Producer – Klet Brda

Klet Brda produces wines in Goriška Brda, Slovenia, close to the Italian border.

The region combines warm Mediterranean air with cooler Alpine influences. Therefore, the grapes can achieve excellent ripeness while maintaining freshness.

The vineyards grow on hills and terraces. Moreover, the area’s characteristic clay and sandstone soils contribute to the distinctive character of Brda wines.

Bagueri Superior is one of Klet Brda’s premium collections. The producer selects grapes from old vineyards in some of the best locations in Brda. The wines then receive careful cellar treatment and extended maturation.

Champion Cabernet Sauvignon Bagueri 2016

Champion Cabernet Sauvignon Bagueri 2016 is a premium red made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon.

The grapes grow in terraced vineyards with south-west and south-east exposures. These sites sit between 100 and 350 metres above sea level.

In addition, the vineyards have around 4,000–5,000 vines per hectare. The vines range from approximately 10 to 30 years old.

This combination creates an excellent environment for Cabernet Sauvignon. As a result, the wine offers ripe dark fruit, structure and freshness.

Grape Variety

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, firm tannins and excellent ageing potential.

Moreover, the grape develops classic blackcurrant and dark berry aromas in Brda. Oak maturation then adds spice and complexity.

Vineyard & Terroir

Region: Goriška Brda, Slovenia
Vineyard exposure: South-West and South-East
Altitude: 100–350 metres
Vineyard: Terraced
Soil: Clay and sandstone
Vine age: 10–30 years
Training: Single Guyot

The climate has both Mediterranean and Alpine influences. Therefore, warm sunshine promotes ripeness while cooler air helps preserve freshness.

Vinification & Maturation

Klet Brda harvested the Cabernet Sauvignon by hand in October.

Next, the winery macerated the grapes for 20 days. This extended skin contact extracted colour, flavour and structure.

After fermentation, the winery transferred:

80% into French barriques
20% into large oak barrels

The wine then matured for 24 months in oak. Afterwards, the winemaking team selected and blended the best barrels.

This long maturation adds depth and complexity. However, the oak also supports the fruit rather than dominating it.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections.

Nose: Blackcurrant, blueberry and dark plum with cedar and sandalwood.

Palate: Rich and structured with ripe dark fruit and fine tannins.

Oak: Well-integrated vanilla, cedar and gentle spice.

Finish: Long, elegant and persistent.

Master of Wine Caroline Gilby describes Bagueri Cabernet Sauvignon as showing expressive blackcurrant, blueberry and damson. She also highlights cedar, sandalwood and integrated vanilla spice.

Furthermore, the palate combines firm yet fine tannins with excellent fruit weight. This gives the wine both power and elegance.

🏆 CHAMPION – VINO SLOVENIJA 2020

This is the major selling point for the 2016 vintage.

Cabernet Sauvignon Bagueri 2016 – CHAMPION
Vino Slovenija Gornja Radgona 2020, Slovenia

The same vintage also achieved another important international award:

GOLD MEDAL – Emozioni dal Mondo 2020, Italy

Therefore, I would display prominently on the Urbanbee product page:

🏆 CHAMPION – VINO SLOVENIJA 2020
🥇 GOLD MEDAL – EMOZIONI DAL MONDO 2020

Over 250 Awards for Bagueri Superior

The Bagueri Superior collection has an impressive competition record.

According to Klet Brda, Bagueri wines have collected more than 250 medals and recognitions over approximately 30 years. These awards come from national and international competitions.

Therefore, the Champion title for the 2016 Cabernet sits within a long history of success for the Bagueri range.

Food Pairings

Champion Cabernet Sauvignon Bagueri 2016 pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled ribeye
• Beef fillet
• Roast beef
• Lamb
• Venison
• Wild boar
• Game
• Truffle dishes
• Mature cheeses

The wine’s mature Cabernet character makes it particularly suitable for red meat and game. Meanwhile, its oak complexity works well with mushrooms and truffles.

Serve at approximately 16–18°C.

Style and Character

Champion Cabernet Sauvignon Bagueri 2016 shows the serious side of Slovenian Cabernet Sauvignon.

First, Klet Brda selects Cabernet from well-positioned terraced vineyards. The winery then uses a long 20-day maceration to build structure.

Next, the wine spends 24 months in oak. Most of this maturation takes place in French barriques. Therefore, the wine develops greater complexity and depth.

At the same time, the cool Alpine influence helps maintain freshness. As a result, the wine combines ripe black fruit with fine tannins and elegant oak.

The Champion title at Vino Slovenija 2020 confirms the quality of this particular 2016 vintage. Moreover, its Gold Medal in Italy adds further international recognition.

Overall, Champion Cabernet Sauvignon Bagueri 2016 is a mature premium Slovenian Cabernet with dark fruit, cedar, spice and a long finish.