We’re visiting the picturesque Bela Krajina tonight, where the Šuklje family has been driving the push for terroir identification and expression and leading the rise of quality of this smallest wine district of Slovenia.

Šuklje’s effort in bringing forth the best of the expressions they can produce has become evident in the last years. Luckily, I was one of the few invited to a special event, where they presented these expressions with their 2017 vintage.

You need to understand that Bela Krajina is specific, as it combines Subpanonian and Continental climates with Mediterranean influences. It accounts for more than 22 different types of soil. This makes her an ideal destination for wine adventurers as it offers a broad range of wines of different styles.

But let’s get back to the Šuklje family. They produce three lines of wines, the classic ones composed of three wines, the selection of terroir with two wines and the two single-vineyard wines carefully crafted from their best plots.

Today’s pick is their terroir selection Blaufränkisch, named Lodoma. It comes from two plots Lokvica and Doma (hint: Lo – Doma). They count between 13 to 20 springs now and are planted on a mixture of reddish-brown clay with smaller limestone proportions.

Bunches were handpicked in 15-kilogram crates, destemmed and crushed. After a 20 day maceration at controlled temperatures, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was then transferred to mature for 10 months in 2 and 3 years old barrique barrels. It was then bottled without filtration.

The result is a Blaufränkisch of a deep ruby red colour with a purple tinge.

Its aroma is accentuated, ripe cherries, raspberries, chokeberries, violets, cloves, anise, fern, herbs, and a light smoky aroma.

The taste is intense, soft, and feels warmer but refreshing, minerally tasty with silky tannins that pleasantly dry our mouth.

This medium to full-bodied Bläufrankish displays a decisive character, with an accentuated elegance and persistency. A wine of pleasant drinkability that will suit the palate of many.

If my description intrigued you, you could actually get it with a special 10 % discount at their online shop. Just make sure to use the promo code LODOMA10. The code expires on January 24^th.