Milan Nestarec Forks and Knives White 2020 - 12.5%

Forks 4.0. A revamped version of the ever evolving range. Admittedly, we had somewhat ignored this cuvee for a couple of years in favour of other Nestarec wines. But after a recent visit when Milan pushed this particular one into our hands with a wink and a nudge (suggesting to give it a try)- we were absolutely won over. Wow. What have we been missing out on!? Absolutely stunning wine. With hallmarks that we are increasingly seeing define Milans wines. Power in the fruit, thoughtful/simple winemaking and time to find balance. All-in-all a superb, terroir driven, highly drinkable wine at a fantastic price point. We wont be ignoring this, or anything else Milan makes anymore.

Blend of Gruner Veltliner, Welschriesling and Neuburger - from 25+ year old vines.

Sorted by hand, gently destemmed and macerated on skins overnight. Each variety was gently pressed seperately in pnumatic press for ~20 hours. No pumping, only gravity.

Spontaneous co- fermentation of all varieties for ~40 days in oak vats. Aged in Gamba and stockinger 3000L oak barrels (2-12 years old).

Zero added Sulpur/S02. Unfined and unfiltered. Certified organic farming.

Milan Nestarec is the name at the forefront of a new generation of not only Czech winemaker, but we'd also say all Eastern Europe. But the thing is there is a lot going on and a good few people behind the man and the name. He is a man. A lovely man. With big ideas. But he is also a son, father, husband, and brother (and probably a decent mate from what we gathered too). There is his wife Mirka by his side and seemingly spurring the creative side of Milan Nestarec wines. And there is the indomitable Lenka, his sister, who makes sure the wines are shared efficiently the world over. But of course, he was lucky to have a father who worked for many years in a German vine nursery. From these vines (and some second-hand equipment) they worked hard and started putting together the vineyards which Milan looks after today. And has been entrusted with the winemaking since he was 16 years old!

The vines (about 24 hectares) are certified organic since 2022 but they have been farmed as such since 2008. They also do use some biodynamic practices but aren't interested in certifying, as for Milan "... it's become a bit of a marketing gimmick. When working this way in the vineyards, you usually don't have much time left to talk about it."

Milan calls his wine "normal" as opposed to authentic, natural or low-intervention. His view and practices of normal just so align with what we call authentic natural wine. We look forward to also selling what should be considered "normal".

Many people who hadn't tried the wines probably would be surprised about Milans wines. I would say with each year they get classier and classier. They are really well and carefully done wines that represent their environment. The reds are certainly bright and acid driven but always in balance. The whites... absolute class. Skin-contact is thoughtful and precise rather than done for the sake of it. Milan Nestarec wines really are more than a name. They are so much more.