Pasji Rep - Zelèn, Slovenia (2022)

TASTING NOTES

Starfruit, dried Italian herbs, bitter orange and a slight note of fresh backed bread. The palate is full of tension with a slight saltiness, phenolic bite and texture from the weight and complexity of sourdough and orange peel.

Surprisingly elegant rendition of zelen from Samo Premrn who is an accomplished winemaker, crafting an exemplary range of organically certified wines from local and international varieties on the north-facing slopes in the eastern, narrow end of the Vipava Valley in western Slovenia.

Open to the Adriatic at the western end and with a cold mountain wind from the north, the valley is known as a sweet spot for Pinot Noir, but he is also committed to the revival of the Zelen grape, only grown here.

Slovenia's Vipava Valley - just across from the border with Italy - is so affected by the strong, 200km/h Burja winds only local grape varieties like Zelen that are perfectly adapted to the harsh environment can survive. 

With a little skin contact (1 to 3 days), lees aging and a little oak treatment (20% old foudres) this Zelen is aromatic and textured.