Gasper

Gasper is a cooperative estate in Goriška Brda, Slovenia, on the border with Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Founded as a joint venture between a local cooperative and the Čarman family—who have worked in hospitality and wine for over 50 years—Gasper now tends 1,100 hectares across 250 member families. What sets them apart is their commitment to hand harvesting, careful fruit selection, and modern stainless-steel winemaking that preserves the freshness and acidity that defines this region's whites.

About Gasper

Goriška Brda's terraced hillside vineyards sit at elevations between 80 and 200 metres, benefiting from proximity to the Adriatic Sea and Alpine cooling breezes. The distinctive opoka marl soil and high sun exposure create ideal conditions for grapes to retain vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity—essential qualities for Gasper's style. Hand harvesting by cooperative partners and family members ensures only quality fruit reaches the cellar.

Oenologist Darinko Ribolica leads production, focusing on Slovenia's local varieties crafted in a fresh, modern idiom. The whites—Pinot Grigio, Malvazija, and a Chardonnay/Rebula blend—are all fermented in stainless steel to preserve their delicate fruit character and crisp acidity. The Malvazija, a native variety to the Croatian and Slovenian coastal areas, displays tropical fruit aromatics and honeyed undertones with remarkable structure. Gasper's reds are limited but serious: a 100% Cabernet Franc from 50-year-old, low-yielding vines, and the Rebula Selection, produced during exceptional vintages by combining fruit from two carefully chosen vineyard parcels, which develops well with age. All Gasper whites are designed to drink young and fresh, while the reds show fruit weight and well-integrated oak suitable for cellaring.

Gasper Wines in Our Collection

The 2025 Pinot Grigio (89 points) is the flagship white—displaying aromatic white flowers and hints of pear on the bouquet, with bright grapefruit flavors on the palate and that defining lively acidity. The 2024 Malvazija (90 points, Jancis Robinson) offers a richer expression than the Pinot, with tropical fruit and almond notes, making it an excellent choice for dishes with subtle richness. The 2021 Rebula Selection (89 points) is the cellar's reserve white, displaying refinement and precision with substantial weight and seamless oak integration—serious enough to age further. All are built on the same foundation: vineyard quality, hand harvesting, and clean winemaking that lets terroir speak.

Food Pairing

Gasper's Pinot Grigio and Malvazija excel with seafood—grilled prawns, mussels in white wine, or delicate white fish. The Rebula Selection, with its weight and acidity, suits creamy pasta dishes and poached chicken. The Cabernet Franc is made for roasted lamb, venison, or herb-crusted beef. All pair naturally with the Mediterranean and Central European cuisines of their home region.

What makes Gasper's location special for winemaking?

Goriška Brda sits on the Slovenia-Italy border with opoka marl soil, elevations of 80–200 metres, and proximity to the Adriatic Sea and Alps. This delivers dry, warm summers, cooling breezes during ripening, and high acidity retention in grapes.

Are Gasper wines meant to age or drink now?

Most whites—Pinot Grigio, Malvazija—are made to drink fresh and young. The Rebula Selection and Cabernet Franc, however, are designed for ageing and develop complexity over time in the cellar.

Why hand harvest at Gasper?

Hand picking allows careful selection of ripe fruit, improving final wine quality. Gasper's cooperative partners and family members harvest together, ensuring fruit integrity from vineyard to cellar.

Who makes Gasper wines?

Gasper is a cooperative estate in Goriška Brda, Slovenia, founded as a joint venture between a local cooperative and the Čarman family, who have worked in hospitality and wine for over 50 years. Oenologist Darinko Ribolica leads production across 1,100 hectares managed by 250 member families.

What style of wine does Gasper make?

Gasper specializes in fresh, modern whites—Pinot Grigio, Malvazija, and Chardonnay/Rebula—fermented in stainless steel to preserve acidity and delicate fruit. The 2025 Pinot Grigio scored 89 points. Limited reds include Cabernet Franc and Rebula Selection, designed for aging.

How much does Gasper wine cost?

Gasper wines range between £14.55 and £43.95. Most whites sit £15–£16, offering excellent value. The premium 2021 Rebula Selection costs £24.75, and the serious 2022 Cabernet Franc is £43.95.