Furmint 2022 Roka

Roka Furmint 2022 – Natural Wines from Styria

Introduction

The Roka Furmint 2022 is a natural wine from Styria, Slovenia, crafted with minimal intervention to express the unique terroir of Jeruzalem/Ormož. Made from 100% Furmint (Šipon), this wine embodies freshness, minerality, and subtle complexity, reflecting the vineyard’s clay and sandstone soils.

Vineyard Details

• Region: Styria, Slovenia

• Variety: 100% Furmint (Šipon)

• Appellation: Kakovostno Vino ZGP

• Vineyard Size: 1/3 ha, west-facing, altitude 320 m a.s.l.

• Soil: Heavy clay on sandstone, edge of the Pannonian Plain

• Average Vine Age: 55 years

• Viticulture: No herbicides or pesticides; minimal mechanical intervention

• Harvest: Manual, last week of September 2022

Vinification & Aging

The grapes are gently pressed at 1.4 bar in a pneumatic press. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in 500L open-top oak fermenters on coarse lees for 5–6 weeks without temperature control or added SO₂. Malolactic fermentation happens naturally the following spring.

Aging is done 12 months in 500L Pauscha “Pure” barrels, followed by 6 months in 1,000L sand-and-clay egg-shaped amphorae (Oeuf du Beaune). No fining or filtration is applied. Minimal SO₂ (40 mg/L) is added before bottling. The wine is bottled 18 months after harvest with a screw cap to preserve freshness.

Production & Characteristics

• Production: 1,200 numbered bottles (2022 vintage)

• Style: Fresh, mineral, with refined texture and subtle aromatic complexity

• Special Notes: Expressive natural wine, emphasizing purity and terroir

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Natural Wines from Styria – Roka Winery

Introduction

Natural wines from Styria: Roka is a small artisanal winery located in Kog, in the heart of Slovenian Styria, born from the dream of Irish couple Liam and Sinead Cabot. Since 2007, they have cultivated vineyards with sustainable methods, crafting rare bottles that tell the story of the unique terroir of Jeruzalem/Ormož.

History of Roka Winery

The story of Roka began when Liam and Sinead Cabot, already active in Ireland in wine import and distribution, decided to challenge themselves as producers. Following the advice of Liam’s father, who knew Slovenia well, they searched for the ideal location. In 2007, they found their home and a vineyard in Kog, in the Jeruzalem/Ormož district of Styria. After five years of study and trials, in 2012 they planted half a hectare of Blaufränkisch, a bold choice in an area historically dedicated to white wines. The name “Roka,” meaning “hand” in Slovenian, reflects their artisanal, hands-on approach.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

Roka’s vineyards cover two hectares, with 1.25 in production, on steep slopes facing southwest to west. The clay-rich soils host both local and international varieties such as Šipon (Furmint), Laški Rizling (Italian Riesling), and Modra Frankinja (Blaufränkisch). No herbicides or pesticides are used, and yields are kept very low (1–1.5 kg per vine) to ensure concentration and quality. The Jeruzalem microclimate, with its marked temperature variations, allows for balanced ripening and complex aromas while preserving freshness.

Approach in the Cellar

Roka’s winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention: spontaneous fermentation, minimal sulphur only when needed, and no enological additives. This allows the wines to express the grape and terroir in their purest form. The first official vintage was 2013, but it took a few more years to reach the desired style. Roka’s wines have won praise from Jancis Robinson, Decanter, and Falstaff, who compared their finesse to Burgundy’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Identity and Terroir

Roka is a distinctive voice in the world of natural wines from Styria, producing only 3,500 bottles per year. Each wine is the product of meticulous manual work and deep respect for the land. The sunny slopes and cool breezes of Jeruzalem/Ormož provide ideal conditions for high-quality viticulture. Roka is proof that passion and dedication can turn a dream into an internationally recognized wine reality.