Benčina – Zelen, 2020

Time to return to the Benična family to look at their classically produced, varietal expression of Zelen – the autochthonous grape variety of Vipava valley.

The Benčina family is located in the village of Lože in upper Vipava Valley. They have been dedicated to wine for more than sixty years now, slowly expanding the property to the current approximately eleven hectares of vineyards, which accounts for more than 60,000 vines.

Their Zelen is produced to shine in all of its refined expressions, so pure, so varietal. Bunches are hand-harvested and vinified attentively to retain their primary aromatic aspect, with a touch of secondary ones.

It introduces to us with an almost brilliant, golden yellow colour and dense in texture.

Its bouquet is intense, varietal. We notice white peach, pear, notes of apple, melon, tangerine, hints of grass, almond blossom, as well as a slight buttery scent and a touch of marlstone.

The taste is dry, soft and reasonably warm. With a good dose of crisp freshness and a mineral saltiness. A wine of intense taste, medium-bodied and reasonably persistent, of an elegant character, which reflects the genuine signature of minerality and aromas of herbs, pears and vineyard peaches that are distinctive for this indigenous variety.

A bottle will cost you 7 Eur, and you can order it at Be-wines, or by contacting the winemaker at vina.bencina@gmail.com or by calling +386 41 650 662.