GHOST RIDER - 2009 (Tocai Friulano, Rebula, Malvazija)
This strange and wonderful libation is a collaborative attempt between Kabaj and Black Lamb to rediscover the historical fashion of Goriska Brda wines. Most prominent among the local varieties are the white Tokaj (Sauvignonasse, Green Sauvignon, Friulano) and Rebula. The wine would have been vinified in old barrels. They likely harvested when the grapes were as ripe as possible. Maceration of white grapes has historically been practiced and without refrigerant technology the wines would have been much more oxidative. Ghost Rider was macerated with the skins 6 months maceration. 3 years in mostly 500l old oak. Some old barriques as well. Bottled in 2013. No sulfur. Honey, umami, earth, esoteric. The local white grapes of Brda have grown across the hills interplanted with the many other fruits that thrive in the region's ideal conditions for centuries or more. We know the wines were favored but we don't know much about what they tasted like. There are stories, and old memories, but trying to make wines like they would have is probably the best information. Most prominent among the varieties are Tokaj (Sauvignonasse, Green Sauvignon, Friulano) and Rebula. The wine would have been vinified in oak barrels, possibly chestnut or acacia which are also part of the local history, almost certainly they would be old barrels. They likely harvested when the grapes were as ripe as possible 6 months maceration. 3 years in mostly 500l old oak. Some old barriques as well.