A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Pignolo, a local grape variety. On the nose you are greeted with intense wild berries and graphite. Dark chocolate, deep berries and a touch of umami on the palate supported by vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins. A touch of spice from the Pignolo. An energetic wine with a lot of character. This cuvée is meant to be drunk now, while it is young and fresh.

Story: In a tiny village in the far northeast corner of Italy, Saša Radikon produces arguably the finest skin-contact wines in the world. Saša is revered around the world as a pioneer and absolute master of macerated wines. RS is short for Rosso Saša, and he says he chose this eponymous name because he was, “tired of finding new names”. This is the only Radikon wine which is not co-fermented, as the Merlot is picked long before the Pignolo. Pignolo is a local grape that is much-loved by drinkers but feared by growers as it is notoriously finicky and very low-yielding. Perfect for a fearless winemaker like Saša! It’s intense and tannic but adds dimension and ageability.

Vinification: Berries are pressed directly and macerated on the skins for a minimum of 10 days. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks using only indigenous yeasts. The wine is left to mature for 12 months in oak, then allowed to settle for a few months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled. The wine is unfined, unfiltered with no additional sulphur.

Match it with: Slow cooked lamb and wild mushrooms.

  • Red
  • Merlot, Pignolo
  • Italy, Friuli
  • Radikon
  • Dry
  • 13.50%
  • Ready to Drink And Will Improve