Bjana – Giant, 2011

It’s the 365th page of 2021, and what better way to close this year’s chapter than raising high the glasses filled with one exceptional Penina. We are at one of the most prominent names when speaking of this sparkling pleasure at the Sirk family and their Bjana wines.

But, as tonight is a special occasion, it calls for something memorable. We’re tasting Bjana’s Giant. A Blanc de Blancs produces with Chardonnay and Brda’s own Rebula. This is a wine for history as it was released in honour of the 30^th anniversary of Bjana’s memorable wine journey. Only 1.000 magnums were produced, and we’re lucky to cheer with bottle 902.

As mentioned, this is a unique and limited release in honour of the 30^th harvest of the Sirk family. The basic wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Rebula and after bottling for the Prise de mousse and maturation on lees lasted for eight years before its disgorging.

Giant is a memorable experience! Brilliant, golden yellow with numerous, tiny and persistent pearls.

Its aromas are refined and gracious. We perceive scents of yellow apple, quince, lemon zest and yellow rose petals. Hints of almonds, toffee and festive bread present with hints of butter, vanilla and slight autolytic shades and minerality.

The mouthfeel shows softness. It’s an extra brut expression with crisp acidity, an elegant, long-lasting and structured character that graces us with its mineral imprint.

A unique wine that simply calls for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than in the company of the most important people we have in our lives.

A bottle will cost you approximately 124 Eur, and you can order it at Merit HP and Koželj.

Giant marks also the last wine of my little #365daysofslovenianwine project, and I’m lucky to have had the pleasure of walking you through Slovenia’s wines. But most of all, this wouldn’t be possible without the support of Teja, Ian, Dimitrij, Jaš, Val and Mihaela’s outstanding skills.

And naturally, to all the winemakers for producing such fantastic wines!

THANK YOU, GUYS! Cheers to everyone who read these lines, cheers to our families and may 2022 be a year bringing joy and pleasure to everyone! Happy new year!