2018 Milan Nestarec 'Podfuck' Red Blend Moravia Czech Republic

Winemaker Notes: Over the years, this wine has followed me on quite an interesting journey of taste and style – this 2018 vintage marked the turning point when the skin-contact Pinot Gris became a true red. Or, rather a red-ish blend mirroring our particular conditions: roughly 60 % Pinot Noir, 20 % Blaufränkisch, and 20 % Pinot Gris that works as a diplomatic “bridge” between the two red grapes.

“Milan Nestarec is not a winery. Nestarec is ideas that just happen to be represented through wine,” reads one of the first lines on this Moravian prodigy’s captivating website. It is a fitting description: first, because the sheer diversity and dynamism of Nestarec cuvées reflect the centrifuge in his head (“my colleagues must sometimes hate me and my constant chorus of “can’t we do it better / differently?” he admits with a chuckle). Secondly, because there’s a gradual development of Nestarec wines towards more precision and “essence over style”, which absolutely reflects the winemaker’s personal journey – and it’s quite a fascinating story to follow. (And drink.)