Štokelj – Penina pinela, 2017

Time to jump to the Štokelj family, to the village of Planina as we set on to taste a rare expression of Slovenia’s autochthonous Pinela in the form of a methode tradittionelle produced sparkling wine.

Bunches from a 15-year-old vineyard Gmajne, a north-facing slope at an altitude of 320 meters above sea level, are used to produce this sparkler. Grapes are chilled to 5° Celsius quickly after picking.

Following a gentle pressing, the juice ferments at controlled temperatures of approximately 15° Celsius in stainless vats. Finally, in January, it is bottled to start secondary fermentation. After a 20 month maturation its is finally disgorged and topped up with the exact wine.

Štokelj’s Penina Pinela presents a brilliant, crystal clear, strawy yellow colour with numerous, persistent, medium-sized bubbles.

Its aromas are accentuated. We immediately discern a hint of bread crust, followed by scents of apple, quince, pomelo, lemon blossom and hawthorn.

The taste is bone dry. Pleasant bubbles caress us and hug our mouths, leaving a refreshing and mineral aftertaste—an intense wine of accentuated elegance and just with the proper structure and persistency to evoke more.

The best way to get one would be by contacting the winemaker at +386 41 483 777 or by sending an email to posestvo@stokelj.si.