Quite possibly the first Hungarian zinfandel (a.k.a. primitivo) ever on shelves. An interesting wine, not the blockbuster you would expect. Continue reading
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One more csókaszőlő on the horizon!
Just a micro batch, but there is now one more csókaszőlő red wine on the market, joining the very few others that exist today. Szentesi József, Vylyan, St. Andrea and Bussay are the producers who already released such variety (I might miss a name or two), and now you can taste one from Kovács András and Tóth Kinga, if you are lucky enough – it’s extremely limited. Continue reading
Supermarket wines: Eszterbauer Tanyamacska Kékfrankos 2020
Eszterbauer is one of my favourite Szekszárd producers, and their entry level reds are rarely disappointing. Even though 2020 doesn’t seem to be the best vintage for them.
Grapes never tasted – Szentesi Kék Bajor 2020
Kék bajor is another almost extinct Hungarian grape variety József Szentesi is trying to bring back to life. According to him, it gives lighter wines. This is not the first vintage, but I’m not sure if it was ever released on the market – this 2020 is now available to buy.
Losonci Kékfrankos 2018
This is that rare case when I taste a so called natural wine and I’m not disappointed.
Itt és Most Tihanyi Kék 2021
I must mention that Itt és Most Pince‘s owner is a fellow winemaker in the same village where I also make my wine – I’m a bit hesitant to write about his wines, but this is such an important one. To my knowledge it’s only József Szentesi who has been making wine from tihanyi kék, an almost extinct Hungarian red grape. Until 2021, when Itt és Most Pince made their first harvest from their new plantings…
A wild white wine – Fehérvári Borbirtok Petit Somlo 2020
Somló is quite special among Hungarian wine regions. It’s a tiny one, focusing on white wines, which often have a distinguished character. That’s what I struggle with, and the Petit Somlo from new producer Fehérvári is a good example.
A new experience – Kékhegy Nero 2020 from Mátra, Hungary
Here is a wine to widen your wine horizon. Artisanal, well made and quite unique. Can be too much for many, though… Continue reading
Bodri Kékfrankos 2020
Bodri is one of the bigger names (and bigger producers) of Szekszárd. They had an entry level kékfrankos which often over-delivered regarding value, and I followed it through many vintages. It seems to be gone now and I guess this “Tradíció” titled one is the successor. As it turns out, it’s not just the label which has changed: it’s not the pure and bright rendition anymore.
Visiting St. Donát, a leading olaszrizling (welschriesling) producer
A quick photo report of visiting St. Donát last week at Lake Balaton. I liked a lot what I have seen and tasted. Continue reading