Our philosophy
At Cape, everything begins with a simple conviction: a great wine is born from a place, a vision and a deep respect for life.
Our philosophy is based on meticulous attention to every detail, without ever compromising. From the patient work in the vineyard to the precision of the winemaking process, every step is designed to reveal the essence of the Debeli Rtic plateau, its mineral energy, its light and its sea breeze. We do not seek to dominate nature, but to listen to it and accompany it, allowing the terroir to express itself fully through our wines.
Rooted in a sustainable approach, although not certified, our viticulture prioritises natural balance and soil health. We believe in thoughtful, respectful agriculture, in tune with the rhythms of the plant, the climate and the seasons.
Cape is a quest for harmony between tradition and modern precision. A wine crafted with rigour, in humility before time, place and vine.
Cape
Discover the vineyards of Cape, a wine-growing nugget set on the coastal plateau of Debeli Rtič, facing the Adriatic Sea. This place steeped in history - where vines were first planted in 1072 - is now home to a 3.5-hectare estate, cultivated with precision and sensitivity.
Set in an exceptional natural environment, the Cape estate takes great care to preserve the balance of its ecosystem. Here, sustainable viticulture combines with cutting-edge technological tools to sublimate the expression of the terroir. Every gesture is thought out to accompany the vines, preserve the balance of the soil and reveal all the uniqueness of this plateau between sky and sea.
01.
Respect for the terroir
We firmly believe that the quality of a wine begins with respect for the land. That's why we cultivate our vines in such a way as to preserve the natural balance of our ecosystem and encourage biodiversity, while expressing the unique characteristics of our terroir to the full.
02.
No compromise on quality
Every stage of our production, from the selection of grape varieties to the final blending, is carried out with the utmost care. We make it a point of honour to offer wines of impeccable quality, with a constant focus on excellence and authenticity.
03.
Durability
We are committed to working in a sustainable way, using environmentally-friendly practices to ensure a long-term future for our estate. Our aim is to produce quality wines while minimising our ecological footprint and preserving resources for future generations.
Our terroir
To discover Cape, you have to follow the Slovenian coast to its southernmost point, where the vines look out to sea and the lands of Debeli Rtič plunge towards the Adriatic.
Here, on an unspoilt plateau bathed in light and salty winds, lies the Cape vineyard. An intimate 3.5 hectare vineyard in a single block, cultivated with care and attention to detail. Between sea and memory, technology and tradition, this is a place that tells a different story about wine: precise, free and rooted in a unique terroir.
The Debeli Rtič vineyard lies at an elevation of 28 meters above sea level, gently sloping towards the Adriatic. Its proximity to the sea brings refreshing breezes that help moderate the climate, while the site is also exposed to the Burja, a dry and cold northern wind. This unique combination enhances the health of the vines and contributes to the freshness and balance of the wines.
The estate enjoys an ideal exposure, allowing the vines to catch the sunlight throughout the day.
Situated on a plateau, our plots are oriented in such a way as to optimise exposure to the sun, thus encouraging regular and balanced ripening of the grapes.
Our vineyards benefit from a unique micro-climate, shaped by the proximity of the Adriatic Sea and the influence of the surrounding mountains. This particular climate combines hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters, creating an environment conducive to balanced ripening of the grapes.
The sea breezes that regularly blow over the vines play a key role in regulating temperatures and preventing disease, while ensuring optimum ventilation of the bunches.
The Debeli Rtič terroir is characterised by flysch soils, a sedimentary rock formed by alternating layers of marl, sandstone, claystone, and occasionally limestone. This composition provides excellent drainage and, being naturally low in nutrients, encourages the vines’ roots to grow deep, allowing them to capture the mineral richness of the subsoil.
Enriched by the maritime influence and the constant breeze from the Adriatic, these soils contribute to the pure expression of the terroir, giving Cape wines their characteristic freshness and distinctive minerality.
Tasting notebook
Cape 2022 - Jancis Robinson | 17/20
Attractively textured black-and-white label.
Deep, soft smudgy purplish crimson. Highly fragrant with pure dark-red fruits, raspberry and lightly peppery cassis, the whole-bunch component adding another layer of freshness. The tannins are thick, soft and chewy, the wine still very youthful and, for me, not ready to drink – though for those you like bright fruit it may be, as long as it is with food. The oak is making its presence felt in smooth chocolate texture and flavour. I think it would be a bit of a shame to drink it now because it promises a long – and more complex – future. Both generous and fresh, the oak is present but not overpowering.