Bencze Birtok Autochthon Red

Vintage: 2022

Region: Badacsony, Hungary 

Grapes: Kék Bakator, Kékfrankos, Hajnos Kék, Kadarka

Alcohol: 11%

Autochthon Red is István's blend of indigenous Hungarian varieties - Kék Bakator (47%), Kékfrankos (31%), Hajnos Kék (13%), and Kadarka (9%) - all from young vines (5-11 years old) on dense volcanic basalt at 180m altitude. After the success of the white Autochthon, this red version stands out for its extreme juiciness and pleasant wildness. Each variety was harvested separately in mid-September and handled differently: the Kék Bakator gets "trompette" flotation fermentation with half direct-pressed and half whole-bunch soaked, the Kékfrankos is split between direct press and whole-bunch crushed, the Hajnos Kék is half foot-crushed and half whole-bunch flotation, whilst the Kadarka combines crushed juice, hand-destemmed grapes, and whole-bunch fermentation. Everything was fermented separately, then blended in November and matured in three 750L terracotta amphoras for a year. Bottled with no filtration, clarification, or sulphur - just raw, unadulterated brilliance. The nose bursts with wild red berries, sour cherries, earthiness, and subtle herbal notes, whilst the palate is lively and fresh with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. Best served slightly chilled after a short decant – cranberries, hibiscus, rosehip marmalade, red grapefruit, and crushed stone minerality. Around 5000 bottles of pure, textural energy.