Modra Frankinja, Ekološka kmetija Valentan 2020

Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay (known locally as Morillon) have been the region’s traditional calling cards for the past few decades. While of course well deserving, they’ve taken the spotlight away from grapes like Modra Frankinja. As the climate has been changing and the grape has garnered increased attention in nearby Austria and Hungary, it’s becoming something really special here. Grown in the Schlossberg vineyard not too far from the Riesling, it gets 20 days on the skins followed by 9 months aging on the lees in 500L oak barrels. It adheres to their later pick and ripe philosophy, but remains so elegant, fresh, spicy and effortless. It’s one of those wines that can be a big crowd pleaser but also capture someone deeply vested in this part of the wine world.