Prinčič – Aurei Pinot, 2018

Let’s head back to the Prinčič family tonight, to taste one of the latest wine they added to their portfolio. We’re looking at their Pinot Gris produced with extensive skin contact and oak maturation.

Pinot Girs has adopted exceptionally well in Brda. There’s something about the steep Opoka slopes and the combination of the warm, Mediterranean climate with Alpine incursion that helps him give some outstanding wines.

Hand-harvested grapes are coming from a vineyard that was planted in 1985. Berries were overripe; we’re speaking of an actual selection of grapes with a high concentration of sugars. Following destemming, the mash macerated for seven days, to be then gently pressed, and the now young wine was transferred to mature in 500-litre oak barrels for nine months.

And what an extractive Pinot Gris we have! Crystal, amber colour with a dense texture.

The bouquet is sumptuously intense, with overripe peaches, baked apples, dried apricots, yellow plum jam, dried orange peel, dried red rose, rosehip, with notes of white pepper, caramel, vanilla, roasted nuts, as well as light smoke and dry Mediterranean herbs.

The mouthfeel is soft, with an oily texture and nicely incorporated alcohol (13,5 % vol.). Feels refreshing, with perceptible tannins and minerals. It is boasting with a vigorous body and an elegant, lasting aftertaste.

A wine with a long life ahead of him, and I’m intrigued to see in which direction it will develop, as it will surely keep its vibrancy for at least the next five to seven years. A true gem for fans of macerated Pinot Gris. A bottle will cost you between 18 and 22 Eur, and you can get it at Wevino, Vinoo.co, 13vol and Incomepro.