2020 Radikon Slatink

Radikon is an artisanal winery tucked onto the hills of Oslavia, a northeastern edge of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is also a leader in making uncompromisingly organic, unfiltered, barely manipulated wines. Stanko Radikon’s grandfather founded the estate in 1948 between the Italian town of Gorzia and the Slovenian border. Stanko has used no chemicals since 1995 and stopped added sulfites in 2002. He works now with his son Sasa who is also a believer in natural winemaking. The 30-acre estate has hillside vineyards facing the southeast, and they benefit from sun and a temperate climate moderated by the Adriatic Sea. Radikon makes red and white wines from Ribolla Gialla, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, Tocai Fruilano and Merlot. The wines have a cult following among enthusiasts, who consider Radikon’s hands-off methods a brave return to tradition.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is the most northeasterly region of Italy, bordered by Austria on the north, Slovenia to the east, and the Italian Veneto to the west. Given its history as a political and cultural crossroads, it is no wonder that the wines and cuisine of Friuli-Venezia Giulia reflect Italian, Austrian, French and eastern European traditions. The region is best known for its white wines, and specializes in the native Tocai Friulano, a white grape that produces plush dry wines with fruit flavors balanced by minerals and acidity. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignnon Blanc, and Chardonnay area also grown, along with the native grapes Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Istriana. Artisanal producers in the region also make white blends, called “super whites,” which are generally distinctive blends of native grapes and Chardonnay. However nearly 40% of Friuli-Venezia Giulia wines are red. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown, along with the native grapes Refosco, Pignolo and Schioppettino, which is also called Ribolla Nera. The region has 46,000 vineyard acres, of which 60% is classified as DOC. There are nine DOCs.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.