Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Gecaj Estate Owner's Choice Shiraz Rahovec Valley 2017

Product Story

This stunning Shiraz is made through a special selection of top grapes that are hand-harvested from their estate vineyards. The fruit is macerated for 48 hours before going through a 14-day fermentation in stainless steel at moderate temperatures. After fermentation the wine further develops in both American and Hungarian oak barrels for a period of 18 months. The resulting wine is supple and fruit-driven while generous with notes of spice and earth. This is a wonderful expression of this varietal.

Brand Story

Gecaj Estate — Owner’s Choice is the top marque of Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery, the leading winery in Kosovo.They are trailblazing wine production in the Balkan region. Stone Castle’s Rrustem Gecaj is bullish on the Balkin’s viticultural potential and he is determined to put Kosovo on the international wine map. In 2006, the Gecaj family acquired the state-owned winery formerly known as “NBI Rahoveci,” which the Yugoslavian government built in 1953. It remains a family-owned winery to this day. All of Stone Castle’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes from the heart of the Rahovec Valley, known locally as the “Tuscany of Kosovo.” Stone Castle offers a range of wines primarily from international grapes including: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Merlot as well as the ancient and indigenous grape called Vranc. We were instant fans of this lovely Kosovo winemaker who also makes a variety of classic Balkin spirits as well.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black cherry and forest floor with supporting notes of cigar box, black tea, and pomegranate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, blueberry, fig, and clove. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture.

How to Serve

Serve at cellar temperature and for the best experience please decant this wine at least 30 minutes before enjoying. Serve with grilled sausages and rich stews. This wine should evolve in cellar for the next five to 10 years.

Price: $ 45

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4182