INSIDER'S PICK: 2016 PULLUS HALOZAN WHITE 1 LITER (SLOVENIA) $14.99

This wine can be thought of as a solution that's been waiting for the right problem for it to solve. Slovenia actually has a fairly long history of making quality wine, especially the region along the border of Italy, but was cut off from the Friulian culture after World War II. Post Communism, Slovenia is one of the few nations to have port access to the Adriatic and Mediterranean shipping lanes, so their wines have had a much easier time returning to the market than others. Their traditional wines are built to be very light, clean and naturally fermented with little industrialized influences, but for a large part of the last 20 years or so have gone unnoticed as a large part of the international market has leaned towards 'size' and 'intensity'. The pendulum has started to swing back in the other direction in recent years, but many of the new convert wines coming out can run quite pricey for the experience. (Cue drum-roll) Enter Slovenia! Above all else, wines like this represent the most pleasure for the dollar for those that enjoy the style.

Made from primarily a blend of Welschriesling and Furmint with a smattering of other grapes in the mix, the pale straw color and low abv on the label (12%) may at first indicate a thin or mild wine. The first aromas are no weak sauce however, with lots of apple and green grapes, a touch of orange flowers from the Muscat in the blend, and a hint of the 'natural yeast salinity. The palate is equally fresh and bright, surprisingly filling in the mouth with lots of grapeskin tannin and crisp apple tones on the finish to leave your mouth refreshed and quickly wanting another sip. Right out of the fridge, the zesty side of the wine is much more prominent, but as it warms more of the flowery subtle perfumes and juicy lime tones come out. This is a wine that will become a must-have in your fridge for impromptu mid-week meals and enjoying with friends.

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