Slovenia’s Bela Krajina, a picturesque eastern region, is gaining recognition for its unique vineyards that harmonize with the surrounding landscape, characterized by woodlands and small agricultural plots. Here, vines are often cultivated by local families tending small weekend plots.
The story of the Šuklje winery began in May 2022 with proprietor Guillaume Antalick, a French enologist. After earning his PhD in Bordeaux, he met Katja Šuklje in South Africa while pursuing a post-doctoral opportunity. After working in Australia, they returned to Slovenia to engage with Katja’s family winery in Metlika, combining work and family life.
In Bela Krajina, the climate favors red wine production, notably the Blaufränkisch grape, known as Modra Frankinja in Slovenia. Out of the region’s total of 400 hectares of vines, 120 hectares are dedicated to this varietal.
Since 2016, Guillaume, Katja, and her brother Matija have focused on enhancing the winery through vineyard development, all while progressing toward organic farming practices. Their scientific background also informs their winemaking approach, contributing to exciting vineyard and product growth.
During a visit in March 2025, Guillaume showcased the winery’s recent releases, highlighting their expansion to nearly eight hectares of vineyards, now including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 2023 vintage wines have shown significant development:
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Šuklje Belo 140 2023: A lively blend of 80% Kerner and 20% Riesling with a delightful floral citrus character and a fine spicy finish. 93/100.
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Šuklje Projekt Chardonnay 2023: The first vintage from their own vines, it offers a juicy balance of white peach and nutty flavors. 93/100.
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Šuklje Lozice 2023: Featuring bright lemon and pear notes, this expressive wine showcases lovely flavors but isn’t overly concentrated. 92/100.
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Šuklje Projekt Noir 2022: A bold and fruity Pinot Noir with a sweet cherry core. Juicy but compact with a lovely fruit quality. 93/100.
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Šuklje Modra Frankinja 2022: Fresh and linear with bright black cherry flavors and a structured finish. 92/100.
They also introduced several single plot wines, showcasing the impact of terroir on Blaufränkisch:
- Šuklje Single Plot Reber-Lokvica 2022: Bright with raspberry fruit and good tannin structure.
- Šuklje Single Plot Doma-Trnovec 2022: Tighter and more linear with precise black fruit flavors.
- Šuklje Single Plot Plesivica 2022: Offers more density and volume, with vibrant fruit intensity.
With Guillaume’s dedication and the winery’s commitment to quality, Šuklje is revolutionizing the perception of Blaufränkisch in Bela Krajina.