Slobodné (Zemianske Sady), Pinot Gris "Oranžista" Trnava, Slovakia 2018

The Slobodne Oranžista is a dangerously drinkable biodynamic orange wine from Slovakia, made of 100% Pinot Gris. Zesty and energetic with lime and stone fruit notes. Grapes are from 10-35 year old vines and are grown on loess and calcium soil. Bottled with minimal SO2, unfined and unfiltered.

Zemianske Sady is a family run estate that has been making wine in Hlohovec since 1912. At its inception, the estate was primarily a tobacco farm that also produced wines which sold locally and were beloved by the art scene in Prague. Due to the war and political strife, the estate stopped production until 1997, where now, the fourth and fifth generations have taken over.

The vineyards were replanted and the cellar reconstructed, and in 2010, the first vintage under the name Slobodné Vinárstvo was born. In 2016, they began farming their 17 hectares in an environmentally conscious way, and became members of the oldest biodynamic farmers association in Austria.

Bees are kept and herbs are grown to promote a healthy soil climate, which they consider paramount to making great wine. They are dedicated to minimal intervention winemaking and only grow varietals that are historically from the area and suited to the climate.