# Fred #12 Red Blend (NV)

- **Producer:** Strekov 1075
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alibernet, Dunaj, Blauer Portugieser
- **Region:** Nitra, Slovakia
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, cherry, raspberry, black pepper

## About this wine

Strekov 1075 was founded in 2002 by Zsolt Sútó in the village of Strekov, located in southern Slovakia. The name pays homage to the year 1075, the earliest documented record of winemaking in the village, which also serves as the winery's street number. Operating with a zero-intervention philosophy, Zsolt focuses on natural authenticity and traditional Central European grape varieties. The 'Fred' series represents a vibrant, multi-vintage approach to red wine blending, with '#12' marking the winery's twelfth official iteration of this cuvée.

## Interesting facts

- The winery name '1075' references both the first recorded mention of winegrowing in Strekov and the winery's street address.
- 'Fred' stands for 'friendly, fresh, and f*** good red', with '#12' denoting the 12th release of this multi-vintage blend.
- The wine is bottled under a crown cap to preserve the natural, refreshing carbon dioxide produced during fermentation.

## Food pairing

Vibrant acidity, low tannins, and pronounced fruit make this natural red blend remarkably versatile. It cuts through fat in pork and duck while complementing charred savory notes from wood-fired pizzas and burgers, balancing rich earthiness without overwhelming the palate.

## Wine making process

Crafted from organically farmed grapes harvested by hand. The blend brings together Alibernet aged for 15 months in neutral oak with young-vine Dunaj and early-harvested Blauer Portugieser. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in open-topped vats using indigenous yeasts, accompanied by manual pigeage. The wine matures in neutral 300L and 500L Hungarian and Austrian oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered without added sulfur dioxide, using gravity bottling under a crown cap.