Szentesi, Tihany Kék, 2020

Szentesi Winery, Etyek-Buda Region

There is, perhaps, just one other winemaker in Hungary (which means, also, in the whole world), who grows the Tihany Kék variety. Of all the ancient Hungarian grape varieties that winemaker József Szentesi has resurrected, this is one of the most exciting. Tihany Kék once was amongst the most popular varieties in Hungary, until phylloxera hit in the late 1800s and caused many varieties to disappear. Szentesi has given this variety a chance to survive, after planting vines from cuttings he discovered in a research institute. Tihanyi Kék is a mid-ripening variety, which makes a light wine with good structure. It has a unique spiciness and is not comparable to any other grape. This wine is from vines that Szentesi planted in 1988, on soil that is partly volcanic, with loess, granite, limestone, andesite, and quartz. Grapes were harvested on September 14th and 19^th, and the wine was barrel aged for four months. It was spontaneously fermented and unfiltered. This wine is on the lighter side, with a pale purplish-blue color. It has a beautiful intensity and dense flavors. There are aromas of rose petals and lavender, red peppercorn, Szechuan pepper, cinnamon and juniper. On the nose, it has an intriguing earthiness and scents of green leaves. On the palate, it has a spiciness combined with a floral character. It is also peppery and vegetal, with hints of Worcester sauce, cloves, and blueberry. This lively wine is a real experience to sip, and not just because of its rarity and its back-from-the-dead story. Because of its lightness and complexity, you might want to enjoy this wine on its own, but it is intense and dense enough to enjoy with spicy foods. We like it with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Greek dishes. Maybe with a cheese plate, or stuffed eggplant. Only 700 bottles were produced.

This vintage is sold out in Hungary!

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