Winemaker: Miha and Marijan
Where: Bizeljsko, South Steiermark, Slovenia
Size: 5 ha
Main Varieties: Rumeni plavec, Kraljevina, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer, Welschriesling & Pinot blanc
Viticulture: Organic certified and Biodynamic
Quick note: Winery and land in the family since 250 years!
Keltis is located in the northern slopes of the Bizeljsko area, in Slovenia. A socially and culturally fascinating area which shares borders with Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and Hungary. Keltis was formed in 1776, when the Kelhar family built their first house from 17 mighty oaks! Today the building still stands and is the hallmark of the Keltis winery. For almost 250 years the farm has been in the family, but it was not until 1989 that Marijan Kelhar decided to dedicate more time to mainly focus on winemaking. Today Miha, the youngest of Marijan’s two sons, is running the winery, the first wine he made himself was 2009 Cuvée Extreme.
Since 2009 the winery has been certified organic and is today worked with biodynamic principles, with the help from their cattle that roam the estate.
Keltis covers 5 hectares of mainly south & southwestern positioned vineyards. With a soil composition including marl, sandstone, quartz, clay and different kinds of limestone. The immensely diverse terroir, together with strong winds from the west to fight disease pressure, allows Keltis to create wines expressing the specific vineyards, either in single variety- or “Gemischter Satz” style wines. The varieties vary from the autochthonous like Rumeni Plavec, to more internationally admired like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat (Ottonel & Yellow), Pinot Gris & Traminer. They’re harvested based on maturity, purity and moon cycles.
Miha has an artisanal approach in the cellar just as in the vineyards. It’s about the wines reflecting passion and energy while still expressing the terroir and heritage of the region. The vinifications are done with minimal intervention and long macerations. The fresher wines are made in stainless steel tanks, while the more serious wines are matured in wooden barrels. Sulphur levels are either low or nothing added, furthermore no filtration, nor clarification is done.
