Producer Profile

Gabernik 23

Gabernik 23 is a small, family-owned winery located in Štajerska, Slovenia. Janko Bogatič began working alongside his father in the family vineyards at the tender age of ten. Though his future initially seemed set on dairy farming, fate had other plans. At 18, following his father's unexpected passing, Janko had to return to the family property to take over vineyard management. Nearly 30 years later, Janko now tends to 9 hectares of vineyards nestled on the slopes around Ritoznoj, in the foothills of the Pohorje range. While he still sells some of his grapes to a local winemaker, Janko began bottling his own wines under the Gabernik 23 label in 2018, marking a new chapter in the family's winemaking legacy.

Gabernik 23 Pikola White Natural Piquette

Where The Wines Come From

Stajerska

Stajerska, located in the northeastern part of Slovenia, is a region with a rich winemaking heritage that is increasingly embracing natural winemaking practices. Situated between the Pohorje Mountains and the Drava River, Stajerska benefits from a continental climate and diverse terroir, making it ideal for cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Šipon (Furmint), Žametovka, and Ranina. Winemakers here are dedicated to sustainable viticulture, employing organic and biodynamic farming methods to nurture the vines and preserve the health of the land. In the cellar, minimal intervention is paramount, with spontaneous fermentations and aging in neutral vessels allowing the true expression of the grapes and terroir to shine through. The resulting natural wines from Stajerska are a reflection of the region's pristine beauty and rich winemaking tradition, with their vibrant flavors, elegant textures, and a sense of place that captures the essence of Slovenia's picturesque countryside.