Dorcha Carbonic Frankinja 2023

The vibe: Frankinja! Possibly an even cooler-sounding version of the grape varietal Blaufränkisch, also known as Frankovka in Czech or Franconia in Italy. Lots of fun names for the same funky grape, choose your favorite! It’s one of our favorite varietals for its light to medium bodied, earthy, blue-fruited demeanor and a bright and sometimes racy acidity. This one has the carbonic treatment, akin to a Beaujolais. Read more in the geeky details below but basically, the grapes do what the label depicts. Fermentation begins within each individual grape before bursting at a certain level of alcohol. Speaking of alcohol, this one is low at right around 11%. Throw it in the fridge for a bit and try not to glug it all in one sitting. Or do. You do you, boo.

The winemaker: Located in Ritoznoj in Štajerska, Dorcha is the brainchild of Izidor (Dorcha) Vehovar. He is the 3rd generation of his family to continue the path of viticulture and winemaking, and is intent on a new direction, a friendlier path. A farmer without a conventional view of wine production, a winemaker who is following the local tradition of producing pure, vibrant wines. Gaining from some fresh perspective from his relatively-new neighbor in the village (Nick Gee, Heaps Good Wine Co.), he is now adding to his family's tradition by making exciting wines made naturally with a modern twist. Farming is done with the greatest respect for the land, with entirely sustainable viticulture, and all under Slovenia’s strict integrative farming requirements, with no use of pesticides or herbicides in the vineyards.

The geeky details: Handpicked. Whole bunches filled directly into tank. Tank filled with carbon dioxide gas and sealed. Pressed off skins after 32 days, last 15% of fermentation finished in tank.

Serve: With a light chill.

Food pairing: BBQ wine! Anything smoked, seared or grilled would pair up real nice with this crushable chiller. Sliding scale though - you could ratchet up the fancy or dial it down. Treat this wine like a vibe enhancer. What’s the vibe? You decide!

Album pairing: L’Eclair - Cloud Drifter