You cannot win all the time. Vylyan Macska is a superb portugieser in general, both the 2020 and the 2021 were a favourite of mine, but the 2022 is a bit different.
hungary
Szentesi Kékszilváni 2019
Kékszilváni, which translates to blauer silvaner and is most likely the same variety indeed, can be tasted again from Hungarian vineyards. You guessed it right, the man who brought it back is József Szentesi.
Carbonic cabernet franc – the nouveau red Bujdosó Libás 2022
Very few red wines are made in Hungary with carbonic maceration, the only well-known one is Vylyan’s Bogyólé. I’m a fan of such wines (just like of Beaujolais crus, which is kinda geeky stuff), I don’t think that they are junk or suitable only for beginners. Not at all. So I’m happy to see the category growing, and here is another good one, a cabernet franc from the southern bank of Lake Balaton. Continue reading
Welschriesling done well – St. Donát Csopak Hegybor 2020
I bought this bottle at the cellar door, when visited this great Csopak producer in July. I’m still impressed, I reckon this is one of the best olaszrizling (welschriesling) out there. Continue reading
Supermarket wines – Aldi’s Csányi Villányi Shiraz 2021, a great value red
As a winelover you won’t often find a Hungarian red for 1100 HUF or 3 Euros which is worth drinking. But the Csányi Shiraz is an exception, it always delivers, and the 2021 vintage is no exception. Continue reading
Vylyan did it again: Macska Portugieser 2021
I thought it was probably just a vintage thing for Vylyan, they nailed it in 2020 and made a standout Portugieser, but the new vintage is just as lovely, if not even better.
Supermarket wines: Teleki Kékfrankos 2019, a nice one
Teleki is one of the most widely available entry level wine brand in Hungary, made in big quantities and available at every corner. Everyone knows it, this is what many regular wine consumers identify with quality wine and with villányi (Villány is kind of Hungary’s Barossa). I’m happy to say that it’s actually really nice! Continue reading
Exciting new wines to emerge from Hungary’s Mátra region
Keep an eye on Hungary’s Mátra wine region, some fascinating developments are taking place in this sleepy part of the country.
Like a Tokaji Aszú – Szeremley Zeus Late Harvest 2005 from Badacsony
I don’t drink sweet wines often, but this is really a category Hungary excels in. This late harvest beauty comes from the north bank of Balaton, and it’s singing at the age of 15. Quite a shame that don’t produce it anymore, at least I cannot remember vintages newer than this one. Continue reading
Hungary’s leading nouveau wine: Vylyan Bogyólé from Villány
Not much nouveau wines are made in Hungary, and from those the majority are actually white or rose. Take a look at the red ones, and you will find even less made with carbonic maceration, probably only 3-5 does exist. The most well known and widely distributed is Vylyan Bogyoló, which rules the category and really good in every vintage. The 2021 is no exception.