M, enostavno dobra vina – Sauvignon Blanc, 2019

Tonight I want to taste another Sauvignon Blanc from the Štajerska region. Simply because I think it’s the right terroir to look for its cold climate expressions from Slovenia and this one from M, simply good wines reconfirms this.

Honestly, this wine was sent to me by the winemaker. Gregor approached me and asked if I would try his wines. “Well, yes, of course!” I said. I’ve seen labels with the big M around, but never have I stated them. Even Gregor, when you’re chatting with him, tends to write M-s with capital, so there must be something about it …

But, let’s get to business. This Sauvignon Blanc is coming from vineyards at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, from the slopes of Pohorje. The exposure aspect is south and the soil of Quartz.

Grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed and directly pressed. The most fermented in stainless vats, but a quarter of it was put in 400-litre barrels with lees, where it also conducted malolactic fermentation. This is what contributed structure and softness to the final wine, which was bottled without filtration.

This Sauvignon Blanc presents a strawy yellow colour with a green tinge. It’s relatively dense and very translucent.

The bouquet is intense. We immediately recognise the variety, reminiscent of the more cool-climate representatives of Sauvignon Blanc. We detect mostly primary aromas of tomato leaf, then grass, mint, elderflower, lemongrass and also some mint, followed by gentle hints reminding almonds with Mediterranean herbs and flint.

The taste is off-dry, soft, reasonably warm, fresh and minerally tasty. This Sauvignon Blanc presents to us with a medium to a full-body which is given by the 25 % of maturation in oak vessels. Flavours reconfirm on the palate and present in a medium persistent, elegant taste. All in all, I enjoyed this wine as it feels balanced, fully representing the variety and the terrain, leaving a pleasant mineral signature.

This Sauvignon will cost you around 12 Eur, and you can get it at the winemaker currently, though Vinoo.co sells their wines. You should drink it now, especially if you’re a Sauvignon Blanc lover, who enjoys softer expressions of this variety.