MAY'S WINE OF THE MONTH- 2022 Ptujska Klet Halozan Dry White Wine

May’s Wine of the Month is the 2022 Ptujska Klet Halozan Dry White Wine from Štajerska, Slovenia. May can be a tricky month to pick a Wine of the Month for, do we keep going with red wines like we have for most of the start of the year? Or do we spark the excitement for the longer days and summer coming, by highlighting a delicious white wine? But when I tried this 1-liter bottle from Slovenia, it was a no brainer for me, and my co-workers agreed. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling, Riesling and Furmint, let me start by saying this isn't a sweet wine. I know seeing the word Riesling might send some of you running because you think this might be sweet, but it isn't. A very bright and refreshing profile, a combination of lemon peel and orange zest tickles the tastebuds. Light tannin/savory characteristics come out in the form of peach skins and light savory herbs. Grapefruit and salinity on the finish help elongate the overall flavor.

The terrain of the entire Štajerska region is made up of steep-sloped vineyards and narrow, wind-rich hill valleys. The continental climate gives it hot and dry summers, allowing the grapes to hit peak ripeness right before they are picked. Each variety was vinified separately, fermented at cold temperatures, and blended after being rested in stainless steel for 3 months with lees. Ptujska Klet’s cellars have been used to store and age wine since 1239, making it one of the oldest cellars in Europe. In the fields, there is no irrigation, the Winery practices environmentally friendly cultivation, following the integrated farming guidelines of Slovenia.