Of all the wine districts in Slovenia, few are held in such high regard as Goriška Brda.

Goriška Brda (or Brda for short) is a district in Slovenia’s Primorska region. Brda is basically an extension of Italy’s Collio DOCG. It actually could be considered the other way around, as Goriška Brda has almost three times the vineyard area of Collio. It’s not uncommon for producers to have vineyards on both sides of the border.

Goriška Brda: The Slovenian Wine Region

Goriška Brda is a beautiful, soulful region full of terraced vineyards, hilltop villages, and panoramic views of the Alps. There is no geographical border with Italy and driving through the area, it’s common to criss-cross the political border several times on just one road. It’s no surprise that there’s a strong Italian influence.

It’s here where modern Slovenian wine began. Some producers started the quest for quality even before Slovene independence in 1991. Producers like Movia, Marjan Simčič, Jakončič, and Edi Simčič were among the visionaries to raise the quality bar.

The wines in Goriška Brda are similar in style to those being produced in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy). Producers use a number of wine grapes to make varietal wines and blends. Local grapes include Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Sauvignonasse (Friulano), Malvazija Istarska, and Pikolit (Picolit). Winemakers in Goriška Brda also utilize white French grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Yellow Muscat.

Wine Styles in Goriška Brda

Goriška Brda (along with its neighbors Vipava, Kras, and Slovenska Istra) has made a name for itself with orange wines/amber wines. The district boasts many excellent, minimal-intervention wines but Brda is more than just orange wine. From fresh to barrel-fermented whites, to wines made in amphora, you’ll find a multitude of styles.

Thanks to its location near the Adriatic Sea and the cooling influence of the Alps, the region is blessed with fantastic grape-growing conditions. For white wines in Goriška Brda, I tend to favor full-bodied white blends and orange wines. The reds can be excellent too, they are covered in the article Slovenian Red Wine.

The future of Goriška Brda remains bright. The wines are already world-class, the location is breathtaking, and the top producers are willing to travel the world to promote their wines. Savvy wine drinkers would be wise to take note. Here are some of my favorite wines from the current releases in Goriška Brda.

Slovenian Wine Recommendations:

Discover great Slovenian white wine at wineandmore.com

• Movia, Veliko Belo 2012

The Movia, Veliko Belo is a blend of Rebula, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris aged in wood and bottle for nearly four years. It feels a little riper than previous vintages. Complex white with notes of apple, sweet peach, dried yellow flowers, caramel, and flint. Wide and broad on the palate. The palate is more mineral and acid-driven than fruit. There is a staying power here and a salty finish. This wine always ages well and this should be no exception. Score: 92/100

• Movia, Puro 2013

This vintage of the Movia, Puro is made of Chardonnay. It’s barrel fermented and aged for 18 months and then spends at least two years in bottle, on the lees until you open it. Notes of strawberry, apricot, sweet yellow peach, mushroom, and pie crust. Tastes like a lighter orange wine with extra lees note and a fine bead of bubbles. Score: 92+/100

• Movia, Chardonnay 2016

The Movia, Chardonnay sees two days of skin contact, is barrel-fermented and spends 18 months in oak. The bacon fat notes of oak come out here in addition to red apple, white pear, brioche, and a touch of chalkiness. Buyer beware, there’s a Sherry-style, nuttiness to this wine that is oxidative in style. It’s full-bodied with a lot of bite, red wine drinkers will find a lot to like her. Grippy palate and a long finish. This is nice now but is built to age. Score: 91/100

• Edi Simčič, ‘Fojana’ Sauvignon 2016

The Edi Simčič, ‘Fojana’ Sauvignon is a single vineyard, barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc that spends 11 months in wood. Ripe notes of mango, kiwi, and white peach with just a hint of grassiness. It’s not overly grassy or herbal like many Sauvignon Blancs can be. Fantastic wood integration on the nose. This is a rich, full-bodied white. There are some chalky, mineral undertones on the back end. Powerful fruit and a long finish. I rank this right up there with the finest examples you can find of full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. Score: 93+/100

• Edi Simčič, ‘Kozana’ Chardonnay 2017

The Edi Simčič, ‘Kozana’ Chardonnay barrel-fermented, serious Chardonnay. Explosive nose of fresh apricot, melon, yellow peach, matchstick, and a sweet kiss of oak. Full-bodied and intense, this is rich, opulent white. There’s a lot of fruit here and the barrel just adds support, not flavor. Balanced the entire way through. It almost drinks like a red and should age just as well too. Brilliant effort. Score: 95/100

• Edi Simčič, Triton Lex 2018

The Edi Simčič, Triton Lex is a barrel-fermented blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rebula. This is still a baby. Rich, powerful, and full of texture. Notes of melon, white pear, jasmine, white flower, and Greek yogurt. The oak comes through strong on the nose but less so on the palate. It seems like it will be a big, fat white on the nose but the palate displays finesse and sharp, lemony acidity. This still is nowhere close to being ready to drink, it’s got a long life ahead of it. Score: 92+/100

• Jakončič, Carolina Bela 2017

The Jakončič, Carolina Bela is a barrel-fermented blend of Chardonnay, Rebula, and Sauvignon Blanc. This is slimmer and grassier than past vintages. The Sauvignon Blanc dominates here, in fact, I might think it’s a varietal example if tasted blind. Notes of kiwi, white peach, grass, white pepper, and a touch of the barrel. The wood adds texture and a light seasoning here but never dominates the flavors. It’s surprisingly fresh for a barrel fermented and aged white. There’s a streak of green acidity that runs down the throat and stretches the finish. Score: 91/100

• Marjan Simčič, ‘Cru Selection’ Chardonnay 2018

The Marjan Simčič, ‘Cru Selection’ Chardonnay is from the line of ‘premier cru’ wines from this estate. It sees skin contact for a few days and is fermentation in large cask and aged there in addition to barrel for about 15 months. Notes of green guava, green mango, lime, pear, and yogurt. The nose is all cool weather while the palate is surprisingly full and mouth-filling. Fantastic barrel integration. Score: 92/100

• Marjan Simčič, ‘Opoka’ Sauvignon Blanc 2018

The Marjan, Simčič, ‘Opoka’ Sauvignon Blanc is macerated for four days and aged in large cask for 15 months. Intense nose of kiwi, elderflower, melon, and a touch of grass. It’s a riper Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate is where this wine really shines. It’s a medium-bodied wine with a substantial palate presence. Plenty of texture and a limey, citrusy acidity runs down the palate. Intense fruit that covers the mouth. Long finish. Score: 93/100

• Marjan Simčič, ‘Opoka’ Chardonnay 2018

The Marjan Simčič, ‘Opoka’ Chardonnay spends four days on the skins and was barrel-fermented and then aged for 23 months. A riper style of Chardonnay with notes of melon, flint, white peach, and a touch of white pepper. This is very much a Beaune-style of Chardonnay. The wood doesn’t appear on the nose but adds some sweetness to the palate. Rich and full-bodied with a long salty finish, it never feels too flabby thanks to the acidity. If you’re looking for a fantastic, Burgundy-inspired Chardonnay, look no further. Score: 94/100

• Štekar, Malvazija 2019

The Štekar, Malvazija is Malvazija Istarska that is lightly macerated for one week and aged in oak. Very good aromas of sweet peach, white apricot, dandelion, and a touch of white pepper. This wine has an acidic edge, something that is normally missing with the grape. The tannins are round and the crispy, lemony acidity washes them away. There’s a lot to like here, it drinks more like a bigger white than an orange wine. Score: 90/100

• Emeran Reya, Brut Nature NV

The Emeran Reya, Brut Natur traditional method sparkler is half Rebula and half Chardonnay aged on the lees for two to three years. It has notes of Asian pear, yogurt, natural gas, and a touch of white flower. Attractive and floral nose accompanied by fine bubbles. Fun wine with lemony acidity. It’s more than just a simple, fruity sparkler, it has some depth to it. Score: 90+/100 

• Emeran Reya, Pynot Rosso 2018

The Emeran Reya, Pynot Rosso is Pinot Gris that is macerated for 5 days and aged in large oak casks. This has a pink copper color to it. Notes of fall leaves, cranberry, dried apricot, lemon peel, tobacco, and dried flowers. Very complex nose. Full-bodied and juicy. Pinot Gris can have problems with rising alcohol but this really hits the palate perfectly. Chewy tannins and good length. Score: 91/100 

• Emeran Reya, Yakot 2017

The Emeran Reya, Yakot is Friulano macerated for five days and aged in used oak. This has an explosive and expressive nose. Notes of sweet yellow flowers like dandelion burst from the glass in addition to pineapple, sweet peach, pepper, and flint. On the palate, there’s plenty of fresh fruits and baking spice. It’s the perfect wine to introduce the genre of orange wines to an outsider. Ripe, chewy tannins. Score: 90/100

