Pinela: Vipava Valley's Resurrected Treasure

Pinela's roots in the Vipava Valley run deep. The variety appears in an Austrian Rhyming Chronicle from the late 13th century and received its first clearly dated mention in 1324 in Veneto region records. By the 19th century, it was well established in ampelographic literature, appearing in Pietro di Maniago's grape catalogue of 1823 and in Matija Vertovec's influential 1845 work 'Vinoreja'. Traditionally considered indigenous to the Vipava Valley, Pinela is also listed under synonyms including Pinella, Pinjela, Pinello, Mattozza, Pinola, and Vipavka.

• Documented in an Austrian Rhyming Chronicle from the late 13th century
• First dated record appears in Veneto region documents from 1324
• Listed by Pietro di Maniago in 1823 and Matija Vertovec in 1845
• Known under at least six synonyms across Slovenia and neighbouring Italy

Pinela is cultivated almost exclusively in the Vipava Valley, a sub-region of Primorska in western Slovenia. The valley sits at around 180 metres above sea level, with vines planted on steep karst mountain tops that require hand harvesting. The climate blends Mediterranean influences from the Adriatic coast with continental characteristics in the hillier interior, further moderated by Alpine air. Soils are mineral-rich marl with a significant limestone component, a combination that stamps the wines with a recognisable stony minerality. Total plantings amount to roughly 50 hectares, keeping Pinela firmly in the category of rare and sought-after indigenous varieties.

• Located in the Vipava Valley appellation within the broader Primorska region
• Elevation of approximately 180 metres above sea level on steep karst slopes
• Soils dominated by mineral-rich marl with limestone; hand harvesting required
• Climate is a mix of Mediterranean, continental, and Alpine influences

Pinela produces light, crisp dry white wines with an aromatic profile centred on green apple, pear, and citrus, complemented by white flowers and subtle herbal notes. The marl and limestone soils impart a distinctive minerality that lifts the palate and extends the finish. Many producers favour natural fermentation and minimal intervention, preserving the grape's delicate character. Pinela is also vinified as an orange wine through extended skin contact, a style that adds texture and depth while retaining the variety's inherent freshness.

• Aromas of green apple, pear, citrus, white flowers, and subtle herbs
• Mineral character derived from marl and limestone soils
• Produced as a dry white or as an orange wine via skin contact
• Natural fermentation and minimal intervention are common winemaking approaches

Despite its tiny cultivation area, Pinela has attracted a committed group of producers in the Vipava Valley. Batič, Guerila, Pikasi, and Vipava 1894 are among the notable names working with the variety, each bringing their own approach to vinification. Some lean toward clean, fruit-forward styles; others embrace extended skin contact and natural winemaking techniques. Collectively, these producers have been instrumental in raising the profile of Pinela both domestically and in export markets.

• Batič: one of the Vipava Valley's most established names working with indigenous varieties
• Guerila: known for natural and minimal-intervention winemaking
• Pikasi: a boutique producer focusing on native Slovenian grapes
• Vipava 1894: a cooperative with a long history in the valley