The Movia estate may encompass land in two continuous and renowned wine regions – Brda, Slovenia and Collio, Italy – but it pioneered a wine legacy all on its own. Under the leadership of visionary winemaker Ales Kristancic, with his modern philosophy and traditional methods, Movia set a new benchmark for biodynamic viticulture and skin contact winemaking.
Ales Kristancic is passionate about producing wine in alliance with nature, and was the first one in the region to seriously implement that. He eschews the use of chemicals and pesticides. Most importantly, he looks to the rhythms of the moon to inspire his low-intervention processes.
Harvest takes place when grapes are fully ripe. After the eight lunar cycles (8 months), wine is moved from barrel to bottle, again only when the moon is at its apex. It’s never pressed, never fined, never filtered, and bottled without added sulphur. The sediment is the purest indicator of naturally grown grapes and natural winemaking, without any additives. Because of that, Lunar can have sediment in the bottle.
The relationship between the moon, land and wine is only part of Ales’ philosophy; to him, biodynamics goes deeper than simply farming and winemaking. He believes embracing all of these worldly and mystical gifts, and appreciating everything that nature offers, brings true inner fulfilment to humankind.
The Ribolla Gialla, an indigenous grape of the region, brings unique attributes to the wine. Normally a zesty, somewhat floral, and thin-skinned grape, it develops a deep amber colour while interacting with skins, while flavours take on new layers and complexity
Lunar shows a true presence on the palate, which is only enhanced by decanting. As sediment filters out and a rush of oxygen aerates the liquid, the wine’s full textural and aromatic spectrum can be best appreciated. Ales’ deft touch with winemaking preserves the fruit’s purity, which shines through in this terroir-expressive wine. An homage to the moon, “Lunar” encapsulates the magical pull this celestial body has over our world.
