Gabernik 23, ‘Pikola’ White Piquette NV

• producer: Gabernik 23
• region: Podravje
• subregion: Štajerska
• country: SVN
• grape variety: riesling, yellow muscat, rizvanec, muskat ottonel
• production notes: dry farmed, vegan
  

Gabernik 23 is a small family-owned winery in Štajerska, Slovenia. Janko Bogatic started working alongside his father in the vineyard when he was 10. He took an interest in dairy farming, but was forced to return to the family property to manage the vineyards after the sudden passing of his father. 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 rotburger (zweigelt). 

From the winemaker: Tangy, tart, and refreshing. There are hints of coriander and nutmeg with fresh, white floral notes. Anise and fennel follow on the palate.