Zelen

Zelen, a considered an old and indigenous white variety from Vipavska Dolina in the Primorska region in south-west Slovenia but recent DNA profiling ha shown that Zelen is a heterogeneous group consisting of three or more distinct varieties.

Zelen produces white wines with a yellowish-green colour. The wines typically have a high acidity and feature aromas of exotic fruits and white flowers. The taste profile is usually characterised by notes of green apples, citrus fruits and white pepper that are balanced with a pleasant minerality.

Zelen is mainly grown in Slovenia, where it is widely used in the production of white wines. The vine is vigorous and requires a long growing season for optimal ripening. Zelen is a mid to late-ripening variety, so winemakers need to be aware of the risks of fungal diseases. Wines aqre light, crisp, and grassy and produced exclusively in Vipavska Dolina in south west Slovenia. The main characteristic of Zelen wines is their high acidity. In Slovenia, they can be found in dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet styles. Zelen's high acidity makes it a great food wine. It pairs well with light fish dishes, such as grilled sole or steamed mussels. It also goes well with salads, chicken dishes and white sauces.

The name "Zelen" comes from the Slovenian word for "green", which is a reference to the colour of the wines it produces.