For those seeking a unique wine experience, "Magula Červený VLK 2017" ("Red Wolf") will be a true discovery. This strictly limited-edition natural wine (with only 1,650 bottles produced) is referred to by the winemakers themselves as a "Slovak Bordeaux blend."
The aromatic bouquet is rich and multifaceted, dominated by ripe blueberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants, which are harmoniously complemented by mature notes of tobacco leaves and dried herbs. On the palate, it is an intense, full-bodied wine that surprises with its wild character, perfectly tamed by an elegant structure, expressive acidity, and a natural, precise dryness.
The DNA of this wine consists of ‘Dunaj’ and ‘Hron’, two unique Slovak (Vitis vinifera) grape varieties crossed in the 1950s and named after the region's major rivers (the Danube and the Hron). ‘Dunaj’ lends the wine a soft, silky, and velvety yet fiery character, while ‘Hron’ brings distinctive peppery notes and impressive smoothness to the blend. Although these varieties are incredibly rare and single-varietal wines are seldom made from them, it is precisely in this masterful blend that their true, immense potential is revealed. The vines root themselves in loess soils at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level.
The wine is aged in French oak barrels (some entirely new, others previously used).
To maintain absolute authenticity, the winemakers bottled this vintage without filtering or fining. To ensure stability, only the minimal amount of sulfites typical of natural wines was used (a mere 23 mg/l).
It is recommended to serve this wine at a temperature of 16–18 °C. It will pair perfectly with slow-braised beef cheeks, herb-marinated lamb chops, or a venison steak with a dark wild berry sauce.
The history of Magula winery began in 1931, when Joseph Husar purchased land in the village of Suchá nad Parnou, in the northern part of Slovakia, in the Carpathian Mountains – a region already known in the wine world at the time. The family’s winemaking tradition was interrupted during the communist era, but in 2001, Joseph Husar’s descendants decided to revive the estate. The first significant breakthrough came in 2011, when a ‘Blaufränkisch’ wine reached the glasses of wine enthusiasts.
The family chose a unique path – learning from renowned masters of natural and organic winemaking such as Ibor Melecsky, Zsolt Sütö, anti-interventionist and biodynamic leaders Claus Preisinger and Toni Hartl, as well as Ondrej Korpás, Karol Braniš, Tibor Ruman, and Zoltán Tamašek. These experiences shaped the estate’s philosophy: biodynamics, organic viticulture, and minimal intervention.
Magula values are rooted in naturalness and transparency. Only a minimal amount of necessary sulfites is used in the winery (10 mg/l), compared to the EU’s permitted and commonly used limits of 100–200 mg/l. This gives the wines authenticity and exceptional purity.
Magula wines stand out for their vibrancy, clarity, and the natural expression of grape and terroir. They are crafted without excessive intervention, maintaining a natural balance of flavors and authentic character.
Red wine – produced mainly from ‘Blaufränkisch’. It features pronounced dark berry, spice, and herbal notes, fresh acidity, and smooth tannins.
Special cuvée – limited releases made from select harvests to highlight the distinctiveness of specific vineyards.
The winery works exclusively with its own vineyards in the Suchá nad Parnou area, where fertile soils and the Carpathian microclimate give the wines both structure and freshness. The plots are farmed biodynamically, without the use of synthetic chemicals.
The most important vineyard is Suchá nad Parnou Blaufränkisch, known for its balanced acidity and aromatic depth.
The wines are naturally fermented without the addition of cultured yeasts and are often aged in neutral oak barrels or clay amphorae to preserve the grape’s character. Sulfite use is kept to an absolute minimum.
Most Magula wines are intended to be enjoyed young for their freshness and vibrancy, but some reds, especially ‘Blaufränkisch’, can age gracefully for 5–8 years.
