Pasji Rep
About
Pasji rep (translated to “Dog’s tail” because of the valley’s unique shape and the stream that runs through it) is one of the oldest vineyard areas in the historic Vipava Valley region, in southwestern Slovenia, bordering Italy. It’s first mention as a vineyard site dates all the way back to the land registry in 1476, where the Pasji rep vineyards are hailed as one of the best vineyard sites in Europe, documented in the book The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola (1689) by polymath, Johann Weikhard von Valvasor - considered to be one of the most important works in Slovenia.
The Vipava Valley’s position on the border of a Mediterranean climate, which comes through the valley from the west, and a continental climate behind the plateau, Nanos, on the northeast side, give the wines their distinctive aromatics and minerality. Pasji Rep is a sub-region with the highest concentration of valleys and streams that allow for one of the coolest climates in the valley, which delivers exceptional finesse and elegance within the region.
The region is famous for a strong wind, called Burja (boor-yah), that pummels the valley, as a result of the region’s unique geographical position. The wind can blow up to 200 km/h in the wintertime and highly influences the lifestyle and winemaking practices in the valley. Viticulture has been present in Vipava Valley since the Roman times, and with that, the winemaking styles have followed with a heavy influence from this history.
The Premrn family has been making wine for at least four generations, but the most notable modern milestone was in 1985 when Franc Premrn decided to plant their first vineyard of Zelen, which at the time was just another abandoned and nearly extinct indigenous Vipava variety (only 2 ha of vineyards were remaining at that time!).
Since then, Zelen has become the flagship wine of the Pasji Rep estate. In the late 90s, the grape finally regained its popularity in Slovenia and glory from the old days when it was considered to be, due to its low yields, a grape that produces wines of commanding elegance, distinctive aromas, and deep Slovenian character.
Today the small Pasji Rep estate owns 4 vineyard sites over 7 hectares of the last remaining 10 hectares of active vineyards in the Pasji rep region. The estate is now led by Franc’s son, Samo, who began farming organically when he took over and is now entirely certified biodynamic as well.
The family is focused on local and indigenous varieties, which have been present in the region for centuries, and others that have been adopted as well from passing cultures over time: Zelen, Malvasia Istriana, Rebula, and Riesling Italico (aka Rhine Riesling). This region is mostly dominated by white wines, which thrive on the famous flysch soils in the region; However, this micro-location also allows for some tremendously elegant reds, such as Samo’s Pinot Noir, which many of his peers consider one of the finest expressions in Slovenia.
So much of the family’s efforts are put into the vineyards through their meticulous organic and biodynamic farming, where their ultimate goal is to produce the highest quality grapes; For Samo, this is the essence of minimal-intervention winemaking.
The wines are fermented entirely naturally, solely with native yeast ferments, and with a hand of balance that delivers beautiful freshness and elegance in the wines.
The wines of Pasji Rep are arguably some of the most understated but impressive wines in Slovenia. The elegance, vivacity, character, and precision found in the wines truly place them in a league of their own.
Wines
