
Finally, after all of these years, I made it back to the Erzetič family in Pristavo, Brda, tonight. Martin, who took charge of Čarga in recent years, quickly popped open a bottle of a new sparkler. One, produced by the traditional method, with a rather unusual choice – Pinot blanc.
Though, when you look at it, the choice is rather reasonable and obvious. Grapes are harvested from the vineyard in the plateau, with a high ratio of humidity. With Pinot blanc being susceptible to diseases, it’s best to harvest it early. And what better way than to use it for sparkling wine.
Vines count two good decennia. Grapes are destemmed and gently pressed. Only free-run juice is used, which amounts to approximately half of the harvested weight. The basic wine ferments with fine lees in stainless vats for four months. In June 2020, it was bottled with liqueur de tirage and spent all the time until September this year when it was disgorged.
Dona Regina Blanc de Blancs presents a brilliant, strawy yellow colour with a golden border. Bubbles are tiny, numerous and persistent.
Its aromas are refined, primarily fruity. We detect yellow apple, pineapple, white peach, and lemon, followed by a slight buttery scent and almonds.
Even though it is declared Brut, it’s actually Extra brut, with 4,5 grams of residual sugar. It fills our mouths with tiny bubbles, leaving a buttery, soft taste that is quickly washed away by its pronounced acidity, leaving space for a mineral touch. A wine of reasonable structure and just the right persistency to call for another glass. An elegant wine that expresses the finesse of Pinot blanc greatly.
Currently, it is only available at the winemaker, and it should cost you approximately 12,5 Eur. If you’d like to taste it, it’s best to send an email to info@carga.si or call +386 41 692 292.