Kobal Pinot Grigio
Winery: Kobal
Classification: Dry white wine
Varietals: 100% Pinot Grigio
Appellation: Haloze Hills, Lower Styria (Štajerska), Slovenia
Density & Yield: 5,000 vines/ha; 1 kg/vine
Annual Production: 10,000 bottles
Alcohol: 13.5%
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 wine-growing sites of Haloze Hills.
Farming: Organic farming, in conversion to certified.
Vinification: Kobal Pinot Gris is made from perfectly ripe grapes shaped by both old school and modern technological approaches in the cellar. Some of the wine is barrel fermented with no added yeast to preserve local terroir, and some is cold-fermented for varietal character and freshness. Extended 36 hour skin maceration and lees ageing are responsible for the wine’s depth, structure and salmon-pink color. Following fermentation, the wine was blended and matured for 6 months in stainless steel tanks on lees. 5% of the wine was matured in used 225l oak barrels for 1 month, which gives it a touch of elegance and sophistication. Wine was coarsely fined and filtered before bottling.
Tasting Notes: The bouquet is reminiscent of ripe pear, red apple, flowers, melon and tropical fruit. Pleasant acidity and minerality on the palate are followed by the discreet creamy aftertaste that is typical of wines matured on lees.
This is a wine for drinking within 2 years of bottling. Serve it chilled with grilled vegetables, charcuterie, young cheeses, pasta with white wine sauce, chicken, pork or veal.