2024 Rodica - Refosk Slovenska Istra (750ml)

Marinko Rodica, a car mechanic by trade, founded this winery in 1998, planting vines on hillside land above Koper that had sat abandoned for decades. Within ten years the family had grown the estate to roughly sixty thousand vines, earning organic certification for their grapes in 2008 and for the finished wine in 2012, the same year they completed a new, energy-efficient cellar. Today the Rodica family farms about fifteen hectares in the village of Truške, overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, planted mostly with the native Refošk and Malvasia alongside smaller plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Gris.

The vineyards sit at 250 to 350 meters on terraced, south-facing slopes just a few kilometers from the Adriatic, where limestone-rich soil and a complete absence of irrigation force the vines to dig deep for water, concentrating the fruit. After destemming, the grapes macerate on their skins and pulp for up to eight days as spontaneous fermentation begins, followed by time in both oak and stainless steel before bottling roughly a year and a half after harvest.

The wine shows a deep ruby color with violet highlights, layered with warming spice, cracked pepper, and brambly dark fruit, backed by a touch of savory, gamey character that opens with air. Medium-bodied and earthy, it pairs beautifully with Istrian cured meats like pancetta or prosciutto, grilled meats, or tomato-based dishes.