Dorcha Bistrica Belo
Winery: Dorcha
Classification: Dry white wine
Varietals: Welshriesling 60%, Silvaner 20%, Sauvignon 20%
Appellation: Ritoznoj, Lower Styria (Štajerska), Slovenia
Density & Yield: 5,000 vines/ha; 2 kg/vine
Annual Production: 6,000 bottles
Alcohol: 12.5%
Climate: Continental, with dry and hot summers, and snowy winters
Terrain: Marl rich soils, with sand and clay. Exposed southern exposure, 360 metres above sea level.
Farming: No irrigation. No herbicide. Environmentally friendly and sustainable viticulture, with respect for the land.
Vinification: The Sylvaner is handpicked and destemmed into small open top fermenters, undergoing spontaneous fermentation, macerated on the skins through the completion of fermentation, approximately 16 days. The Welcshriesling and Sauvignon Blanc are both separately pressed to tank undergoing spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is blended and then 65% is aged on the fine lees in inox tanks, and 35% is aged in neutral oak barrels for 8 months.
Tasting Notes: Bistrica (pronounced: bee-streetz-ah): Named after the town surrounding the Dorcha estate, (Slovenska Bistrica), ‘Bistrica’ is also a common word in Slavic meaning “rapid-flowing streams and rivers” which are often found in the forests and Pohorje mountains surrounding the vineyards. This blend in a liter bottle of key varietals in the region is meant to be an authentic representative style of wine of the village in this hilly region, offering a true expression of it’s terroir. The wine opens with pleasant and warm aromas of spiced golden apples, candied ginger and wild grassy notes. On the palate, the wine is soft and light, but textured and lively, popping with zesty yellow and green fruits, Meyer lemon, key lime, and a mineral finish. An insatiable balance of expressive personality and fresh drinkability; as crisp and clean as the Styrian mountain streams.
Winery Information
Dorcha
Located in Ritoznoj in Štajerska, Dorcha is the brainchild of Izidor (Dorcha) Vehovar. He is the 3rd generation of his family to continue the path of viticulture and winemaking, and is intent on a new direction, a friendlier path. A farmer without a conventional view of wine production, a winemaker who is following the local tradition of producing pure, vibrant wines.