2025 Kobal - Furmint Podravje Sipon (750ml)

Bojan Kobal grew up on his family's farm in Posavje during the Yugoslav era, watching his father craft small batches of Blaufränkisch at a time when only simple household wine production was legal. Once Slovenia became independent, he pursued formal studies in winemaking and eventually became head winemaker at Ptujska Klet, the country's oldest winery, where he helped pioneer subtle skin-contact techniques for the region's white wines. He later struck out on his own, founding this winery in Haloze, a steeply terraced sub-region of Štajerska where vines have grown since Roman times and where marl-rich soils and cool evening winds shape a distinctly aromatic, mineral style.

This Šipon, the local name for Furmint, comes from Haloze's steep slopes, where vines average more than thirty-five years old in soils dominated by limestone-rich marl. The grapes undergo a short cold maceration of roughly one to three days to draw extra aromatics and texture from the skins, then ferment and rest on fine lees in stainless steel, with only a light dose of sulfur added at bottling to preserve the wine's freshness.

The wine shows a pale straw color with aromas of acacia blossom, wildflowers, and herbal spice. The palate is bright and zippy, driven by Furmint's characteristic acidity, and finishes with a touch of salinity. It's a natural match for lean fish, shellfish, or mild, soft cheeses.