The annual tasting of the whole range of wines of Drop Shop, probably Budapest’s oldest wine bar and shop took place yesterday. I did not take notes, simply went just to have fun, but here are some worthy mentions.
A Rhone blend from Australia – Aphelion The Affinity 2017, McLaren Vale
A classic Rhone blend from a new wave Australian producer called Aphelion. I came across the name while reading an article about McLaren Vale Grenache on The Wine Detective’s blog, which put it onto my must-try list. Luckily their wines (some of them at least) are available in Europe, at OZ Wines UK, so my order was soon on the way. Their pure Grenache, the Confluence made a bigger impact on me, but this is very good, too. Continue reading
A good Languedoc rosé – Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses 2018
Fancy bottles does not mean the wine cannot be good. This rosé is a good value too.
Elegant and poised, quite close to Provence in style. While it’s delicate, the texture is somewhat viscous, with the impression of a fuller body. Restrained, pretty aromas of peach and white currant, it’s rather a textural wine. Nuanced and delicious, a nice rosé, highly recommended.
Rating: good, 86 points.
Price: 2500 HUF (Auchan supermarket), or 8-9 Euros.
Value: very good.
Tasted: August, 2019.
Source: I bought it in Auchan.
Drinking window: 2019.
Malbec from the Loire Valley: Domaine des Rochelles 2017
If you are not familiar with the Loire Valley, then it might come as a surprise that Malbec is grown there, and quite a few producers offer it in their assortment. Continue reading
A beauty: Domaine des Roches Neuves “Les Roches” 2017, Saumur Champigny AOC, Loire Valley
Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is one of my favorite wine styles. And everything I love about it is showcased by this bottle. Continue reading
There is no white wine like this – Németh Pince Budai Zöld 2018, Badacsony, Lake Balaton
Based on that label you would never guess this is a serious wine. It is. It’s basically non-existent on the market, as it’s a small producer and they sell everything at cellar door – there is only one wine place where you can do that in Hungary, near lake Balaton, where tourist are plenty. It’s a shame, as this little producers makes some of Hungarys most unique and long living wines.
Yet another great value Southern Rhone red: Domaine les Grands Bois “Maximilien” Cairanne 2017
Volcanic Wine Fest IV, Gyöngyöspata, Mátra region, Hungary
I spent a few hours at Gyöngyöspata yesterday, which is a tiny town 80 kilometers from Budapest to the North-East. This is the heart of the Mátra wine region, home to many of the new wave, young winemakers who organized the first Volcanic Wine Festival three years ago, to attract wine tourists to this otherwise sleepy village, and to promote the high potential, but still hardly recognized (as a serious player) Mátra region.
Good Malbec from Hungary – Mészáros Grandiózus 2016, Szekszárd
Malbec is a new thing in Hungary and there isn’t much of it planted, but to judge from this example, it has a bright future. This comes from the sunny southern part of the country, Szekszárd, which is famous for its opulent, big and ripe reds, and while I struggle to like the Cabernets and Merlots made there, I simply loved this Malbec.
Another great Cotes du Rhone from 2016: Clos Saint-Antonin
Yet another one from the endless row of great 2016 Southern Rhone reds. The first wine I tried from the producer and it convinced me, now I want to try more from their portfolio.