Winery of the Week: Klet MARO – Reviving the Centuries-Old Mursa Family Winemaking Legacy

0
431
MARO wines, foto: Peter Marinšek

A Story Beginning in 1613

KLET MARO (an abbreviation of MAšina ROdbina) represents the rebirth of the centuries-old winemaking tradition of the Mursa family, whose roots date back to the early 17th century. Written records first mention Valentin Mursa in the Gorni register of the Knights Hospitaller commandery Velika Nedelja in 1613, confirming the family’s deep historical connection to viticulture.

Throughout the centuries, members of the Mursa family have contributed to the economic, cultural, and social development of their region. Among them, Josip Mursa, a prominent 19th-century industrialist and innovator, holds a special place in Slovenian history.


Josip Mursa – A Visionary Ahead of His Time

Inspired by his mother Marija Mursa, a strong and determined woman who successfully managed the family estate after becoming widowed, Josip Mursa became a pioneering figure in both winemaking and industry. Marija’s wines were exhibited at the World Wine Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, setting a precedent for generations to come.

In 1889, Josip founded the first factory of cement products and mosaic tiles in the former Yugoslav region and patented his own waterproof concrete roof tile at the Vienna Patent Office. Alongside his 150-hectare estate — of which 35 hectares were premium vineyards — he introduced innovative winemaking technologies and bottled his wines and sparkling wines under his own label. By the early 20th century, his wines were being exported to Austria and Hungary and had already earned top international awards.

MARO Cellar, foto Matija Marinšek

From Josip to Maša – The Legacy Lives On

After the process of denationalization, Josip’s grandson, Dušan Samec (1925–2010) — a renowned Slovenian architect and designer — passed the family vineyards in the Ljutomer-Ormož hills near Jerusalem (Jeruzalem, Slovenia) to his granddaughter Maša.

Today, Maša proudly continues the family heritage under the name KLET MARO, symbolically linking the past with a new generation of excellence. In 2025, she honored her grandfather by creating her first — and at the same time anniversary — classic-method sparkling wine, CRYSTAL, a tribute to family, craftsmanship, and timeless tradition.


Exceptional Terroir and Natural Perfection

The vineyards of KLET MARO lie in the picturesque Ljutomer-Ormož wine hills, near Jeruzalem — a region ranked among the top 3% of vineyard locations in the world. With over 200 sunny days per year, cool nights, and mineral-rich soils of the ancient Pannonian Sea, this terroir provides the perfect conditions for cultivating premium grapes.

All vineyards are planted on steep, grass-covered slopes that prevent soil erosion and promote healthy vine growth. The manual harvest ensures that only the finest grapes are selected — the foundation for wines of exceptional character and quality.

MARO vineyards, foto Peter Marinšek

Elegant Wines with Distinct Character

MURSA wines are known for their elegance, aromatic richness, and natural balance. Their bouquets reveal layers of fruit, floral, and herbal notes, while the palate is lively, full-bodied, and harmoniously rounded. The freshness of acidity, combined with depth and extract, creates wines that are both sophisticated and delightfully drinkable.

Each bottle of MURSA also carries a piece of history: the wine label is inspired by an abstracted design of an original mosaic tile from Josip Mursa’s 1895 factory — a timeless symbol of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation.


Contact

KLET MARO
Litmerk 44a, 2270 Ormož, SLOVENIA – EU
📞 +386 40 870 980
📧 [email protected]
🌐 maro-wine.com