Teran is one of the most famous Slovenian wines. It originates in the Slovenian Karst region, where there is plenty of red soil. Grab a glass of Teran and learn why this is one of the top Slovenian wines.
This week we take you on a virtual trip to the Karst region, where we will discover one of the top Slovenian wines – Teran.
Teran is Slovenia’s autochthonous red wine from the famous Karst region, which is also home of the largest underground cave systems (Postojna and Škocjan Caves), karst Pršut and the stunning white horses also known as Lipizzaners.
Teran has raised several disputes over the years due to its national origin. But we won’t bore you with politics in this article. We are here to enjoy and taste what Teran has to offer. Cheers!
Teran – the pride of Karst region
Teran is one of the top Slovenian wines. Slovenia is a karstic land, and it was the Slovenian Karst that lent its name to karst landscapes and phenomena across the world, for it was here that scientists first explained numerous karst features. Karst region is the so-called birthplace of Teran.
According to Plinius, the Roman historian, the Roman empress Julia (Giulia), wife of Augustus, supposedly reached a respectable age of 82 years because she used to drink wine from Karst (known as “vino puccinum”), particularly valued by the ancient Greeks who called it “Praetorian wine”.
About Teran
Like we mentioned before, Teran is our autochthonous red wine, which is produced in the Karst region. Teran is made from Refošk variety of grape that grows in the red loamy soil called “terra rossa“. Hence its name – terrano (terra – soil). Teran is ultimately one of the most important products of the Karst red soil.
Its distinctive traits are intensive dark ruby red color, special fruit bouqet, fulness of aroma, higher concentration of lactic acid than in other wines and high extract. Teran has a moderate alcohol level, typically higher total acids and lactic acid, that gives the wine its velvety softness. In comparison with other red wines, it has typically higher concentrations of polyphenol substances. That is why it is considered a health – promoting wine. The high content of these natural antioxidants is partly the characteristic of the variety and partly the result of traditional methods for producing Teran.
The medicinal features of Teran are the result of its numerous mineral substances and lactic acids, but it is also known for its distinctive aroma which resembles the scent of wild berries. Teran is a young wine of full taste; with maturing, its characteristics are completely changed and gradually become more similar to red wines from around the world – such wine is called Teranton. The kind of Teran that is made from the best grapes, suitable for a wine of superior quality, is known as the selected Teran PTP. TERAN PTP is dry wine, served at room temperature.
The people of Karst learned how to turn Teran into a delicious liqueur, red with an intense violet hue, tasting of orange, vanilla, cloves, and wild berries. Teran liqueur PTP is produced according to tradition and marked by superb quality.
The perfect pair – Teran and pršut
The full-bodied, ruby-red Teran can be perfectly paired with another Karst specialty: pršut (air-dried ham).
Karst pršut (air-dried ham) is labeled with the “protected geographical indication” designation. All it takes is salt, clean air, the bora wind, a watchful eye, and 12 to 16 months of curing for you to be able to cut a slice of this truly delectable, succulent ruby red prosciutto with its inviting, intoxicating fragrance.
Teran and pršut will surely fulfill your trip to the Karst region.
Explore the Karst Wine Road
Many visitors looking to enjoy authentic local food are drawn to the Karst.
The Karst wine road connects almost 170 different producers stretching above the Trieste bay on a plateau with the altitude ranging from 50 to 500 m. It is distinguished by the limestone Karst with a thin red-brown soil layer called terra rossa or jerina, a constant drought due to the lack of surface water, the wind bora, and the abundance of sun. Due to all these natural advantages, the vines of the Karst region are full of delicious grapes, from which the Karst people have been making excellent wines for centuries. Typical wine cellars called hrami are fascinating places: some of them are cut into stone and some have been carved into caves by nature itself, whereas others captivate the interest of visitors merely due to their size or stone walls. Dry-cured meat products, gradually maturing in the wine room, give the latter a special note.
Learn more about the Karst Wine Road here.
Health benefits of Teran
It contains a lot of lactic acid, iron,and antioxidants making it one of the healthiest wines in the world. It’s health benefits have been known for centuries and have lately also been the subject of scientific research.
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