• Ščurek, Jazbine 2018

The Ščurek, Jazbine is a single vineyard blend of Friulano, Pinot Gris, and Rebula. It’s barrel fermented and aged. This blend is reminiscent of the whites just across the border in Italy under the Collio DOC. Notes of pineapple, apricot, chestnut, white flower, and flint notes. Intense flavors and depth. Fantastic wood integration. The wine is much more intense on the palate than the nose. Friulano makes its mark all over this wine while the Rebula delivers some modest acidity. Score: 91/100

• Ščurek, Dugo 2016

The Ščurek, Duro is a blend of Rebula, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc macerated for 14 days and fermented in large cask. Bright and lively, there are notes of white peach, crushed limestone, white flowers, and a touch of fresh apple pie. This shows the Ščurek house style, it’s rich and layered. There isn’t a lot of bottle development now, which means it should be fantastic in the cellar. Lemony acidity on the long finish. Score: 92/100

• Ščurek, Stara Brajda 2016

The Ščurek, Stara Brajda is an old-vine blend of Rebula, Friulano, Malvazija Istarska, Picolit, and Glera. It’s fermented in big barrels. Intense notes of white flower, white apricot, chestnut, yellow peach, and white pepper. It smells and tastes younger than the age would suggest. Round on the palate with plenty of fruit and structure. The wood integration is stellar here (as with all of their wines) it adds a touch of seasoning without distracting from the taste. Long finish and cellar-worthy. Score: 92+/100

• Klet Brda, Krasno Orange 2018

The Klet Brda, Krasno Orange is a macerated blend of Rebula, Friulano, and Malvazija Istarska. The Rebula saw skin contact for a year while the other varieties did for one year. It’s an amber wine technically but it has a pink salmon color. Pretty nose of white flower, mineral water, fresh apricot, yellow peach, and chalk. More on the fresher style of orange wines. The palate is loaded with fresh fruit and a tangerine peel-acidity. It acts more like a complex rosé than an orange wine. With gentle tannins, this is a surprisingly delicious effort. Score: 90/100

• Mulit, Belo 2018

The Mulit, Belo is a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla, and Picolit. Most of the cuvée was fermented and aged in stainless steel with a touch of it barrel-aged and a small amount in amphora. Gorgeous style of nose with white peach, white flower, apricot, chalk, and just a kiss of wood. Full-bodied white with plenty of fruit. This really shows the essence of Brda and that all whites don’t have to be macerated. Great interplay between fruit and mineral notes. A surprising find. Score: 91+/100

• Rokovi, Orange Malvasia 2019

This is Malvasia Istriana that has been kept on the skins. Gorgeous nose of dried peach, white flowers, dried lemon peel, and a touch of white pepper. This is a delicate orange wine, there’s plenty of texture here but the tannins are not too drying. There’s a spiciness on the finish that adds to the complexity. I’d like a longer finish but this is a solid effort. It should age nicely in the medium term too. Score: 89/100

• Ronk, ‘Selectus’ Grigio 2019

The Ronk, ‘Selectus, Grigio is 100% Pinot Grigio that was on the skins for a week. A small part of the wine was aged in wood. It has a pretty pink copper color. The nose is impressive with notes of white flower, tangerine peel, red berries, and a little lemon. It smells a little like a blanc de noirs Champagne without the yeastiness. Elegant on the palate with plenty of fresh fruit notes and just a touch of tannins. A wine that drinks more like a heavier rosé or a light red. Score: 90/100 

• Prinčič, Mihael Belo 2018

The Prinčič, Mihael Belo is a barrel-aged blend of Rebula, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay with a touch of maceration. Wonderful nose of melon, dried mango, dried white peach and clay. The barrel is handled very well in this wine, it never overpowers the fruit. Round mouthfeel. I’d like a longer finish but this is delicious for those who like their whites with a touch of bottle age. Score: 90/100

You Might Also Enjoy:

• Slovenian Red Wine
• Slovenian White Wine Part 1
• Rebula: Slovenian Wine’s Flagship Variety?
• The Return of Modris Les Noirs
• Rebula from Vipava Valley

Thanks to all of the producers for providing tasting samples. The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Slovenian White Wine Part 2: Spotlight on Goriška Brda appeared first on Wine Travel.

“What’s it like to work with such a big personality in the wine world?”

“She’s actually fantastic and listens to input and gives some flexibility in the cellar,” answered Ettore Rizzi. He’s a fiery ambitious man who is deeply involved with the production at Fattoria le Pupille. Ettore also happens to be the son of Elisabetta Geppetti.

Elisabetta is often credited for putting the DOCG Morellino di Scansano on the map. Her estate, Fattoria le Pupille produces around 500,000 bottles of wine in Southern Tuscany from 75 hectares of vineyards. Their range spans from a value-driven Morellino di Scansano all the way to their ambitious Super Tuscan known as ‘Saffredi’.

Her son Ettore is now working in the cellar and is crucial in the final blending and overall production.

Fattoria le Pupille

The first time I came across Fattoria le Pupille was during a small, intimate trade tasting in Belgrade, Serbia. Elisabetta Geppetti walked me through several of her wines including her staple Morellino di Scansano Riserva and classy Poggio Valente. The wines smelled of Tuscany and really spoke to me.

Fast forward a few years later and I found myself on a casual Zoom tasting with wine lovers and sommeliers from around the world. It just so happened that Ettore Rizzi was on the call too. I immediately appreciated his passion, understanding, and curiosity towards wine. After several calls, Ettore chose to send me the current releases from the estate.

Tasting through the latest vintages of Fattoria le Pupille was one good thing that came out of the dreaded year of 2020. The entry-level Fattoria le Pupille, Morellino di Scansano offers tremendous value for money while the reserve wines can compete with the best of Tuscany. The biggest surprise for me is the new Poggio Argentato, a wine that breaks the stereotype that all Tuscan whites are boring.

Here’s a look at the latest vintages from Fattoria le Pupille.

• Fattoria le Pupille, Poggio Argentato 2019

The Fattoria le Pupille, Poggio Argentato is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, Traminer, and Sémillon. Most of the wine is kept in stainless steel while part of the cuvée is aged in oak. Notes of white pear, honey, white peach, yogurt, and a touch of white flower. This is a white that is full of flavor and is fun to drink. The Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t dominate in the blend, which is a good thing. Score: 91/100

• Fattoria le Pupille, Morellino di Scansano 2019

The Fattoria le Pupille, Morellino di Scansano is mostly Sangiovese with a touch of Alicante Bouchet and Ciliegiolo. This is the backbone of the estate. This is a fun red with notes of sour cherry, strawberry, mineral, and a touch of tangerine-peel. It’s not just a boring, simple red – it has earthiness and complexity. The sour cherry notes dominate, which I love. There are some chewy tannins here along with the juicy acidity. For an inexpensive red, this could improve with some time in the bottle. Pick this up by the case! Score: 89/100

• Fattoria le Pupille, Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2017

The Fattoria le Pupille, Morellino di Scansano Riserva is mostly Sangiovese with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon aged in large cask for 15 months. This just screams Tuscany in the glass. Brilliant nose of sour cherry, cedar, tobacco, earthy, and even a touch of capsicum. There is so much sweet and sour cherry fruit on the front palate that it engulfs your palate. Earth and tobacco nuances come around on the end and there’s a tangerine-peel acidity on the long finish. Tannins are chewy and this can be enjoyed right away but it should keep in the cellar in the medium term. Very good, warmer climate Sangiovese. Score: 93/100

• Fattoria le Pupille, Poggio Valente 2018

The Fattoria le Pupille, Poggio Valente is 100% Sangiovese aged for 18 months in large casks. Very impressive Sangiovese from Maremma. Notes of dried cherry, raspberry, blueberry mint, and tobacco. Ripe and chewy on the palate, there is plenty of fruit here and it’s sweet red fruits. It’s a wine with plenty of structure, great oak integration, and just a touch of wildness. A ripe, concentrated, and structured Sangiovese with length and a spicy finish. This is a great Sangiovese that can stack up to the best of Brunello, Nobile, and Chianti Classico. Score: 94+/100

• Fattoria le Pupille, Saffredi 2018

The Fattoria le Pupille, Saffredi is an Italian icon and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It’s not big and rich, it’s got ripeness with some finesse. Notes of black cherry, black plum, hazelnut, sweet cedar, and a touch of earth. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. This is a baby now but should age into something spectacular. Fine-grained tannins.

This is just starting to hit the shelves now. If you pick it up, plan on cellaring it for another five to ten years. At that point, it should blossom and deserve a high uptick in the score. Score: 94/100

Fattoria le Pupille provided tasting samples. The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Fattoria le Pupille: More Than Morellino appeared first on Wine Travel.

Thank goodness for Slovenian white wine.

This tiny country located is located on the north coast of the Adriatic Sea. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in wine quality. Around 70% of Slovenia’s production is white wine.

