Vegan Area: Close to the Italian border province of Friuli, Slovenia has a long history of making fine white wine to rival its better-know neighbour. The two countries share the sub-region known as ‘Collio’. Vines for this wine come from hillside terraces at 100-200m altitude. Grape variety: Malvasia Istriana (native to Slovenia and Croatia); fermented in stainless steel to retain purity of fruit. Producer: From the website of their agents: ” The Gašper wine estate is a joint venture between a local cooperative and the Čarman family, who have been in the wine and hospitality business for over 50 years. At the helm of the cellar is Darinko Ribolica, a respected oenologist from Goriška Brda. He uses Slovenia’s local varieties, deeply rooted in Germanic, Slavic and Roman cultural influences, to create wines in a modern, fresh style.” Old Bridge rating: The subtle dryness of a fine NE Italian whites – but with more texture and weight. Press review: “Slovenia’s Best Sommelier of 2015, Gašper Carman has partnered with the local cooperative to deliver this charming Malvasia Istriana. Pure honeysuckle aromas leap out of the glass. The palate is rich, layered and textured. Zesty and punchy with a honeyed finish, this will marry nicely with seafood risotto.” Christelle Guibert, Decanter Magazine. Matthew Jukes’s write-up for our promotion in MoneyWeek magazine: “I do not write up many Slovenian wines, but this 100% Malvasia Istriana will have me actively seeking more of these beauties out. Made just over the Italian border from the Friuli wine region and using an identical climate to capture the drama and freshness which makes Italian wines so compelling, this is a fragrant number but it never slips into overt soapiness. A grapey, ripe, juicy demeanour, yet a tension which tightens the bright, generous nose and sharpens it to a stiletto point. Its sleek flavours are epic with South-East Asian dishes.” Malvazija - Gasper | Malvasia Istriana - Slovenia | 13.5% abv | 750 ml Click here to view this craft beer on Untappd
