Kadarka, Hajós-Baja, Hungary 

You may not know this grape yet, but soon enough you’ll be cheering with the rest of us! This wine takes us on a journey two hours south of Budapest and just east of the Danube River. The entire village Sziegl Pince resides in is a couple dozen streets held together by 1,200+ old, hand-dug cellars. FUN FACT! Many of the cellars are carved directly below their sandy vineyards, and you can see the roots snaking their way down from the ceilings, as they cling to the subterranean walls like a house’s wood framing. Kadarka is a regional grape that previously ruled Hungary’s landscape, and is presently experiencing a micro-renaissance due to its ability to produce pinot noir-esque wines of stellar energy & terroir expression (big yum). This organically farmed, old-vine jewel comes entirely from the “Herreberg” vineyard, an exalted site that has been historically labeled a “Grand Cru” in the region. Crushed bramble, citrus peels, stewed rhubarb, liquorice snuggling in damp moss, damp soil, flower stems & white pepper. Enjoy with paprika-heavy fish dishes for a true Hungarian experience.