2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Verus - Ljutomer- Ormǒz

Verus is a young, dynamic winery founded in 2007 by three friends – Rajko Žličar, Danilo Šnajder and Božidar Grabovac – and based around Ormož in the Styria (Štajerska) region of Slovenia.  Their vineyards amount to about 25 hectares, spread between their own plots, those owned by the partners and vineyards of friends. Average vine age is around 20 years, yields modest (ca. 48 hl/ha in recent data) to preserve concentration. 

The 2023 vintage of their Sauvignon Blanc comes from a terroir of warm sunny days and cool, windy nights in eastern Slovenia, influenced by the Alps, the Adriatic, and the Pannonian Plain. Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel tanks at moderate temperatures (15‑20°C), with a few weeks on the fine lees post‑fermentation to soften texture.  Alcohol is about 12.5%. 

In the glass you’ll get aromas of gooseberry, guava, passionfruit, plus herbal and nettle hints. There’s fresh citrus and green apple balancing ripeness, with a subtle mineral streak and very good harmony. Acidity is crisp, giving the wine liveliness; it finishes clean but with a lingering fruit character. 

For food pairings: think fresh and green. Grilled white fish with herb butter, prawns in lemon & garlic, goat’s cheese salad, or even dishes like asparagus and chèvre. Also works nicely with light chicken dishes or anything with a vibrant salsa verde or green herbs to match its herbal character.