Movia, Pet-Nat, Brut Nature, Dobrovo, Slovenia 2022

50% Ribolla, 50% Chardonnay

Rich in color, with smooth texture and vibrant aromas and flavors. A terroir-driven wine created by intervening as little as possible during the wine-making process, to craft the purest expressions of the place and grapes.

The current generation of Movia is led by winemaker Aleš Kristančič who is as renowned for his passionate embrace of organic and biodynamic farming practices as he is for his larger-than-life personality and ingenious approach to winemaking. Aleš primarily grows Rebula, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir — all without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides.

Pétillant-Naturel is a bubbly wine made with a technique that originated in southwestern France in the 1500s, called méthode ancestrale. This process involves only one fermentation, and bottling takes place before primary fermentation is finished while sugars are still actively converting to alcohol. (In contrast, Champagne production involves a second fermentation in the bottle, and the addition of sugars, to create bubbles.)

Cultivated in the area since the 13th century, Rebula is characterized by zingy acidity and abundant citrus notes. The fruit can gain depth, texture, and flavor with even a short period of skin contact. (Did someone say orange wine?) This Rebula was given about 24 hours of skin contact, then co-fermented with 50 percent Chardonnay for a balanced flavor. Wild yeasts only, naturally.