Flavors from the Depths – Rebula and Food Pairing
Although Medot was established with the intention of producing traditional sparkling wines based on Rebula, being the cellar of the father of Rebula, Zvonimir Simčič, it was natural for us to also produce still Rebula.
His grandson, Simon Simčič, who now runs the Medot estate, recalls: “We made our first Rebula with my grandfather. Together, we chose the bottle – it was that long, transparent bottle with a blue label and golden letters that immediately found its place in the Slovenian gastronomic scene. Because of these memories of our work together, I felt inspired during the last renovation of the cellar to create a golden Rebula in memory of my grandfather, just as he used to make. After a few trials, this idea evolved into a more refined version, resulting in Rebula Journey, dedicated to his life’s journey. Then, we wanted something even more sophisticated. That’s how Rebula Golden Époque was created. It embodies the harmony of flavor and the balance of all the wine’s parameters. This is a wine that, through our eyes, expresses the maximum potential of Rebula, while also remaining true to my grandfather’s principles that harmony and balance are the most important factors in wine. Our guiding principle was to create a wine with full aromatics, rich flavor, good acidity, minimal alcohol, and one that pairs well with food and has a long finish – in short, a wine that is serious, yet still light. Golden Époque is easy to drink but still belongs in the category of serious wines.”
Pairing Rebula with Food
Fitting for a grapevine with roots that go deep into the earth, drawing out its characteristic minerality, Rebula pairs excellently with food from the depths of the sea. It is an ideal companion for hot summer days, where a lighter version, like Rebula Journey, will harmoniously complement simple dishes made from fish, white meat, or vegetables, a family afternoon with herb omelets, or your summer conversations with friends over canapés and mild cheeses. In a slightly more complex but still summery light version, like Rebula Golden Époque, it will round out the perfection of flavors in Mediterranean culinary masterpieces – definitely try it with truffle dishes.
A particularly delicious tip: In the book Gold Wine, which you can also at Medot Winery, you’ll find recipes for exquisite pairings with Rebula from top Slovenian chefs like Ana Roš, Tomaž Kavčič, Uroš Fakuč, Janez Bratož, and Mitja Sirk. The book also includes a recipe for a homemade herb omelet “frtalja” contributed by a local, Brika, Marija Kocina. The book was published by the prestigious American publisher Rowman & Littlefield from Washington, and it was written by American Noah Charney, who was inspired to write it after his first visit to Brda and tasting Rebula.
Rebula is thus a variety with many faces, and at the winemakers of Brda, you’ll always get additional tips for your favorite expression of Rebula. Based on the general characteristics of the variety, you can rely on the following Rebula food pairing advice:
Fish and Seafood
Rebula pairs excellently with seafood such as shellfish, crabs, and fish dishes. The wine’s freshness highlights the natural flavors of the seafood and adds an extra layer of complexity. Try it with simply prepared white fish, like sea bass or bream, with lightly spiced dishes or sushi. Let yourself be guided by the harmony with either Rebula Journey or Golden Époque.
Light Salads
Fresh salads with citrus, shrimp, or mild cheeses pair beautifully with Rebula. The wine’s acidity complements the vegetable notes and adds the freshness a salad needs. Rebula Journey will offer you a perfect pairing.
Poultry
Poultry, such as chicken or turkey prepared with herbs or in light sauces, is well complemented by Rebula. The combination enhances the juiciness of the meat and enriches its flavor. Try it with chicken fillet in lemon sauce or roasted turkey with herbs. Explore the nuances of your ideal pairing with Rebula Journey and Golden Époque wines.
Vegetarian Dishes
Rebula is an excellent choice for vegetarian dishes like vegetable pasta, risotto, or vegetable pies. Its freshness and acidity help balance the rich flavors of the vegetables and creamy sauces. You can rely on a pleasant harmony with Rebula Journey.
Cheeses
Mild and medium-aged cheeses, such as goat cheese, feta, or young sheep cheese, pair well with Rebula. The wine’s acidity helps balance the cheese’s fat and enhances its flavors. Top it off with Rebula Golden Époque.
A Final Tip: Always check the recommended wine temperature on the label or in the technical sheets (for Medot wines, you can find them on our website and ensure that you serve the Rebula properly chilled to preserve its freshness and aromas.
Rebula is an extremely versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with food. Its freshness, acidity, and citrus notes are ideal for summer days and light dishes, while its complexity allows it to pair well also with more refined dishes. Experiment and create with different combinations to discover how Rebula can enrich your culinary experiences. Enjoy the summer!
