Punkista Veltlín – Sauvignon - 2018
Robert Osička
- Region
- Czech Republic » Moravia
- Type
- white traditional sparkling, brut
- Producer
- Robert Osička
- Vintage
- 2018
- Disgorged
- N/A
- On lees
- N/A
- Grapes
- Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc
- Alcohol
- 12.5
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
This wine is a 50/50 blend of Grüner Veltliner, hailing from a 33-year-old vineyard, and Sauvignon Blanc from its 32-year-old counterpart. It undergoes spontaneous fermentation and is matured using a combination of stainless steel and wood to preserve its intrinsic character. Eschewing clarification and filtration to maintain its authentic expression, it sometimes receives a minimal addition of SO2. The secondary fermentation follows the classical method in the bottle, where it matures on lees before the final act of dégorgement seals its profile.
Ratings
This wine stands out for its distinct character, making it one of the most memorable of the evening. It features a perfumed bouquet reminiscent of an IPA, with notes of bitter herbs, grapefruit, pomelo, curd, and a hint of sea breeze. The structure is good, the acidity well-judged, and the overall focus and neatness of the wine make it an interesting and enjoyable experience. It strikes a balance between unconventional and well-crafted.
Robert Osička
In today’s world full of PET NAT, weirdness and sediments, it’s time to return to the classic secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Robert Osička stands as a prominent figure in the Czech Republic's natural wine movement, notably in Velké Bílovice, the largest wine village in the country. As the eldest son of Jaroslav Osička, one of the founders of the Moravian Authentists—a natural winemakers movement—Robert's winemaking pedigree is esteemed. His grandfather and father passed down invaluable knowledge, shaping his approach to creating exceptional wines. He is particularly known for his focus on sparkling wines, embracing the classic method of secondary fermentation in the bottle amidst the rising popularity of petnats.
Osička's wines, especially his renowned Punkista label, are a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to craftsmanship. Despite his affinity for the rebellious energy of the Sex Pistols, his wines are far from disorderly. They embody an unbelievable elegance and attention to detail, with a focus on traditional methode champenoise. This involves secondary fermentation in the bottle, maturation on fine lees, and a careful blend of modernity and tradition through the use of both stainless steel and wood in the ageing process. His commitment to natural winemaking is evident in his minimal use of sulphites, and his insistence on vegan, unfined, and unfiltered wines.
Operating on a 2ha vineyard with clay, loess, and loam soils in Velké Bílovice, Osička cultivates local grape varieties, infusing his sparkling wines with unique taste profiles and aromatic complexities. In every bottle, there's a piece of history, a dash of rebellion, and a commitment to the authentic taste of Moravia.