The winery
Vina Čotar (Cotar)
Family-owned winery in the Slovenian Karst, located in Gorjansko, known for terroir-driven wines (in particular Vitovska, Malvasia istriana and Teran) produced with a low-impact approach and organic/biodynamic practices.
- Kras / Carso · Slovenia
- Since 1974
- 2 products
The story
The Cotar family’s story began with the local restaurant business: Branko started making wine from grapes harvested in the family vineyards for the osteria, with initial production already in the 1970s; bottling for wider sale took place in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Over time the operation developed with the construction of a cellar partially carved into the rock and the involvement of the next generation.
Production philosophy
Production oriented toward minimal intervention: respect for the soil and biodiversity, organic or biodynamic practices reported by multiple sources, spontaneous fermentations, and limited or no use of sulfites. The approach aims to express the character of the Carso through wines with a strong sense of place.
Terroir and vineyards
Located on the Carso plateau in Gorjansko, a few kilometres from the sea. Vineyards on terra rossa are exposed to winds such as the Mornik and the Bora, which influence ripening and organoleptic character.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Vitovska
- Malvasia Istriana (Malvazija)
- Teran / Refosco
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Hectares
- 7.5
- Bottles per year
- 30000
What makes it distinctive
- Vineyards and winery located in Gorjansko, approximately 5 km from the sea.
- Cellar partially carved into the rock on multiple levels.
- Labels featuring the producers' fingerprints
- Typical wines of the Carso: Vitovska, Malvasia istriana and Teran
- Natural approach with spontaneous fermentations and low use of sulfites
