Dolenjska Region – Otocec Castle
16.2.2012
MAP CLICK HERE Price range €€€€€ Our rating 8/10
I was recently invited to dinner by Grad Otočec along with Vina Batič, for a dinner and wine tasting event. The stunning castle nestled on an island on the River Krka is just under an hour’s drive from Ljubljana. The castle records extend back to the thirteenth century and it has housed many of Slovenia’s noble families.
Wine and food should always be taken together in a celebration of seasonality and the labour of love from which both are born. Not only was the food and wine well paired. I found the chef and wine maker to be equally well paired.
The first course was a duo of…
The Rosso 2006 was dry with a wonderful harmony of three grape varieties. The Merlot gives the wine its structure but the Cabernet Sauvignon lends its aroma, whilst the Cabernet Franc brings it all together
Ah and now on to the sweeter things in life, vanilla charlotte with peanuts and chocolate soup. The Charlotte was as light as a cloud and pure essence of vanilla. The warm milk chocolate soup that the charlotte lay upon, balanced out the flavours of the dish, whilst the dusting of nuts added that extra crunchy texture and bitter aroma. A desert which you savour every bite of.
Served with a Valentino 2007, sweet. Now, to be completely honest, I am not a fan of sweet wines, but this Valentino was right up my ally. It was not too sweet and had hints of an elegant cognac. From a blend of 50% Rebula and 50% Pinela grapes (a local Vipava varietal). Hand harvested in September 2007 and straw dried until May 2008; it has since been pressed and stored in Slovenian barrique oak barrels. A very aromatic and full bodied wine. In a word, delicious and a very special treat indeed and if you did know it have a look at the price tag
Restaurant Grad at Otočec Castle
Opening hours:
every day 7:00 – 22:00
Reservations:
T: +386 7/ 38 48 900
MAP CLICK HERE Price range €€€€€ Our rating 8/10
