Domaine Marjan Simcic BRDA Cru Selection Chardonnay 2023

Domaine Marjan Simčič Chardonnay Cru Selection Brda 2023 is a refined, barrel‑aged white that shows just how serious Slovenian Chardonnay can be. Sourced from carefully selected hillside plots in Brda, it balances Burgundian elegance with the sun‑kissed ripeness of the Adriatic hinterland. This is a thoughtfully crafted wine for those who appreciate precision, texture and minerality in their Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the wine shines a bright straw yellow with greenish reflections, hinting at both freshness and concentration. The nose opens with ripe orchard fruits—pear, yellow apple and white peach—layered with lemon zest, acacia blossom and a subtle smoky note. Gentle tones of toasted hazelnut, vanilla pod and brioche reveal the time spent in quality oak, without ever feeling heavy. On the palate, the Cru Selection is medium to full‑bodied with a superb interplay between ripe fruit and vibrant acidity. Flavors of citrus cream, baked apple and stone fruit unfold over a spine of chalky, saline minerality that clearly speaks of Brda’s marl and sandstone soils. The oak is finely integrated, contributing texture, spice and a touch of buttered toast while preserving the wine’s purity and tension. The finish is long and precise, with a lingering impression of citrus peel and wet stone. Enjoyable now for its energy and clarity, it has the structure and balance to develop additional complexity over the next 5–8 years.

Production
The Chardonnay grapes for the Cru Selection come from premium hillside vineyards in Brda, where vines grow on classic ‘opoka’ soils—a mix of marl and sandstone that naturally limits yields and enhances concentration and minerality. The area’s warm days, cool nights and constant breezes from both the Alps and the Adriatic help preserve acidity and aromatic definition. Grapes are hand‑harvested at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted to ensure only the best fruit makes it into the cellar. Fermentation typically takes place with indigenous yeasts, partly in oak barrels and sometimes in larger wooden vessels, allowing a slow, controlled transformation and enhancing texture and depth. Aging on fine lees with gentle bâtonnage adds creaminess and complexity while maintaining the wine’s freshness and precision, before bottling with minimal intervention to preserve a true sense of place.

Food & Serving
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with refined dishes that mirror its balance of richness and freshness. Think seared scallops, grilled turbot, roasted chicken with herbs, veal in light cream sauces, or buttery lobster. It also complements mushroom risotto, truffle pasta and aged hard cheeses like Comté or a well‑matured Gruyère. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and crisp structure. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes in a medium‑sized white wine carafe can help the wine open up its layered nose and silky texture, especially in its youth.

Producer
Marjan Simčič is one of the leading names in the Brda region and a key figure in putting Slovenian fine wine on the international map. The family estate straddles the border between Slovenia and Italy’s Collio, giving it a unique cross‑cultural heritage that shapes its approach to viticulture and winemaking. With a strong focus on organic, low‑intervention practices and meticulous work in the vineyards, Simčič has built a reputation for wines of depth, authenticity and longevity. The Cru Selection range showcases the estate’s top parcels and its ability to craft complex, terroir‑driven wines from both native and international varieties, earning consistent praise from critics and collectors alike.

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