Did you know that Vipava valley is the second-largest wine district in Slovenia? It is often divided into the upper – closer to Slovenia’s heart, and the lower valley – which spans to the border with Italy. This has specific implications, as wines from the lower valley often find similarities with our Italian neighbours. It is also more frequent to see the variety we’ll be looking at here than in the upper valley. The wine in question is JNK‘s Jakot.É, which actually stands for Sauvignonasse or Friulano.

Unfortunately, due to name usage limitation, this variety is facing an uncertain future, but it gives amazing expressions, especially in the lower valley, the neighbouring Friuli and naturally Brda. We’ve seen names as Jakot, Točaj, Sauvignon vert, popping up, while some winemakers name it after the vineyard, or give it fantasy names. Such is the case with JNK.

Now grapes for this fantastic expression have been hand-harvested from a vineyard aged between 30 and 45 years, planted on flysch. After destemming and crushing it macerated for 5 days in open vats at uncontrolled temperatures. It was then moved to mature for 20 months in used oak barrels. After bottling, it waited patiently in the cellar. Bottles are starting to enter the market, though you still find older variations, always keeping its vibrancy.

The wine has an extractive golden yellow colour, with an amber hue and a dense texture.

The bouquet is accentuated, balsamic, evokes dried apple slices, pineapple, lemon, sultanas, dried yellow rose, dried Mediterranean herbs, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and honey. The taste is intense, softly warm. Its freshness and minerality are well integrated into the overall feel. The finish is slightly astringent and spicy, balancing the touch of the wine.

Overall this Jakot.É is an elegant wine, which fully follows the philosophy of the Mervič family. It has this primal, rustical touch, evoking the nostalgia of the old days. Its body is vigorous, and it expresses through a lasting persistency of the taste.

You can order the wine by calling Kristina at +386 41 506 689 or sending her an email. She does deliver wine throughout the country and is even available abroad. A bottle will cost you an approximate 24 Eur.