2021 Kobatl Rumble in the Jungle (Sauvignac)

Region: Styria < Austria

Grapes: Sauvignac 

Vineyard/cellar stats: organic farming, volcanic soils; macerated on the skins for a few days then gently pressed, spontaneous fermentation in neutral oak barrels, bottled unfined, unfiltered with no added sulfites, no temperature control; zero-zero; 12.5% ABV

Winemaker: Michael Kobatl

Kobatl is an organic garage winery, working with only fungus resilient grape varieties (PIWI) in the part of Austria with mineral-rich volcanic soils on a 3.3 hectare organic estate, cultivated by Michael, who fell in love with natural wines during his travels.  He returned home and found out that his own area is one of the most unique wine regions of the world, with volcanic soil and an illyrian climate (transitional climate between mediterranean, alpine and pannonian climates) that are a magical combo for vines, and as it turns out, apples too.  Their property has an old apple orchard alongide pristine grape vines of the PIWI variety, with lush grasses growing throughout that are happily grazed by the family sheep Hanni, Franni, Ganni, Sanni and Nanni.   And what's PIWI, you ask?  These are hybrid grapes crossed specifically for disease resistance - the new grape babies are so tough, no mold, insect or other ailment can infect them.  They are SUPERGRAPES that need no treatment of any sort in the vineyard, making organic farming/natural winemaking easy peasy.  People, this is the future!

Rumble in the Jungle is technically an orange wine, since the PIWI grape Sauvignac spends a few days cuddling with its skins, though the color is luminous gold.  The nose is aromatic, like peaches, grass and summer sunshine, and it tastes like the most glorious combo of peaches, basil and juicy, salty tomato -- the perfect summer salad in a glass!  Not grippy or tannic, just pure sunshine, which we could all use now as winter sets in.  STAFF FAVORITE!