Királyleányka – Nádas Borműhely

The Királyleányka grape originated in the Transylvania region of Romania, most probably as a natural crossing (meaning without human intervention) of the Kövérszőlő and Leányka grape varieties. It was officially recognized as a Hungarian grape in 1973. Hungarian wine-lovers appreciate it as a light wine, with a floral and fruity character, a crisp acidity, and a delicately perfumed aroma. Királyleányka is most often associated with the Eger wine region, where it is one of the most planted white grapes (and also a component of the Egri Csillag blend). Of the approximately 900 producing hectares of Királyleányka, there are about 60 hectares planted in Etyek.

Winemaker Szilárd Nádas sources his Királyleányka grapes from his 38-year-old vines on the Etyek wine region’s most revered slope, Öreg-hegy. This 100 percent Királyelányka was fermented in steel tanks, so as to preserve all of the wonderful aromatic qualities of this grape. But this is a somewhat atypical Királyleányka, in that the color is deeper and the usual intense elderflower perfuminess on the nose is replaced by chamomile flowers, candied fruit, watermelon Jolly Rancher, lemon curd, and gummy bear aromas. There is a lot packed in this bottle. The rich nose is followed by a lush and fairly full-body, which is enriched by a few grams per liter of residual sugar. This wine is packed with floral and fresh fruit flavors—lime, lemon, dried elderflower, and juicy mango—with a nice acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. We like this wine with rich salads (perhaps a Salad Nicoise) and Asian dishes (such as curries or Szechuan dishes). It’s also great paired with Hungarian dishes such as lángos, catfish paprikás, and with mákos tészta (poppyseed pasta). Like the label suggests, this is a happy wine. Just 980 bottles made.