At Estonian wine tasting AASTA VEIN 2025 – WINE OF THE YEAR 2025, organized by the Estonian Sommelier Association, Krasno Ribolla Gialla was awarded a silver medal, while Krasno Pinot Noir earned a bronze.

As the organizers highlight, the AASTA VEIN recognition offers wine lovers and sommeliers a quick, convenient, and transparent way to discover the best wines on the Estonian market, while also providing an excellent opportunity to explore new importers and winemakers. Out of 613 wines entered this year, Krasno gourmet wine line stands out as one of the top selections!

At the prestigious 32nd edition of the Chardonnay du Monde international wine tasting in France, Klet Brda’s Bagueri Chardonnay was awarded a silver medal, standing out among 518 samples from 34 countries, judged by 200 international wine experts. Of the 171 medals awarded this year, Klet Brda was the only Slovenian winery to receive recognition.

The Chardonnay du Monde tasting is regarded as one of the world’s leading benchmarks in the wine industry. Klet Brda’s Chardonnays have been consistently recognized at this event, maintaining a tradition of excellence. This year Klet Brda marks a significant milestone – 30 years since first participation and first silver medal at Chardonnay du monde. Since then, Klet Brda has collected 29 medals, proving the consistent excellence of its Chardonnays.

Chardonnay is a grape variety cultivated almost all over the world, known for its remarkable ability to adapt to various climates, terrains, and winemaking techniques. However, the best Chardonnays can only be produced in special terroirs. As British wine expert Dr. Caroline Gilby also emphasizes, the Bagueri Chardonnay from Klet Brda confirms that the hilly vineyards of Brda offer the perfect conditions for producing top-quality Chardonnays.

At the international competition Sommelier Selection 2025, which focuses on selecting the best wine pairings with various types of dishes—emphasizing the culinary usability of wines — Klet Brda and de Baguer Cellars received a total of seven awards.

 

de Baguer Wine Cellar:

• Classical sparkling wine Virgo Brut – Sommelier Selection Best Aperitif 2025

• Classical sparkling wine Virgo Rosé – Sommelier Selection Rosé 2025, Best Sparkling Rosé

• de Baguer Merlot-Cabernet Franc, 2018 – Sommelier Selection Best of Red 2025, Best Red Wine

• de Baguer Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 – Sommelier Selection Best of Cuvée 2025, Best White Blend

Klet Brda:

• Bagueri Chardonnay, 2020 – Wine for fish dishes

• Bagueri Merlot, 2020 – Wine for beef and game dishes

• Bagueri Merlot, 2020 – Sommelier Selection 2025 – Merlot

 

For this 22nd edition, organized by the SloVino Institute in cooperation with the Sommelier Society of Slovenia as part of the Sommelier.si Academy, 88 winemakers from Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and Austria submitted 400 different wines. These were evaluated by 80 senior-level sommeliers and distinguished wine experts, divided among six judging panels. All wines were evaluated through blind tastings.

As the organizers emphasized, this elite selection helps a broader audience make more informed wine choices that best complement specific dishes. At the same time, it contributes to a more cultured, relaxed, and high-quality dining experience.

The exceptional quality of wines from Klet Brda and de Baguer wine cellar has been further validated by Falstaff, the leading wine and gastronomy media in the German-speaking world. Peter Moser, the editor-in-chief for Austria and Bordeaux, rated three of our Rebula wines: Krasno Ribolla gialla 2022, Bagueri Rebula 2020, and de Baguer Motnik Single Vineyard 2017.

Krasno Ribolla gialla 2022, part of the gastronomically curated Krasno line, received an impressive 92 points. This Falstaff rating is further supported by 90 points of Decanter World Wine Awards 2024 and 93 points of JamesSuckling.com.

Bagueri Rebula 2020, from the Bagueri line, which carries a 30-year tradition of selected quality, earned 93 points. This same wine also received 91 points in Decanter World Wine Awards 2024.

De Baguer Motnik Single Vineyard 2017, produced at de Baguer wine cellar in the Dobrovo Castle, where the finest wines are aged, was honoured with 94 points, echoing the high rating previously given by Suckling. The wine also received an outstanding 95 points in Decanter World Wine Awards 2024.

In 2023, Falstaff also awarded our wines with 93 points, a mark that places them in the elite category of exceptional wines. Peter Moser, the same evaluator, gave to A Plus Red 2017 a rating of 94 points, while de Baguer Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2017 and A Plus White 2017 received 93 points.

We are delighted that also Falstaff confirm the consistent quality of Klet Brda wines, which have been present on the German market for many years. We began with fresh wines, and in recent years, we have been expanding our fresh wine lines. As our quality remains consistent, we are steadily advancing into higher price categories. Falstaff’s prestigious ratings play a significant role in enhancing the visibility of both Klet Brda and de Baguer wine cellar in the German-speaking market, strongly influencing the purchasing decisions of wine lovers of elite wines.

Aldo Fiordelli, senior editor at JamesSuckling.com and a long-time wine and gastronomy critic for various international organizations, tasted and highly rated five wines from both wineries, Klet Brda and Klet de Baguer, last autumn. The high ratings from the JamesSuckling.com platform are a strong reference for our customers both, abroad and in Slovenia.

