It felt like Christmas when I opened this Tokaji aszú at the family lunch last Sunday. Just pure hedonism.
Péter Pince Tokaji Aszú 2017
hungarian
Great merlot from Hungary: Gere Solus 2006 from Villány
High end merlot was a thing in Hungary two decades ago, inspired by the great supertuscan examples if I’m not mistaken. Expensive big, beefy reds arenow mostly out of favor here as well, but that’s a different story. The Gere Solus was (and still is) one, if not the most coveted example of this style. And well, it’s amazing as a 16 year old wine.
Great aged cabernet franc from Hungary: Weninger 2006
For the lovers of Loire cabernet franc. Not for everyone because of the herbal notes, but this has class for sure. And this is a piece of the modern era of Hungarian wines, started almost from scratch 25-30 years ago. Continue reading
Szentesi Laska 2020
The first review of a laska on this blog! This black grape was planted in Hungary in the past but then disappeared, and of course it’s József Szentesi who brought it back for us. In 2020 it produced a wine that holds great promise for the future.
Supermarket wines: Chateau Teleki Villányi Franc 2017
Such a classic Hungarian red. Widely distributed in the country, you can find it in many supermarkets, and I remember tasting it from the early 2000s. But I’m quite sure it was already made in 1997 – that would not be long history in France, but it is in Hungary.Supermarket wines – Günzer Syrah 2020, Villány
The first syrah plantings in Villány date back to the early 2000s if I’m not mistaken, and the variety is still not widespread in the region. Yet there are quite cheap and affordable bottlings around, like this one, available at 5 Euros in Auchan.
New wave Hungarian red: Vylyan Vörös Variáció 2021
Villány is probably still the most famous red wine region in Hungary. It’s not the most innovative, one could add, though. But here is a red which I would label as new wave, and it’s quite nice.
Standout kékfrankos: Takler Szenta-Hegyi 2018
Takler, one of Hungary’s biggest name in red wines has been improving in recent years. Less oak, more freshness and definition. I like the results. Continue reading
Wines of the year: Heimann & Fiai Kadarka 2021
My Hungarian red wine of the year. I’m sure there are others that are more complex and score higher, but this is so exciting and new-wave. Continue reading
Nouveau time: Vylyan Bogyólé 2020
The most well-known Hungarian nouveau style red. I cannot remember a poor release, and the 2022 again delivers.