Blažič – Blaž belo, 2016

It is time we return to the Blažič family to taste their top white cuvée wearing the black label. We’re sipping Blaž belo, a blend of Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, Rebula and Sauvignon Vert marked by extended skin contact of the juice with maturation in oak.

Blaž belo is a blend of 30 % Pinot blanc, 30 % Chardonnay, 30 % Rebula and 10 % Sauvignon Vert with hand-picked grapes from two different vineyards. The southwest-facing Brajda counts for 48 years of age, while the west-facing Medana 28.

A vigorous selection of the healthiest berries is conducted before their destemming, crushing and two-week maceration in open vats at natural temperature with spontaneous fermentation. After a gentle pressing, the wine is racked into large, 500-litre oak barrels where it matures for four years before finally being bottled without filtration.

Blaž belo presents with deep and slightly cloudy amber colour with a dense texture.

Its aromas are intense and alluring, invoking dried apricot, candied orange, forest honey, dry tobacco leaves and caramel. Scents of cedar are joined by eucalyptus, white pepper, resin, black tea and liquorice.

The mouthfeel starts softly with noticeable warmth. On the other hand, it packs lively acidity, a mineral undertone and a slight tannic imprint. A wine of intensity, vigorous structures and lasting, elegant persistency that in time will only accentuate.

A wine with the potential to age for at least the next seven years. A bottle will cost you approximately 23 Eur, and you can order it at eVino and Koželj.