# Malvazija (2021)

- **Producer:** Kmetija Štekar
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malvazija Istriana
- **Region:** Primorski, Slovenia
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, apricot, peach, orange, ginger, dried apricot, honey

## About this wine

Kmetija Štekar is located in Snežatno, in the heart of Slovenia's Goriška Brda region along the Italian border near Collio. The Štekar family has cultivated land here since the 1700s. Today, fourth-generation winemaker Jure Štekar manages 11 hectares of certified organic vineyards alongside cherry orchards and native forests. As early pioneers of organic viticulture in Slovenia, achieving full certification in 2006, the estate practices low-intervention farming centered on showcasing the unique mineral soils of the region.

## Interesting facts

- Aged in acacia wood barrels instead of oak to accentuate Malvasia's floral character.
- Jure Štekar represents the 4th generation on family land farmed since the 1700s.
- Grown in 'opoka' soil, a unique flysch mix of marl and calcareous sandstone.

## Food pairing

Skin-contact orange wines balance the fresh acidity of white wines with the mild phenolic grip of red wines. This structural versatility allows them to pair effortlessly with savory umami flavors, rich seafood, earthy mushrooms, and moderately spiced dishes.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from steep, terraced vineyards planted on opoka soil. After destemming and crushing, the fruit undergoes spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts and skin maceration for 7 to 14 days in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for 9 to 14 months in neutral 400-liter acacia wood barrels, allowing subtle micro-oxygenation while preserving varietal aromatics. Bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without added sulfur dioxide.