Slavček is in the heart of Slovenia’s Vipavska Valley, a green country carpeted with vines. This area is very similar to Friuli right across the border, with similar winemaking traditions and native varieties. In fact, Slovenia has significantly more wineries per capita than Italy, and the entire country is made out of excellent vine growing terroir tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic sea. Frank and Alenka Vodopivec farm about 6 hectares of vines organically, and leave even this entry-level white blend on the skins for four days to give the wine more intense flavors. The blend is 40% Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), 40% Jakot (Friulano) and 20% Chardonnay, all aged in neutral oak barrels. Aromas range from orange and white plum and strawberry to flint and white pepper. The palate is full with acidity that’s plenty strong but never sharp giving life to flavors of orange and cherry. A good match for all sorts of briny seafood dishes like shrimp and scallops, dumplings, or milder curried dals.