I use the term white wine loosely because Slovenia (especially Western Slovenia) has made a name for itself as an epicenter of the minimal intervention, orange wine (amber wine) movement. Many of Slovenia’s most exciting white wines see various amounts of skin contact, anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Slovenian White Wine

For a breakdown of Slovenian wine regions, see my previous article on Slovenian red wine. White wine grapes are found throughout the country. In the eastern regions of Posavje and Podravje, you’ll find cool-climate grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Renski Rizling (Riesling), Laški Rizling (Welschriesling/Graševina), Šipon (Furmint), Gewürtztraminer, Rumeni Muškat (Yellow Muscat), and Chardonnay. Generally speaking, most of the whites here are fresh, crisp, and clean although there are more barrel-fermented and macerated wines to be found.

Primorska (Primorje) is located in Western Slovenia and is broken into the wine districts of Slovene Istra, Kras, Vipava, and Goriška Brda. This has become the heartland of the Slovenian natural wine and orange wine (amber wine) movement. You’ll find a number of unique white grapes like Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Malvazija Istarska, Sauvignonasse (Friulano/Jakot), Pinela, Zelen, and Vitovska in addition to French grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

The Quality

Primorska is generally regarded as Slovenia’s top wine region in terms of fine wine. In Posavje and Podravje, the whites are generally fresh and crisp, making them great summer sippers. It’s an area that I’d love to explore in even greater depth (unfortunately there were not a lot of samples submitted from these two regions). Over the years, I’ve noticed more macerated and full-bodied whites coming out of the regions. At their best, these wines can absolutely stand toe-to-toe with those from Primorska.

The majority of wines in this article are from the districts of Slovene Istra & Vipava (Goriška Brda will be covered in a separate article). Both of these subregions in addition to Kras are overshadowed by Goriška Brda but they should not be dismissed.

A small sliver of Istria falls within Slovenia’s borders, it’s here that producers make magic with Malvazija Istarska. I prefer to drink Malvazija Istarska that has been macerated. The skins offer a sweet, floral flavor and ripe tannins. The region is home to Slovenia’s largest producer, Vina Koper, but there are many small, boutique wineries doing excellent work.

Vipava and Kras are located on the border of Italy and offer some of the most exciting Slovenian white wines. Vipava is the second-largest wine district in Slovenia in terms of vine coverage. This spectacular valley acts as a corridor from Western to Central Europe. It’s a sub-Mediterranean region that is aided by the cooling influences of the Burja (wine gusts that rip through the valley). In both subregions, you can find classically styled and macerated whites made from grapes like Rebula, Malvazija Istarska, Laški Rizling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay in addition to local specialties like Vitovska, Pinela, and Zelen. The best producers craft wines that will impress even the most critical of palates.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for part 2 of the article.

Slovenian Wine Recommendations:

Discover great Slovenian white wine at wineandmore.com

Štajerska

• Vino Kupljen, Sirius 2018

The Vino Kupljen, Sirius is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay aged for 18 months. This is a big step up from the previous vintage. Ripe, barrel-aged Chardonnay. Notes of limestone, guava, white peach, melon, and a perfect touch of oak. Full-bodied with many layers of texture and a salty, gritty mouthfeel thanks to the oak. A longer finish would propel this into epic levels. Give this five years in the bottle to unlock even more! Score: 90+/100

• Vino Kupljen, White Star 2019

The Vino Kupljen, White Star is a barrel-aged blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio. Notes of jasmine, melon, white pineapple, and a touch of white pepper. The barrel integration is fantastic here. It’s a white wine built to age. Fruity, minerally, and full on the palate, it’s reminiscent of Friulian whites. Score: 90+/100

• Matic, Marl Grown Chardonnay 2017

The Matic, Marl Grown Chardonnay is left on the skins for two days and aged in oak casks. Notes of banana chips, dried peach, mineral, and yogurt. Full and rich in body. This doesn’t explode with fresh stone fruits like a standard, fresh Chardonnay. This is more savory with hints of dried fruit flavors. There’s a lot of texture and structure here. It’s delicious now but really needs a few years in the bottle to come together. Score: 90/100

• Kobal, White Reserve 2016

The Kobal, White Reserve is Chardonnay and Traminer (Gewürtztraminer) macerated for 72 hours and aged in wood. An impressive and unique nose of lemon meringue pie, melon, yellow flower, and a touch of yogurt. Full-bodied. The wood dominates on the palate but with time, this may melt into the wine. There are plenty of flavors here, it’s fruity, woody, spicy, and floral all at once. This is a high-quality white but the flavors may be too unique for many palates. I do really enjoy it. Score: 90/100 

• Kobal, Sauvignon 2020

The Kobal, Sauvignon is a wine that over-delivers in its modest price point. It is macerated for 72 hours. It has a pure Sauvignon Blanc nose of kiwi fruit, green herbs, grass, and white pepper. This is zingy and electric on the palate. There are no tannins from the maceration but there is plenty of texture here. It’s more than just a generic, simple white wine. Serve this fresh white on a hot summer day. Score: 89/100

*I also highly recommend the Kobal, Šipon (Furmint) 2020

Bela Krajina

• Šuklje, Belo 140 2017

This Šuklje, Belo 140 is a cool blend of Kerner and Riesling. The Kerner is aged in Acacia wood. An attractive nose of apple, fresh honey, white pear, and flint. Kerner makes up 80% of the blend and all of it is aged in Acacia but the wood doesn’t dominate the nose here but it does show up on the palate. Medium-bodied and crispy, this is a unique white that should capture attention. Mineral-driven finish and lemony acidity. Score: 89/100

Slovene Istra

• Korenika & Moškon, Elepard 2008

The Korenika & Moškon, Elepard is a crazy cool wine. Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc macerated for 60 days and aged for a whopping 120 months in the barrel. This is in between a hardcore orange wine and an Amontillado sherry. Aromas of mixed nuts, dried figs, fall leaves, orange peel, saffron, and sweet peach. Crazy complex nose. For such a high alcohol wine (15%) this has impeccable elegance on the palate. Long, salty finish. No sulfur added. Score: 94/100

• Korenika & Moškon, Sulne 2011 

The Korenika & Moškon, Sulne is a macerated blend of Malvazija Istarska, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Dark amber color, it actually looks like an amber gemstone. Complex nose of dried apricot, spring water, forest floor, and dried mango. The palate is full of flavor, explosiveness, and complexity. Sandy texture with a lemon and butterscotch finish with ripe tannins. For an orange wine, it’s all about balance, balance, balance. Score: 93/100

• Zaro, ‘Pivol’ Malvazija 2018

The Zarl, ‘Pivol’ Malvazija is macerated and is a selection of the best grapes. Pivol is the name of the village where it’s grown. It’s on the skins for just over a week then fermented and matured in large cask. Golden in color. This has the beautiful notes that macerated Malvazija is capable of. Notes of white pepper, sweet peach, apricot, yellow dandelion, and chalk. Very complex and thought-provoking nose. The palate is very elegant for a macerated white wine. Full of yellow fruit flavors and subtle mineral notes. The tannins and sweet and supple. Score: 92+/100

• Vina Koper, ‘Capris’ Malvazija 2018

This is a value-for-money wine from Slovenia’s biggest producer. It’s a fresh white wine showing well after a year in the bottle. Notes of sweet peach, minerals, yogurt, and a touch of sage. Rich in texture and body for a wine that only saw stainless steel. In Slovenia, this wine can be had for around 5 Euros. Score: 89/100

• Ražman, Malvazija Petrea 2018

The Ražman, Malvazija Petrea is macerated for two days and aged in wood for a year before release. It’s a beautiful, floral Malvazija. Notes of sweet peach, yellow flower, pepper, and a touch of lemon peel. This has all the flavors of Malvazija Istarska without the heavy orange wine flavors. Low level of tannins and nice texture. Slightly spicy finish. Score: 90/100

• Ražman, Malvazija Antiqua 2017

Ražman, Malvazija Antiqua is the reserver white of the estate. It’s Malvazija Istarska macerated for 15 days and aged for two years in oak. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the prior two vintages of this wine. This is more aromatic than the Malvazija Petrea. The nose explodes with dandelion, yellow peach, red berry, mineral, and white pepper notes. If you closed your eyes, you might think this is a medium-bodied red. This is a unique wine because it’s chewy, full, and elegant at the same time. The tannins are gorgeous and add just a little grip. Long finish. Score: 92/100 

Vipava

• JNK, Malvazija 2015

The JNK, Malvazija is Malvazija Istarska that saw three days of skin contact. Notes of apricot, lemon, yellow flower, and a touch of thyme. This is a gorgeous vintage of this wine. There’s a lot of fruit here and plenty of texture and layers. For an orange wine, there is a lot of tension here. Grippy tannins and a long finish. This is electric and exciting with a lemony finish. Score: 92+/100

