ŠIKLÓŠ VINÁRSTVO

Winery: Šiklóš Vinárstvo (Winemaker: Viktor Šipoš) Location: Levice, Slovakia (Nitra Wine Region / Južnoslovenská V.O.) Key Style: Natural Wine, Certified Organic, Zero-Zero, Terroir-Driven

The Philosophy: Genuine Unfiltered Expression

Šiklóš Vinárstvo, led by winemaker Viktor Šipoš, is dedicated to crafting genuine, unfiltered wines that speak directly of their specific terroir near the town of Levice in the Nitra region of Slovakia. Viktor, who transitioned from the energy sector to winemaking, focuses on simple, traditional methods that maximize the natural qualities of the grape and the soil.

The winery's name is derived from the Šiklóš hill, which is characterized by unusual, porous travertine (tufa) soil, influencing the minerality and freshness of the wines.

The core principles of Šiklóš's approach are:

1. Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed according to strict organic principles, promoting intense biodiversity and overall soil health.

2. Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, intervention is kept to an absolute minimum. Wines undergo spontaneous fermentation using only native yeasts.

3. Unfiltered and Unfined: The wines are bottled without filtration or fining, preserving complexity, texture, and natural cloudiness. They are typically produced with no added sulfur (Zero-Zero).

The Wines: Local Varieties and Freshness

Šiklóš produces a range of small-batch wines, including still whites, reds, and popular Pét-Nats (naturally sparkling wines). They primarily champion local and Central European varieties, ensuring a true regional expression.

Notable grape varieties used include:

• White & Orange: Pinot Blanc (Rulandské biele), Welschriesling (Rizling Vlašský), Gewürztraminer (Tramín červený).

• Red: Blaufränkisch (Frankovka Modrá), André, Alibernet.

The resulting wines are known for their bright acidity, lively texture, and pure fruit profile, reflecting the cool-climate balance and the unique mineral influence of the Levice microclimate.