There are wines you analyze with notebooks and serious faces, and then there are wines that simply make you smile the moment you pull the cork. The Pomalo Wine Co. Frankovka Rosé 2025 from Slavonia, Croatia, is gloriously, unapologetically the latter.
I spotted this bottle in the rosé section, and its vibrant watercolor label immediately drew me in: a cheerful couple by a VW bus, dramatic pink-purple rocks and sunset skies that feel like pure summer joy. “Pom Alo” in that bold circle? It’s playful, artistic, and exactly what this wine promises. One sip, and I was transported to that carefree “pomalo” state of mind.
What Does “Pomalo” Even Mean?
In Dalmatia, pomalo is more than a word—it’s a philosophy. Loosely translated as “take it easy,” “slow down,” “no stress, no worries,” it captures the laid-back coastal and island lifestyle. Think long meals with friends, barefoot evenings, and savoring the moment. “Fjakas” (those blissful hours of doing absolutely nothing) in liquid form.
Pomalo Wine Co. was born from this spirit. It’s a beautiful collaboration between the Begović cousins—two winemakers from different worlds (one from the mountains of northeastern Slovenia, the other along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast) who discovered they were long-lost family from the village of Kozice. Teaming up with importer Vinum, they set out to create accessible, joyful Croatian wines that celebrate indigenous grapes, fresh expressions, and pure fun. No pretension permitted.
“Wine has become a bit too elite,” one of the partners has said. “Wine is made to drink, to refresh, to have fun.” Amen to that.
Discovering Slavonia Through a Glass
While Croatia’s Dalmatian coast gets all the glamorous attention, Slavonia (Slavonija) in the continental east quietly produces some of the country’s most compelling wines. This is Croatia’s largest wine region—vast Pannonian Basin landscapes with rolling hills, river influences, and a true continental climate of hot summers and cold winters.
The vines for this rosé come from the Srednjak/Feričanci area, where southwest-facing slopes and pseudogley soils (heavy clay with humus) help Frankovka develop bright acidity and lovely aromatics. It’s a region famous for crisp whites like Graševina, but Frankovka is having its moment here too—proving Slavonia knows how to party just as well as the coast.
The Grape & the Craft
Frankovka is Croatia’s name for the beloved Blaufränkisch—that spicy, high-acid red grape that shines across Central Europe. In rosé form, it delivers pure summer magic: vibrant red berries without heaviness.
The winemaking stays true to the pomalo ethos—minimal intervention, maximum enjoyment:
- Hand-picked grapes
- Gentle direct press with minimal skin contact for that pale, refreshing style
- Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts
- Time on fine lees in stainless steel for texture and brightness
- Light sulfur and minimal filtration
The result? An 11.5% ABV beauty that feels alive and effortless. No oak, no fuss—just pure fruit and energy.
Tasting Notes: Summer in a Glass
Pour yourself a chilled glass and watch that pale salmon-pink hue catch the light.
On the nose: bursts of fresh strawberries and raspberries, which peach and watermelon, delicate floral notes, a whisper of pink grapefruit zest. It’s inviting and sunny.
On the palate: bright, vibrant, and effortlessly pleasing. Juicy red berries dance with crisp acidity and a clean mineral finish. There’s a touch of watermelon rind or subtle spice that keeps it interesting. Dry, light-to-medium bodied, and supremely drinkable.
This is the wine for doing absolutely nothing… besides enjoying every sip. It’s the kind of rosé that disappears quickly (in the best way) and leaves you reaching for another bottle.
Perfect Pairings for Lazy Days
This rosé loves simple pleasures elevated. Think:
- Grilled seafood or vegetables with herbs and lemon
- Charcuterie boards with prosciutto, fresh cheeses, and olives
- Spicy Asian-inspired salads or Croatian-inspired smoked meats
- Or my go-to “lazy” style: roasted chicken with paprika, served with a big green salad
It’s versatile enough for picnics, sunset aperitifs, or casual weeknight dinners. Pair it with good company and zero agenda.