Pivnica ČAJKOV

Volcanic Wines from the Heart of Slovakia

Pivnica ČAJKOV, located in the village of Čajkov within Slovakia's Nitra wine region, is a family-owned winery with roots tracing back to the 17th century. Under the stewardship of winemaker Marek Uhnák, the estate has become a champion of low-intervention and natural winemaking, fiercely dedicated to expressing the unique "volcanic terroir" of the Štiavnica Mountains near the Sitno stratovolcano.

The Volcanic Edge

The vineyards, including prominent sites like Na Múrach, are situated on a rare bedrock of soft tuff (volcanic ash) and hard andesite (volcanic lava). This porous, mineral-rich soil forces the vines to dig deep, extensive root systems, drawing up incredible minerality and salinity that define ČAJKOV's wines. This distinct geological feature allows Marek to farm all five hectares of his land using certified organic methods.

Winemaking Philosophy: Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression

Marek Uhnák is committed to producing authentic, terroir-driven wines. His cellar work is strictly minimalist: all wines are spontaneously fermented using native, wild yeasts and are typically left unfiltered and unfined. Aging often takes place on fine lees in inert vessels or old oak barrels. This approach yields wines of intense character, freshness, and profound minerality, often bottled with minimal or no added sulfites.

Pesecká Leánka: The Signature Grape

The winery is perhaps best known for its dedication to the indigenous white grape, Pesecká Leánka (Fetească Regală). Marek's intimate knowledge of this variety allows him to craft it in multiple styles—from light, refreshing dry whites to skin-contact "orange" wines, and complex Pet-Nats, all of which capture the grape's distinctive floral aromas and juicy, volcanic-laced acidity. Pivnica ČAJKOV stands as a leading voice in Central European natural wine, sharing the hidden treasures of the Sitno volcano terroir with wine lovers worldwide.