The Rodica Family Organic Winery is located in the heart of Slovenian Istria, in the village of Truške near Marezige above Koper. The wine cellar lies on top of a hill overlooking the sea of the Gulf of Trieste and the unspoiled nature of the Dragonja River. The vineyards are spread on the southern slopes of the Istrian hills at an altitude of 250 to 350 m. We cultivate 60,000 vines on 15 hectares, planted mainly with indigenous varieties of Refosco, Malvasia, and Yellow Muscat, as well as others, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Gris.

We believe that quality has roots in the vineyard. The lands on which we have planted our vines were abandoned and overgrown for the past 50 years. There has never been the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Planted in poor, shallow soil, the vines grow modestly. On this airy terrain, sunlit throughout the day, vine diseases can be treated and controlled without synthetic substances. By showing great respect for nature, thus, we grow great-tasting, healthful grapes from which we produce healthful and strong wines that reflect the character of our wine-growing district.

-From the producer

Vinification: 50% of the wine was naturally fermented on the skins for 3 days in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal aromas, followed by 6 months of aging in 2,500L acacia barrels. While the other 50% of the wine was naturally fermented on the skins for 20 days in open vats to get more secondary notes, followed by aging for 2 and a half years in used French barrique barrels. Bottled unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: This is an orange wine that combines the structure and complexity of a skin contact white with friendly and inviting aromatics. Those who like musky oxidative qualities of orange wine will certainly find them here. But there is also plenty of fruit aromas of white flowers, peach cobbler and baked apples. The palate is only slightly tannic thus making this wine quite approachable and versatile with food.

Serve it slightly chilled (not as cold as white wine normally).

-Vinum