Gjerkeš – Laški rizling, 2017

We’re moving to Prekmurje today, a region we haven’t yet touched. We’re stopping at Gjerkeš to taste their expression of Laški rizling (Welschriesling), produced with protective care.

I’ve been following Gjerkeš wines for quite some time, and they produce some fantastic expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris (plus Riesling, Muscat and Pinot Noir), but let’s keep something for another time. They currently look after two hectares of vineyards and focus mainly on producing varietal expressions of wines produced with cold maceration and fermentation in stainless vats. Still, you’ll also find pleasure in their sparkling wines, produced with the traditional method and a particular expression of Chardonnay guaranteed to make you rock and roll.

I’ve chosen their Welschriesling because it is the perfect expression of the variety, and it is currently at its peak and will be there for at least the next three years, if not even more. The production focuses on allowing the slightest possible touch with oxygen. Grapes are hand-harvested and chilled. Following destemming and crushing, the mash cold soaks overnight. Finally, it is transferred to stainless vats for a couple of months to ferment and stabilise. After bottling, it needs to wait for another year before coming to the market.

This Welschriesling displays a clear, strawy yellow colour with a relatively dense texture.

We perceive intense and fine aromas of ripe fruit, yellow apple, tangerine, melon, pineapple, carambola, with herbal notes and hazelnut in the background.

The mouthfeel is soft, dry and fairly warm. With crisp freshness and mineral salinity that intricate into a lasting sensation. An intense, medium-bodied of lasting persistency and accentuated elegance. Flavours of rye crust bread join with the fruitiness of the apple and herbal notes in the finish.

As mentioned, this is now the perfect expression of the variety that evolved marvellously. A bottle will cost you approximately 10 Eur, and you can get it at Koželj, Vinoo.co and RR Selection.