Slovenian vintage sparkling, complex and refined, baked apple, brioche and fine mousse, serious yet composed.
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Istenič Rare Sparkling 2018
Istenič Rare Sparkling 2018
RRP:
£43.20
per bottle
(You save (NaN%))
A rare Slovenian sparkling wine showcasing Rumeni Plavec, an indigenous grape variety.
The grapes are a blend of 80% Rumeni Plavec and 20% Chardonnay grown on carbonate soils in Drenovac and Orešje in Bizeljsko. Its rarity is underlined by the fact that it is produced by the process of 4 fermentations. First, a 10-day maceration process is carried out, then sweet must is added to the fermented must, then this fermentation is followed by lactic acid deacidification and finally the fourth fermentation in the bottle.
The wine is naturally cleaned, with no added sulphites and it is unfiltered. Its a brut nature (super dry) sparkling wine with great longevity and potential for aging. The tears on the label symbolise the golden drops - the Angels share - of this sparkling wine during the third fermentation.
Food Pairing
Serve at 4°C with poultry, fish, shellfish, or mature cheeses.
Quick Info
ABV:
11.5%
Designation:
Bizeljsko – Sremič
Bottle Size:
75cl
BIN:BTL-0538
Style:Sparkling & Champagne
Style:Sparkling Blend
More Information
Slovenia
Slovenian wine boasts a rich, ancient history. Its winemaking predates that of major wine-producing countries like France and Spain.
Today, Slovenia, situated at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean, produces diverse and unique wines across three main wine-growing regions: Primorska, Podravje, and Posavje. Slovenia cultivates both international varieties and unique indigenous grapes
After graduating in Oenology in the 1960s Janez Istenič enjoyed a career as a winemaker at one of Yugoslavia’s state cellars. He won a scholarship to study in Champagne thanks to his love of bubbles. On his return to Slovenia he realised that his father-in-law’s vineyard had similarities with the high-acid grapes of Champagne.
The grapes, most commonly Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot meunier, are used to make several base wines that are assembled together to make Champagne, English Sparkling wine and other classic cuvée wines.
Champagne blends can also include Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Other appelations have rules about which grapes can be included.
