Uncorking Passion: Meet Barossa's Rising Star, Igor Kucic.

Hello, fellow wine lovers!

Welcome to this week's sizzling edition of Winemakers On Fire! Today, we're uncorking the inspiring story of Igor Kucic, the passionate force behind Iggy Wines. From his humble beginnings in Slovenia to becoming a rising star in Australia's Barossa Valley, Igor's journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination.

Discover how this globetrotting winemaker is blending Old World wisdom with New World innovation to create wines that are turning heads and tantalising taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, Igor's tale of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of the perfect pour will leave you thirsty for more.

"Do good, love passionately, eat a variety of foods, drink good wine, laugh loudly, repeat."

Let’s dive in.

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From Slovenia to Barossa: Igor Kucic's Journey of Passion, Family, and Winemaking.

From the sun-drenched vineyards of Slovenia to the rolling hills of Barossa Valley, Igor Kucic’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in winemaking. As the visionary behind Iggy Wines, he brings a unique blend of Old-World wisdom and New World innovation to every bottle.

Iggy's story begins in his grandfather's vineyard, where he learnt the value of hard work and respect for the land. His quest for knowledge led him across the globe, from New Zealand to California and France, honing his craft under the tutelage of industry legends.

Now firmly rooted in Australia's Barossa Valley, Igor faces the challenge of creating wines that honour tradition while pushing boundaries. With his wife Timna by his side, he's revitalising neglected vineyards and introducing new varietals, all while staying true to his motto: "Do good, love passionately, eat a variety of foods, drink good wine, laugh loudly, repeat."

In this week’s edition, we’re trying something new. Rather than a Q&A, we’ve distilled Igor’s insights into a 1,700-word article that’s as rich and full-bodied as fine Cabernet. I hope you enjoy this special edition of Winemakers on Fire!

Slovenian Roots: The Seeds of a Winemaking Passion

Igor Kucic's winemaking journey began in the vineyards of his grandfather in Slovenia, where he learnt the value of hard work and dedication. These early experiences laid the foundation for his passion for viticulture and winemaking. "He was clearly fundamental," Igor reflects on his grandfather's influence. "Looking back, this just proves to be more and more important."

The young Igor’s tasks in the vineyard evolved over time, from carrying spraying liquid to eventually becoming a "bucket person" during vintage—a rite of passage that marked his entry into the world of winemaking. These formative years instilled in him a deep respect for the craft and an understanding of the importance of every step in the winemaking process.

Global Adventures: Crafting a Winemaker's Palette

Igor's journey took him far from his Slovenian roots, as he worked in renowned wine regions around the world. His experiences in New Zealand's Marlborough region, California's Santa Ynez Valley, and France's Rh?ne Valley significantly shaped his winemaking philosophy. "I think international experiences are to a large degree a driving factor of the wine industry," Igor notes.

In California, Igor met influential figures like Matt Dees and Drew Pickering, who introduced him to local winemakers pushing the boundaries of their craft. It was here that he first tasted white Hermitage from Chave, a wine that would later inspire his own Barossa version of a Roussanne/Marsanne blend.

Perhaps the most transformative experience came during his time at Domaine Jean-Louis Chave in the Rh?ne Valley. Over nearly four years, Igor immersed himself in the world of premium winemaking, learning about organic and biodynamic viticulture, precision pruning, and the art of blending. "To participate and observe Jean-Louis at that is the unmatching experience," Igor recalls. "Something you don't get to see if you are only there for a vintage."

The Barossa Beckons: Finding a New Home

These international experiences equipped Igor with a diverse set of skills and perspectives that he now applies to his own winemaking at Iggy Wines in Australia's Barossa Valley. The choice to settle in Barossa was influenced by several factors, including the region's Mediterranean climate, old vineyards, and the unmistakable aromatics of Eden Valley Syrah.

"I remember coming to Barossa for the first time in February 2009 when there was so much great wine from the famous 2005 vintage around, and I just couldn't get enough of Eden Valley Syrah," Igor reminisces. "I was seduced and wanted to stick around, obviously."

The warm welcome from the local Barossa community also played a significant role in Igor’s decision to make the region his home. He found himself embraced by a community that valued both tradition and innovation, providing the perfect environment for him to pursue his winemaking dreams.

Iggy Wines: A Family Affair

At Iggy Wines, Igor works alongside his wife Timna, creating a dynamic partnership that balances personal and professional relationships. "We are both very passionate, opinionated, know what we want, and have slightly warmer blood running through us, which makes discussions vibrant and honest," Igor says of their collaboration. Timna brings her own strengths to the brand, including a keen palate, PR skills, and an ability to connect with people.

