Winemakers On Fire, Issue #103

Welcome to Winemakers On Fire!

This week, we're exploring the fascinating journey of a winemaker whose story captivates both heart and palate. From childhood days helping his grandfather in Slovenia to crafting sought-after wines in the Barossa Valley, Igor Kucic embodies the perfect blend of Old World tradition and New World innovation. 

His pioneering 2023 Rebula (South Australia's first!) and dedication to Syrah showcase a winemaker who honours his roots while fearlessly pioneering new paths. Join me as we uncork the story behind Iggy Wines—where European heritage meets Australian terroir with spectacular results.

Igor's life motto—"Do good, love passionately, eat a variety of foods, drink good wine, laugh loudly, repeat" – permeates both his approach to winemaking and living.

Let’s dive in.

 Old World Soul, New World Spirit: Igor Kucic's Slovenian-Australian Wine Journey.

Vineyard Beginnings: A Grandfather's Legacy

Igor Kucic's wine story begins in his grandfather's vineyard in Slovenia, where early morning adventures with a moped, spraying equipment, and slippery slopes became formative experiences. "He was clearly fundamental," Igor reflects on his grandfather's influence. "Looking back, this just proves to be more and more important." Those childhood moments carrying grape buckets up hills marked Igor's "coming of age" as he became one of the "big boys"—though not every backpack made it safely, with juice occasionally spilling down his back in what he calls "one of many life tests of how much I can handle."

A Global Wine Education

Igor's remarkable international winemaking journey differentiates his approach. From New Zealand's Marlborough to California's Santa Ynez Valley and France's legendary Rhône Valley, Igor has collected experiences like precious vintages. His eyes light up recounting his time at Jean-Louis Chave's domain: "Where do I even start explaining all that I've learnt in almost 4 years there?" Working with a 500-year-old winemaking family taught him the centrality of vineyard work, with precious lessons in organic and biodynamic viticulture that would later shape his approach at Iggy Wines.

California brought different but equally valuable lessons. "Sometimes less is more; be gentle with grapes and people; stalks can be your friend," he summarises his American education. It was also here that Igor first tasted white Hermitage from Chave, which would later inspire his own Barossa version of Roussanne/Marsanne.

Each international experience added tools to what Igor calls his mental "special toolbox" of winemaking techniques. "I've learnt from many winemakers and cellar hands, and I actually picked up something from all the people I came across," he acknowledges, "either what to do or what not to do, or what kind of person I want or don't want to be."

Finding Home in the Barossa

For a Slovenian who grew up craving hot summers, the Barossa Valley's climate was immediately appealing. "I always loved Mediterranean climate and culture. I could say I thrive in high temperatures, and when everybody seeks shade, I'm quite happy working in the vineyard," Igor confesses.

But it wasn't just the weather that drew him in. The Valley's old vineyards captivated his imagination—vines that had survived generations, economic upheavals, and changing consumer preferences. "Despite all this, they are still here, and most of them are flourishing. Talking about perseverance?" he marvels.

The "omnipresent scent of eucalyptus" and Eden Valley's distinctive aromatics sealed the deal. "I was seduced and wanted to stick around," Igor admits, highlighting how the warm Barossa community welcomed him and opened doors to what would become his new home.

A Partnership in Wine and Life

Behind Iggy Wines stands not just Igor but also his wife, Timna, creating a partnership that balances passion with practicality. "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 chuckles.

He describes their complementary strengths as "like yin and yang," appreciating how Timna's critical palate keeps him honest. "She doesn't hold back and can be a fierce critic, and I think every winemaker needs someone like this." With her intelligence, PR skills, and protective instincts, she completes not just his life but also the Iggy Wines story.

The couple struggles with the typical challenges of running a business together—random wine discussions during personal time—but they're working on creating boundaries while leveraging their partnership's unique strengths.

Revitalizing Eden Valley: Blood, Sweat and Rewards

In 2020, Igor took on a neglected Eden Valley vineyard—a decision that combined his childhood dream with his adult expertise. "I absolutely love working in the vineyard," he shares, recalling how at 20 he told his primary school reunion class he wanted his own vineyard someday, only to be met with "slightly subdued laughter."

The challenges were substantial: frost damage, narrow spacing, missing vines, broken irrigation, and hungry birds. "I really was a start way behind the eight ball," he admits. But after two seasons of intensive labour, 2022 brought his first crop—and what a crop it was. "I just couldn't believe how balanced and vibrant the fruit was," Igor beams. "All the hard work was rewarded instantly with a soul full of joy."

Philosophy in a Bottle

Igor's life motto—"Do good, love passionately, eat a variety of foods, drink good wine, laugh loudly, repeat" – permeates both his approach to winemaking and living. "Simply and romantically put, this is just a motto that I would ideally like to go through life with. With as much positivity as possible," he explains.

This philosophy manifests in how he approaches his craft, embracing curiosity and authenticity. "Despite some unsuccessful attempts at trying to mould me into something that everybody already is, I will remain me. And my wines will, consequently, absorb a bit of this energy and my character."

For Igor, embracing imperfection is part of what makes wines—and people—interesting. "Just like (luckily) there is no such thing as a perfect wine, or to be more precise, there isn't such wine that will please everyone in this world. That is also the beauty of nature, creating us all different and unique."

The Journey Continues

Igor and Timna have recently celebrated two major milestones: the release (and quick sell-out) of their groundbreaking 2023 Rebula—the first such wine from South Australia—and leasing their own winery in southern Barossa. "Being my own boss, having a space for myself without the need for any compromises, while creating my own rules and order, is another important stepping stone on our path," Igor shares proudly.

Looking forward, Iggy Wines has no ambition to become a volume brand, focusing instead on quality, relationships, and storytelling. "We see people that enjoy our wines as friends, or members of the same tribe if you wish, rather than just customers. It's about getting together over a nice meal and sharing stories, accompanied with wine, of course."

Igor remains devoted to Syrah, the variety he feels most passionate about, while also pioneering new varietals like Rebula in the Australian landscape. "Here in Australia, it's the freedom in viticulture and diversity I enjoy the most," he explains.

From sleeping in a shared bedroom with his family in Slovenia to crafting sought-after wines in Australia's premier wine region, Igor's journey embodies the perseverance, curiosity, and passion he so admires in those old Barossa vines. And like those vines, Igor Kucic and Iggy Wines are just hitting their stride.

Here's what you missed last week...

In a sea of bottles vying for attention, how do you make yours the one that turns heads? Last week, we dove into DEUCE Winery's striking Red Band label—a masterclass in visual storytelling that proves packaging isn't just packaging; it's the first chapter of your wine's story.

Jordan Jelev (The Labelmaker) has created something that doesn't just sit on a shelf—it practically shouts from it. When bold design meets exceptional wine, magic happens. Let's explore how this Bulgarian maverick is redefining shelf presence with purpose.

Get ready to be inspired.

Raising a glass to the fortnight ahead—may it bring you brilliant wines and more conversations to share in our next edition.