Heaps Good Wine Co “Zweigelt/Modra Frankinja” 2018
Short Summary:A medium‑bodied, elegant red blend of Zweigelt and Modra Frankinja (Blaufränkisch) from Štajerska, Slovenia, with bright red and dark berry notes, savoury spice, and a clean, lifted finish — perfect with charcuterie, grilled meats, or rustic European fare.
About this wine
Heaps Good Wine Co “Zweigelt/Modra Frankinja” 2018 is a small‑batch, minimal‑intervention red from the Štajerska region of Slovenia. Crafted by Heaps Good Wine Company, this wine blends Zweigelt and Modra Frankinja (the local name for Blaufränkisch) to showcase balance, purity of fruit, and regional character in a cool‑climate European style.
Tasting notes
Medium‑bodied with aromas of cassis, black cherry, and subtle smoky, rustic spice. On the palate, this wine offers bright red and dark fruit flavours balanced by refreshing acidity and soft, velvety tannins, leading to a clean, savoury finish that’s both engaging and food‑friendly.
Style & winemaking
Produced using low‑intervention, minimal winemaking techniques, the grapes undergo cold maceration and extended skin contact (16–24 days) before aging for nearly a year in older French oak barrels. The result is a wine that feels natural, balanced and expressive, with a focus on vineyard expression over heavy manipulation.
Food pairing
Pairs beautifully with:
Charcuterie and cured meats
Grilled or roasted poultry
Hearty pasta with tomato or mushroom sauces
Ripe cheeses and rustic European dishes
Producer & region
Crafted by Heaps Good Wine Company, a boutique winemaker based in Ritoznoj in the foothills of the Pohorje range, Štajerska, Slovenia. Founded by Kiwi‑expat Nick Gee, the winery focuses on terroir‑driven, expressive wines that reflect the cool‑climate vineyards and hands‑off philosophy.
Shipping & storage
Store in a cool, dark place, ideally at 14–18°C. Best enjoyed now or over the next 3–5 years to appreciate both its fruit expression and layered savoury complexity.
FAQs
Q: What is the grape variety?A: A blend of Zweigelt and Modra Frankinja (Blaufränkisch).
Q: Should this wine be decanted?A: Decanting 20–30 minutes before serving can help integrate aromas and soften texture.
Q: What foods work best with this wine?A: Charcuterie, grilled meats, hearty pastas, and ripe cheese boards complement its bright fruit and savoury profile.
Founded in 2010 by Kiwi expat Nick Gee, Heaps Good Wine Company is situated in Ritoznoj in the foothills of the Pohorje range in Stajerska, Slovenija. Working with both international and local varieties, the key is to produce wines that express the individuality of their vineyard sites, therefore winemaking is hands off with minimal intervention and no additions bar minimal sulphur. The cool climate of Stajerska allows Nick to make wines of balance, purity, restraint and elegance.