Gabernik 23 - Red Piquette (2020)
The focus of the Gabernik ‘pikolas’ (or piquettes) is to make that perfect summer/post-harvest thirst-quenching drink. One that is low in alcohol but carries just enough to make things interesting! This pikola is literal by-product of the Gabernik rosé, however there is more attention to detail than just that. In making a pikola, Nick feels that nailing the cleanest fermenting conditions is paramount to a precise and expressive drink. He is also focused on finding that perfect amount of additional fermenting juice to carry the ferment through is the tipping point of the ‘wine’ being too much or too little.
Nick took the pressed skins of the red blend he produces, which includes Zweigelt, Pinot Noir and a bit of Riesling, then added a bit of water back to the pressings to extract any remaining sugar. The water-laced must began to ferment naturally and after nine days was pressed to tank. He then blended 1/2 of the total volume of fermented juice with unfermented juice to continue the fermentation. When the ferment approached the final stretch it the wine was bottled to finish the fermentation in bottle, giving the brilliant light- sparkling nature of the concoction.
- About the Winemaker
- Tasting Notes
- Pairings
Gabernik 23 is a small family-owned winery in Štajerska, Slovenia. Janko Bogatic started working alongside his father in his family’s vineyards at the age of ten. While he seemed destined for a career in dairy farming, at 18 Janko was forced to return to the family property to manage the vineyards after the sudden passing of his father. Now, almost 30 years later, Janko is farming 9 hectares of vineyards situated on the slopes around Ritoznoj in the foothills of the Pohorje range.
While some of the grapes are sold to another local winemaker, Janko began bottling his own wines under the Gabernik 23 label in 2018. There are many varieties planted in the Gabernik 23 vineyards, but the focus is on the less fashionable varieties, like Yellow Muscat and Zweigelt. The aim is to show that with a little love and respect these grapes can produce some stunning wines.
Aromas of mulled plum wine leaps from the glass with briary raspberries. There is a refreshing herbaceousness to the intense but elegant palate. Ripe plum and black raspberry flavors are held in check by the repeating herbal tone, with a touch of a wet rock thing. There’s a peppery spiciness leading to a precise finish.
Friends, Sunshine, The Park
About the Winemaker
Gabernik 23 is a small family-owned winery in Štajerska, Slovenia. Janko Bogatic started working alongside his father in his family’s vineyards at the age of ten. While he seemed destined for a career in dairy farming, at 18 Janko was forced to return to the family property to manage the vineyards after the sudden passing of his father. Now, almost 30 years later, Janko is farming 9 hectares of vineyards situated on the slopes around Ritoznoj in the foothills of the Pohorje range.
While some of the grapes are sold to another local winemaker, Janko began bottling his own wines under the Gabernik 23 label in 2018. There are many varieties planted in the Gabernik 23 vineyards, but the focus is on the less fashionable varieties, like Yellow Muscat and Zweigelt. The aim is to show that with a little love and respect these grapes can produce some stunning wines.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of mulled plum wine leaps from the glass with briary raspberries. There is a refreshing herbaceousness to the intense but elegant palate. Ripe plum and black raspberry flavors are held in check by the repeating herbal tone, with a touch of a wet rock thing. There’s a peppery spiciness leading to a precise finish.
Pairings
Friends, Sunshine, The Park