Sivi Pinot 2019 (Edi Simcic)

Cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. Slovenia’s Gorizia Hills sit just across the border from the Italian region of Friuli and are widely recognised to be one of the finest places to make wine in the country. It enjoys Mediterranean climate and protection from the strong Bora winds which can blow fiercely along the coast, making it the ideal spot to craft rich, full-bodied reds and intensely-flavored whites. Edi Simcic established his winery here in 1990 and today he is joined in the family business by his son Aleks. Together they produce a tiny amount of artisanal wines using traditional methods like extended maturation in large oak casks. Sivi Pinot is the Slovenian name for Pinot Gris and the Simcics make theirs in a unique oaked style with plenty of freshness and elegance. The grapes are harvested at optimum maturity while there is still ample acidity to ensure balance in the finished wine. After fermentation the young wine is aged in oak barrels for 10 months to add complexity and body. The result is a richly-textured and stylish Pinot Gris bursting with ripe tropical fruits and hints of smoke, oak and toasted hazelnuts from the oak maturation. This bold, full-flavoured profile makes it a great match for all manner of cuisines ranging from risottos and creamy chicken dishes to gnocchi and lasagne.