Traditionally, at the end of the year, the members of the Association of Grape and Wine Producers in Slovakia organize a nice celebration, where they take stock of the past period and present the results of their work to the invited guests. And so, in the historical premises of the Palugyay Palace at the end of November last year, wine was again tasted, evaluated, opinions, practical and professional advice were exchanged. The activities of the Association were also discussed. Readers are introduced to them in the introductory article of the magazine. The vine-growers and winegrowers associated in the Association of Grape and Wine Producers in Slovakia also honoured the work of their colleagues, who received from the hands of its president Ing. Ľubomír Vitek. The hall of Slovak viticulture and wine personalities was joined by Ing. Anton Hrdlička, Ing. Zdenka Šuranská and Ing. Ondrej Korpás, CSc. (fig. 1).
Ing. Zdenka Šuranská - editor, to whom we owe the publishing of the magazine Vine and Wine, now an essential part of every vineyard and wine grower's life. She has run the magazine as publisher and editor-in-chief for 11 years, having previously successfully run Vinohrad magazine. In Slovakia, the only professional magazine for winegrowers and winemakers, which in printed form brings information about what is happening in the wine world at home and abroad. An invaluable feature of Ing. Šuranská is the interpretation of often unnecessarily complicated and professionally written articles into a language understandable for lay wine growers and winemakers. She not only writes about viticulture and winemaking, as she also has tasting tests, she knows how to taste and enjoy wine.
Ing. Anton Hrdlička - Design engineer, design engineer, development worker in development design. Designs complex large, very difficult and complex buildings, zoning and area plans, unusual and new technologically demanding production. Inventor of three patents for the wine straining tank, the rototank, the rotary fermentation tank outlet, without which today's wine production can no longer be imagined. In his youth he was a passionate aeronautical modeler, later a sportsman - a member of TJ Slávia VŠ and a permanent representative of the school in athletics. He has kept his love for sport to this day and has translated modelling into his professional life. He founded the company IDD Bratislava, where he uses his design and construction knowledge to manufacture and supply stainless steel equipment for the food industry to the entire wine world.
Ing. Ondrej Korpás, CSc. - a viticulturist in body, but above all in soul, who has devoted his whole life to the care of the vines. He worked primarily on the cooperative in Strekov, but he was also able to devote himself to other activities - the creation of new varieties. He is the father of important grape varieties, especially table grapes, but he is also the co-author of cider varieties such as Devín, Dunaj, which are nowadays included in the important range of domestic Slovak varieties, with which we have enormous success at home and abroad. He is an important breeder, viticulturist, taster and winemaker.
Winery of the Year 2011 - The winery of the year 2011 was the Carpathian Pearl, followed closely by Chateau Modra with only a point difference, and the third place was taken by the company In vino. The winery of the year title is awarded on the basis of criteria approved by winegrowers and winemakers. Probably the most decisive parameter is winning awards at selected international and domestic wine competitions. The coverage of HoReCa outlets, innovation in facilities, own tasting room or wine shop are also considered. Wine production from own vineyards is also a factor considered.
KARPATSKÁ PERLA s.r.o. is a family wine and vineyard company located in the Small Carpathian region, in the village of Šenkvice. With 20 years of experience in wine production, it combines modern technology with family tradition and an ecological approach to nature. Respect for the values of the region is reinforced in the wines, which reflect the Lesser Carpathian region. At present, it cultivates 46 hectares of vineyards, the majority of which is the exceptional Suchý vrch vineyard near Šenkvice. In addition to the traditional white and blue grape varieties, they grow mainly new varieties - Devín, Pálava, Aurelius, Muscat of Moravia, André and Alibernet. The wines are produced in three collections: the JAG- NET, VARIETO and DÍLEMÚRE. The company's pursuit of fine wine has earned it numerous awards at domestic and foreign competitions and has placed it at the forefront of Slovak winemakers.
More about the activities of the successful winery will be presented in an interview with the company's accountant Ing. Ladislav Šeb (fig. 2) in the next issue of our magazine.