Slovenian winery Radgonske Gorice has launched what it claims to be the world’s first sparkling wine made in complete darkness from grape to bottle.
Called Untouched by Light, the fizz is made from Chardonnay grapes grown in Slovenia’s Gornja Radgona region picked on “moonless nights”.
Once the wine is made using night vision goggles, it is aged in black lightproof bottles in a pitch-black cellar for up to three years. For the optimum light-free experience, its maker recommends serving it in the dark.
“What makes this wine unique is its ageing process as Untouched by Light is left to age for two to three years in our cellars with the complete absence of light,” said Radgonske Gorice’s managing director, Borut Cvetkovič.
“We use night vison glasses during harvest, bottle rotation and packaging. Once out of the cave, the wine is protected in black lightproof bottles packed in a vacuum-sealed bag blocking any additional light or air contact. I would strongly recommend that you taste this wine in pitch darkness,” he added.
