In the municipality of Ceglo in the sub-region of Goriska Brda in the coastal region of Primorska, right on the border with Italy, lies the Movia winery, one of the most traditional wineries in Slovenia. It has been owned by the Kristanèjè family since 1820. And with skill, the family even managed to survive the socialist rule in Yugoslavia as a family winery, and even more, to work its way up as the only official winery for state receptions and banquets hosted by President Tito. Ales Kristanèjè, born in 1966, followed in his father Mirko's footsteps, not only earning his diploma in Oenology in neighbouring Veneto, but also refining his knowledge during internships at the French legends Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Chateau Petrus. Today he is considered a superstar of the Slovenian wine scene, who not only skillully marries Slovenian winemaking traditions with modernity, but was also one of the first winemakers to implement the ageing of wine in small French oak barrels, the barriques. The winery began working according to biodynamic criteria as early as 1989, and since 2005 has been completely converted to biodynamics with the associated certification. The winery is also a member of La Renaissance des Appellations, an association founded in 2001 by biodynamic pioneer Nicolas Joly from the Loire, which today has 175 renowned wineries from 13 different countries as members. Movia currently cultivates 22 hectares of vineyards, 14 on the Slovenian side in Goriska Brda and 8 on the Italian side in the DOC Collio Goriziano. Grape varieties such as Friulano, Ribolla, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are cultivated. The annual production of around 100,000 to 120,000 bottles is spread over 3 series. Classic wines bear the name Villa Marija. White wines are matured in steel tanks, the red wines in large oak barrels with a capacity of 2,500 litres. Single-vineyard wines are given a silver label, while wines from the rare Grand Cru vineyards are given a black label. The fact that Movia wines have long met the highest international standards is proven by the fact that 80% of the wines are exported to countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan and Australia.
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