Rodica 'Col Fondo' Malvazija Istria 2022

Marinko Rodica is a jack of all trades, arguably mastering a few along the way. A car mechanic by trade, he decided in 1998 to trade his tools in for a different set and began a new life as a winemaker. Fast forward 10 years to 2008, and Rodica family winery had 60,000 vines and was certified organic. Four years later, the environmentally friendly and energy efficient wine cellar would be completed and by present day, the estate amassed 15 hectares of vineyards, mostly planted to malvasia and refošk. This malvasia is hand-harvested and macerated for a day followed by spontaneous fermentation and 6 months in used acacia barrels, followed by another 6 months in stainless steel. Next harvest, unfermented malvasia juice is added to the wine and kicks off secondary fermentation. The wine is then bottled immediately with crown caps, and natural secondary fermentation continues in bottle. Undisgorged, a la ‘col fondo,’  the wine balances its dank backbone with florality and freshness. Layered and complex, but entirely quaffable and easygoing if you don’t care to overthink it. Perfect for beer drinkers who are wine-curious as well as the seasoned pet-nat connoisseur. Pair with appetizers and opening remarks, or use as a candied lemon peel garnish on an olive oil cake for dessert. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.