be wines brands santomas

Santomas

In a peaceful village Šmarje near Capodistria, in the heart of Slovenian Istria, extend the vineyards and olive orchards of Ludvik Nazarij Glavina. The story of the vintage wines and distinctive Šmarje olive oil, incorporated in Santomas trademark begins at almost 50 acres of vineyards and 7,5 acres of olive orchards. The owner’s philosophy is based on honouring the tradition and genuine Istrian heritage as well as honesty in farming and respect to the environment.

Santomas philosophy

The owner’s wish is to combine the elements of the Istrian cultural heritage with the modern marketing methods with respect to the tradition of his forefathers and achieve topmost quality with up-to-date wine technology at the same time. Increasing the recognition of the Slovenian Istria as the land of hearty people, virgin olive oil and vintage wines is the mission of the Santomas trademark.

Vineyards

Currently about 24 ha of vineyards in different areas of Slovenian Istria are cultivated. In Santomas we believe each area to have its own characteristics (soil, height above sea-level, vicinty of the sea, humidity, sunlight…), creating an unique microclimate and eventually specific character of harvest in each area.

Soil, climate, wine growing

In all areas the vines grow in a flysch – sandy soil with high level of calcium, southern exposure and magical influence of the Adriatic sea. Varying from 10 to 15 years, the vineyards are of different ages. The prevailing growing techniques in Santomas vineyards are single and double güyot (eight to ten eyes), with vine height about 70 cm. The density being about 4000 vines per hectare, the distance between individual vines is 70 to 100 cm.

Sorts

Santomas devotes its efforts to the traditional sorts of Slovenian Istria, refosco and Istrian malvazija above all. Among international sorts in Santomas also merlot and cabernet sauvignon and syrah can be found.