Located high in the historic towers of Ljubljana Castle, Strelec Restaurant offers more than a meal—it crafts an unforgettable sensory journey, especially for wine lovers. With its unique location in the Archer’s Tower and its Michelin-starred reputation, Strelec celebrates Slovenia’s culinary artistry and deep-rooted wine culture.
A Restaurant Setting That Tells a Story
Before we dive into the wine, it’s worth setting the restaurant’s unique setting. The entrance to Strelec is an experience, passing through what was once the castle’s wine cellar, complete with a dome ceiling that vividly illustrates the grape trading process, from harvest to transport.
The dining room is beautifully adorned with sgraffito murals inspired by Slovenian folk songs, painted by celebrated artists Boris Kobe and Marij Pregelj. Like the wines, the art tells stories of the land, tradition, and innovation.
A Sparkling Start: Domaine Slapšak Brut Rosé
The evening at Strelec began with a celebratory amuse-bouche of Jerusalem artichoke with pear, chicken liver with raspberries, and a caviar basket, paired with a glass of Brut Rosé Domaine Slapšak Penina, setting a sophisticated tone for the dining experience. This exceptional sparkling wine carries a story as vibrant as its delicate pink hue.
Crafted from the unique Slovenian grape variety Žametna črnina (translated as “velvety black”), this Brut Rosé represents a marriage of local tradition and French winemaking expertise. Before arriving in Slovenia, the grape was a complete unknown to Domaine Slapšak’s French winemaker. However, he quickly recognized its sparkling potential and, in 2012, began crafting this sparkling rosé. The wine undergoes at least 15 months of aging on lees, refining its personality and imparting a creamy texture to its elegant character.
Tasting Notes
The wine’s delicate pink color with violet reflections hints at the intense aromas of fresh red fruits, most notably pomegranate. It dazzles with remarkable elegance and freshness on the palate, complemented by a subtle yet unmistakable touch of gooseberries. The light dosage ensures a delicate and indulgent finish, giving you a sense of vibrant sophistication.
We also tried the second amuse-bouche from the chef, mushroom with salmon foam.
A Symphony of Slovenian Wines
Roe Deer Tartar Paired with Belo140 (Šuklje Vineyard, 2023)
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the roe deer tartar, a masterpiece of delicate yet bold flavors. The earthy richness of the tartar, enhanced by hazelnuts and the fresh, herbal note of shiso leaves, was expertly paired with the Belo140, a modern and refined white wine from the Šuklje Vineyard in Bela Krajina. This 2023 vintage elevated the dish and showcased the vineyard’s commitment to crafting innovative wines that reflect Slovenia’s unique terroir.
Belo140 is a blend of 80% Kerner and 20% Riesling, resulting in a wine that combines complexity, elegance, and a dynamic interplay of flavors.
Palate: The salinity carries through, creating a refined structure complemented by velvety acidity and a long, vertical finish. The Kerner varietal brings roundness, generosity, and floral characteristics, while the Riesling adds vibrancy, minerality, and freshness.
Nose: Opens with vibrant saline mineral notes, supported by aromas of peach, fresh apricot, and delicate white flowers.
What I Liked About This Pairing
The intricate layers of Belo140 perfectly complement the roe deer tartar.
The floral and saline nuances enhanced the herbaceous quality of the shiso leaves, creating a seamless harmony between the food and wine.
The saline minerality and vibrant acidity of the wine cut through the richness of the tartar, creating a balanced interplay between the dish’s earthiness and the wine’s freshness.
The peach and apricot notes echoed the nuttiness of the hazelnuts, adding a fruity dimension to the pairing.
Signature Cauliflower Dish Paired with Burja Zelen (Vipava Valley)
The second course of the evening was Strelec’s signature cauliflower dish, a masterpiece of simplicity and sophistication. This beautifully crafted plate featured cauliflower paired with a rich blend of egg yolk, brown butter, breadcrumbs, and the earthy luxury of truffle. This dish was elegantly paired with the Burja Zelen, a biodynamic white wine from Slovenia’s Vipava Valley, renowned for its depth, minerality, and floral charm.
The Wine: Burja Zelen
Zelen, an autochthonous Slovenian grape variety, is a true gem of the Vipava Valley, cherished for its unique flavor profile and versatility. The name “Zelen,” meaning “green” in German, reflects the vibrant character of this wine. Crafted by Primož Lavrenčič, the Burja Zelen is a testament to the region’s biodiversity and winemaking tradition.
Winemaking Process
The vines, aged between 5 and 10 years, are carefully tended using biodynamic methods. For the current vintage:
- The grape juice had 2 days of skin contact, a technique that adds complexity and texture.
- The wine was then matured in steel tanks for 7 months, preserving its freshness while allowing its flavors to develop.
