Producer: Zaro

Varietal: 100% Refošk

Region: Slovenia

Notes: Refošk (or Refosco in Italian) is a characterful grape variety that spans northeast Italy, western Slovenia, and northwest Croatia. Zaro’s version is inky-purple in color, with equally dark fruitiness, black pepper, and forest-floor earthiness. But there’s brightness too, from the vibrant acidity, a twang of tannin, and “a kiss of sea breeze”, as the label says. It’s a bit reminiscent of a lighter, saltier syrah. Chill it a little or a lot. Locals drink refošk with heartier fish dishes, but it’s also great with barbecue or a spicy biryani.