You know what, let’s look at a wine that could be quickly listed as a deviation from what many think of when looking at the brand Silveri. We’re looking at their red Tenor, a blend of 70 % Merlot and 30 % Cabernet Franc which matured in stainless vats and wood to form a combination of a wine many can look after.

As you know, Silveri stands for one of the powerhouses of Brda’s sparkling realities, but they also produce two still wines, both named Tenor. The white one is produced out of Sauvignon Vert, and this gem, or should I say ruby, we’re looking at tonight with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. And for those who might be asking, Tenor stands for Tadej and Taras’s grandfather Silverij, who was not only a renowned winemaker but also a fantastic singer, whose Tenor voice many were speaking of.

Grapes for the Tenor red were hand-harvested at optimal maturity. After destemming and crushing, the pomace macerated with alcoholic fermentation for twenty-eight days. After a gentle pressing, part of it matured in stainless vats and the other in oak barrels to merge the fruitiness and freshness with spiciness and softness resulting from such maturation. After the assemblage, the wine waited patiently in the cellar before coming to the market and finally, after eight years, it made it into my glass.

Tenor red displays a ruby red colour with dense texture. Tears are slowly slipping down the walls of the glass, and the swirl quickly stops.

Its bouquet is intense and subtly ripe, presenting the best Merlot and Cabernet Franc were able to give. We perceive ripe blackberries, black currants, cherries, plums, violet, notes of cocoa, coffee, cedar and finishing with a touch of leather.

The wine is dry, soft, with well-integrated alcohols. Freshness is ripe, and we notice Brda’s mineral signature, besides pleasantly rounded tannins, that act silky. An intense, full-bodied wine with lasting and elegant persistency.

Tenor is a matured wine that has reached its peak but intends to stay there for at least five years or more. A bottle will cost you between 14 and 17 Eur, and you can order it straight at the winemaker or at Mabat-int.