• Guerila, Retro Belo 2018

The Guerila, Retro Belo is a blend of Zelen, Pinela, Rebula, and Malvazija aged in large casks for a year. Beautiful notes of tobacco, apricot, sweet peach, and a touch of white pepper. Incredibly complex and full-bodied. It has real texture. I am shocked by this wine, I found their wines quite tight in the past but this vintage is really singing. It is almost Gravner in style. Not too big and brooding, just fun to drink. Score: 91/100

• Cultus, White 2019

The Cultus, White is a blend of Pinot Blanc Malvazija Istarska and Zelen. The wine sees three days on the skins and is a combination of barrel and stainless steel fermented. This is a barrel-fermented white done right. Notes of Asian pear, white peach, chalk, and a kiss of yogurt from the barrel and lees. It’s mouth-coating on the palate with a slightly lemony finish. It’s not an overly fruity white, nor is it mineral-driven. Balance is the key here. I suspect it may improve with time in the cellar. Score: 90/100

• Tilia Estate, Pinot Gris 2020

The Tilia Estate, Pinot Gris is first wine I’ve had from the 2020 vintage thus far. This is the wine that is produced in the largest quantities by Tilia Estate. For a fresh white wine, this is gorgeous. Notes of pineapple, tropical fruit, flint, and a touch of grassiness. Explosive and full of flavor. Fruity, fresh, and crisp. This is a wine that nobody will push off the table. Score: 89/100

• Tilia Estate, Nostra 2018

The Tilia Estate, Nostra is a partially barrel fermented and aged blend of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. I think this wine is one of the best from this estate vintage after vintage. Notes of pineapple, melon, banana, and roasted chestnuts. The oak integration is very good here. The wine is full-bodied with plenty of fruitiness upfront. It finishes with a tangy, tangerine-like flavor. This is not the most complex barrel-aged white in the world but it’s a lot of fun to drink and has enough weight to keep many happy. Score: 90/100 

• Batič, Angel Selekcija Belo 2018

The Batič, Angel Selekcija Belo is a barrel-fermented blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Welschriesling. Matured in barrel for 20 months. Gorgeous nose with notes of yellow peach, quince, fresh-cut apricot, mineral, and just a kiss of vanilla from the wood. The oak integration is perfect here, the wood adds just a touch of sweetness without it overpowering the wine. Everything is in balance here, almost French-esque in execution. This wine has a history of aging well, this should be no exception. Score: 94/100

• Batič, Angel Rezerva Belo 2014

Out of 15,000 vines, only 600 bottles of the Batič, Angel Rezerva Belo are produced. A blend of Pinela, Zelen, and Vitovska matured for two years in wood and bottled without sulfur. Deep orange color. It has a refined nose of sage, thyme, lilacs, and dried yellow stone fruits. The palate is explosive. It’s a lot more fruit-driven than the nose would suggest. Intense saltiness and a low amount of tannins for a skin-contact white. Long, tangerine peel-like finish with plenty of electricity. Score: 94+/100

• Burja, Bela 2019

The Burja, Bela is a field blend of Rebula, Laški Rizling, Malvazija Istarska, and small amounts of various varieties. It’s macerated and aged for 10 months in concrete and wood. I like this wine in every vintage. Notes of yellow flowers, melon, lemon, cut grass, and a touch of crushed rocks. This is a raw, natural wine but a complex one at that. The palate brings equal complexity with a nice interplay between lemony acidity and flinty flavors. Long finish and easy-going tannins. Score: 92/100

• Burja, Stranice 2017

The Burja, Stranice is a field blend of Malvazija Istarska, Rebula, and Laški Rizling that’s macerated for 12 days and aged in concrete. The vineyard is only 0.9 hectares. Intense notes of lemon, grapefruit, sweet peach, seawater, and citrus peel. Compared to the Burja Bela, this has much more concentrated fruit flavors. The mid-palate and the finish have the flavors of a fresh fruit salad. The tannins are easy-going and the finish is long. I usually prefer the standard Bela to this wine but in these latest releases, the Stranice takes the cake. For fans of this style, this wine is a real winner. Score: 93/100

• Vipava 1894, ‘Terase’ Chardonnay 2018

The Vipava 1894, ‘Terase’ Chardonnay is barrel-fermented Chardonnay. A part of this cuvée was kept on the skins for one week. Golden in color, it has the typical Chardonnay nose of melon and white peach with great oak integration and a touch of flinty notes. It’s full-bodied and rich with a creamy texture. The wood never gets in the way of the wine here. There’s a little bit of grip on the back end. Overall, this is a very good effort at this price. A longer finish would push the score to higher levels. Score: 90+/100

You can learn more about our scoring system on the wine rating page.

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• Slovenian Red Wine
• Rebula: Slovenian Wine’s Flagship Variety?
• The Return of Modris Les Noirs
• Rebula from Vipava Valley

Thanks to all of the producers for providing tasting samples. The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Slovenian White Wine Part 1 appeared first on Wine Travel.

Here’s an article that’s long overdue. It’s a recap of a weeklong sprint through Moldova back in 2019. It was one of my favorite memories of that year and gives me hope that travel opens up again this year. Here’s a journey through Moldova in 15 wines.

Moldovan Wine? Moldovan Wine!

Charine and I got the chance to experiences the wines of Moldova up close and personal in the Spring of 2019 – our expectations were shattered. During our one week sprint through Moldova, we tasted several hundred wines and personally visited over twenty cellars. After the trip, it was crystal clear that this small, dynamic wine-producing country has immense potential.

The landscapes of Moldova vary considerably from sweeping steppes in the east, forested hills in the center, to the vast Bugeac Plain in the south. Moldova is characterized by a moderate climate with short, cold winters and long summers. Thanks to the different landscapes coupled with a long growing season, wine grapes ripen slowly and retain their natural acidity.

When Moldova was part of the USSR, it produced most of the federation’s wine (along with Georgia). After independence, the main market for Moldovan wine was Russia. After Russia enforced embargos on Moldovan wine in 2006 and 2013, the country had to reinvent its wine industry (also similar to Georgia). For more on this, check out Charine’s in-depth article about Moldovan wine.

Making Comparisons

Traveling through the country, I couldn’t help but make parallels to another small country, North Macedonia. Both countries have small economies, with wine production being essential. Like Moldova, North Macedonia belonged to a bigger nation, producing a large majority of the wine – Yugoslavia. Moldova and North Macedonia also produce significant quantities of bulk wine and are attempting face-lifts of their wine industries.

Unlike North Macedonia, small producers are embraced in Moldova. These small producers add a little pizazz to the wine industry. I definitely felt this personal touch during the visit. While many of the large producers in Moldova create delicious (even great) wine, I felt that most of my favorite Moldovan wines were from small producers.

Moldovan wine is poised to make a big splash. With high quality and great prices to boot, it’s only a matter of time before these wines are embraced. I’m hoping to make it back there soon, the journey through Moldova was one of my favorite memories of 2019. Here’s that journey through Moldovan wine in 15 bottles.

15 Moldovan Wines to Try

• Minis Terrios, Negru Împărat 2016

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One of the first Moldovan wines I ever tasted was the Minis Terrios Roșu Împărat, which is a blend of Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Charine and I first encountered the wine at the 2018 IWCB in Romania. Just a few months later, we encountered its big brother the Negru Împărat during our first evening in Moldova. This is a small producer that isn’t exported widely but is worth keeping your eye on.

The Minis Terrios Negru Împărat is a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French barriques for 12 months. It’s a rich, powerful red wine. This has tremendous potential to improve in the bottle. There are notes of black fruit, red fruit, capsicum, cedar, and pepper. The wine has a lot of wood but the fruit is ripe enough underneath. Elegant and powerful at the same time with fine tannins. Score: 91/100

• Carpe Diem, Bad Boys 2016

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Carpe Diem was the first modern wine bar in Chișinău, Moldova. It’s also a boutique wine producer. Proprietor, Ion Luca took over his family winery, breathing new life into it. We spent our first evening in Moldova at the Carpe Diem wine bar and they kindly opened their magnum opus, the Carpe Diem, Bad Boys. This vintage of Bad Boys won a “Best of Show” trophy at Mundus Vini and I can see why.

The Carpe Diem Bady Boys is a blend of Fetească Neagră and Saperavi aged in new oak. All we can say is, holy smokes this acts a lot like a Côte Rôtie. It’s big and bold without being overripe. There are notes of dark berry, bacon fat, incense, violets, and pepper. The wine is full and plush on the palate with round tannins. The long finish is guided by the right amount of acidity.

This is the finest red wine we had in Moldova. Score: 92/100

• Vinăria Nobilă, Fetească Neagră 2014

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During that first evening in the Carpe Diem wine bar, our hosts opened up a few wines from the small producer Vinăria Nobilă. It’s a project headed up by Oleg Boboc, who happens to be the winemaker of Moldova’s famous Castel Mimi. We tasted his Cabernet Sauvignon and Fetească Neagră, both of which are outstanding.

