Kobal – Modra frankinja Luna, 2016

We’re heading back to the district of Bizeljsko – Sremič to look at the result of optimal growing conditions for Blaufränkisch and meticulous vinification methods. We’re returning to the Kobal family to look at their selection of Blaufränkisch, which we find under the line Luna.

Grapes for this Blaufränkisch have been hand-harvested in the vineyard situated near the village of Trnovec, at an altitude between 360 and 380 meters above sea level, on a mixture of silica sand and clay, with vines aged around 15 years.

The year 2016 was marked by a sunny and dry Autumn, with the right amount of warmth to allow optimal maturation of grapes picked in October. After destemming and crushing, the mash fermented for twenty-one days, with punch-downs, at controlled temperatures.

The grape mash was then gently pressed, and the wine decanted in three new Taransaud barrels of 600 litres – a combination of low, medium and plus toast, for thirty months. Speaking with Janko, he’s keen on pointing out: “It was such a vintage we needed to try.” – and this is where his bravery serves as an advantage.

Blaufränkisch Luna presents with a deep ruby red colour and thick texture.

Intense and alluring aromas evoke blackberries, blackcurrant, chokeberries, hibiscus, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, carob, incense and graphite.

The taste feels soft, with an oily texture. It refreshes us and caresses us with silky tannins. An elegant wine of balance. It displays a full body with a bright, lasting persistency.

It clearly shows the warmth of the vintage, and the ripeness of grapes, that speak of a wine of longevity that will keep on pleasing for the next five to seven years.

A bottle will cost you approximately 25 Eur, and you can get it at vina Posavja, gostilna Repovž and Dobrote Posavja.