UNITED CELLARS OF TEKOV

Winery: United Cellars of Tekov (Often associated with Milan Zlatoš and local growers) Location: Tekov region, Slovakia (Tekovská V.O. region, part of Južnoslovenská) Key Style: Natural Wine, Small-Scale Grower Collective, Heritage Varieties

The Philosophy: Collective Tradition and The Tekov Terroir

The United Cellars of Tekov represents not a single winery but a collaborative project involving several small, quality-focused growers in the historical Tekov region of Slovakia. This area is characterized by volcanic soils and a deep history of traditional viticulture. The collective aims to pool resources, preserve heritage vineyards, and jointly market wines that embody the distinct terroir and tradition of the Tekov area.

This collaboration is typically guided by:

  1. Preservation of Heritage: Focus on cultivating and showcasing traditional and sometimes rare grape varieties native to the region, such as Pesecká Leánka.

  2. Ecological Farming: Members commit to sustainable, often certified organic or biodynamic, vineyard management to ensure land health.

  3. Authentic Expression: Winemaking is minimalist—often utilizing spontaneous fermentation, old barrels, and bottling without filtration or added sulfur (Zero-Zero).

The project champions the idea that the true identity of Slovakian wine lies in its diverse, small-scale growers and their shared commitment to non-interventionist methods.

The Wines: Pesecká Leánka and Volcanic Influence

The wines from the United Cellars of Tekov are highly sought after by natural wine enthusiasts for their purity, minerality, and distinctive regional flavor.

Key varieties and styles include:

  • Pesecká Leánka: A historical white grape variety that is the signature of the Tekov region. It produces aromatic, textured white wines, often with skin contact, showing volcanic minerality and sometimes a slightly salty finish.

  • Veltlínske Zelené (Grüner Veltliner): Expressed here with a unique Tekov character—lean, mineral-driven, and intensely fresh.

  • Frankovka Modrá (Blaufränkisch): Used for light, vibrant, and highly digestible red wines, often produced using carbonic maceration to emphasize fruit purity.

The volcanic, mineral-rich soils lend a characteristic freshness and complexity to all their bottlings.