Offshoot Modra Frankinja

Slovenia winemaking dates back to before Roman times, before vines were planted in Western Europe (France, Spain and Germany) by the Celts and Illyrian tribes. This particular wine is from the Štajerska, Podravska region located in the northern most part of Slovenia, eastern borders of Croatia and Hungary. There are 3 main wine regions in Slovenia: Podravska, Posavska and Primorska. Podravska is the largest of the 3 regions and is known for high quality, elegant wines. This region produces approximately 97% dry white wines. It is also known for producing world class ice wines and sparkling wines. This region is broken down into 2 subregions, Prekmurje and Štajerska which are then further broken down into 7 smaller districts. The Podravska varietals have a strong German influence, predominantly growing Riesling (a.k.a. aški rizling and Renski rizling), Traminec (Gewurztraminer), Sauvignon and Šipon. The region is very steep and hilly (manual hand harvesting a necessity) and opoka soil create a rich minerality in the wines. Over the last few decades wineries and winemakers have been investing in modernization of winemaking facilities, renovated tasting facilities and traded quantity for high quality wines.

Heaps Good Wine Company is all about respecting the land, sustainability and making lower yields that reflect the varietal, to create beautifully crafted, quality wines. HGW Company makes Pinot Noir (Modra Pinot), Blaufränkisch (Modra Frankinja), Chardonnay, Pinot Gris (Sivi Pinot), This particular wine, Offshoot Modra Frankinja is a Pétillant Naturel, made in the Méthode Ancestrale, which is an unfiltered, natural sparkling wine. The grape Blaufränkisch is a cross of Gouais Blanc and Blue Zimmertraube. This wine has aromas of blackberry, black cherry, bread dough and yeast. The palate is dry, medium acid and alcohol, low tannins and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, currant, bramble, allspice, yeast, bread dough, and pepper.

This wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, grilled sausages, potato dumplings, beef goulash with buttered noodles and chicken paprika.

My video review is available on Instagram: Offshoot Modra Frankinja

Image Courtesy of Think Slovenia