Radikon Oslavje 2019

Radikon Oslavje comes from the Radikon family's estate in Oslavia, in the hills of Friuli-Venezia Giulia close to the Isonzo river and the Slovenian border. The 12 hectares are farmed without chemicals under the direction of Saša Radikon, on the region's marl and sandstone ponca soils, which give the wines their savoury mineral backbone. Oslavje blends Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes ferment and macerate on their skins for an extended period, then the wine ages for forty-eight months in large oak foudres. The long skin contact extracts substantial phenolics and tannin, giving real grip and structure, while four years in barrel allow slow oxygen exchange that builds a deep oxidative, nutty complexity and stabilises the wine without added sulphur during ageing. It is bottled in 500ml format and is vegan. The colour is deep amber. The nose is layered, with dried apricot, orange marmalade, walnut and beeswax, over dried herbs and honey. The palate is full, dry and firmly textured, with pronounced skin grip, a savoury core and a long, earthy finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees in a large glass, decanting an hour ahead.