You know what, I’ll have a sip of some uncommon grape variety today. Črna rebula, or Pokalca, or Schioppettino is an interesting variety that has fallen out of the radar in past times due to its tendency of berries to crack when mature. Hence the name Pokalca or Schippettino which stands literally for “to-crack”.

The Erzetič family from the village of Višnjevik is one of the few in Brda that vinifies this variety in its purity. They are also a certified organic farm as avid advocates of coexistence with nature. Vineyards of Črna rebula were planted in 2012 on the south-facing terraces in upper Brda. The soil mainly consisting of Eocene flysch. All of this to prevent excessive water supplies to grapes.

This Črna rebula was hand-harvested at the beginning of October. It then conducted a 3-week maceration and was laid to refine after a gentle pressing. Half of it in big used barrels and half of it in barriques for 12 months.

The result is a wine that might appear unconventional at first sight, but still offers a unique view into a variety and adds differentiation to winelists. Plus, it will please those looking for something new, something forgotten to please their curiosity.

It is a transparent, ruby red coloured wine with dense texture seen by tears slowly dripping on the walls of the glass.

The nose is an interviewing of fruit and smoke. With black cherry, mulberry, blackberry, violets, black pepper, fern, hummus, oak bark, leather, cloves and notes of smoke.

On the palate freshness and tannins stand to the foreground, with perceivable, warming softness. It displays a medium body with an intense and elegant taste of medium persistency, with a spicy finish.

Characteristics that will make it a great companion for pasta dishes with reach sauces, lasagna or pizza. Gosh, just thinking of it makes me salivate.