Vina Usaj - USSAI

Vina Ušaj: A Symphony of Family, Freedom, and Terroir

In the heart of Slovenia's Vipava Valley, nestled in the village of Črniče, lies the Ušaj family estate—a winery where four generations of history are poured into every bottle. Here, a harmonious trio of father Stojan and his two sons, Davorin and Klemen, orchestrate a winemaking philosophy that is as profound as it is simple: true freedom in wine is not found by chance, but earned through meticulous, unwavering work.

A Dialogue with the Land

For the Ušaj family, everything begins and ends in the vineyard. They believe that quality is not created in the cellar, but merely guided to its full expression. Their vines are a testament to this belief—mature, deep-rooted plants, some dating back to the 1970s. With careful, short pruning, these venerable vines yield no more than a single kilogram of grapes each. The result is a remarkable concentration of flavor, a natural intensity that translates to, at best, one bottle of wine per vine.

The diverse terrain around Črniče is not a challenge, but a palette of possibilities. The family has intimately mapped their various soil types, engaging in a careful dialogue with the land. Heavier soils are reserved for powerful red varieties, giving them structure and depth. Lighter, marl-rich soils are home to their elegant white grapes, imparting a signature minerality and grace.

The Art of Patience in the Cellar

This commitment to natural quality continues in the cellar. The Ušaj approach is one of minimal intervention, allowing the wines to become the most authentic versions of themselves. Their wines enjoy a long, patient slumber on their fine, healthy lees, a process that naturally enriches, softens, and builds a silken texture. Because the lees also act as a natural antioxidant, the need for sulfur is drastically reduced, resulting in a purer, more vibrant expression of the grape and its terroir.

A Signature of the House: The Ušaj Malvasia

While all their wines are crafted with care, the Ušaj Malvasia is their masterpiece—a wine born from a deliberate break with convention. In a quest for a fuller, more profound expression, they plant their Malvasia on heavier soil than their other whites. This choice, combined with 12 hours of cold maceration to deepen the aromatics and six months of maturation in perfectly toasted barrique barrels, creates a Malvasia of unparalleled richness and complexity. It is a wine that is both powerful and elegant, a signature of the house that experts agree is a stunning achievement.

A Name Born from History

The Ušaj winemaking legacy began in the nearby hamlet of Ravne, where Stojan’s father, Albin, first tended the family vines. While the family later moved to Črniče, their roots run even deeper. Research revealed that the family name traces back to Sardinia, where the surname "Ussai" is common. This powerful connection to a distant, ancient past inspired the family to launch their official brand in 2006, honoring a heritage that spans both generations and geography.

Today, the work is seamlessly divided. Stojan dedicates his wisdom and care to the vineyards he knows so intimately, while the younger generation, Davorin and Klemen, guide the wines with a steady hand in the cellar. Together, they represent the past, present, and future of Vina Ušaj—a family dedicated to crafting wines of honesty, character, and undeniable soul.