|
Miran Sirk Goriska 13 5212 Dobrovo phone: +386 65 45-076 |
Although Miran Sirk's production is based on long tradition, Bjana is a relatively new trade name. Sirk named his wines after the oldest wine cellar in the Brda area: the Bjana cellar is a 400-year-old architectural masterpiece that Miran Sirk has renovated with great respect for history.
Miran Sirk currently cultivates only 3 ha of vineyards around Biljana, vines are trained for low yield; however, with manual Methode Classique, and meticulous care that Milan Sirk accords to his wines, the 15.000 - 18.000 bottles of sparkling wine produced annually keep the family busy throughout the year.
Bjana sparkling wines are made from the traditional Rebula complemented by the liveliness of the more modern Chardonnay, and the Modri Pinot. Bottled wines with added liqueur de tirage are aged for at least eighteen months and the remuage is done manually, although Sirk will eventually install mechanical pulpitres in keeping with modern trends.
Bjana Brut is produced from a blend of
Rebula and Chardonnay and aged in the bottle for at least 18
months. Its attractive golden to bronze colour is complemented by a
lively taste and a subtle bouquet.
The Bjana
Modri Pinot is produced from (as the name suggests) The Pinot
Noir. Connoisseurs of Pinot Noir based Champagnes may be surprised by
a slight rosy tinge of Sirk's wine: unlike French producers, Milan Sirk
does not use chemicals to suppress the minute amounts of colouring that
is always extracted from Pinot Noir skins. The Bjana Modri Pinot is
dry, quite elegant, yet somewhat wild as compared to the Brut. With its
pronounced freshness it is an excellent aperitiff.
The Bjana
Cuv\' ee Prestige is based on Chardonnay, which is aged in
barriques before the champenoise process is initiated. Bottled
wine is aged for further 30 months before degorgement. The
Cuv\' ee Prestige is a very mature wine with rarely matched ellegance.
Miran Sirk's impeccably processed sparkling wines have won several awards at the Ljubljana Wine Fair. The Bjana Brut has been awarded gold medals in 1995, 1996 and 1997; also, in 1997 the Brut has been declared the champion of Slovene sparkling wines. Cuv\' ee Prestige has won the gold medal in 1997.
Though sparkling wines are his prime specialty, Miran Sirk also produces a few thousand bottles of still wines every year. Connoisseurs who are lucky enough to find these rare vintages, jelously treasure Bjana late harvest Tokaj and Merlot Barrique.
Most of Bjana's production is sold in the neighbouring Italy.
