A few grape varieties sparkle a particular interest, and such is the case with Kraljevina. We find this traditional grape variety around the slopes of Maribor, in Dolensjka, Bela Krajina and continental Croatia, though rarely it is produced as a varietal wine. But tonight, we’ll have a look at the one produced at Šturm.

Some say that the variety is indigenous to the Posavje region. Still, with the vivid geopolitical history shaping our borders, I prefer to say it’s traditional to the northeastern land of Slovenia, as we find lots of it also to the northeast of Croatia and abroad. It also has synonyms like Königstraube or Portugais rouge.

I’ve been looking for a representative of this variety produced classically – this means direct pressing and vinification with maturation in stainless vats at controlled temperatures to see what it can produce, and I found it at Otmar Šturm. This one matured in stainless vats for ten months on fine lees before being bottled.

It displays a strawy yellow colour with a slightly golden border, also showing density.

The bouquet is refined, simple yet pleasing. We perceive yellow apple, lemon, linden blossom, a note of grass, butter and marl.

A dry rendition with softness, reasonably warm, relatively fresh and mineral. A medium-full body expresses a quite persistent taste with flavours of linden blossom, citrus, minerality and butter. A harmonious wine and a beautiful expression of simple but not that often produced variety that will please, especially on hot summer days.

It should be drunk now, and a bottle will cost you approximately 7,5 Eur. You can order it at Hiša Dobrot Bele krajine, Gostilna Repovž, Sava Valley wines or at Šturm‘s website.