Goriska, Brda, Slovenia
This autochthonous varietal almost went extinct, with only small plantings of it in Friuli and Brda. It can be rustic and difficult to love if not handled with care, but Erzetic has crafted some gorgeous examples of it. Notes of black plum, garrigue, violets and white pepper. Aged 50% in large old oak barrels and 50% in newer barriques, it is full bodied and balanced, with fresh acidity and perceptible, but silky tannins. Blackberry, baking spices and mocha lead to a long, fruit-driven finish. Drinking beautifully now, this will reward cellaring for a decade or more if you wish to see how it evolves.