Chardonnay 2019 (Edi Simcic)

Cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. The Simcic family founded their winery in Slovenia’s stunning Gorizia Hills in 1990 and today they have some 30 acres of vines set on the gentle slopes around the village of Vipolže which they use to produce artisanal wines from both local and international grape varieties. The region is a stone’s throw away from Friuli in Italy, and conditions here are ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the influence of the Mediterranean climate and the nearby Alps. This sublime Chardonnay shows off the full potential of this top-rated Slovenian wine region with richness and complexity perfectly balanced by freshness and elegance. The fruit is sourced from the estate’s top vines and the young wine ages in small oak barrels for 10 months to add body and intensity to the overall flavour profile. On the nose there are enticing hints of caramel, tropical fruit, woodsmoke and vanilla while the first sip reveals a full body and bright fruit flavours held in check aby a vibrant acidity. The well-defined structure makes this a good contender for additional cellaring, although it also pairs brilliantly with strongly-flavoured dishes like grilled octopus and chicken served in a rich creamy sauce.