Country: Italy

Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Grapes: Malvasia Istriana

Vintage: 2019

ABV: 13%

Bottle size: 75cl

Viticulture: certified organic (doesn’t list on label due to dissatisfaction with authorities)

Winemaking: 30 days on skins, 12 months in old oak

Vegan?: yes

Made from a grape with many synonyms, with origins on the Istrian Peninsula, this Malvazija from Friuli exhibits a glorious stone fruit nose, with some wonderful spice notes. Complex and layered, with a subtle creaminess, a wine made in as natural a way as possible.

About the producer: The Azienda Skerk is located on the Carso plateau between Trieste and Monfalcone. Boris Skerk and his family are strongly attached to their terroir and very much orientated to the cultivation of indigenous varieties, such as Teran, Vitovska and Malvazija. Over the centuries these varieties have proven to be particularly suitable to the microclimate and the soil of Carso, and indeed some extraordinary results have been achieved. On scattered patches of red land rich in silt and iron, irregular vineyards are planted thanks to centuries hard labour and care. The cellar is a breath-taking example of hard work and personality being entirely dug into the limestone like a cave, providing perfect conditions and a constant level of humidity and temperature.