Bencze Birtok Kéknyelü

Vintage: 2021

Region: Badacsony, Hungary

Grapes: Kéknyelü

Alcohol: 12%

Kéknyelű is a local grape variety found only around the Badacsony region of Lake Balaton - rare, demanding lots of work in the field, but the reward is massive. This is a powerhouse in a bottle, like a hulking force trapped in tiny form. From 5-year-old vines on dense volcanic basalt at 180m, István harvested in multiple steps at the end of September to catch perfect ripeness. After slow, gentle whole-bunch pressing, the grapes went into clay amphoras where they fermented and aged for 10 months. This wine is the blend of the three most powerful and electric amphoras, bottled mid-July, unfined, unfiltered, without SO₂. The nose bursts with freshly cut daisies paired with lively lemon sherbet and ripe white peach – zesty and aromatic, both delicate and bold. The amphora ageing delivers incredible tension on the palate, balancing bright acidity with a flinty mineral backbone that echoes the volcanic terroir. Full-bodied with remarkable longevity, lots of exotic fruit and wonderful structure. Just 1500 bottles of power, finesse, and serious potential that lingers long after the last sip.