This week we are partnering with Soroca Imports to showcase a few very unique wines. Soroca began with a focus on direct importing wines from Eastern Europe specifically Moldova. They have expanded and work with unique producers all throughout the world. We selected a few of their newer wines to showcase lesser known regions and varietals.
Grab your flight for $5!
Featured Wines:
1) Zvonko Bogdan “8 Guitar Players” White Blend 2019
Vojvodina, Serbia; $14.99
Sauvignon Blanc / Chardonnay / Pinot Blanc
A more traditional wine region than many would assume. During the Austro-Hungarian rule starting in the mid 1800’s wine became a major export, with records of it coming to the United States more than 150 years ago. In modern times there is an exploding wine industry and Zvonko Bogdan is helping to lead the charge. Decanter Magazine (Robert Parker) Wine Competition has only given four gold medals for Serbian wines and Zvonko Bogdan has received three of them.
The white blend we are sampling is another one I would just refer to as a “Porch-Pounder”. Similar to last weeks white, a high acid grape varietal, in this case Sauvignon Blanc (Gruner Veltliner last week), being blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc to soften it and add some fruit complexity. Citrus, peach, and white flowers. - Sample $1.50
2) Matic “Frankovka” Blaufrankisch 2020
Stajerska, Slovenia; $21.99
This is a style of red wine that is currently exploding in popularity. Light bodied reds, meant to be served extremely young, with a touch of a chill. Blaufrankisch has been referred to as “The Pinot Noir of the East”, and is grown heavily throughout Germany, Austria and Hungary. Its origins have actually been traced back to this part of northeastern Slovenia.
Matija Žerjav, nickname “Matic” runs this operation from start to finish. He farms his tiny 20 acre vineyard organically and prioritizes low intervention in all his wines. This wine sees no oak, is completely natural, and uses no sulfites or other preservatives. Boysenberry, cherry, cinnamon, and green peppercorn. This style is very food friendly, plays really well with char, so enjoy it next to your grill. - Sample $2.00
3) Bodega Bueyes “Retinto” Red Blend 2019
Mendoza, Argentina; $9.99
Malbec / Bonarda / Merlot
Owned and operated by the Bianchetti family, immigrating from Italy to Argentina in the early 1900s. They spent years as farmers and laborers until being able to purchase a small property and begin to plant their own vineyards. This is another unoaked style, but let soften and meld in tank for months after blending. Great complexity on the nose, showing lots of fruit, with hints of lavender and violets. An easy drinking red, medium bodied, with lots of cherry through the finish. - Sample $1.00
4) Vina Progreso Tannat 2018
Canelones, Uruguay; $16.99
This is a project of fourth generation winemaker, Gabriel Pisano. He spent years traveling the world and working alongside winemakers in California, Spain, and Chile before returning home to Uruguay. Due to climate change get used to seeing Tannat… It is one of the thickest skinned grape varietals, making it extremely temperature tolerant. Made famous in Uruguay, but now planted all throughout the world especially in hot areas like Central Valley California, Southern Italy and Australia.
Gabriel makes a very balanced style Tannat. Just a hint of oak to let the fruit shine a little brighter. Cherry, raspberry, with a touch of leather and earth. - Sample $1.50