Belica – Izbrano belo, 2015

We’re returning today to some of my dearest friends. We’re in the village of Medana, atop of which the Mavrič family has built a fantastic inn where you can enjoy their local-inspired dishes, some of the most amazing prosciutto and salami or sleep-over and chill in the open pool. We’re at Belica, a real institution in this part of Brda.

Today we’ll have a look at Belica’s Izbrano belo, which is the antipode of the Izbrano red I’ve described already. The white version is a blend of Chardonnay, Ribolla, Pinot Gris and Sauvignonasse, composed of approximately equal parts.

Each of the varieties is hand-harvested and vinified separately until the final assemblage. Selected bunches are hand-picked, destemmed and crushed—the mash macerates at controlled temperatures in large stainless vats with the addition of selected yeast. The maceration time varies depending on the variety and lasts between a couple of hours for up to 12 hours.

It is then gently pressed and left to mature in 600-litre acacia barrels for 18 months. Finally, the wines are assembled in a large stainless vessel and left to incorporate for six months fully. They are then finally bottled and left to mature in bottles for three years before coming to the market.

Belica’s Izbrano belo has a crystal, golden yellow colour and a dense, oily texture.

Aromas are intense, and we detect dried papaya and pineapple, yellow plum, apricot, dried flowers, honey, vanilla, caramel, roasted nuts, Boswellia and dried Mediterranean herbs.

Its taste is determined, acts softly with crisp acidity and a minerally salty flavour. We also detect a slight tannic presence.

This is a full-bodied, elegant wine of intense and lasting persistency that will please drinkers who love well-crafted wines with character.

You can order this wine at their online store, and for the price of 13 Eur, it is a real bargain. You can drink it now, but it will further develop for at least the next seven years.