Fiordelli awarded 89 points to Bagueri Pinot Grigio Ramato 2022, 91 points to Bagueri Merlot 2020, and 92 points to Krasno Pinot Noir 2021. Krasno Ribolla Gialla 2022 received 93 points, while Fiordelli was most impressed by de Baguer Merlot Single Vineyard Vrh 2019, which he rated with 94 points.

Our story with James Suckling, a prestigious writer in the wine world, dates back to 2023 when we presented the wines of Klet de Baguer to him. At that time, Suckling awarded high ratings to all five presented wines: de Baguer Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc 2017 received 92 points, A Plus White 2017 and de Baguer Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2017 were both awarded 93 points. However, the biggest impression was made by de Baguer Single Vineyard Motnik 2017, which was rated with 94 points. Suckling was particularly impressed with the consistent quality of all the wines presented, as all were rated above 92 points.

It is precisely the consistency in excellence and carefully selected quality of our wines that led James Suckling to his decision to invite Klet Brda to participate in one of the most internationally significant events in the wine industry – The Great Wines of the World New York 2025. At this event, 380 wine producers from 55 different wine regions will be present, showcasing 800 wines. On the second day of the event, June 12th, we will represent Slovenia along with two other Brda wineries, Marjan Simčič Domaine and Movia, as the only representatives of Slovenia. (James Suckling Great Wines World New York 2025 – New York’s Best Wine Tasting )

We are thrilled that renowned figures in the global wine business, such as James Suckling, acknowledge the consistently exceptional quality of Klet Brda’s wines. Ratings from such prestigious institutions undoubtedly enhance the visibility of our wines, serving as a powerful tool for marketing both Klet Brda and Klet de Baguer wines abroad and in Slovenia. This validation from the most discerning wine critics assures buyers and distributors that our wines are a worthy addition to their portfolios, standing alongside the world’s most esteemed brands.

Here are the ratings from Aldo Fiordelli on JamesSuckling.com:

Bagueri Pinot Grigio Ramato 2022 – 89 points

“A classic pinot grigio with a natural copper color. Salt-and-pepper minerality on the nose. Light-bodied with crisp acidity and a tight, almost lean finish. Drink now.“

Bagueri Merlot 2020 – 91 points

“A meaty and savory wine with graphite, plums and touches of leaves and leather on the nose. A firm palate with a medium body and crisp acidity. Chalky tannins in the finish, but crunchy overall. Drink now.“

Krasno Pinot Noir 2021 – 92 points

“A classic pinot noir with savory aromas of boiled beets, strawberries, red cherries, graphite, smoke and woodland. The attack is firm and tight, with ripe, crunchy tannins, a medium body and good length. Drink now.“

Krasno Ribolla Gialla 2022 – 93 points

“A ribolla focused on iodine and salty minerality, with aromas of white pepper, seaweed, broom flowers and a touch of dried mushrooms. The attack is soft and silky, with a light to medium body, cedar flavors and a touch of toastiness enhancing the finish. A gem for its quality-price ratio. Drink now.“

de Baguer Single vineyard Merlot 2019 – 94 points

“A complex, precise and vibrant wine with bright cassis fruit, leather, meat and smoke on the nose. Smooth on the palate, with a medium to full body, lifted refreshing acidity and ripe, velvety tannins. A touch of leafiness enhances the aftertaste, adding another layer. Drink or hold.“

A Year Full of Challenges for winegrowers in Goriška brda

This year was again full of challenges for winegrowers. The year started with heavy rains, followed by a warm spring. Just as the vines began budding, temperatures twice dropped below freezing, with frost on April 21st wiping out crops in the lower-lying vineyards. The weather was also wet and cold during the flowering period, when the vines are most vulnerable. Consequently, pollination was poor, which further contributed to the reduction in yield.  

HARVESTING PROCESS This year, the harvest for base wines for sparkling wines began as early as August 20, the earliest in recent years, and the regular 2024 harvest officially started on August 23rd and concluded on September 19th with the picking of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Grape picking started at dawn, as working past 11 a.m. was impossible due to high temperatures. Klet Brda adjusted its grape reception schedule accordingly. PRICES Compared to last year, grape purchase prices will be higher this year. For the standard program, the average purchase price per kilogram of grapes will be just over €0.90, while for premium programs and selected wines, the price will be at least €1.20. Grapes from the best, specially selected locations that show unique vineyard characteristics in addition to general parameters will be priced at €2.50 and above. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION REMAINS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE FOR THE FUTURE Sustainable production remains the main guiding principle at Klet Brda. The established system for predicting diseases and pests, along with effective communication between the advisory service and winegrowers, ensures reduced losses and high-quality grapes. Klet Brda will continue organizing winter workshops where winegrowers, in collaboration with experts, seek solutions to the ever-growing challenges of climate change. Key elements include proper soil preparation with the addition of humus, selecting drought-resistant rootstocks, soil cultivation aimed at preserving winter moisture, and training systems adapted to dry and hot summers.

