Vinalia x Marof, Belo

Founded by Stanko Polanič, Marof seeks to showcase the untapped potential of Slovenia’s Prekmurje region. Winemaker Uroš Valcl brings his passion for honest, terroir-driven wines, shaped by his upbringing in his family’s vineyard. Situated on a historic aristocratic estate, Marof employs minimal intervention winemaking, focusing on blends with native and international varieties. Their wines, known for structure and ageability are only released after years of careful maturation.

Slovenia, a small country at the crossroads of major wine regions, showcases a rich cultural and winemaking heritage. Goričko is a subzone of the larger Prekmurje PDO, Slovenia’s easternmost appellation abutting both Hungary and Austria. Here, the country’s hills give way for the great Pannonian Plain, a geographical force defining much of North Central Europe’s wine country. The region specializes in local varieties like Furmint (Šipon) and Blaufränkisch, as well as produces pumpkin seed oil, a local delicacy.

Welschriesling is an extremely old grape variety of nebulous origins. Despite its name, it has no proven genetic relationship to Riesling, though like Riesling it is also cultivated in Austria and Germany. The variety is widely harvested throughout Central Europe, and is the most planted grape in Croatia, where it is known as Graševina. It also features prominently in eastern Slovenia. Welschriesling wines are recognized for their flowing acidity and apple and citrus flavors, present in both dry and sweet styles.