Oleg Boboc founded this winery. Worked in California and Oregon before returning to Moldova. His vineyards are located in the Stefan Voda region. The annual production of Vinăria Nobilă is less than 10,000 bottles per year.

The Vinaria Nobila, Fetească Neagră spent two years in the barrel. It smells like an aged Bordeaux blend. There are notes of cherry, plum, cedar, pepper, and tobacco. It’s more medium-bodied on the palate despite the 15% abv. Soft and developed tannins. This might not have a lot of life left in the cellar but it’s delicious now. Score: 91/100

• ATÚ Viorica 2018

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Our first winery visit in Moldova was to ATÚ winery. It’s located on the outskirts of the capital, Chișinău. ATÚ is owned by a young couple that aims to bring fun and excitement to the world of wine. Their winery is colorful and located in an abandoned warehouse.

ATÚ launched its wine on the market in 2017. Positioned as the first Moldovan urban winery in Chisinau. They’ve made waves locally for their fun tasting room and beautiful labels.

The ATÚ, Viorica is a varietal wine. The grape Viorica is grown widely in Moldova, producing fresh, easy-going whites. The wine smells like a dry Muscat with yellow flower, white peach, and snap green pea flavors. The body is significant for a fresh white, while finishing clean and crisp. Score: 87/100

• Asconi Rosé Icewine Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

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Asconi Winery is a producer with plenty of foresight. They are located just outside Chișinău and the winery is complete with accommodation and two on-site restaurants. They produce a wide range of wines that go from casual and fruity, to complex and serious.

The Asconi, Rosé Icewine Cabernet Sauvignon has 180 g/L of residual sugar. It has an orange/salmon color. There are notes of strawberry jam, white pepper, and a touch of vine-ripened tomato. It’s rich and complex on the palate with energetic acidity. The finish has a tangerine peel note. A longer finish might push this even higher but it’s phenomenal ice wine for the price. It received a gold medal at Mundus Vini, Mondial du Rosé, and a silver medal at the Internationa Wine and Spirits Competition. Score: 89/100

• Castel Mimi, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2012 

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Castel Mimi is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Moldova. This castle is a sight to behold and is the largest private architectural restoration project in Moldova. My jaw dropped when I first entered the property.

Castel Mimi was founded in 1893 by the last governor of Bessarabia, Constantin Mimi, a notorious public figure and a remarkable winemaker. The original building with a series of underground galleries has been maintained until today. Castel Mimi was acquired and reopened in 2016 after a massive restoration.

The Castel Mimi, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is aged 36 months in oak. It is the top dry wine of the estate. There are notes of chocolate, cedar, cherry, cassis, and tobacco. This wine has a zesty Italian-tanginess to it. The aging has rounded out the palate but a little more fruit would push this score even higher. Score: 90/100

• Cricova, Crisecco NV

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Cricova is a state-owned company and the largest producer of sparkling wine in Moldova. The sparklers from Cricova were well renowned throughout the Soviet empire. The cellars are a 20-minute drive from Chișinău, which makes it a popular tourist attraction. Cricova has over 600 hectares of vineyard in the central and southern parts of the country. Cricova wines are iconic among locals and the winery was declared by Moldova as a National Cultural Heritage.

When Moldova was part of the Soviet Union, it’s estimated that one out of every six bottles consumed in the USSR was from Cricova.

The Cricova, Crisseco NV is a Charmat method (think Prosecco) sparkler made with Fetească Albă and Muscat. It’s floral with notes of white pear, apple blossom, and lemon peel. This has lots of white fruit with a subtle sweetness on the finish. For a fresh sparkler, this is delicious and offers great value for money. Score: 87/100

• Château Vartely, ‘Invidio’ Saperavi 2017

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The Château Vartely, Taraboste Roșu was one of the first Moldovan wines that impressed me. I previously tasted a number of Château Vartely wines prior to visiting the country and none of them disappointed. During our visit to the cellar, Château Vartely opened a number of new wines including their ‘Individo’ Rară Neagră and Saperavi.

The Château Vartely, ‘Individo’ Saperavi is aged in the barrel for 12 months. Notes of wild berry, pepper, meat, and a touch of oak. Full-bodied, dark and inky like a Douro red. This has big time, chewy tannins. Put this away for another ten years. It’s another example that Saperavi’s second home may well be Moldova. Score: 90/100

*This is an impressive producer and we recommend their entire portfolio

• Mileștii Mici, Codru 2009 

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Mileștii Mici is famous for having the longest cellars and biggest wine collection in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). Riding through their tunnels in your own car is quite the experience. Mileștii Mici is a state-owned company and while their branding needs a little facelift, the wines speak for themselves. Their portfolio includes several aged labels, which will make fans of the ‘Old World’ happy.

The Mileștii Mici, Codru is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged in oak for ten years. This was bottled in May 2019. There are notes of wax, leather, dried cherry, capsicum, and cedar. This is medium-bodied for a Bordeaux blend with lively acidity. The wine is surprisingly round and not tired, it has more life ahead of it. The grippy tannin and medium length make it a pleasure to drink. Score: 89/100

• Mihai Sava, Merlot Rosé Sec 2018

Mihai Sava resides in the tiny village of Costești. He consistently won awards for his wine in the local village competition and was encouraged to start bottling wine commercially. After a push from the locals and some funds from USAID, he started producing quality wines.

Mihai’s cellar is underneath his home and he welcomed us with a smile and a table full of homemade food. After lunch and the tasting, he took us along for his daily stroll through the nearby forest. He’s one of the most genuine winemakers that I’ve ever met. While I am not a patriotic person, it made me feel proud that funds from the USA helped give Mihai the resources he needs. He’s a man with vitality and passion, I look forward to seeing his progression.

The Mihai Sava Merlot Rosé has notes of strawberry, watermelon, and mineral water. This has a lot of fruit and is weighty on the palate. The finish is juicy and a tad spicy. There’s a touch of complexity here, it’s not just a poolside sipper. Score: 87/100

• Salcuta, ‘Winemaker’s Way’ Fetească Neagră 2017

There are many producers in Moldova attempting to make the shift from bulk wine to high-quality bottled wine. It’s a difficult path but it’s one that Salcuta is willing to take. The winery is located in the south of Moldova, they produce clean wines that express the local varieties well.

The Salcuta, ‘Winemaker’s Way’ Fetească Neagră is aged for nine months in French oak. It has soft notes of plum, baking spice, and pepper. The wine is juicy with a touch of oak and chewy tannins. For an inexpensive red wine, this offers a lot of character for an indigenous variety. This is exactly the type of wine that should be produced to introduce a new variety to consumers. Score: 88/100 

• Château Purcari, Grande Cuvée de Purcari Extra Brut 2016

Château Purcari is one of Moldova’s historic wineries. It became privately owned in 2003, which gave the brand a shot in the arm. This is perhaps Moldova’s most famous winery abroad. They have resurrected the historical red wine appellations of Roșu de Purcari and Negru de Purcari. Both are good reds but I was more excited about their reserve sparkler.

We visited the estate and tasted through much of Château Purcari’s portfolio. Once we got back to the capital Chișinău, we visited their wine bar aptly named Purcari Wine Bar. There is where I got to taste the Château Purcari, Grande Cuvée de Purcari Extru Brut.

The Château Purcari, Grande Cuvée de Purcari Extra Bru is a méthode traditonelle sparkling wine. It’s a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc aged on the lees for 18 months. There are ripe tropical fruit, yogurt, and biscuit notes with fine bubbles. The fruit flavors are similar to a good Franciacorta (Italy). Score: 90/100

• Fautor, ‘Illustro’ Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Rhein Riesling 2016

Fautor is the most awarded winery in Moldova. Their wines have even caught the attention of Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, which gave the Fautor, Fumé Blanc 2016 a score of 90 points. We didn’t get the chance to visit the estate but we did taste through their portfolio at the WineMD bar in Chișinău. Proprietor Ruxandra Lipcan ran us through the portfolio over an evening.

The Fautor, ‘Illustro’ Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Riesling is an exciting white blend. Part of this cuvée was barrel fermented. There are notes of tropical fruit, yellow peach, lemon, and a perfect seasoning from the barrel. The wine has bite from the fruit and the addition of Riesling gives it mouthwatering acidity. It’s truly fine white wine. Score: 91/100

Fautor is the most awarded Moldovan winery and the quality is high across their entire portfolio.

• Gogu, Metafora 2017

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We were slated to visit Gogu but a schedule conflict came up at the last minute. All was not lost though, during the last evening of our trip, we managed to track down a bottle of their top red at the Château Purcari Wine Bar in Chișinău.

The Gogu Metafora red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Saperavi aged in oak for 16 months. It has notes of red berry, wild berry, pepper, and tobacco. It’s inky and dark like a Douro red. The wine is full-bodied with suave tannins and a tangerine peel-like finish. Score: 89/100

• Et Cetera, Serendipity 2015

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We were so enamored with the Carpe Diem, Bad Boys that we had to track down this wine – which is made from the same grapes. Et Cetera also produces one of the best Merlots in the country. We didn’t get the chance to visit Et Cetera but there’s always next time.

