Pivnica Čajkov "Tecton" NV (2020/2021)

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 cominated 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.

“Tecton” is a multivintage (2020 and 2021) red blend of 40% Frankovka (a synonym for Blaufränkisch and Lemberger), 40% Alibernet (a rare crossing of Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon, and grown mostly in Slovakia), and 20% of the white variety Děvín. The grapes were manually harvested. The Frankovka and Alibernet were destemmed, crushed, and spontaneously co-fermented in open-top vats. The free run-juice was fermented in old barrels aged for about two years, then blended with a small amount of Děvín for aromatics. The blend rested briefly in tank and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

“Tecton” is medium-bodied, lighter on the palate than its deep color might suggest. The wine shows notes of red and dark berries, cherry, and plum, as well as allspice, cocoa, graphite, and rose petals. Try it with foods fresh off the grill, smoked meats, or any kind of dumplings.