Riesling, Balaton, Hungary

A mineral, sumptuous and zero-zero Hungarian riesling to feed the soul. Grand vin de Barnag winemaker Bence Szilágyi makes incredibly tasty wine out of a 200-year-old stone barn-turned-winery in the western Hungarian village of Barnag, close to the volcanic hills of Lake Balaton. Buying land in the area is near impossible (due to tourism trends), and so Bence works with five limestone-stuffed hectares, half being rentals he farms himself, the other half being purchased grapes from a local farmer. FUN FACT! They haven’t made a single vineyard riesling since 2021, and this 2023 vintage included only 1950 bottles of which we got 120. Coming from the south-facing limestone slopes of their Király-domb vineyard, the grapes are harvested in three rounds (for a variety of ripenesses), partly macerated on skins for some tactility, but mainly direct-pressed for a fresh vivacity. Burnt sugar reduction, spiced va (volatile acidity) lifting a field of chamomile, cold spring butter, underripe green pears and apples, mouthwatering sapidity, a pocket full of rocks, nudge of petrol & a rushing river. Enjoy alongside chicken paprikash.