Kobal White Label Šipon/Furmint, Dry

Winery: Kobal

Classification: Dry white wine 

Varietals: 100% Furmint 

Appellation: Haloze Hills, Lower Styria (Štajerska), Slovenia 

Density & Yield: 5,000 vines/ha; 1 kg/vine 

Annual Production: 10,000 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 wine-growing sites of Haloze Hills. 

Farming: Organic farming; in conversion to certified 

Vinification: The grapes of 35 year old vines were harvested manually. After a 24-hour skin maceration, the wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts under controlled cold fermentation between 16° C - 18° C in stainless steel (inox) tanks in order to preserve the varietal aromatics and characteristics. Following fermentation, both wines were matured for 6 months in stainless steel tanks on lees, blended and coarsely fined and filtered before bottling. 

Tasting Notes: Making this Furmint preserving the freshness while using indigenous yeasts allows the winemaker to express the varietal character as well as the terroir of the vineyards. Furmint in particular reveals the tremendous minerality of Haloze marl-rich vineyards. The bouquet is reminiscent of herbs, white flowers and tropical fruits. 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 light fish dishes, grilled and steamed vegetables, charcuterie, young cheeses, pasta with white wine sauce, chicken and turkey.