Kabaj Rebula 2019

The Kabaj estate, nestled in the rolling hills of Goriška Brda, Slovenia, has been crafting some of the country’s most celebrated wines since the early 1990s. This unique region, marked by a temperate climate, consistently yields wines that are dry, balanced, and often shaped by skin contact during fermentation.

This particular bottling showcases Rebula, a native grape variety also recognized as Ribolla Gialla just over the border in Northern Italy. The grapes undergo a 30-day maceration on their skins, fermenting with indigenous yeasts. This process imparts a striking orange hue and a refined, moderate tannic structure. Following fermentation, the wine matures for two years in French oak barrels before resting for an additional six months in bottle.

Bright acidity enlivens the palate, complementing tangy fruit notes of canned peach and prickly pear, all culminating in a long, fresh finish with a subtle herbal lift. While some might be quick to classify it as an orange wine, this is a far cry from the trendy examples of today—its depth and refinement set it apart entirely.