Jaroslav Osička

Some wines are easy to place. This one is more fun because it is not.

Ryšák is an old Moravian style that brings white and red grapes together in the same wine. Jaroslav Osička’s version combines equal parts Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch, Rotburger, and Blauer Portugieser.

The grapes were foot crushed as whole clusters and spent just eight hours on their skins. The wine then rested on the spent yeast in stainless steel and open oak before being bottled without fining or filtration.

What comes out of the bottle feels somewhere between an orange wine, a light red, and a very dark rosé. Strawberry and red plum lead the way, with orange peel, a light floral note, and delicate tea spice underneath. It is juicy and fresh, but there is enough savory character to keep it interesting.

This is the kind of bottle we recommend when someone wants to explore beyond the usual categories. It is unusual without being severe, full of personality without demanding a lecture, and likely to start a conversation as soon as it reaches the table.