Batič Pinela 2023

Batič makes this wine from Pinela, an indigenous grape of the Vipava Valley in western Slovenia, close to the Italian border. The estate farms biodynamically and organically, and has deep roots in the village of Šempas. The Vipava Valley is a warm but breezy corridor where alpine and Mediterranean influences meet, and its mixed soils of marl and sandstone give the wines both ripeness and a firm mineral backbone. Pinela is a rare variety that ripens to a gentle stone fruit character. This bottling is aged for twenty-four months in large old foudres, and the long, slow time in seasoned oak works through texture and micro-oxidation rather than adding vanilla or toast, since the barrels are neutral. Extended contact with the lees during that time broadens the palate and adds a savoury, faintly nutty depth. The colour is deep straw to light gold. The nose shows white peach, apricot and pear with white flowers and a touch of almond. The palate is dry and rounded, with a soft ripeness balanced by fresh acidity and a gently honeyed, mineral finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.