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Mag. Jože Protner Vodole 34 2000 Maribor phone: +386 62 514-219 |
Jože Protner, M.Sc., is a well-known public figure in Slovenia. He has held the office of Minister of Agriculture and is currently a member of the Slovene parliament. Before entering politics, he managed Vinag, the largest winery in Podravje - its high-quality blend Mariborčan is one of his achievements. He campaigned vigorously to establish vineyards on Piramida, a hill just on the outskirts of Maribor. Many ecologists opposed the idea, arguing that the site would be destroyed by erosion if the wild- growing bushes were cleared - but they were wrong. Today, the beautifully kept vineyards of Piramida are one of the most beautiful sights in Maribor, and the Renski Rizling from the site is consistently among the very best in Slovenia.
Jože Protner cultivates only 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) of vineyards, most of them on Šempeterska Gorca between Celestrina and Majski Vrh. He grows Chardonnay, Renski Rizling, Rumeni Muškat, and Laški Rizling.
Protner's wines are very rare. He regularly reduces the yield of his vines by removing some of the unripe grapes to provide abundant nutrients for the rest. Connoisseurs particularly value his Renski Rizling.
Protner favours blends produced from pure high-quality varietal wines. His pride is Protner Cuve\' e Gorca, marketed under his brand name "Joannes." This rich wine with its lasting taste is a blend of Chardonnay, Renski Rizling, and Rumeni Muškat.
Jože Protner's best vintage is 1993.
