Sebestyén, Nánai Kékfrankos, 2018

Sebestyén Winery, Szekszárd Region

This pure Kékfrankos comes from the Nánai vineyard, located on a plateau south of the town of Szekszárd. The vineyard, planted 15 years ago, is less than an acre. Its colder, windier climate means that it produces elegant wines with a lower alcohol content and crisp acidity. Csilla Sebestyén joined her brother, Csaba, in the family winery after working for several years as a sommelier in a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Dublin. Csilla brought an international viewpoint to the winery, shifting its focus from international varieties to local ones. “This is my sister’s wine,” explained Csaba. “She came up with the idea for this wine, and she does the final barrel selection.” Csilla has also confessed that of all their wines, this is her favorite. It is aged in used 500 liter Hungarian and French barrels for 19 months. No new oak barrels are used, as to not mask the great potential of the Kékfrankos variety behind oak. The nose explodes with the classic Kékfrankos aromas of currants, red plums, black pepper, and sour cherry. There is also an elegant and well-integrated touch of oaky aromas, like leather, tobacco, and sweet spices. The wine has a juicy acidity with gentle tannins, and a very long finish. Csilla calls this wine the “real princess” of the winery. And she is absolutely right!