Guerila - Selection Cabernet Franc, 2017
Zmago Petrič leads this small winery located in the Vipava valley, in the midst of the Slovenian Littoral – stretching between the Mediterranean and the eastern Alps. Petrič takes environmental concerns very seriously. Since Guerila’s creation in 2005, Petrič has been following organic and biodynamic principles. His focus is on respecting the territory. Local grape varieties such as zelen and pinela are favoured, along with barbera and cabernet franc. Petrič doesn’t use chemicals during winemaking, he prefers wild yeasts and makes minimal use of sulphur dioxide. Furthermore, all his wines are unfined and unfiltered. Petrič’s wines can be defined as “natural” – but above all they are alive and delicious!
The wine has a ruby shade in the glass, with a tinge of purple (a sign of its young age!) and is medium in colour intensity. To the nose, it suddenly reveals crunchy and juicy redcurrant notes that is so pleasing that I can only describe it as the most perfect redcurrant in the world. Aromas of red cherry and raspberry complete the fruity side. Perfumed undertones of violets, lilies and earth overlap with an alluring graphite minerality.
On the palate, the wine is medium in body with a zesty high acidity. The attack is pervaded by crunchy red fruit notes. Perfumed notes of violet, lavender and sage stumble on the mid-palate, along with a subtle hint of bell pepper. The tannins are between medium and medium+, silky and refined in character. Pronounced in intensity of flavours, with a finish that is satisfying because everything comes together magnificently. A pencil shave minerality lingers in the aftertaste. Exquisite!