Mansus Makovec Klarnica
Winery: Mansus
Classification: Dry skin contact white wine
Varietals: 100% Klarnica
Appellation: Dobravlje, Vipava Valley, Slovenia
Density & Yield: 4,000 vines/ha; 1.5 kg/vine
Annual Production: 1,800 bottles
Alcohol: 13%
Climate: Mild Mediterranean, with dry and hot summers, and mild winters.
Terrain: Vipava Valley is right on the border of Slovenia, just north of the Italian port city of Trieste. The area is made up of steep hills, where the continental climate of the Alps collides with the more moderate mild Mediterranean climate from the Adriatic. Makovec vineyards are located in the small settlement called Brje, on steep, karst mountain tops, where the temperature is cooler and the soil contains mineral-rich marl, which makes it incredibly helpful in drainage of rainfall.
Farming: Practicing organic. The vineyards have no irrigation, and spraying is done only with sulfites and copper, if needed.
Vinification: All grapes are hand-picked, de-stemmed, and spontaneously fermented in stainless acacia barrels. The maceration period lasts for about a week. Aged in a combination of stainless steels and acacia wood barrels. Bottled unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: Klarnica is a unique grape varietal indigenous to Vipava Valley, Slovenia. Only a handful of winemakers have it and Bogdan Makovec is one of them. This skin contact wine is unique experience. Amber color, honey, pear and baked apple notes on the nose lead to a textured dry palate with chewy tannins and plenty of acidity.
This is an approachable orange wine that is extremely versatile with food. Try it chilled (but not cold) with pasta dishes, cream sauces, roasted vegetables, chicken or turkey, mushroom or veal risotto, pork or sweet potatoes.
Winery Information
Mansus
Mansus winery is one of a handful of Vipava growers who have the coveted indigenous Klarnica grape variety. They farm their vineyards organically and ferment all of their wines with no added yeasts.
