Štemberger, Zelen - 2021

According to Black Lamb Wine, Štemberger is one of Slovenia's most idiosyncratic producers. Sebastijan Stemberger crafts this orange wine from a local grape called Zelen. Zelen is a white grape variety that is both indigenous to and exclusively found in the upper Vipava Valley of Western Slovenia. It thrives in the windy Vipava Valley, where the harsh climate prevents the survival of more well known international varieties. There has been a recent revival of this grape, as it was near extinction as recently as the early 2000s. Combining beautiful aromas and flavors of orchard fruits, spring flowers, and green herbs, this wine is downright delicious! Three months of skin contact adds color and body, while aging in acacia barrels mellows the texture to become quite round and soft. A perfect pairing with the region's cured ham!