The result is a wine of brilliant golden hues, vibrant aromatics, and incredible depth.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Fresh citrus dominates, with notes of grapefruit, green apple, and subtle floral aromas.
- Palate: A lively interplay of lemon, grapefruit, and a touch of paprika, underpinned by light herbal nuances and a distinctive Mediterranean saltiness.
- Mouthfeel: Perfectly dry, with a buttery texture balanced by striking minerality, giving the wine a sophisticated and complex character.
What I Liked About This Pairing
The Burja Zelen was a flawless match for Strelec’s cauliflower dish.
The wine’s mineral backbone and saltiness enhanced the natural umami of the cauliflower, drawing out layers of flavor in every bite.
The wine’s buttery texture mirrored the richness of the brown butter and egg yolk, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
Its citrus and herbal notes cut through the earthy truffle and breadcrumbs, brightening the dish and adding a refreshing lift.
Onion Dish Paired with Monte Moro Orange Joy
The third course at Strelec was the intriguingly named Onion, a dish blending creativity and tradition. Featuring albumin cottage cheese, beer, Jamar cheese aged in caves, and yeast, this dish was a true celebration of Slovenian ingredients and innovative culinary artistry. To complement its bold, earthy flavors, it was paired with Monte Moro Orange Joy, an expressive orange wine that added depth and complexity to the experience.
The Wine: Monte Moro Orange Joy
MonMonte Moro Orange Joy is a bold and natural orange wine from Istria, a region renowned for its rich winemaking traditions and focus on indigenous varietals. This wine showcases the unique character of Istrian terroir through its use of extended skin contact, a hallmark of orange winemaking.
Winemaking Process
Monte Moro Orange Joy is crafted using native Slovenian grape varietals, carefully fermented with extended skin contact to extract color, tannins, and texture. The wine is then aged in neutral vessels to preserve its vibrant character, resulting in a bold, layered expression of the region’s terroir.
Tasting Notes
Palate: Rich and textured, with flavors of dried stone fruits, marmalade, and toasted nuts, balanced by vibrant acidity and fine tannins. The wine’s lightly oxidative character adds a unique depth, finishing with a hint of salinity.
Color: A glowing amber with orange reflections.
Nose: Aromas of dried apricots, candied orange peel, and herbal notes, interwoven with hints of honey and a whisper of yeast.
What I Liked About This Pairing
The Monte Moro Orange Joy was an inspired choice for the Onion dish, as its bold and textured profile stood up to the rich, layered flavors of the ingredients.
The wine’s oxidative and slightly saline elements harmonized with the earthy, umami flavors, creating a seamless blend of taste and texture.
The wine’s honeyed and nutty notes played off the creamy albumin cottage cheese and the aged complexity of the Jamar cheese.
Its vibrant acidity cut through the dish’s richness, balancing the intensity of the beer and yeast components.
Veal and Red Cabbage Paired with MROF Mačkovci Modra Frankinja 2020 Grand Vin
The fourth course at Strelec was a stunning veal dish paired with the tartness of red cabbage, the richness of duck fat, and the vibrant tang of raspberries. This sophisticated plate was elevated by an exceptional glass of MROF Mačkovci Modra Frankinja 2020 Grand Vin, a wine that beautifully embodies the potential of Slovenia’s Modra Frankinja (Blaufränkisch) varietal.
The Wine: MROF Mačkovci Modra Frankinja 2020 Grand Vin
This wine, from the Mačkovci vineyards in Slovenia, is a pure and uncompromising expression of Blaufränkisch. It is bold, earthy, and unapologetically raw, earning the moniker “Blaufränkisch Terminator” for its commanding presence.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Rich garnet-purple with a brightening edge, hinting at its youth and intensity.
- Nose: Wild and animalistic, with smoky and earthy aromas of tobacco, leather, and truffle, accented by dried herbs like rosemary and thyme. A faint iron and saline minerality underpins the aromatics.
- Palate: A primal and untamed entrance showcasing intense astringency, blackcurrants, and a touch of charred rosemary. The salty minerality creates a unique structure, while the tannins are dense.
Vinification
The wine undergoes a meticulous production process that highlights its intensity and structure:
Bottled unfined to preserve the wine’s raw character and natural vibrancy.
20% whole cluster fermentation, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast.
A lengthy 30-45 days of maceration in large 50hl oak fermenters to extract maximum complexity.
Aged for 24 months in 30hl oak casks, followed by an additional 27 months in 25hl oak casks for further refinement.
What I Liked About This Pairing
The MROF Mačkovci Modra Frankinja was a remarkable match for Strelec’s veal dish, enhancing the complexity of the wine and the food.
The wine’s smoky and earthy aromas mirrored the richness of the veal and the depth of the duck fat.
