great ageing potential. Try it as an aperitif with appetisers or smoked salmon.
