– Why did you decide to undertake this experience? Where does your passion for wine come from? What are the origins of your company?
The MARO Wine Cellar represents the tradition of renowned winemaking family from the 17th century, Mursa. The first written records of the MURSA family date back to 1609. Their winegrowing and wine-making operations are documented in the ‘Gorniški register križniške komende Velika Nedelja’ from 1613. The Mursa family tree reflects a creative image of individuals through the centuries who in one way or another contributed to the development of society, its economic, political, and cultural life. A notable figure is Josip Mursa who left his mark as an excellent businessman in the 19th century.
In 1889, Josip Mursa established the first factory of cement products and mosaic tiles, he successfully managed his 150-ha large estate where he was a pillar of society through his innovative spirit. Thirty-five hectares of land were vineyards at selected positions and numerous wine cellars with innovative winemaking technology. He bottled his still and sparkling wine varieties in the first half of the 20th century and exported them to Hungary and Austria. His wines were awarded in exhibitions and quality assessment events.
Unfortunately, the 2nd world war broke the continuity and after several decades, my grandfather, the architect Dušan Samec, managed to recover part of MURSA heritage. I have been chosen to take over and I am proud on it. I took the heritage with respect and responsibility, extended my know-how about viticulture etc. I am very resolute to grow my knowledge further on. MARO stands for MAsa ROots.
– What do you think are the main characteristics of your wines?
The microclimatic conditions in Štajerska Slovenija, more specifically in the Jerusalem area, where our wine is coming from, are ideal for viticulture. The result is elegant wines created with uncompromising attention to detail. They are as beautifully harmonious and expressive as the landscape that is home to our vineyards.
MARO wines are extremely aromatic, which is reflected in the luxury of fruit,
floral and plant aromas in individual wines. In terms of taste, the wines are vibrant due to refreshing acids, enriched with an appropriate alcoholic strength, full-bodied and rich in extracts, harmonious and pleasantly drinkable.
– What are the feelings you want to convey to consumers through your labels?
The rich tradition of Josip MURSA first factory of mosaic tiles is highlighted in wine labels. In the visual image, the designer combined hypothesis and experiment with an homage of tradition. The graphic art that strengthens the MURSA brand has become a symbol of the visual image and is abstract image of the original painting on a mosaic tile from Josip MURSA’s production program from 1895, which still adorns the floors of many bourgeois apartments, churches …The labels of MURSA brand remind on wine glass, hidden in the mosaic tile, which at the same time reflects a rich history of my family.
– What are for you the three golden rules for a good wine?
I will point out the most important rules for our wine, which is born in wine-growing district of Ljutomer-Ormož hills in Slovenia, which counts to the 3% of the world’s best wine-growing locations, owned by my great grandfather and his ancestors centuries ago.
The right terroir: The most favorable climatic conditions with more than 200 days of sunshine a year, cold nights and soil rich in minerals of the once Pannonian Sea, which curved around the current wine-growing hills as islands and deposited fertile, mineral-rich layer of soil – a mixture of sand and clay perfect for viticulture. All the vineyards are on steep slopes, covered with grass, which prevents soil erosion and facilitates vine cultivation.
Grape growing with love and care: Excellent wine has its roots in the vineyard. That is why a good winemaker lives for this profession all year round – already with tasks in the vineyard to achieve the desired results in the cellar. This tradition has not changed from ancient times to the present day, and we respect and follow it.
Hand-picked grapes provide the highest quality basis for producing excellent wines.
The work in cellar is another story, which can be successful only, if these three rules are fulfilled.
– How is your wine positioned today? Are you more oriented to the national or international market?
Due to C-19 restrictions we oriented in the last couple of years mainly to international – Asian market. In the last year the development of domestic market is growing in parallel very well. Our focus is both, international and national market, because both react very positive to our wine portfolio, likes our philosophy of fresh, full-bodied, elegant wines and like the taste of our wines very much. I must admit – our wines are different, they surprise.
– Why should a consumer choose your wines? And who is your target audience?
MARO cellar is offering portfolio of red, rosé, and white wines with different sugar level. All of them are aromatic, which is reflected in the luxury of fruit, floral and plant aromas in individual wines. In terms of taste, the wines are vibrant due to refreshing acids, enriched with an appropriate alcoholic strength, full-bodied and rich in extracts, harmonious and pleasantly drinkable.
Our wines are produced with care, love, and respect to the own heritage, as mentioned before – starting already in the vineyards. The synergy of respect for the tradition of past generations, knowledge, natural processing of grapes and the preservation of natural harmony of taste and aroma results in excellent MURSA wines of MARO Cellar. Our web page might be a good start point to get more familiar with our portfolio.
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