Its saline minerality and dried herb nuances elevated the savory notes of the dish, particularly the tangy red cabbage.
The brooding tannins stood up to the intensity of the flavors, while its vertical finish provided a refreshing counterpoint to the dish’s fatty richness.
The currant and rosemary notes complemented the sweet and tangy raspberries, harmonizing the pairing.
Trout Paired with Hedele Obelunec 2020 (Vipava, Goče)
While my mom ordered the veal, I opted for the trout to try various dishes and wines. The sublime trout creation features perfectly cooked trout served with a vibrant vegetable ragout, decadent trout caviar, nutty brown butter, and a touch of citrus for brightness. This elegant dish perfectly matched the Hedele Obelunec 2020, a white Chardonnay wine from the historic village of Goče in the Vipava Valley.
The Wine: Hedele Obelunec 2020 (Vipava, Goče)
Goče, nestled in the heart of the Vipava Valley, is renowned for its ancient wine cellars and distinctive terroir, where Mediterranean breezes meet Alpine influences. Hedele Obelunec 2020 is a biodynamic Chardonnay that reflects this unique environment and the commitment to minimal-intervention winemaking.
Vinification
This Chardonnay is crafted with precision to emphasize its freshness and minerality:
- Wild yeast fermentation in neutral vessels preserves the purity and authenticity of the varietal.
- A short period of skin contact during maceration adds a touch of texture and depth.
- Aged in stainless steel tanks, the wine maintains its vibrant, clean character while developing subtle complexity.
Tasting Notes
Finish: Long and refreshing, with lingering citrus notes and a hint of nuttiness.
Appearance: Pale straw-yellow with golden highlights, reflecting its vitality.
Nose: Aromas of citrus zest (lemon and grapefruit), green apple, and hints of white flowers, with a subtle nuttiness and almond undertone.
Palate: Crisp and mineral-forward, showcasing flavors of stone fruit, citrus, and a delicate saline quality that mirrors the Vipava Valley’s Mediterranean influence. Its lively acidity is balanced by a creamy, rounded texture from lees contact.
What I Liked About This Pairing
The Hedele Obelunec 2020 Chardonnay was a brilliant pairing for Strelec’s trout dish, elevating each element with its balance of richness and freshness:
Subtle herbal and fruity nuances resonated with the vegetable ragout, adding layers of complexity to the pairing.
The wine’s bright citrus notes mirrored the dish’s citrus accents, creating a refreshing combination.
Its saline minerality harmonized with the briny richness of the trout caviar, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
The creamy texture of the Chardonnay complemented the nuttiness of the brown butter while balancing the delicate richness of the trout.
Peach Dessert Paired with Sveti Martin Klarnica
The final course at Strelec was a delightful peach dessert, delicately infused with rosemary and honey, creating a balance of sweetness and herbal warmth. This elegant creation was paired with Sveti Martin Klarnica, a unique sweet white wine crafted from the indigenous Klarnica grape, offering a perfect harmony of flavors to end the evening on a high note.
The Wine: Sveti Martin Klarnica
The Klarnica grape is an ancient Slovenian varietal predominantly grown in the Haloze region of Slovenia. Known for its aromatic complexity and balanced acidity, this wine is a beautiful expression of the region’s winemaking heritage. Sveti Martin, one of the finest producers of Klarnica, emphasizes traditional methods to preserve the grape’s natural character while delivering a modern and refined experience.
Vinification
The wine is crafted with care to highlight the delicate balance between richness and freshness:
- Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to emphasize their natural sugar content and aromatic potential.
- Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fruit’s purity and enhancing its floral and fruity aromas.
- A short aging period on fine lees adds depth and a soft, creamy texture to the palate.
Tasting Notes
Finish: Smooth and slightly sweet, lingering with notes of peach and floral accents.
Appearance: Pale gold with a shimmering clarity.
Nose: Aromas of ripe peaches, white flowers, and a hint of citrus, with a subtle herbal undertone.
Palate: Fresh and elegant, with flavors of stone fruits, honey, and a touch of lemon zest, balanced by a light minerality. Its gentle acidity ensures a clean, refreshing finish.
Wine Pairing Options
Strelec offers tasting menus with 5, 7, or 9 courses, each accompanied by carefully selected Slovenian wines. Whether you’re new to Slovenian wine or a seasoned aficionado, the pairings elevate the dining experience, transforming it into an exploration of flavor and culture.
Conclusion
Dining at Strelec was a perfect way to mark a special occasion, as the charm and magic of Ljubljana surrounded us at night. The breathtaking city views from Ljubljana Castle, culinary artistry, and expertly curated Slovenian wines created an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a seasoned foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for an extraordinary dining adventure, Strelec offers a journey that delights the senses.
