Sanctum – Chardonnay prestige Kraemer vineyard, 2019

We’re returning to the Sanctum wine cellar today to the Podbukovšek family to have a look at their finest expression of Chardonnay. Harvested from a single vineyard and matured in oak barrels.

The Kremer vineyard lies straight below the cellar. Vines of Chardonnay are planted on a south-facing slope in vertical rows with inclines between 30 and 40 %, with the highest peak reaching 300 meters above sea level and consists mainly of marl. The climate here is cool continental, with cold winters and mild, sunny summers, optimal conditions for producing outstanding wines with this noble variety.

Chardonnay Kraemer is produced only in the best vintages, with a careful selection of grapes already in the vineyard. Bunches are pressed, and the obtained must is racked into a combination of Slavonian and French oak barrels. It ferments and matures on fine lees between 10 and 12 months, entirely conducting malolactic fermentation. Finally, it is assembled from the best barrels and bottled without filtration.

It presents to us with a slightly cloudy, strawy lemon colour with a golden border and dense texture.

The bouquet is sophisticated. We remark scents of yellow apple, lemon, and shades of butter, almonds, vanilla, wood and hot stone.

The palate expresses noticeable softness, and at the same time, crisp, refreshing acidity and mineral saltiness. Full-bodied, with a lasting persistency and elegance, expressing a touch of roasted nuts in the aftertaste.

A wine with the potential to age for the next five to seven years, if not even more. A bottle will cost you a little more than 20 Eur, and it is available at Mimovrste or Fine Slovenian wine.