Summer is in fool bloom and evenings call for a sip of some macerated wine. I find Batič‘s Zaria, a blend of white varieties macerated in open vats and matured in barrels, the perfect company for tonights’ indulgence.

Zaria is a blend of white varieties, a combination of 55% Pinela, 20% Zelen, 10% Rebula, 8% Vitovska, 4% Klarnica, 2% Chardonnay and 1% Yellow Muscat. All grapes are coming from the same 28 years old vineyard and are harvested at the same time. Naturally, when speaking of Batič, everything is looked after in accordance with biodynamic principles.

All grapes were hand-harvested simultaneously, after destemming and crushing the mash macerated in open vats for 35 days in open vats, at uncontrolled temperatures, after pressing the young wine matured in oak barrels for twelve months. Finally, it was then bottled at the correct moon cycle, without filtration.

All this care gives Zaria a hazy, deep golden yellow colour with a thick texture, quickly stopping in the glass.

The bouquet is accentuated, succulent. It recalls dried apricots, candied oranges, papaya, yellow plum jam, honey, kiwi slices, rosemary, oregano, a slight touch of resin, vanilla, liquorice, even nutmeg and tea tree.

Dry, soft, nicely incorporated alcohol, refreshing and mineral, we also detect tannins that act as a spice in the wine. Flavours of apricot, orange, tropical fruit, resin, tea tree and sweet spices are presented. Zaria feels almost balanced and will only improve with ageing. A wine of intense, elegant and very persistent aftertaste with a structured body.

A wine which can easily be stored for the next ten years, provided you find some bottles. A bottle will cost you between 26 and 30 Eur, and you can order it at Vinoteka Sodček, TuamV, Delicroatia, Flaschenpost, Terravigna and Danch & Granger.