Pivnica Čajkov "Rustical" Pesecká Leánka '21

Marek Uhnák is both the winemaker and grower at Pivnica Čajkov (pivnica means “cellar”), a family winery whose origins date to the 17th century, in the village of Čajkov, in central southwestern Slovakia. Although the region's wine production had historically been dominated by co-ops, Uhnák has helped revitalize the area and the quality of its winemaking in recent decades by focusing on the character of his vineyards. His vines are planted on about five hectares of volcanic soils, and he cultivates them organically and with biodynamic practices.

“Rustical” is made from Pesecká Leánka, a white grape variety grown mainly in Romania, though Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria are among the countries that also have plantings. The grapes for this bottle are mainly from Cyril’s vineyard, named after Marek’s uncle, with some plantings dating back to 1965. The grapes are gently destemmed, crushed, and then macerated on the skins for 4 to 10 days in open-top vats, until almost dry. At around 8% ABV the free run juice is moved to barrels where the fermentation finishes, to avoid over-macerating harsh tannins into the wine. The wine then slowly ages in topped-up oak barrels for 12 months, at a stable temperature in the winery’s underground cellar. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

“Rustical” shows notes of nutmeg, honey, apricot, orange pith, and almond. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with zesty acidity and light, fine tannins. “Rustic origins, aristocratic style!”