Pinot Gris Zavec Brothers 2023
Why it's worth a try
From Slovenia’s steep Štajerska hills, the Zavec Brothers take Pinot Gris and strip it of any pretense. Wild-fermented, left on skins just long enough to pick up a blush of color and grip, it’s all about texture and attitude. Think bruised pear, orange zest, and a faint hint of spice, riding on a bone-dry, slightly salty finish. Not your polished, supermarket Pinot Gris, this one has dirt under its nails.
Zavec Brothers
Terroir Whisperers of Slovenia
In the rolling hills of Slovenia, the Zavec family has turned winemaking into an art form. Originally just for home sipping, they scaled up after 1995 and now steward about 26 hectares over four prime vineyard sites, packed with both local and global grape stars. Their work is all about terroir storytelling: lush biodiversity, sustainable practices, and spotlighting the soil—whether it’s calcareous, shale, or sandy—each vintage echoes that sense of place.
From spritzy Pet Nats to poised Pinot Noir, every bottle bursts with energy, balance, and complexity. Their lineup captures the rugged beauty and quiet elegance of eastern Slovenia. No gimmicks, just pure regional pride.
WINE REGION
Haloze: Slovenia's Hidden Gem with Ancient Roots
Haloze is a lesser-known wine region in Slovenia, characterized by its steep slopes and ancient winemaking traditions.
Indigenous varieties like Šipon and Furmint thrive here, producing aromatic whites with depth and character.
The region's terraced vineyards on marl and sandstone soils, combined with a continental climate, create wines with unique minerality and freshness.
