2021 Pikasi Zelen Slovenia

Winemaker Notes: Zelen is a rare local variety from Vipava Valley, with only 80 hectares left being cultivated in the world. It is a low-yielding varietal that thrives in the windy Vipava region, where the harsh climate means that growers must use indigenous grapes that are resistant to the intense winds. The wine displays a pretty color of opaque gold with a slight haze. It delivers intense aromas of lemon, white tea, honeysuckle and the palate offers a silky texture with juicy lemon, bitter almond, and a touch of caramel, with lifted acidity. Pair it with grilled whole fish, squid with lemon, parsley and olive oil, or a roast chicken pasta with cream sauce.

Pikasi - Saramento is a negociant project of Slovenian winemaker and professional ballroom dancer, Matic Rodica. Together with Vipava Valley grower, Petr Stegovec, Matic created the Pikasi lineup of naturally fermented indigenous variety wines – Pinela, Zelen, Rebula, Barbera and Barbera Rose. The labels are inspired by dancing, and the silhouettes were drawn off of Matic’s own dance photos. All of Pikasi wines are made in a fresh and approachable style and offer a pure and balanced expression of each grape varietal. Saramento (“vine shoot” in Istrian dialect) comes from the vineyards located near Koper in Istria, Slovenia. Known for its local malvasia and refosk, this region also produces amazing, pure and balanced cabernets and merlots.