The Et Cetera Serendipity is a blend of Fetească Neagră and Saperavi. There are notes of blackberry, pepper, meat, and mahogany. It’s full-bodied and rich with high acidity and fine-grained tannins. It’s not as complex as the Carpe Diem, Bad Boys but has a similar flavor profile. Score: 88/100

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Article: Moldovan Wine: Why It Matters and Why You Should Drink It

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We were on a press trip organized by the Moldova Competitiveness Project, funded by USAID and Sweden, in collaboration with Wine of Moldova. Our travel, meals, and accommodation were covered by the organizers. Cover photo courtesy of Wine of Moldova. However, please note that the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post A Journey Through Moldova in 15 Wines appeared first on Wine Travel.

It’s no surprise that we love Italian wine, from all parts of the country. In recent years, I’ve traveled to some lesser-known parts of Italian wine country including Valle d’Aosta, Puglia, and Sardegna. However, outside of Montefalco Sagrantino, Umbria still remains a blind spot on my radar.

When Torre Bisenzio reached out to me, I jumped at the opportunity to taste their wines. This small estate is located on the northern reaches of Umbria, right on the border with Tuscany. The estate is home to beef cattle, vegetables, and olives. Torre Bisenzio is certified organic. The focus of this hilltop estate is agrotourism and have recently put a strong focus on wine quality.

This set of wines were a pleasant surprise. They aren’t big, rich blockbusters. Rather, they are wines with finesse and a high degree of drinkability all while retaining the character of Central Italian reds. In short, these are the types of wines that I want to sip with a good meal on a daily basis.

Once the time of COVID ends, I hope to visit the estate, sit on the balcony, and sip on some of these while taking in the Umbrian sun.

• Torre Bisenzio, Il Pugnalone 2016

The Torre Bisenzio, Il Pugnalone is half Sangiovese with the other half being Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah aged in used wood. Lighter in color and coming in at a nice 13.5% ABV. There are pleasant notes of cherry, cedar, tobacco, some earthy tones, and even a touch of graphite. It’s very much a Central Italian wine. The wine has enough fruit but isn’t big and brooding. There are firm espresso-like tannins that beg for food. This wine isn’t a blockbuster but it is a delicious, red fruit-driven red that should excel with food. It’s also the style of wine that I like to drink. Score: 89/100

• Torre Bisenzio, Sangiovese 2015

One sniff of the Torre Bisenzio, Sangiovese takes me to Central Italy. This is pure Sangiovese aged for one year in a large cask. Brick red in color with some browning edges, this has a classic nose with notes of sour cherry, red raspberry, menthol, earth, and tobacco. It’s a very pretty, medium-weighted wine. There’s loads of fruit upfront with a slight austerity on the backend. Tannins are chewy and just beg for pasta and braised meats. Drink this up now. Score: 90/100

• Torre Bisenzio, ‘Ambris’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019

The Torre Bisenzio, ‘Ambris’ is Sauvignon Blanc fermented in 375L amphora (six months of skin contact), stainless steel, and barrel. The blend is 1/3 across. This has the nose of a barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, not an orange wine. Notes of grapefruit, kiwi, grass, crushed rock, and a streak of basil. Flavorful on the palate, the fruit is mouth coating and there’s a fine balance between fruit, herbs, and spices. Starfruit-like acidity on the finish and fantastic barrel integration.

This wine also has that ‘it’ factor that kept me returning for glass after glass. Score: 92+/100

You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.

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Torre Bisenzio provided tasting samples. The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Torre Bisenzio appeared first on Wine Travel.

Hello! Welcome to As Drunk by Exotic Wine Travel, a weekly column where we feature interesting wines that we encourage you to seek out. The reviews featured in this series may be written by either one or both of us. The featured wines can be from obscure or well-known wine regions. We hope that these wine recommendations will keep you gastronomically curious and your palate invigorated.

Winnica Wieliczka

Before the world went crazy, I judged in the Vermentino Competition 2020 in Sardinia, Italy. One of the judges was Agnieszka Rousseau, who is Polish and makes wine in both France and Poland. We got along well and she mentioned her project in Poland, Winnica Wieliczka.

Just a few weeks later, Charine chanced upon the Winnica Wieliczka, Pinot Noir during a press trip in Istria, Croatia. She had a very positive impression of the wine, which pushed me to seek them out.

Winnica Wieliczka farms biodynamically in Poland, they are the only Polish wine producer that works solely with Vitis Vinifera. Many other producers in Poland have hybrids that can handle the cold winters. “We have a scientific approach when it comes to biodynamics,” Agnieszka says. “When you start to analyze it (biodynamics) and have basic knowledge of microbiology, plant physiology, physics, and chemistry, all of a sudden it doesn’t seem so esoteric.”

Biodynamic farming in a cold, northerly climate takes some guts. Because of previous experiences with Polish wine, I expected the wines of Winnica Wieliczka to be ‘ok’. All of the wines exceeded my expectations.

The whites see skin contact and the reds show impressive concentration considering the latitude (don’t expect the big and bold). All of these wines have texture and real soul. They are the kind of wines that convey what the Italians call, ’emozione’. To try these wines, you’ll probably have to travel to Poland. If you do find yourself in the country, make sure to seek them out.

If I owned a trendy natural wine bar, these Polish wines from Winnica Wieliczka would definitely be on the menu.

• Winnica Wieliczka, Jantar 2018

The Winnica Wieliczka, Jantar is a field blend macerated for five months. Clean notes of sweet peaches, dried apricots, citrus peel, and cut grass flavors. The tannins are round and not astringent. It’s got intense flavors with high acidity. Elegant and clean with a slightly herbal (not unripe) touch. A high-quality orange wine from Poland, very cool. Score: 89/100

• Winnica Wieliczka, ‘Cuvée Seraf’ Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2018

The Winnica Wieliczka, ‘Cuvée Seraf’ doesn’t taste like Chardonnay, nor does it taste like Sauvignon Blanc. It is delicious though! The wine was on the skins for five days. Notes of grass, yellow flower, winter melon, green apple, and a touch of white pear. This has some significant body with a rich, chewy texture and bright acidity. Everything is harmonious on the palate. Delicious, minimal-intervention style of white wine. Score: 90/100

• Winnica Wieliczka, Chardonnay 2018

The Winnicia Wieliczka, Chardonnay is late-harvested (Późny zbiór) Chardonnay that sees two weeks of skin contact and is aged in oak. Notes of dried orange peel, sweet peach, honey, and daffodil emerge from the glass. This has been aged in wood so the wine has significant structure. Sweet and persistent fruit on the finish. This is a wine that really should be enjoyed after more years in the cellar. Note: It tasted best after three days after opening. Score: 88/100

• Winnica Wieliczka, Pinot Noir 2018

The Winnica Wielieczka Pinot Noir is a delicious, classic take on the grape with notes of raspberry, sour cherry, fall leaves, earth, and smoke. Round and silky palate. The acidity is high but doesn’t cut through the palate or make the wine too sharp. Good length and a wine that should develop nicely. Pinot Noir is such a tough grape to tackle, which makes this even more impressive. Score: 90/100

• Winnica Wieliczka, ‘Cuvée Regis’ Merlot Pinot Noir 2018

The Winnica Wieliczka, ‘Cuvée Regis’ is excellent for a red wine from the far north (latitude-wise). It acts a lot like a Loire Cabernet Franc or a Carmenere with pleasant green notes that aren’t distracting. There are notes of cherry, graphite, capsicum, forest floor, and a touch of wood. Medium-bodied, low-alcohol, and elegant red, it’s easy-going with a sensual texture. Score: 90+/100

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Thanks to Winnica Wieliczka for the wines. The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Polish Wine From Winnica Wieliczka appeared first on Wine Travel.

Labels that stand out and wine that speaks for itself.

Brancaia is a ‘relatively’ new producer in the historic Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. Founded in the mid-1980s by a Swiss family, Brancaia has become well respected for its wines and brilliant label design. We’ve been buying the wines of Brancaia for years. Their Brancaia Tre was featured on one of our oldest (and still most popular) YouTube videos.

Brancaia has three properties in Tuscany – two within the boundaries of Chianti Classico and one in Maremma. Barbara Widmer (daughter of the founders) heads up the production. The wines are well distributed throughout the world, so you should have no problem tracking them down.

Brancaia Latest Releases

For many years, we were only familiar with the inexpensive (but delicious) Tre bottling. After a stop in Hong Kong for James Suckling’s Great Wines of Italy, we have become familiar with Brancaia’s reserve wines. Their two Super Tuscans, Illatraia and Il Blu have acquired their share of fans throughout the years. Both are excellent wines but I believe the recent vintage of the Brancaia Chianti Classico Riserva outclasses them. Here’s a look at Brancaia’s latest releases.

