Marjan Simcic Leonardo 2018

Marjan Simcic Leonardo 2018

Producer: Marjan Simcic
Region: Brda, Slovenia
Classification: Natural sweet wine (passito)
Grape: 100% Ribolla (Rebula)
Vineyard: Medana – Jama Cru
Vine Age: 67 years
Altitude: 200–250 meters
Exposure: Northwest
Soil: Marl, slate and sandstone (Opoka)
Farming: Organic and biodynamic
Harvest: Manual, with 7-month air drying in wooden crates

Vinification:

• Hydraulic basket press

• Fermentation in 225L oak barrels

• Aged 42 months in barrel

• Bottled unfiltered in November 2024

• Only 1,200 bottles (0.375 L) produced

Alcohol: 12.0%
Residual Sugar: Sweet
Total Acidity: 9.5 g/L

Description

The Leonardo 2018 is Marjan Simcic’s most iconic wine — and one of the world’s most exceptional sweet wines. Made exclusively from Ribolla grapes harvested by hand and air-dried for 7 months, it is a meticulously crafted passito that transcends category and origin.

Glowing with tawny amber tones, the wine opens with a stunning bouquet of dates, coffee, toffee and raisins. The palate is silky, opulent and electrifying, with layers of dried apricot, orange zest, fig and sultanas, lifted by vibrant acidity and a finish that seems eternal.

A wine of spiritual depth and gastronomic versatility, Leonardo is featured permanently in the pairing menu at The Fat Duck, Heston Blumenthal’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant — a rare distinction that speaks volumes about its quality and complexity.

Suggested Pairings

• Salted caramel tart

• Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton)

• Tête de Moine

• Walnut cake or traditional Potica

• High-cocoa dark chocolate

• As a meditation wine, on its own