Podravje

One of the three wine-growing regions in Slovenia, located in the east close to the borders with Austria (South Styria) and Hungary. The name translates as Drava country, it is located between the Mura and Drava rivers, the centre of wine production is Maribor). T is claimed that there is a 400-year-old vine in this city (see under Blauer Kölner). One of the most important wine routes in Slovenia has its beginning in the old city centre. The Podravje wine-growing region is sub-divided into the two districts of Stajerska Slovenija with a vineyard area of 7.503 hectares (Haloze 1.502, Ljutomer-Ormoz 1.085, Maribor 1.830, Ptuj-Srednje Slovenske Gorice 735, Radgona-Kapela 843 and Smarje-Virstanj 1.508) and Prekmurje with 1.410 hectares (Lendavske Gorice-Goricko). The vineyards thus cover a total area of 8.913 hectares. Mainly white wines are produced here, which are similar in style to those from northern countries. The leading white grape varieties are Sipon, Laski Rizling (Welschriesling), Renski Rizling (Rhine Riesling), Traminec (Traminer), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Sivi Pinot (Pinot Gris). Interesting small climatic zones can be found around the communes of Jerusalem (Kog, Lahonci), Svecina on the Austrian border, Plitvicki close to Radgona and Meranovo at the Bahern close to Maribor. The Austrian archduke Johann (1782-1859) once owned a large property in Meranovo. Here, the doyen of wine-growing had a house built, and engaged French oenologists to establish an experimental vineyard. A leading producer is Radgonske Gorice (300 hectares).