At a glance

Producer

Radikon

Region

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

Orange

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Aromas of dried orange peel, apricot, nutty notes with earthy undertones. Flavors include ripe stone fruit with astringent tannin grip and textured mouthfeel.

Evolution: With age, expect softer tannins, more integrated acidity, and emergence of complex tertiary notes like honey, tea leaves, and underbrush.

At peak: At peak, shows harmonious balance of tannin, fruit, and acidity with a long persistent finish and nuanced complexity.

Structure

Acidity

High, providing lively freshness

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained from skin contact

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

Excellent, 15+ years due to natural winemaking and skin contact phenolics

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2044

Optimal window

2023 to 2047

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

The wine is currently showing vibrant aromatics with fresh texture; tannins still firm but integrated.

The 2019 vintage had excellent ripeness balanced with high acidity typical of Friuli. The skin-contact Chardonnay (Jakot) from Radikon develops firm tannins and complex phenolics, needing 5+ years to soften. Peak drinking spans roughly 7 to 12 years post vintage due to texture, acidity, and fruit concentration.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, and dishes with herbs and light spice. Also excellent with Mediterranean-style cuisine and shellfish.

Serving

Serving temperature

14-16°C / 57-61°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — Natural wine with some sediment and tannic structure benefits from aeration to soften and open aromatics.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

The producer employs biodynamic viticulture, hand harvesting, minimal intervention natural winemaking, no added yeasts or chemicals, and uses recycled and minimal packaging.

Radikon is recognized for pioneering natural and biodynamic farming in Friuli. They focus on soil health, biodiversity, and reducing energy consumption in the cellar. Their use of amphorae rather than energy-intensive stainless steel tanks also lowers environmental impact. These efforts combine to provide a very sustainable wine production.