No discussion of Iggy Wines would be complete without mentioning Om, Igor, and Timna's beloved canine companion. This affectionate and sometimes goofy dog has become an integral part of their family and winery life. "Dogs are great!" Igor exclaims. "This unconditional love, ability to almost show empathy or at least pick up on a human's energy, is very special." Om accompanies the couple to many places but seems happiest in the vineyard, surrounded by exciting smells. His presence adds an extra layer of joy to their winemaking journey, embodying the warmth and approachability that characterise Iggy Wines.

Vineyard Revival: Breathing Life into Neglected Vines

One of Igor's most challenging and rewarding projects has been the revitalisation of a long-neglected vineyard in Eden Valley. Despite numerous obstacles, including frost issues, narrow spacing, and a non-functional irrigation system, Igor's dedication paid off. In 2022, after two seasons of hard work, he harvested his first crop. "I just couldn't believe how balanced and vibrant the fruit was," Igor recalls with excitement. "All the hard work rewarded instantly with a soul full of joy."

This hands-on approach to viticulture reflects Igor's deep-seated belief in the importance of vineyard work. "I've learnt from some of the best in the industry and fully embrace the notion you have to put your best foot forward in the vineyard first in order to capture the very best a vineyard can offer in the form of a final wine," he explains.

Philosophy in a Bottle: Igor's Approach to Winemaking

Igor's winemaking philosophy is encapsulated in his personal motto: "Do good, love passionately, eat a variety of foods, drink good wine, laugh loudly, repeat." This approach manifests in his wines and his life, emphasising curiosity, passion, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. "I can't and don't want to hold back when I'm excited or really enjoy something," Igor says. "And my wines will, consequently, absorb a bit of this energy and my character."

Looking Forward: The Future of Iggy Wines

Looking to the future, Igor has ambitious plans for Iggy Wines while maintaining a commitment to remaining a small, family-owned operation. "We are taking one step at a time and want to walk before we can run," he explains. In the short term, Igor is excited about the upcoming release of Rebula, a wine made from a grape variety he planted in Adelaide Hills in 2020. This will be the first such wine from South Australia, showcasing Igor's innovative spirit and connection to his Slovenian heritage.

While Igor is open to experimenting with different varieties, his passion remains firmly rooted in Syrah. "It's Syrah that is my passion and a variety I know best," he affirms. "In South Australia, especially in Barossa, some of the best examples in the world are made out of fruit from these fascinating vineyards thriving in phylloxera-free soil."

Igor sees his role not just as a winemaker but as a custodian of these precious vineyards. "It's incredibly important that growers and winemakers continue to preserve them to our best ability," he states. His goal is to create wines that respectfully represent the land they come from while contributing positively to the global reputation of the Barossa region.

From Dream to Reality: A Winemaker's Journey

Throughout the interview, Igor's journey from working-class family in Slovenia to becoming a respected winemaker in Australia shines through. His early experiences of modest family vacations to the Adriatic Sea sparked a desire to see the world and pursue his dreams, despite societal expectations to follow a more conventional path.

"I always wanted to travel and see the world. I was always active and curious," Igor reflects. This curiosity led him to New Zealand, where his first experience in a proper winery sealed his fate. "Meeting people from all over the world while making wine and being paid for? I mean, how much better can it get really? My dream came true."

Igor's story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. From his grandfather's vineyard in Slovenia to the sun-drenched slopes of the Barossa Valley, his journey embodies the spirit of adventure and dedication that defines many of the world's great winemakers. With Iggy Wines, he continues to push boundaries, honour traditions, and create wines that capture the essence of their terroir and the personality of their maker.

As Igor looks to the future, his goals for Iggy Wines reflect his commitment to quality, innovation, and the Australian wine industry. By focussing on small-scale production, fostering personal relationships with wine enthusiasts, and continuing to explore the potential of Barossa Syrah and other varieties, Igor is poised to make a lasting impact on the Australian wine landscape.

In the end, Igor's approach to winemaking and life can be summed up in his own words: "Use of stalks on one of my wines, and planting Rebula in Adelaide Hills are just a couple of examples letting my curiosity fly off the hook." It's this curiosity, combined with his wealth of international experience and deep respect for the land, that promises to keep Iggy Wines at the forefront of Australian winemaking for years to come.

Thank you, Igor, for taking the time from your busy schedule to share the Iggy Wines story with us.

Did you miss last week’s newsletter? Boston Bay Wines, a beloved Port Lincoln institution, recently underwent a stunning rebrand that’s been turning heads and catching the attention of wine lovers across the country. Led by designer David Byerlee, this seaside winery has undergone a transformation that’s both modern and timeless, reflecting the maritime essence that makes this coastal gem so special. With a new look that pays homage to its roots while embracing the winds of change, Boston Bay Wines proves that branding can be both elegant and exciting. Read.

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.