Slobodne - Eggstasy of Wine Alpinist 2019

(Hlohovec, Slovakia) 

Perhaps one of the most characterful and unusual Rieslings we have come across. After a long maceration, the wine is aged in large eggs (hence the name) as well as barrels made from wood that comes from their own forest. The result is super aromatic, very herbal, spicy, and wildly complex. Yet despite all this, it somehow manages to give Riesling lovers just enough of the variety's trademark characters.

Slobodne are a fascinating family-run winery going back to the early 20th century. They rebuilt their farm over the past 25 years following a 50-yr break due to the hardships of WWII and then 40 years of communism. Now run by two sisters and their two partners, they are making some of the most exciting skin-contact wines around today.