Vintage: 2021 + 2023 Region: Badacsony, Hungary Grapes: Kék Bakator Alcohol: 12% Kékbakator is one of Hungary's rarest indigenous grapes - late-ripening, thin-skinned, and almost lost by the end of the 20th century - but István Bencze has revived it in his biodynamic vineyards with precision and soul. This is Hungary's own Poulsard-like gem, yielding a wine of remarkable finesse that's feather-light yet complex. The 2023 vintage (the warmest year since 1901 with exceptionally high rainfall) was harvested in two passes from different plots: the first from Cseresznyefás was foot-crushed with juice settled overnight, whilst the second from Sárgaház was hand-destemmed and fermented with some whole clusters for seven days. Both components were combined and aged for 11 months in stoneware amphora, preserving the grape's naturally vibrant acidity and delicate aromatics. The nose opens with wild red berries, sour cherry, and lifted floral tones layered with subtle herbs and gentle earthiness. The palate is vibrant and pure with naturally high acidity, giving crystalline tension – red raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate glide over a fine mineral backbone from the volcanic basalt soils. Just 300 bottles, unfiltered, unfined, no added SO₂ - beautifully transparent and terroir-driven. Due to the limited availability of this wine (only 3 cases in the UK), no discounts are available.
