Šipon Furmint 2023, Matic Wines

On the nose, this lands in a very pretty place between brisk and generous. Lemon zest and lime lead the way, followed by yellow apple, pear, and a touch of stone fruit. With air, it starts to show a little more personality—meadow herbs, a faint tropical lift, and that cool, slightly stony edge that keeps everything from becoming too plush. There is nothing loud or overdone here. It smells awake.

On the palate, the wine is dry, energetic, and driven by bright acidity—the sort that makes Šipon worth paying attention to in the first place. Citrus and orchard fruit stay at the center, with hints of nectarine, pineapple, and a subtle savory-mineral line underneath. The texture is lean to medium-bodied, but not thin; it has enough substance to handle food while still finishing crisp and mouthwatering. A very convincing argument for Slovenia, and for Furmint outside Hungary.

About the Winery

In the rolling hills of Slovenia's Štajerska region lies Matic Wines, a testament to the country's rich viticultural heritage. Slovenia's winemaking traditions date back to the 5th century BCE, when Celtic and Illyrian tribes first cultivated grapevines. Over the centuries, these practices evolved, influenced by Roman expansion and monastic diligence during the Middle Ages. Today, Slovenia boasts over 28,000 wineries, producing a diverse array of wines that reflect its varied terroirs.

Matic Wines is the passion project of Matija Žerjav, affectionately known as Matic. Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Matic farms nine hectares of old, organic family vineyards, with a cellar dating back to 1852. His approach to winemaking is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through.

The Štajerska region, located in the extreme northeast of Slovenia near the borders with Austria and Hungary, is renowned for its white wines. The vineyards benefit from a continental climate, with hot summers and cold, dry winters, and are often situated on steep, terraced slopes that encourage manual harvesting. This unique terroir imparts a distinct minerality and freshness to the wines.

Matic Wines produces a variety of wines from both local and international grape varieties, including Šipon, Kerner, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Matic experiments with wild yeast and spontaneous fermentation, creating wines that are a true expression of the Štajerska terroir.

Through his dedication to organic farming and natural winemaking, Matic Žerjav has established Matic Wines as a beacon of Slovenia's rich winemaking history and its promising future.