2022 Črnko Jareninčan 1-Liter

An unspecified blend of Laški Rizling (Welschriesling), Sauvignon Blanc, and Rizvanec (Müller-Thurgau). These humble liter bottles represent half of Crnko’s total production and until the 2009 vintage had only been sold locally in the nearby village of Jarenina from where the wine takes its name. All fruit is estate grown and comes from the family’s 6 hectares of mixed white varietals planted to the regions unique marl soils and sustainably farmed. Only estate fruit is used. Hand harvested by family and friends into small plastic bins that are then transported to the winery by tractor. For the Jarenincan most grapes are co-fermented but others (usually the aromatic) are blended in after fermentation. All native yeasts, 100% stainless steel. Only 11.3% alcohol.  Bottled unfined and unfiltered with just a touch of SO2. 

Tasting Notes

High toned Laski Riesling and Ravenec, aromatic Muscats, and a salty minerality characteristic of the estate define this vintage. Tones of underripe and just ripe stone fruits alongside lime zest and clean mineral notes. Thirst quenching and light on its feet, the  healthy acidity also makes it difficult to set down. During the summers in the village of Jarenina, locals mix it with sparkling water and then proceed to consume well into the next day.

About Crnko

The Crnko farm is located on the eastern side of Slovenia, north of Maribor and just south of the Austrian border. It is a breath taking environment of endless rolling green hills lined with vineyards that stretch the length of the horizon. Until 1918 this area was known as Lower Styria (formally Austria) and had been for many centuries. Grapes have also been cultivated here for over 2,000 years in addition to famed aromatic hop fields and ethereal pumpkin seed oil; a real treat with the local wines. The rich agricultural diversity of these Slovenian Hills owes itself to fertile soils and the unique convergence of Continental, Alpine and Mediterranean climates. In large part it is the balance between these climates that make the wines of Slovenia so regional and so interesting. The bulk of Crnko’s production is divided between their line of single varietal premium bottlings and the easy drinking house cuvee Jarenincan. Small amounts of sweet wine and a sparkling wine called “Oceanus” that is aged 250 feet under the Adriatic are also produced.