Radikon Slatnik 2023

Radikon is one of the reference names for orange wine, working in the hills of Oslavia in Friuli, close to the Isonzo river and the Slovenian border. Slatnik comes from Chardonnay and Tocai Friulano grown on ponca, the local marl and sandstone soil that gives these wines their mineral cut, in a microclimate that ripens fruit fully, here to 14.5 percent, while holding structure. No sulphites have been used on the land since 2003, and the hand-picked grapes are fermented in contact with their skins, the white grapes treated like reds so the must takes colour, phenolics and substantial tannin. Eighteen months in oak barrels follow, with slow oxygen exchange softening the texture and building an oxidative, nutty complexity, then a year in bottle. The colour is deep amber. The nose shows apricot and orange peel, hazelnut, dried herbs and beeswax, with dried apricot and an earthy depth. The palate is dry, full and savoury, the long maceration giving firm tannic grip and a long, stony finish. Serve at 13 to 15 degrees in a large glass, decanting an hour ahead.