VINÁRSTVO U KOŇA

Winery: Vinárstvo U KOŇA (Led by Marián Takáč) Location: Čerhov, Tokaj Wine Region, Slovakia Key Style: Natural Wine, Traditional Tokaj Varieties, Pét-Nat

The Philosophy: Land, Hands, and Time

Vinárstvo U KOŇA (meaning "At the Horse") is the project of Marián Takáč, located in the traditional Tokaj wine region of Slovakia, specifically in the village of Čerhov. Marián is committed to producing honest, low-intervention wines that tell a story of the land and its ancient viticultural heritage.

The winery's philosophy is rooted in simplicity and honesty, believing in wine that is fundamentally a pure expression of its origin. This commitment is particularly significant in the Tokaj region, historically known for its unique sweet wines, as U KOŇA focuses on natural dry and sparkling expressions.

Core tenets of their approach include:

1. Sustainable Viticulture: Vineyards are tended manually, prioritizing the health of the soil and respecting the weather and natural cycles.

2. Native Fermentation: Fermentation is spontaneous, relying solely on indigenous yeasts present on the grapes and in the cellar environment.

3. Minimal Intervention: Wines are typically unfiltered, unfined, and produced with minimal to zero added sulfur (Zero-Zero), ensuring maximum complexity and living character.

4. Traditional Vessels: Aging often takes place in traditional underground cellars, using vessels that allow the unique Tokaj terroir to shine.

The Wines: Tokaj Heritage and Lively Bubbles

U KOŇA excels in showcasing the traditional varieties of the Tokaj region, known for their ability to express minerality and longevity.

Key varieties and styles include:

• Furmint: The flagship grape of Tokaj, producing highly mineral, dry, and structured white wines.

• Lipovina (Hárslevelű): Known for yielding aromatic, full-bodied white wines with notes of linden blossom and honey.

• Pét-Nats: They produce popular, naturally fizzy Pétillant Naturel wines, often from local varieties, characterized by freshness and sediment (unfiltered). An example is their "House Wine," a naturally fizzy white often recommended for everyday enjoyment.

• Sweet Wines: While focused on dry natural styles, they occasionally produce traditional Tokaj sweet wines like Slamák (Straw wine) under a natural regime.

Their wines are praised for their refreshing acidity, lively structure, and deep connection to their volcanic soils.