Meet The Maker - Matija Žerjav (nicknamed Matic) / Matic / Slovenia

By and large, here in the UK we like to try new things. It's healthy to challenge ourselves as we continue to grow, and that notion has never been more true for us here at Good Pair Days, we are continually on the lookout for new and exciting wines from all corners of the globe. Sometimes this takes us to countries that you might not expect or think of when you reach for a bottle of wine. So this week we go to Slovenia as we give a shoutout to Matija Žerjav (nicknamed Matic). Matic is an honest and pure winemaker; he farms organically and makes his wines in a very minimal intervention style. By and large Matic is considered one of the best and most exciting winemakers in Slovenia. His vineyards can be found in Štajerska in the northern part of the country, a region which connects Slovenia to both Austria and Hungary. You can find two stunning wines from Matic on Good Pair Days; a gorgeous white made from the Kerner grape variety alongside a funky Pet Nat with lots of orange and citrus notes!

Time to meet Matic...

Why did you decide to get into winemaking?

Family tradition which seems cool to me. I am a third generation winemaker, so it felt right that I continue the family name of producing wines.

Do you have a favourite wine or wine region outside of your own?

Doremi is an amazing producer from Georgia. My favourite wine from them is 'Rkatsiteli Mtsvane' " (yes... that is a real wine name!)

What grape do you like working with the most and why?

Šipon, which is actually the same grape as Furmint, the famous grape of Hungary used to make Tokaj dessert wine, as well as excellent dry wines.

Celebrity Crush?

Elon Musk

Favourite Movie?

"Kajmak in marmelada" (or "Cheese and Jam" in English)

Favourite type of music/artist?

Metallica

Fun fact about you that has nothing to do with wine?

I love fishing, my biggest fish is tuna 100kg.

Click here take our wine profile quiz and we'll choose the top 3 wines which we think you'll love!