Also known by its older name "Kavčina," this is a truly old vine: the oldest living vine in Europe is a Žametovka growing in Lent, the old part of Maribor. It is over four hundred years old and still bears grapes regularly. Some oenologists believe that Žametovka is autochthonous in Slovenia, but no proof exists; the vine is also cultivated in Austria and Croatia.
Žametovka is primarily grown in the Posavje region; it is not particularly choosy regarding site, but the grapes do ripen late and inferior sites may produce less intensive pigmentation. The vine buds early, so it is quite sensitive to spring frosts.
In bad years, Žametovka must is low in sugars and high in acids; even in excellent years, the wine has a pronounced acidity. Žametovka produces a light red wine, lively, but with no distinguishing qualities; it is an essential ingredient in any good Cviček. It is rarely offered as a varietal wine, a noted exception being the Žametna Črnina from the oldest living vine in Maribor (although the wine is a specialty more because of its origin than for its quality). The vignerons of Bela Krajina sometimes produce a fresh, gentle white wine from Žametna Črnina.
Like Šentlovrenka, Žametna Črnina should be served at 18 °C (64.4 °F) with roast lamb or grilled pork.
