Radikon, 'Slatnik' 2019

Mind bending aromatics, plushness and savoury texture. Benchmark orange wine.

Radikon, located on the Italian/Slovenian border is the benchmark orange wine producer, the yardstick for all others to be measured. All wines undergo extensive skin maceration, and are a delight to drink over several days as they continue to evolve. Slatnik is a blend of Chardonnay and Friulano, mind bending aromatics, plushness and savoury texture. A wine which needs to be tasted to be believed.

Producer: Radikon

Region/Country: Friuli, Italy

Grape/s: Chardonnay, Tocai Fruilano

Production Method: Grapes are hand-harvested. 18 days skin contact. The wine is then matured for 4 years in small casks. Bottles are then aged for 2 years before being released. No added sulphur

Style: Natural, orange with with exotic fruit and spice

Pairing Suggestion: Savoury dishes, vegetable dishes, on its own

Variety: Chardonnay

Profile: Commonly referred to as the winemakers grape owing to both its versatility and ease of manipulation in the winery. Chardonnay will range widely in character depending on its region of origin as well as winemaking style. One the lighter end of the spectrum, generally from cooler regions, it will display crisp, somewhat tart acidity alongside citrus and orchard fruit character and mineral texture. Moving to warmer climates gradually produces a more ripe stone and tropical fruit character. Winemaking, particularly the use of oak and batonnage (lees stirring) produces a richer, creamier texture and flavours of toast, butter and vanilla spice.

Classic Regions: Chablis, Cote d'Or, Maconnais, Champagne (France), Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Margaret River (Australia), Canterbury (New Zealand), Walker Bay (South Africa)