2024 Kobal - Furmint Podravje Sipon (750ml)

Kobal is a family wine estate in Slovenia's Podravje region, in the Stajerska subzone that borders Austria's Steiermark and lies close to Hungary. The estate is known for pursuing both traditional Slovenian winemaking and more experimental styles, and it has built a reputation for skin-contact whites that showcase the character of the region's grapes rather than smoothing them into something more conventional.

This wine is made from Furmint, known locally as Sipon, the same grape behind Hungary's sweet Tokaji wines and here vinified fully dry. The vineyards sit on rolling hillsides that echo the landscape just across the border, and Kobal ferments the grape with some skin contact, a hallmark of Slovenian white winemaking that adds texture and spice beyond what a conventionally pressed white would show.

The wine pours a light straw to pale gold color, with an exuberant nose of acacia blossom, wildflowers, and baking spice, joined by notes of pear and orchard fruit. The palate is zippy and mineral driven, carrying bright acidity through to a refreshing, slightly spicy finish. It pairs nicely with shellfish, lean fish, roast poultry, or mild and soft cheeses.