Marjan Simčič – Sauvignon vert Opoka, 2018

Time to return to Brda, to have a closer look at a refined expression of Sauvignon vert, the one we find under the line Opoka, produced by none other than Marjan Simčič, which is also the latest wine joining this noble, reputable range of Marjans’ wines.

This wine is produced by the oldest vineyards in possession of the Simčič family, stretching on the top of a lower Italian hill named Ronc Zegla that you can see from the terrace in front of their house. It is planted at an altitude of 150 meters, and the vines count for a respective 89 years. The soil is a mixture of marl, slate and sandstone, or as called by locals Opoka.

After destemming and crushing, the mash macerated for two days in conical oak barrels of 2.500 litres with spontaneous fermentation. After gentle pressing, it was racked into the same barrels (named tono), where it matured for twenty-three months. After bottling without filtration, it matured in a bottle for at least one month before coming to the market.

This Sauvignon vert displays an extractive, golden yellow with dense texture.

Its bouquet is alluringly intense, evokes candied lemon, ripe apple, dried nettle, green tea, straw, anise, honey, pineapple, passion fruit, vanilla, butter, pan brioche, mint, rosemary, with gentle hints of caramel, white pepper, honey, pomelo, and notes of hot stone.

The palate is dry, with the perfectly interlaced of alcohols and softness. It refreshes us and leaving a mineral, salty aftertaste. A wine of intensity and lasting persistence that keeps on pleasing our tastebuds. Its elegance is distinctive while keeping a focused yet youthful character, where aromas of herbs and sweet spices are reconfirmed.

A bottle will cost you 40 Eur, and you can order it at their website or eVino, Cuzziol Grandi Vini, Wood Winters and Enotic.