Skin Contact Pinot Gris (Matic Wines) (Matic Skin Contact Pinot Gris) 2024 [Slovenia / Orange / Natural]

■ Appearance: An astonishingly soft copper, or salmon pink, hue naturally extracted from the skin of the Pinot Gris grapes.

■ Aroma: Elegant and rich. Layers of wild strawberry, rosehip, and crisp red apple, intertwined with refreshing green notes of geranium and a hint of wild honey.

■ Palate: Refreshingly dry with mineral undertones. A pleasant richness of acidity and a soft tannic grip. Notes of lemon peel and orchard fruits lead to a long finish of dried orange peel and spice.

Historic Styria region near the Austrian border

Matic Wines is led by Matija Žerjav (nickname: Matic). Operating from a historic cellar established in 1852, Matic employs an advanced, chemical-free approach. Valuing natural harmony and the heritage of ancient vines, he crafts honest, expressive, and "pure" wines.

Pinot Gris is a mutation of Pinot Noir, characterized by its pink skin. The cool climate of northeastern Slovenia provides an ideal environment for this variety. While typically used for simple white wines, Matic utilizes skin maceration to extract hidden tannins, deeper hues, and complex berry aromas. Grapes are sustainably farmed and hand-harvested. The juice remains in contact with the skins for 18 days to achieve its distinctive copper color. After natural fermentation with wild yeasts, it is aged for six months sur lie (on lees) in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness, then bottled unfiltered.

Recommended perfect matches for this wine:

• ■ Roasted chicken or duck: The soft tannins and red fruit notes perfectly complement the rich fat of poultry.
• ■ Spicy Southeast Asian dishes: The vibrant acidity and stone fruit profile beautifully temper the spiciness of curries like laksa or green curry.
• ■ Grilled octopus or salmon: The mineral finish and citrus flavors add a refreshing zest, similar to squeezing lemon over fresh charcoal-grilled seafood.

Serving temperature: 10℃〜12℃ (50°F〜54°F) (Enjoy its true richness at this temperature range)

Styria (Slovenian Styria)
A steep, undulating hilly region where the coolness of the Alps harmonizes with the warmth of the Pannonian Plain. Soils rich in marl and clay give the wine a unique mineral structure, while cool nights preserve the vibrant acidity essential for the quality of Pinot Gris.