Steyer – Steyer Mark, Sauvignon Exclusive, 2018

Let’s move to the other side of Slovenia today. We’re returning to the family Steyer, to the house of Gewürztraminer. But this time, we’ll look at their barrel matured Sauvignon blanc. A treat, produced with such care, it presets to us under the premium line Steyer Mark.

This is a single vineyard wine hand-picked from vines that count for 15 years. They are planted at 380 meters above sea level on the southern slopes of the Pohorje mountains. The soil is a mixture of marl, tonalite and graphite. Vineyards are grassed and looked after following low intervention methods.

Bunches were hand-harvested at selection ripeness, destemmed and crushed. Mash macerated at controlled temperatures in stainless tanks for two days. After a gentle pressing, it was laid to mature in acacia barrels for two years. Bottling followed without filtration, and bottles needed to wait for six months before entering the market.

This Sauvignon blanc displays a very translucent, strawy yellow colour, with a slight golden tinge. Aromas are fragrant, almost aromatic. Jasmine, white peach, pear, grapefruit and lime are detected. From the back, honey notes, mint, lemongrass, anise and butter are exposed.

The taste is intense, fresh but at the same time mineral and soft, almost balanced, medium-bodied and with an enchanting, expressed elegance.

This Sauvignon Blanc stylistically follows the fil ruge of Steyer’s Exclusive line. It’s a refined rendition of this variety where maturation in acacia wood added depth and intensity to flavours. A bottle will cost you approximately 20 Eur, and you can get it currently at Koželj.