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Gabernik 23

2020

Zweigelt

Štajerska - Slovenia
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Dr. Fritz Zweigelt was onto something when he crossed Blaufränkisch with Saint-Laurent to create Rotburger, now called Zweigelt after its founder.  Even further down the genetic line one finds that Zweigelt is a grandchild of Gouais Blanc and Pinot, arguably the two most important and influential varieties in the Western European world.  So why is more Zweigelt not being consumed?  Because there still isn’t much planted outside of Austria.  Just over the border within the greater Styrian region lies The Gabernik vineyard and it was vital that a sizable portion of the site was planted to red varieties.  Zweigelt can produce a powerful and intense wine, so long as yields are kept in check as they can get quite out of control without careful farming.

The fruit was hand-harvested and destemmed without crushing, keeping as many of the berries intact as possible.  The berries were placed in small, plastic fermenters and fermented open-top without any manipulations other than keeping the cap wet with gentle pumpovers.  Fermentation finished in roughly three weeks and the lots were pressed to tank where the wine settled naturally before being racked to old French barriques for maturation.  Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally and the barrels were lightly sulfured post-ML.  Two months later it was racked to tank and bottled without fining or filtration and just another small addition of sulfur.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Zweigelt
  • Vineyard: Devina Vineyard
  • Vine Age: 17-years-old
  • Soil Type: Grey marl
  • Viticulture: Sustainable – dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – open-top plastic fermenters (100% whole-berry)
  • Skin Contact: 17-22 days
  • Aging: 11 months in neutral 228L French barriques
  • Alcohol: 11.5%
  • pH: 3.57
  • Total Acidity: 4.95 g/L
  • Total SO2: 72 ppm
  • Total Production: 316 cases
  • UPC: 3830071120072

Tasting Note

Dark cherry.  Aromas of sour cherry, black pepper, with a fresh brioche note and blackberries emerging.  The palate is silky with a roundness that leads to a more medium-bodied texture than the eyes would lead.  It is lush and concentrated without being heave, with spicy and charming black berry notes continuing.  There is a freshness to this wine that leads to a slightly crunchy finish.

Press & Reviews

The Wine Front

91

"I’ve dug these wines from this journeyman winemaker in Slovenia. Here’s a zweigelt, styled au naturale, for your drinking pleasure. Gabernik sounds like the name of a dog sent to space.

Chalky and sappy, sour cherry orientated with some game meat notes, fennel, roast capsicum, paprika, doing a lot here and feeling mighty original. Has nice, slurpy texture, a little herbal tang builds to a significant piquancy to finish, but feels decent in the mode of the wine. Savoury red, but fresh too. It’s got a vibe" - Mike Bennie

Producer


Gabernik 23

Region


Štajerska

Country


Slovenia

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