Slavček Belo White 2020

The Vipava Valley is one of the historic homes of Rebula, or Ribolla Gialla — a lightly aromatic white grape that’s rarely found outside northeastern Italy and Slovenia. It’s Rebula that plays a starring role in this white blend from Slavček farm, which has had a presence in the region since 1769. Today, the winery is fully organic and grows local varieties like Refošk and Rebula alongside international grapes including Chardonnay and Merlot. The Cuvée Belo is a blend of Rebula, Chard, and Tocai Friulano, another indigenous vine (unrelated to Hungary’s Tokaji) that’s also known as Sauvignonasse. Fermented half in oak and half in stainless steel, it has a pleasantly smoky nose along with ripe notes of apples, peaches, apricots, and orange rind. A hint of nutmeg at the finish, plus a refreshing wet stones minerality, makes this a compelling everyday sipper to pair with cheesy pastas or skillet chicken.-Kate Masters