In January, for the eleventh consecutive year, one of the largest international wine competitions in Asia took place – the “Sakura” Japan Women’s Wine Awards in Japan. The word “sakura” in Japanese means cherry blossom and symbolizes the femininity that gives the evaluation a special touch. The uniqueness of the evaluation lies in the jury itself, as the submitted wines are exclusively judged by female wine specialists, including sommeliers, winemakers, educators in wine schools, journalists, restaurant managers, wine buyers, importers, and distributors. A medal from the Sakura evaluation on wine bottles is a sign of good wine in Japanese stores, chosen by Japanese judges, and as a result, each year sees a greater number of winemakers and wine samples participating in the evaluation.

The Japanese market is one of the most important for Klet Brda, as we sell a whole shipping container of our wines there monthly. The medals we receive each year at international competitions play an important role in promoting individual wines and the winery itself. The medals we received for our wines at the “Sakura” Women’s Wine Awards are even more significant, as they have a significant impact on sales and popularity among Japanese consumers, and also represent a special recognition for our distributor, the Japanese company Belluna, with whom we have been collaborating for 19 years.

In such an extreme year, our winery, committed to sustainable winegrowing practices, demonstrated a well-structured system for predicting and promptly addressing disease outbreaks, reducing losses, and ensuring quality. Vineyard owners who diligently followed our advisory service guidelines had fewer issues protecting their vineyards. This year, significant differences in grape quality were observed depending on the vineyard’s location. Excellent vineyard sites experienced fewer phyto pathological problems, resulting in higher-quality yields.

THIS YEAR’S AWARDS REAFFIRM CONSISTENT QUALITY At Klet Brda we offer a diverse range of wines designed with the end consumer in mind – top-quality yet accessible wines for various tastes and occasions, all characterized by unwavering excellence, from the vineyard to the customer. Our commitment is further validated by this year’s numerous medals and exceptional achievements at international competitions. We have received a total of 62 gold, silver, and bronze awards at international competitions. Particularly noteworthy are the 95 points and gold medals awarded at the 20th anniversary Decanter World Wine Awards in the UK, which are the highest accolades received by Slovenian winemakers. At the Chardonnay du Monde competition in France, the Quercus 2022 Chardonnay received a gold medal and ranked among the top 10 Chardonnays in the world. In the domestic Vino Slovenija competition in Gornja Radgona, the Bagueri brut classic sparkling wine was awarded a great gold medal. We were also delighted with excellent ratings bestowed by one of the world’s most respected wine critics, James Suckling, who awarded 94 points to the Rebula de Baguer single vineyard Motnik 2017, while the A plus red 2017 and de Baguer Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2017 received 93 points each, and the de Baguer Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc 2017 received 92 points.

The grapes for rebula de Baguer single vineyard motnik 2017, which received the highest score of 94 points, come from the Lisičk vineyard, located on a steep slope above the Brda village of Neblo. This terraced vineyard, growing on classic marlstone, has been cultivated sustainably for a decade. Single vineyard Motnik is a unique rebula with a completely different character from our other wines. Due to a ten-month maceration, the wine falls into the category of orange wines, but the production process was carefully managed to give the wine an intense golden color. The wine embodies the tradition of ancient winemaking and the modern knowledge and interpretation of one of Slovenia’s most promising winemakers, Darinko Ribolica. James Suckling is one of the world’s leading wine critics. His ratings are read and appreciated by wine enthusiasts, serious wine collectors, and wine buyers from around the world. He is the president and editor-in-chief of the website jamessuckling.com, based in Hong Kong. Since the start of his career, he has rated over 250,000 wines. He has 339,000 followers on Instagram and organizes 20 wine events around the world each year. During his recent visit, he suggested that we send him some additional wines for him to evaluate. The fact that our wines have sparked his interest and received impressive ratings demonstrates that they are of exceptional quality and reflect the terroir of Brda, which we proudly represent as representatives of the region. De Baguer Single vineyard Motnik Lisićk 2017 Score: 94 Points 11 Aug, 2023 – Minerally and flinty with sliced lemon, white pepper and cloves. Medium-bodied with firm and phenolic tannins and a flavorful finish. Plenty going on here. A single vineyard wine from the cooperative of Brda that represents 50% of the production. Serious. Wow. Drink now.   De Baguer A Plus 2017 Score: 93 Points Typical tobacco, olive and smoke characters with cassis and berries. Fine line between fineness and some fresh leafiness. Medium body with soft tannins that last and grow on the palate. Very refined and polished. A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Drink now.   De Baguer Merlot Cabernet Franc 2017 Score: 93 Points 11 Aug, 2023 – This is spiced and dark-fruited with chocolate, licorice and bark undertones. Some dried flowers, too. Full-bodied with a richness and opulence to the fruit and velvety tannins. It’s wide and generous with a persistent, lingering finish. A touch too much wood, but there is pretty fruit underneath. Drink now.   De Baguer Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Score: 92 Points 11 Aug, 2023 – Ripe golden berries, some oatmeal, fine lees and some peaches. Creamy and fresh on the palate with medium acidity and a nicely phenolic finish. A blend of 70% chardonnay and 30% sauvignon blanc. Drink now.