Burja Zelen (Organic/Biodynamic)

Country: Slovenia  

Category: White Wine  Color:  White  Varietal: Zelen

Producer: Primož Lavrenčič 

Named after the cold, north-easterly wind that rips through the vineyards at speeds over 200 km per hour, Burja is a family-owned estate run by the philosophical Primož Lavrenčič.

Primož Lavrenčič is undoubtedly one of the best winemakers in Slovenia. After many years in the family winery, he started his own project, Burja, named after the strong wind that blows through the Vipava Valley. His approach is based on natural balance and in minimising the human intervention as much as possible. In his own words, in the cellar he is “only controlling temperature and oxidation, everything else I’m only monitoring”.

Primož is dedicated to encouraging nature to express itself through his wine. He does this by farming the vineyards organically and biodynamically to maintain the biodiversity of the soil, and by working with these local varieties, the heritage of the region. The one exception is the vineyard of pinot noir that he inherited. However, he strives in the same way to allow the vineyard’s identity to shine through – a Burgundian wine with a Slovenian soul.

Tasting Notes: Fruity, waxy, with hints of citrus zest and a enticing salinity all mingling with notes of white flowers, green apple, grapefruit and lemon.The most recent vintage has been macerated for 2 days on the skins so while it retains a traditional white wine colour, it has a pleasant hint of the distinctive texture and flavour that result from skin contact.