The Zaro family organically farms 20 hectares of vineyards one kilometer from the sea in the southwest corner of Slovenia. Their coastal town of Izola is halfway between Trieste, Italy and Slovenia’s border with Croatia. 'Eazy' is a collaboration between the Zaro family and importer Black Lamb. 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.
