Today we’ll focus on Guštin‘s Malvazija. An expression of this famed variety produced in lower Vipava valley. We’re in Bilje, five minutes away from my hometown, where Viljem Žižmond and his family produce this wine on the south-facing slopes.

Now when thinking of Guštin and Vilijem Žižmond, he’s the guy wearing this strawy hat at wine festivals, happy going, cheerful presenting Malvazija and Merlot. He’s the guy who’ll tell you right away, “Merlot and Malvazija, this is poezija (poetry).” but honestly, after tasting especially the malvasia there is substance to what he offers.

This malvasia was produced with grapes coming from twenty years old vineyards planted on marl and flysch at an altitude of seventy meters above sea level. Grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation was spontaneous with two days of maceration. After gentle pressing, it was racked into used oak barrels on fine lees and then into stainless vats for the next nine months – all of this with Batonnage. When bottled, it underwent a year of bottle maturation before coming to the market.

Guštins’ malvasia displays a crystal clear, golden yellow colour with a dense texture.

The aromas are intense, refined. We perceive ripe yellow apple, pineapple, orange and lemon peel, acacia, almond flower, buttery notes and scents of pan brioche, with light vanilla and honey notes finishing with Mediterannean herbs.

The taste is dry, soft and reasonably warm. Yet, leaving a refreshing and mineral taste predominating the palate. An intense, full-bodied wine of pronounced elegance with a reasonably persistent taste in which aromas of ripe apples, white flowers, butter, almonds and herbs are reflected.

A bottle will cost you approximately 10 Eur, and you can order it straight at the winemakers’ page.