VÍNO SVETÍK

Winery: Víno Svetík (Led by Ján Svetík)

Location: Levice, Nitra Wine Region, Slovakia

Key Style: Rustic Natural Wine, High Minerality, Volcanic Terroir, Skin Contact

The Philosophy: Medieval Roots and Volcanic Expression

Víno Svetík is based in the historical town of Levice, which lies in the Nitra wine region. The area's vineyards are set against southern hills and boast a unique volcanic terroir, shaped by ancient stratovolcanoes and composed of tuff, rhyolite, and andesite soils.

Ján Svetík, the current torchbearer of the family legacy, operates with a hands-on, rustic philosophy, emphasizing minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar. His approach is designed to harness the high minerality of the volcanic soils, resulting in wines that are deeply flavored, textural, and possess vibrant acidity.

Core tenets of their approach include:

  1. Volcanic Terroir Focus: Exploiting the unique geology of Levice to impart distinct minerality and acidity to the wines.

  2. Traditional Methods: Winemaking is intentionally rustic, devoid of modern, heavy-handed machinery and manipulative processes.

  3. Vinum Naturale: Wines are crafted using spontaneous fermentation, long maturation, and are often bottled unfiltered and unfined.

  4. Heritage Varieties: Focus on both international and indigenous grapes that thrive in the mineral-rich environment.

The Wines: Textured Whites and Intense Minerality

Víno Svetík produces wines that are highly complex and gastronomic, reflecting the intensity of the volcanic soil.

Key varieties and styles include:

  • Pesecká Leánka: A traditional variety that performs exceptionally well here, resulting in textured white wines with high minerality and depth.

  • Rizling Vlašský (Welschriesling) and Ryzlink Rýnsky (Riesling): Used for expressive whites that showcase the volcanic soil's influence, often featuring intense minerality and vibrant acidity.

  • Pinot Blanc and Grüner Veltliner: These international varieties gain complexity and structure under Ján Svetík's natural regime.

  • Skin-Contact (Orange) Wines: They produce textural orange wines, such as the Pesecká Leánka, which offer depth and savory complexity due to extended maceration.

  • Sv. Vavrinec (St. Laurent): Used for red wines, often resulting in complex Vinum Naturale expressions.