Vinakoper – Refošk, 2013

Time to look at a true king tonight. Refosco, a black grape that found its kingdom in Istria. We’re at Vinakoper having a taste of their Capo d’Istria Refošk. A deep, extractive wine, marked by extensive oak maturation and bottle ageing.

A true nobility, as it can boast with numerous national and foreign recognitions. The grapes were hand-harvested in early October. After destemming and crushing, the mash macerates for eighteen days at controlled temperatures before a gentle pressing. The wine is then racked in large oak barrels just to undergo malolactic fermentation and is then moved in barrique barrels, where it matures for two years. After bottling it waits patiently in the cellar for at least six years prior to its release.

What a Refosco! Deep ruby red colour and dense texture leaving its mark in the glass. The walls remain stained for a lasting time, with tears slipping slowly down the walls.

A wine of intense, ripe aromas. We perceive blackberries, mulberry, black cherry, black olives, also prune violet petals. Finally hints of musk, leather, coffee, roasted nuts, wild mint, cloves, liquorice and mineral notes reminiscent of kerosene appear.

A dry wine with pronounced softness, well-integrated alcohols, accentuated freshness and grippy tannins, that all in all still works youthfully. With a vigorous body and accentuated elegance, emphasizing mature fruit flavours, notes of smoke, liquorice, black pepper, coffee and cedar.

A wine of noble character with a very lasting taste. As if time hasn’t touched it! And if you ask about the ageing potential, ten years by minimum.

A bottle will cost you 19,99 Eur and you can order it straight at their website.