Kobal Bajta Belo
Winery: Kobal
Classification: Dry skin contact white wine
Varietals: Laški Riesling (Welschreisling), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Haloze Hills, Lower Styria (Štajerska), Slovenia
Density & Yield: 5,000 vines/ha; 1 kg/vine
Annual Production: 4,000 bottles
Alcohol: 13%
Climate: Continental, with dry and hot summers, and snowy winters
Terrain: The terrain of the entire Štajerska region is made up of steep-sloped vineyards and narrow, wind-rich hill valleys. A diverse geological soil composition, consisting mainly of sand and clay with marl in the lower layers. The vineyards spread out over the finest winegrowing sites of Haloze Hills.
Farming: Organic farming; in conversion to certification.
Vinification: Hand-picked grapes went through extended maceration and natural barrel fermentation. All varieties were fermented separately with no added yeasts and seeing 48 days of skin maceration. Matured on lees in used barrique barrels for 2 years. The final blend was made in a stainless steel tank and bottled without fining or filtering.
Tasting Notes: Cloudy and amber, Bajta Belo opens with Thanksgiving baking aromas – nutmeg, cinnamon and orange peel, but the palate is totally dry, with a tannic structure, chewy texture and a soft, relaxed finish. Serve it at 10C with mushroom dishes, casseroles, pork, chicken, turkey, pumpkin or squash soup and lobster mac and cheese.