Get to know:Istenic No.1 Special Cuvee NV

Tasting Note

Named forfounder Janez Istenic’s position as goalkeeper in his footballing days.
Its a blend of 60% Chardonnay with 30% Rumeni Plavec and 10% Pinot Noir, made in the best vintages only. It is a beautifully crisp wine with notes of lemon zest, poached pear, toasty notes from its three years on lees, and lingering mousse.

A fine aperitif or match it with smoked fish starters.

Producer Info

Meet the flagship sparkling wine from the Istenic family, based in the eastern rolling hills of Slovenia.

Janez Isteni was a keen sportsman in his youth and after graduating in oenology, he managed a career as a winemaker at one of Yugoslavias state cellars in the 1960s. He was lured by bubbles from the beginning but the turning point came when he won a scholarship to study in France which took him to Champagne. On his return, he realised that his father-in-laws vineyard, which produced wines with distinct freshness, had similarities with the high-acid grapes of Champagne.

He had put away some savings which he proceeded to spend on buying land and equipment. Janez Isteni became the first private producer of bottle-fermented sparkling wine in Slovenia. 1968 was the birth year of his first wine and his daughter, and both were christened Barbara.

The winery is notable for its perfectionist approach using modern equipment to ensure the best quality free-run juice only and long slow maturation in bottle for fine and lasting bubbles. One feature of the winery is its focus on including an old traditional grape variety called Rumeni Plavec in several wines. Its noted for fresh acidity but also adding a note of real local distinction.