2025 Kobal - Pinot Grigio Ramato (750ml)

Kobal Wines is the project of founder and winemaker Bojan Kobal, who grew up on his family's farm in Posavje during the Yugoslav era, watching his father craft small batches of Blaufränkisch when only simple household wine production was permitted. Once Slovenia gained independence, Bojan pursued formal winemaking studies and eventually became head winemaker at Ptujska Klet, Slovenia's oldest winery, where he pioneered subtle skin-contact techniques and helped create the celebrated Ramato Sivi Pinot style. He later established his own winery in the heart of Haloze.

Kobal's vineyards sit in the dramatic hills of Slovenia's Štajerska region, in the Haloze sub-region, often called the "land of a thousand hills," where viticulture has continued for nearly 2,000 years since Roman times. The extremely steep, terraced vineyards climb slopes as steep as 45 degrees, and cool evening winds combined with rich marl limestone soils create a terroir that balances freshness and aromatics with real depth and concentration.

This Pinot Grigio is made from perfectly ripe grapes using both traditional and modern cellar techniques: part barrel fermented with no added yeast to preserve local terroir, part cold fermented for varietal character and freshness. Extended 36-hour skin maceration and lees aging give the wine its depth, structure, and signature salmon-pink color, with a small portion aged briefly in used oak for added elegance.

The bouquet is reminiscent of ripe pear, red apple, flowers, melon, and tropical fruit. Pleasant acidity and minerality on the palate lead into a discreet, creamy aftertaste typical of wines matured on the lees.

Pair with chicken cutlets, salad, or pasta dishes.