Dorcha Carbonic Frankinja
Winery: Dorcha
Classification: Dry red wine
Varietals: 100% Blaufränkisch
Appellation: Ritoznoj, Lower Styria (Štajerska), Slovenia
Density & Yield: 5,000 vines/ha; 2 kg/vine
Annual Production: 5,300 bottles
Alcohol: 11.0%
Climate: Continental, with dry and hot summers, and snowy winters
Terrain: Soils made up of marl, sand and clay to varying degrees. Altitude between 300-400m above sea level.
Farming: No irrigation. No herbicide. Environmentally friendly and sustainable viticulture, with respect for the land.
Vinification: Handpicked. Whole bunches filled directly into tank. Tank filled with carbon dioxide gas and sealed. Pressed off skins after 32 days, last 15% of fermentation finished in tank.
Tasting Notes: The Dorcha labels represent the key natural variables for making minimal intervention wine, with this expression of Frankinja (Blaufrankisch) being an ode to the climate and weather that drives the life of the vine and grapes on any given vintage.
Given its cool climate, Štajerska reds tend to be bright, crunchy and light in body. Inspired by some of the drinkable styles from Beaujolais, Izidor is one of the first in this region to produce Modra Frankinja utilizing carbonic maceration; the result is a very exciting style.
Ruby in color and popping off with aromas of ripe red fruits, white pepper and a subtle rustic quality. The palate is fresh while packed with ripe aromatic strawberry and plum, with well-balanced acidity. A silky midpalate structure opens to pleasing spice, with fun tannins and a tart finish. This is one that Izidor frequently drinks along with his house cured meats and wild foraged mushroom soup.
Winery Information
Dorcha
Located in Ritoznoj in Štajerska, Dorcha is the brainchild of Izidor (Dorcha) Vehovar. He is the 3rd generation of his family to continue the path of viticulture and winemaking, and is intent on a new direction, a friendlier path. A farmer without a conventional view of wine production, a winemaker who is following the local tradition of producing pure, vibrant wines.