A historic event took place on the terraces of the Male estate in Slovenia. Over 100 business partners and friends of the Puklavec&friends Jeruzalem Ormož winery planted last week over 31.000 vines and became a part of their story. The G.E.T. Report staff also took part.
The planting wasn’t just symbolic. Each of received 10 vines of the Šipon sort (Moslavac, Furmint), gloves, apron and an area with a mentor who helped us plant. As most of us don’t have planting experience, each vine still needed to be planted properly.
The vines needed to be trimmed, properly placed in a hole, properly pressed into ground and buried, at a adequate height. Our hosts promised that, as good managers, they will cherish each vine and invite us to taste our must in two years. The first serious harvest will take place in 2017 and according to some sources, each vine is expected to grow around 1.5 kg of grapes.
About the winery
The Ljutomer-Ormož wine area offers ideal conditions for the production of white wines known for their excellence.
These are fresh, fruity and elegant wines produced in natural ways from hand harvested grapes. Only such procedure, along with advanced technology present in the cellars, gives wines that contain the best of nature. Jeruzalem Ormož wines are meant for all who want to relax and enjoy with a glass of good wine in company of friends or family.
Winemaking is a Puklavec family tradition since 1934, while the grapes are grown exclusively in Ljutomer-Ormož hills on 1.100 acres of vineyards, of which more than 50% are on terraces. It is important to know that the Ljutomer-Ormož wine area is among the best 5% in the world, while 60% of wines are exported around the world.
Since fall of 2013 this winery has been represented in Croatia by the Retekon company so some wines (both still and champagnes) can be found in many stores, with the Gomila line soon to follow.
For other wines by this winery, as well as archive wines from 1971, you will have to visit them…
In the middle of the Jeruzalem hills is Malek house. The building holds a giant press and below it is an arched basement from the 18th century.
Interestingly, the house was built around a chapel, older than the current building. The chapel keeps a mural of the Assumption of Mary, a baroque detail from the first half of the 18th century.
The 300 year old building, once used as a farm for processing grapes and wine, is now open to individuals and groups. Guests are welcomed by an exciting story about wines, tour of the arched basement, old press, chapel, small winemaking museum, but also with traditional regional meals combined with local wines. During your visit to this interesting place you can browse a wine archive from 1971, enjoy the sunny terrace with a beautiful view and a lovely guest room, stock up on wines from the cellar: Šipon, Sauvignon, Grey and White Pinot, Laški and Rhine Riesling, Traminer, Yellow Muscat, Chardonnay…
Original article in Croatian here.
