Report from the 22nd Budapest International Wine Festival – Part 2

IKON Borászat (IKON Winery)

IKON Winery is situated in Rádpuszta, near Balatonlelle on the south shore of Lake Balaton. The vineyards of Rádpuszta had belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany for centuries. After a long break, with the establishment of IKON Winery, the place began to keep its original glory. One of the founders of the winery is the well-known enologist János Konyári, whose expertise is guarantee of the high standards of the wines. Currently IKON Winery is comprises 39 hectares of the following grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir. White wines are made of the co-operation between the winery and local vine-growers. The winemaker at the winery is János Konyári who was voted for the Winemaker of the Year in 2008.

Rajnai Rizling (Rhine Riesling) 2012

The wine dominant of floral notes (mainly acacia) on the nose while honey and floral notes are on the palate. It is a pale yellow colored wine which opens slowly and show its characters after a while. It’s a nice and pretty wine. The closure is screw cap.

Konyári Loliense white 2012

This wine was made by János Konyári. The mixture of three grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Olasz Rizling (Italian Riesling). It was fermented in stainless-steel tanks then had been matured in barrel with battonage technology for 6 months. It opens a bit slowly but probably because the wine was too cold at the time of tasting. Floral notes are dominant, mainly the typical notes of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Also floral notes are on the palate with a creamy effect. It makes the wine velvety and well-rounded.

Fabro Pince (Fabro Winery)

I was curious what a wine region can offer which is not that popular and famous like other wine regions in Hungary. Fabro Pince (Fabro Winery) is based in the city of Paks which is located in the Wine Region of Tolna. Tolna wine region is located in the Middle South Hungary whoever the region is fragmented into 3 bigger areas. One of the three areas is located between the River Danube and Sió Channel and two others are located on the west side of the Sió Channel.

The winery offered 1 sparkling, 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 Siller and 4 red wine on the Wine Fair. The white wine was a Chardonnay 2012 vintage and the sparkling was made from Cserszegi Fűszeres (Cserszeg Spice) also from 2012.

SÁR – DON – É Chardonnay 2012

Thanks for the uniqueness of the Tolna wine region this Chardonnay has more soil and mushroom notes on the nose rather what you would expect from a Chardonnay. Floral notes are stronger on the palate and it’s a well balanced wine with not too strong acids.

Érintés 2012 Sparkling wine, sweet

The name Érintés means touch in English. The wine got its name probably because of a velvety and light sparkling wine favourite of ladies. This sparkling wine was made from the Hungarian grape variety Cserszegi Fűszeres (Cserszeg Spice). A sweet white sparkling wine with fruity and spicy notes on the nose and velvety, harmonious on the palate. Light and sweet like a feminine touch.

Bezerics Borház (Bezerics Winehouse)

Bezerics Borház is situated in the Zala wine region on the west shore of Lake Balaton.They cultivate vine over 30 hectares which 26 hectares is their own vineyards. Most of their wines are made from white grape varieties both Hungarian and International such as Cserszegi Fűszeres (Cserszeg Spice), Furmint, Chardonnay and a very rare Hungarian grape variety calls Pátria which is a cross between Olasz Rizling (Italian Riesling) and Tramini.

Olasz Rizling (Italian Riesling) 2012

Pale  yellow colour. Green vegetables are dominant on the nose but these notes are not that strong rather well-balanced. Mainly elderflower, acacia and flowers can be felt on the palate. A decent, easy-drinking wine.

Cserszegi Fűszeres (Cserszeg Spice) 2012

A light easy drinking wine. Despite it’s a dry wine, the notes on the nose are similar to a sweet wine. Apricot, pineapple and a little botrytis can be smelled. Mainly floral notes are on the palate but we can feel that little sweetness in our mouth too.

Birtokbor 2011

Blended from three different grape varieties. Furmint, Hárslevelű (Linden Leaf) and Pátria. Straight from the first smell you can assume this is a serious wine. Light yellow colour, apricot and dried plum notes gives the first impression. You can discover different fruits on the palate and feel velvety wine with well-rounded acids. Serious white wine.

Pátria 2011

This rare Hungarian grape variety is a cross between Olasz Rizling (Italian Riesling) and Piros Tramini (Red Traminer) was done by Károly Bakonyi in 1982. This wine is rich in aromas and flavours. Apricot, water lemon and apple are dominant on the nose while apricot, apple and grape on the palate. The wine shows its characters nicely. Well balanced and rich in acids.

Chardonnay Barrique 2011

The wine has been matured in barrique barrel for 2 months. Medium dark colour and dried fruits  describe this wine. Mostly flower notes on the palate with a hint of fruits in the back. Nice backbone and rounded acids with medium long finish give seriousness for this wine.

Late harvest Cserszegi Fűszeres (Cserszeg Spice) 2011

Beautiful wine with lots of fresh and dried fruits, botrytis on the nose. Peach, apricot, plum mixing together while the botrytis makes this wine serious. Fresh and young but already won many gold medals. Nice acids and sweetness fill the mouth and gives a long finish for the wine.

Jégbor (Ice Wine) 2011

Harvested in late December  early January this ice wine is full of dried apricot and pineapple on the nose and on the palate too. Nicely rounded wine with strong sweetness and long finish at the end.