Gasper Cabernet Franc
Country: Slovenia Region: Goriška Brda
Varietal: Cabernet Franc Vintage: 2022
Category: Red Wine Style: Dry
Producer: Gasper Winemaker: Darinko Ribolica
Description:
Gašper is located in Goriška Brda, which makes up the two thirds of Collio stretching into Slovenia from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in north-eastern Italy. Goriška Brda has a climate ideally suited to viticulture, with its proximity to both the Adriatic Sea and the Alps providing dry, warm summers with cooling breezes during the crucial ripening period. The Gašper wine estate is a joint venture between a local cooperative and the Čarman family, who have
been in the wine and hospitality business for over 50 years. At the helm of the cellar is Darinko Ribolica, a respected oenologist from Goriška Brda. He uses Slovenia’s local varieties, deeply rooted in Germanic, Slavic and Roman cultural influences, to create wines
in a modern, fresh style.
Vineyards:
The Gašper vineyards are between 11 and 31 years old and characterised by ‘opoka’ marl soil and excellent sun exposure on terraced, hillside rows. There is also the benefit of altitude, ranging from 80-200 metres above sea level, which helps the grapes retain
acidity and aromatics. Vines are single Guyot trained and planted at a density of 4,000 to 5,000 per hectare. All picking is carried out by cooperative partners, family members and friends, which allows for a careful selection of fruit that enhances the quality of the final wine.
Vinification:
On arrival at the winery, the grapes spent eight days on skins before fermentation in 4,000-litre Slavonian oak casks at 16-20°C. The wine was then matured partly in 350-litre new French oak barrels, partly in Slovenian oak, and partly in stainless steel tanks for
18 months prior to blending and bottling.
Tasting Notes:
This wine has a rich and aromatic nose with perfumed notes of cherries, plum, blackberries, and black pepper. The palate is wonderfully smooth, with great red fruit character, ripe, supple tannins, and a long, consistent finish.
Food Pairings: Pairs well with meat dishes, especially steak and roasted lamb. It is a perfect choice for wine enthusiasts who appreciate strong and rich flavours.