• Brancaia, Il Bianco 2019

The Brancaia, Il Bianco is an interesting blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. It has a nose of elderflower, grass, kiwi, and lime. Crispy with high acidity and a green herbal finish. This is more than a simple summer sipper and has some subtle complexities to it. Clean finish that makes it a pleasure to drink. Score: 87/100

• Brancaia, Rosé 2019

The Branacia, Rosé is made from Merlot and on the lees for three months. This is in between a rosé and a bigger rosato. It has notes of red berry, tangerine, and a touch of yogurt. There’s substantial weight on the palate with a subtle saltiness and orange peel-like acidity. Score: 87/100

• Brancaia, Maremma Toscana 2017

The Brancaia, Maremma Toscana is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in oak for a year. It’s a ripe and polished Cabernet Sauvignon that is ready to drink right from the bottle. Notes of cassis, black cherry, mocha, and tobacco emerge from the glass. It doesn’t have any green notes and is more on the fruity side. Generous acidity and supple tannins should help this develop over the next few years in the bottle. This is available around the world for about 20 USD, which is a steal for delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Score: 90/100

• Brancaia, Chianti Classico 2018

The Brancaia, Chianti Classico is pure Sangiovese matured for 12 months before released. This is a gorgeous, middleweight red. There are notes of sour cherry, fall leaves, baking spice, and hints of dark chocolate. It’s not a big, fruity bruiser. It is a nuanced red. There is plenty of acidity and bitter tannins to help this develop in the bottle. Finishes with sharp sour cherry flavors and a touch of austerity. Score: 89/100

• Brancaia, Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

The Brancaia, Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot aged in oak casks for 16 months. Winemaker Barbara Widmer thinks this is the greatest rendition of this wine that they’ve ever made. It’s hard to argue with that.

This is big and generous from the first sniff. It’s spicy, savory, and fruity all at once. Notes of sour cherry, cedar, tobacco, tangerine peel, and a touch of earth. Very complex and thought-provoking wine while being approachable at the same time. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and high acidity that ensure this has a long life ahead of it. Many of Brancaia’s wines are polished and modern but this beauty is traditional to its core. Find it, drink it, love it. Score: 93+/100

• Brancaia, Il Blu 2016

The Brancaia, Il Blue is an iconic Super Tuscan that is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. This is big, brooding, and super serious right out of the glass. Notes of black raspberry, sour cherry, asphalt, pepper, and blood orange jump out. It’s a full-bodied, structured effort with generous acidity. The tannins are tough now but will soften with time. There is a long finish guided by a tangerine peel-like acidity. It’s not showing all of its true colors now and should unfurl into something greater. Score: 93/100

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Thanks to Brancaia for the wines. The opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Brancaia: Chianti Classico & More appeared first on Wine Travel.

Hello! Welcome to As Drunk by Exotic Wine Travel, a weekly column where we feature interesting wines that we encourage you to seek out. The reviews featured in this series may be written by either one or the both of us. The featured wines can be from obscure or well-known wine regions. We hope that these wine recommendations will keep you gastronomically curious and your palate invigorated.

Tomac Amfora

Just a 35-minute drive west of Zagreb, is one of Croatia’s top producers. Tomac winery is located in the steep hills of Plešivica. They are known as one of the premier wineries for sparkling wine, which makes up over half of their production. While their sparkling wines are indeed delicious, Tomac Winery also produces fine still wines.

Georgia is famous for its qvevri (amphora) wines and Joško Gravner of Italy is often credited for making amphora wines vogue in the modern wine world. Joško influenced his friend Tomislav Tomac to purchase a few qvevris to experiment. Tomac released their first ‘Amfora’ wine in 2008 and their 2010 ‘Amfora’ Pjenušac Brut Nature (sparkling wine) made the list of “75 Stellar Buys of 2016” in Decanter Magazine.

Tomislav Tomac doesn’t make his ‘Amfora’ wines every vintage. He chooses only the best grapes from the best varieties. “The amphora isn’t a magic box”, he says. “If you use subpar grapes, the wine will be a disaster.”

All of the Tomac ‘Amfora’ wines are fermented and aged in amphora for approximately six months. After that, they are pumped out and aged in large oak casks for at least two years. These wines are made in tiny quantities and you’ll have to travel to Croatia to try them. We think that the most diligent will be pleased with the latest releases.

• Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Pjenušac Brut Nature 2015

This is only the second vintage of the Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Pjenušac Brut Nature. I may like the 2010 a tad more but this is still wonderful. The base wine is fermented and macerated in amphora. Notes of tangerine, apricot, and lemon peel. It hasn’t developed a lot of tertiary notes yet. Chewy texture and a fine bead of bubbles. Modeled after an oxidative style, vintage Champagne, flat out classy stuff. Score: 92+/100

• Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Traminac 2017

The Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Traminac is 100% Gewürtztraminer macerated for six months in amphora and aged 13 months in cask. It’s the first vintage of this wine from Tomac. Bright yellow in color. Notes of honey, sweet peach, dandelion flower, and grass. Although it spends a long time on the skins, it really retains the flavors of the grape. It feels more like a richer, dry white than an orange wine. Floral and musky finish with just a touch of bitterness. Score: 92/100

• Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Sauvignon 2017

The Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Sauvignon Blanc macerated for six months in amphora and aged in a large cask. This is the first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc done in amphora. It’s shy at first and needs air to show the best. It has the perfect blend of Sauvignon Blanc character in an orange wine. Subtle notes of dried kiwi, dried yellow peach, grass, and a touch of chestnut. Full and fluid on the palate with subtle tannins. Vibrant acidity. Score: 91/100

• Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Rajnski Rizling 2016

There have been several vintages of the Tomac, ‘Amfora’ Rajnski Rizling at the latest edition is wonderful. It’s macerated for six months in amphora and aged in large oak casks. This is another fine edition of this wine. There’s plenty of orange peel, fresh apricot, chestnut, and earth flavors. The wine is full-bodied and the tannins are round. Generous acidity thanks to the grape. Score: 91/100

You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.

The finest selection of
Tomac wines available at:

Shipping is available EU-wide and to the UK.

Check out Croatian Wines Available in the USA.

************

    Do you want to try Croatian wines?    

If you want to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With many options from different winemakers, it’s easy to find exactly what your palate desires. Not sure which bottle is best for you? Try out one of their curated wine cases and discover the perfect vintage for any occasion!

************

Want to learn more about wine?

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of wines? Come join us at wineandmore.com, and let’s explore the incredible selection of delicious wines together! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

Please note that the opinions expressed are our own and have not been paid for in any way. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Tomac Amfora: New Releases appeared first on Wine Travel.

Hello! Welcome to As Drunk by Exotic Wine Travel, a weekly column where we feature interesting wines that we encourage you to seek out. The reviews featured in this series may be written by either one or the both of us. The featured wines can be from obscure or well-known wine regions. We hope that these wine recommendations will keep you gastronomically curious and your palate invigorated.

Marco Felluga & Russiz Superiore

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an ear-shaped region located in the northeast corner of Italy. Thanks to its location, the food and wine of the region has been shaped over the years by Italians, Slovenians, and Austrians. Dating back to the 1960s, it’s a region that is largely responsible for the quality revolution of Italian white wines.

One of those pioneers is Marco Felluga, who founded the winery in 1956 and then bought the Russiz Superiore estate in 1967. Between the two estates, 80% of the production is white wine. They work with international varieties in addition to local grapes like Ribolla Gialla, Refosco, and Friulano.

A small portion of the production at Marco Felluga & Russiz Superiore is aged in barrel. These wines are bigger, richer, and substantially oakier than their fresh siblings. If you’re a fan of full-bodied barrel age whites, look no further. These two Marco Felluga bottlings offer tremendous value for money in the world of fine, barrel-aged whites.

• Marco Felluga, ‘Molamatta’ Collio Bianco 2017

The Marco Felluga, ‘Molamatta’ Collio Bianco is a blend of Pinot Bianco, Friulano, and Ribolla Gialla. The Pinot Bianco is barrel fermented. You can feel the wood here but it’s not overpowering. Full and round with notes of white peach, golden apple, lemon curd, and hazelnut. It’s a wine with a persistent finish and potential to develop further in the bottle. Score: 90+/100

• Marco Felluga, ‘Mongris’ Pinot Grigio Riserva 2017

Around 30% of the Marco Felluga, ‘Mongris’ Pinot Grigio Riserva is barrel fermented with the rest made stainless steel. This shows a lot of oak now as it’s just released. Notes of melon, white peach, bread, and vanilla. It’s full-bodied, round, and creamy on the palate. Sweet finish with impressive length. The oak is a bit heavy now but it should melt into the wine with time in the bottle. Score: 91/100

• Russiz Superiore, Pinot Bianco Riserva 2015

The Russiz Superiore, Pinot Bianco Riserva is a barrel-fermented Pinot Blanc. This shows little to no development, it’s still very very fresh. It smells like a big Chardonnay with notes of melon, peach, grass, and a touch of yogurt. It’s full-bodied and very rich on the palate. It’s not a high acid white but there’s enough to keep it bright. Rich and long finish. Score: 92/100

• Russiz Superiore, Sauvignon 2019

Most of the Russiz Superiore, Sauvignon is aged in stainless steel and 15% is barrel fermented. The 2018 vintage was named ’25 of the Best Sauvignon Blancs for 2020′ by Vinepair. Notes of kiwi, white pepper, grass, green herbs, and a hint of lime. This is pungent and racy without being over the top. It’s a nice balance between French style and New Zealand style Sauvignon Blanc. Good weight on the palate and snappy acidity. Score: 90+/100

You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.

