Burja Zelen 2023

Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled.

With a presence in the Vipava Valley since as early as 1499, the Lavrenčič family have been making wine here for three generations and have an intimate connection with the region and its land. In 2009 Primoz Lavrenčič decided to set out on his own and create his own venture which he named Burja after the strong winds that impact every part of daily life in this mountainous region. Wherever possible Primoz seeks to work in harmony with nature; he plants indigenous grape varieties, farms his vineyards organically and uses wild yeasts and long maturations in large oak casks in the winery.

This unusual wine is made from the indigenous “zelen” grape which means “green” in Slovenian. The variety takes its name from the emerald tinge which can be noticed especially in the fresh grape must. Primoz macerates his version on the skins for two days to create a so-called “orange wine” with greater complexity and a rich and creamy texture. The wine is then fermented and matured in concrete tanks to preserve the natural character of the grape.

The result is an intensely aromatic wine with hints of white flowers, green apple, citrus and a steely minerality. On the palate there is a medium body, gentle tannins and vibrant fruit flavours with a long and elegant finish with hints of bitter almonds and cream.