Our winery and vineyards are located on the southern slopes of Vinica

The subsoil of Guard Mountain is defined by two dominant geological features. The first is the sediment of the ancient Pannon Sea, which contains fossils (shells) dating back 200–280 million years, and the second is a volcanic layer beneath it, composed of solidified lava. This marine sediment forms lime-rich soil, and according to soil analysis, the lime content in Guard Mountain is ten times higher than in other Slovak wine regions. This high lime content contributes to vibrant acidity in the wines, and – much like in Burgundy, where the limestone exceeds 10% – the site is particularly suitable for growing Pinot Noir and Blue Frankish. Grapevines can develop root systems reaching depths of up to 18 meters, drawing essential organic and inorganic nutrients from each soil layer for optimal growth. The petrified lava layers are highly porous, channeling capillary water and infusing it with volcanic mineral particles. Fine roots grow into these layers, enabling the vines to survive even severe August droughts, as there is always access to mineral-rich water. Through photosynthesis, the vine produces sugar in the leaves, which is then transported into the berries with the help of capillary flow. Along with the sugar, the minerals absorbed from the soil accumulate in the grapes. This is why the location of the vineyard is crucial, and why wines become even more precious when the terroir’s salty, mineral character is expressed. However, this character only appears if the vine is managed consciously – keeping yield under 1 kg per vine, allowing just 4–6 bunches to ripen, depending on the amount of leafs.