Do you like our content?

If you like our articles and videos, we’d love for you to be a part of our community on Patreon. The support from Patreon helps keep the content coming and you access to behind the scenes content. It also gives us the chance to get to know you better. Check out the Exotic Wine Travel Patreon page by clicking the photo below.

Marco Felluga & Russiz Superiore provided tasting samples. For more information on their wines, check out the interview with Roberto Felluga on Grape Collective. Please note that the opinions expressed are our own and have not been paid for in any way. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post Rich White Italian Wines: Marco Felluga & Russiz Superiore appeared first on Wine Travel.

Hello! Welcome to As Drunk by Exotic Wine Travel, a weekly column where we feature interesting wines that we encourage you to seek out. The reviews featured in this series may be written by either one or the both of us. The featured wines can be from obscure or well-known wine regions. We hope that these wine recommendations will keep you gastronomically curious and your palate invigorated!

Croatian Wine

Located across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, Croatia has no shortage of excellent wine. We fell in love with the country’s wines for a few reasons, first is the staggering number of indigenous grapes (around 140). Second is that the top Croatian wines can stand toe to toe with the best bottles from around the world.

Thanks to the geography and diversity of grapes grown, Croatia can produce many different wines. The country is broken up into four PGI regions, Istria & Kvarner and Dalmatia have a Mediterranean climate. The Croatian Uplands and Slavonia & The Danube have a continental climate. This allows for a diversity of styles and ensures there are Croatian wines to suit all types of palates.

Croatian wine writer Saša Špiranec put together a masterclass titled “Croatian Wine Icons”. He selected some iconic labels and sourced older vintages. All of the wines were made predominantly of indigenous or regional grapes instead of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc.

Thanks to the robust tourism industry and a voracious local market, the best Croatian wines are sold out every vintage. This means that most of these wines will be very difficult to track down. All of these wines perform well in every vintage, so picking up the current releases is sure to put a smile on your face.

Here’s how these iconic Croatian wines performed.

Croatian Wine: Flight 1

• Enjingi, Venje Bijelo 1998 – Slavonia & The Danube

This vintage of Enjingi, Venje Bijelo put Croatian wine on the map when it won a Regional Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2004. It’s a late harvest, barrel-aged blend of Graševina, Traminac, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. There’s a lot of development here with notes of fall leaves, honey, apricot, white pepper, and daffodil. Although it smells of an aged sweet wine it is bone dry with an almondy, Sherry-like finish. Remarkable after 20+ years of aging. Score: 93/100

• Kozlović, Santa Lucia White 2009 – Istria & Kvarner

The Kozlović, Santa Lucia White is one of Croatia’s best white wines every year it’s made. This vintage is good but doesn’t live up to my lofty expectations. There are notes of apricot, green guava, honey, and white flower. Full-bodied with texture and a mineral finish. The wine doesn’t come together as seamless as other editions I’ve had, which pulls the score down a tad. Score: 90/100

• Krajančič, Statut 2011 – Dalmatia

Krajančič is considered the godfather of modern Pošip and his Statut is a barrel-fermented beauty. This is spectacular stuff. The wine is normally very oaky when young but now it has integrated perfectly. There are notes of dried apricot, yellow peach, sage, and melon. It’s rich and full with plenty of sweet fruit on the palate. Salty and long finish. Score: 94/100

• Antunović, Graševina Premium 2013 – Slavonia & The Danube

Another wine that has made waves on the local scene. This vintage of Antunović, Graševina Premium won a Platinum Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. It’s a late harvest, dry wine that shows the potential of the grape. Notes of honey, cotton candy, apricot, and baked apple. Full-bodied with a stony finish. Score: 92/100

• Krauthaker, ‘Kuvlakhe’ Graševina 2015 – Slavonia & The Danube

Vlado Krauthaker traveled to Georgia and decided he wanted to make a line of macerated, sulfur-free wines with organically grown grapes. The ‘Kuvlakhe’ series is the result. This is a beauty with an explosive nose of sweet apricot, tangerine, fall leaves, and dried yellow flowers. There are a lot of tannins here but they are soft and accompanied by juicy acidity. Score: 92/100

• Coronica, Gran Teran 2004 – Istria & Kvarner

Coronica is one of the finest producers in Istria and the Gran Teran is his flagship wine. We’ve had several vintages of it but not as old as this one. The nose is great and resembles a fine Chianti Classico. There are notes of sour cherry, wax, tobacco, earth, and rusty nail. It’s full-bodied but the high acidity keeps the mouthfeel lively. Chewy tannins that suggest this can live much longer in the cellar. Score: 92+/100

Croatian Wine: Flight 2

• Benvenuti, ‘Santa Elisabetta’ Teran 2015 – Istria & Kvarner

The ‘Santa Elisabetta’ Teran is a new wine in the Benvenuti portfolio. We tasted this several times in 2019 and it never disappointed. It’s a wine that smells like a dense red from Piemonte (Italy). The bottle at this tasting was a little fruitier than we remember, but the quality was still the same. Notes of cranberry, cherry, cedar, cacao, and tobacco. Full-bodied with chewy tannins, this should last a long time in the cellar. Score: 93/100

• Markus, ‘Franz Ferdinand 101’ Babić 2015 – Dalmatia

The Markus ‘Franz Ferdinand 101’ Babić is the finest example of this indigenous Croatian red grape. Read more about it in this feature article. Score: 93/100

• Miloš, Stagnum 2005 – Dalmatia

Miloš wines are not for those just getting into wine. They age their Stagnum for many years in cask and bottle before release. This iconic Plavac Mali resembles an imaginary blend of Rioja Gran Reserva, Taurasi, and aged Barolo. This wine has notes of tomato leaf, tobacco, cigar, tar, and dried strawberry. It’s a rich, full-bodied red with firm tannins. It’s a divisive wine between Charine and me. I think it’s a brilliant effort. Score: 94+/100

• Zlatan Otok, Plavac Grand Cru 2011 – Dalmatia

Zlatan Otok is another one of Croatia’s old guards and the Plavac Grand Cru is the top wine in the portfolio. This Plavac Mali is a big, meaty, true Mediterranean red. There are notes of violets, game, strawberry, and black pepper. Chewy tannins and a long finish that remind me of a Taurasi (Italy). Score 93/100

• Stina, ‘Remek djelo’ Plavac Mali 2011 – Dalmatia

Stina is one of our favorite producers of Croatian wine and their ‘Remek djelo’ Plavac Mali has only been made in four vintages to date. This is polished, structured, and complex. It has notes of violets, Mediterranean brush, strawberry, pepper, and cedar. This is a massive wine that has finesse at the same time. It finishes long with big tannins. Score: 94/100

• Bura, Dingač 2016 – Dalmatia

The Bura, Dingač is one of Croatia’s cult wines made in tiny quantities. It’s 100% Plavac Mali and has notes of strawberry, bubblegum, meat, rose, thyme, and pepper. It’s a full-bodied wine that is elegant and shows lots of refinement. The tannins are round and grippy and guide the long finish. Score: 92+/100

You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.

The finest selection of

Croatian wines available at:

Shipping is available EU-wide and to the UK.

Check out Croatian Wines Available in the USA.

************

    Do you want to try Croatian wines?    

If you want to savor the exquisite flavor of Croatian wines, look no further than wineandmore.com. With many options from different winemakers, it’s easy to find exactly what your palate desires. Not sure which bottle is best for you? Try out one of their curated wine cases and discover the perfect vintage for any occasion!

************

Want to learn more about wine?

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of wines? Come join us at wineandmore.com, and let’s explore the incredible selection of delicious wines together! We can’t wait to share our passion for wine with you!

Vinart provided complimentary admission to the Croatian Wine Icons workshop. Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are unsolicited and have not been paid for in any way by governmental bodies, enterprises, or individuals. We do not sell editorial content as that would destroy the legitimacy of our reviews and the trust between Exotic Wine Travel and its readers. On occasion, we extend the option of purchasing the wines we review or/and the products we spotlight. Some of these product links are set up through affiliate programs, which means Exotic Wine Travel gets referral credits if you choose to purchase these items via the links we provide.

The post 12 Croatian Wine Icons appeared first on Wine Travel.