Bencze Birtok Riesling

Vintage: 2021

Region: Badacsony, Hungary

Grapes: Riesling

Alcohol: 12%

A must for every adventurous Riesling lover - this breaks all conventions. From 15-year-old vines on volcanic basalt and tuff at 180m, István works with perfectly healthy bunches that are gently pressed whole. The juice ferments and ages in clay amphoras for 10 months on fine lees before bottling unfined, unfiltered, without SO₂. The 2021 vintage was cold and wet, with disease pressure naturally reducing yields, resulting in mineral, linear, focused wines with great ageing potential. After amphora ageing, all the vessels were sealed and the wine matured for a year in the bottle before release. What you get is electrifying - vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus zest, and wet stone paired with subtle smokiness and herbal notes like sorrel, thyme, and lemongrass. The amphora ageing gives a textured, round mouthfeel whilst preserving fresh acidity and minerality, letting the fruit's crispness shine through. Lively yet smooth on the palate with layers of lemon, white peach, and a striking flinty finish that lingers – acid that'll blow you away.