VÍNA HERZÁNOVI: A Profile in Moravian Biodynamics

Winery: Vína Herzánovi (Led by Milan Herzán) Location: Hustopeče, Moravia, Czech Republic (Velkopavlovická Subregion) Key Style: Biodynamic, Certified Organic, Natural Wine, Minimal Intervention

The Philosophy: Respect for Life and Biodynamics

Vína Herzánovi, situated in the picturesque wine village of Hustopeče in the South Moravian region, is the project of the Herzán family, with Milan Herzán being the driving force. Their philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land and the complete vineyard ecosystem, going beyond basic organic certification into strict biodynamic practices.

For the Herzánovi family, winemaking is about cooperation with nature, not control over it. The vineyard is treated as a living organism where vines, soil, and people coexist in harmony.

Core tenets of their approach include:

1. Biodynamic Certification: They strictly follow biodynamic calendar principles (Maria Thun), applying specialized preparations and viewing the vineyard within the cosmic cycle.

2. Hand-Harvesting: All grapes are meticulously hand-harvested to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used.

3. No Manipulation: In the cellar, they practice true non-intervention: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, aging in large oak and acacia barrels, and bottling without filtration or fining.

4. Zero-Zero Wines: Many of their wines are made without any added sulfur (Zero-Zero), ensuring the purest expression of the terroir.

The Wines: Variety, Purity, and Elegance

The Herzánovi vineyards are spread across the Velkopavlovická subregion, utilizing diverse geological features, including loess and limestone soils. They produce a wide variety of styles, from fresh, crisp whites to powerful skin-contact and elegant reds.

Key varieties and styles include:

• Veltlínské Zelené (Grüner Veltliner): Their signature white, showing incredible depth, minerality, and complexity.

• Ryzlink Vlašský (Welschriesling): A staple variety in Moravia, yielding precise and textured wines.

• Rulandské Šedé (Pinot Gris) and Tramín Červený (Gewürztraminer): Often used for their iconic Orange Wines, which undergo extended skin contact, resulting in deep amber color and complex savory notes.

• Svatovavřinecké (St. Laurent) and Frankovka Modrá (Blaufränkisch): Used for light, aromatic, and food-friendly red wines, often with bright acidity.

Their wines are characterized by their crystalline purity, vivid energy, and remarkable capacity for aging.