Ex Vero I S 2021 by Werlitsch is a natural wine made in Styria with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This S series features a tiny amount of residual sugar.
Werlitsch's Ex-Vero are rather legendary in the finer world of natural wine.
Composed of Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay (known locally in the Steiermark region, aka Styria, as 'Morillon'), the Ex Vero range is divided into regions on the Werlitsch slopes. Ex Vero I is taken from the lower slopes, Ex Vero II from the middle vineyards and Ex Vero III from the uppermost, featuring rougher and more rocky Opok soils.
The Ex Vero I S harvested in 2021 presents a higher proportion of Morillon compared to Sauvignon Blanc. The Ex Vero I S grapes grow about 300m above the sea level on Opok soil, a fine-grained, calcareous marl and silt typically found in the steep Styrian vineyards. The result of the selected grapes from the heavier and more fertile soil on the lower slopes is a beautifully bright and clear white blend with unripe stone fruit notes and a nice herbal touch!
Whilst we haven't tried the 2021 vintage of Ex Vero I S yet, we hear it presents yellow apple and green pear notes, tea and herbal but also lemon zest and a little cucumber; you will likely find a bright acidity and saltiness at the palate, with a slight yeasty touch. It's likely perfect to be paired with fish or poultry or some spicy asian food.
A difficult fermentation led to the producer's decision - after a long period of the wine aging on lees - of bottling with a few grams of residual sugar, that perfectly balances the bright acidity of the wine!
Brigitte and Ewald Tscheppe from Werlitsch, together with Styrian wine producers Taus, Tscheppe, Muster and Strohmeier, belong to the ‘Schmecke das Leben’ (‘Taste life’) group.
Their philosophy is about protecting the land, and making authentic and expressive natural wines that stay honest to their roots. It’s an invitation to slow down, share a glass, and truly enjoy the moment!
