An interview by MOVIN Agency
In the latest chapter of the MOVIN Agency โ Meet the Winemaker series, we travel to the volcanic hills of Badacsony to meet Csaba Tรถrรถk, owner and winemaker of 2HA Winery. Rooted in terroir, restraint and authenticity, 2HA has become one of Hungaryโs most exciting boutique wineries, earning growing international recognition from leading wine critics.
MOVIN Agency: Csaba, how did the story of 2HA Winery begin?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: 2HA was born from a very personal journey. I didnโt come from a traditional winemaking family, but I felt an immediate and very deep connection to Badacsony and its volcanic landscape. From the beginning, my goal was never to follow trends or expectations, but to create wines that are honest and transparent expressions of place.
The name 2HA comes from the two hectares we started with. It reminds us that intention, care, and respect for the vineyard matter more than size.
MOVIN Agency: What makes Badacsony such a special terroir for you?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: Our home is Szent Gyรถrgy Hill, located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, between Badacsony and Szigliget. It is a dramatic volcanic witness hill, and its geological and climatic characteristics fundamentally shape our wines.
The soils are defined by a unique combination of volcanic material and ancient Pannonian marine sediments. This layered geological heritage gives our wines their distinctive mineral tension and depth. At the same time, the hill shows strong microclimatic differences. All of our vineyards are located on the southern slopes, where the mountain itself provides natural protection from cold northern winds. Because of this shelter, a subtle sub-Mediterranean influence prevails, allowing for long, balanced ripening periods.
Today, the estate consists of several small parcels, all situated in the best south-facing positions on the hill.
The estate is certified organic โ meaning we cultivate certified organic grapes and work exclusively with fruit from our own vineyards. The organic certification applies to the vineyards (the grapes), ensuring full control from soil to harvest.
We farm under certified organic practices, and our grapes come from a total of 2 x 2 hectares, harvested entirely by hand before arriving in the cellar. This scale allows us to work each parcel with maximum focus and precision, which we consider essential for truly terroir-driven wines.
MOVIN Agency: How would you describe your winemaking philosophy?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: Our philosophy is not about a single moment or a finished goal, but about a continuous journey. We believe in organic viticulture and cultivate our vineyards under controlled organic farming practices.
In the cellar, we follow the principle of naturalness and embrace a clear low-intervention approach. We avoid any intervention that could diminish the wineโs original aromatic richness or texture. All of our wines are barrel-aged, and both white and red wines ferment in wood. We do not fine our wines, our white wines are also unfiltered, and bottling is carried out according to the lunar calendar.
Everything we do is aimed at preserving purity, energy and authenticity, allowing each wine to express its origin as clearly and honestly as possible.
MOVIN Agency: Can you tell us about the 2HA wine portfolio?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: In a way that is still unusual for the region, we place strong emphasis on red wines. With this choice, we consciously reconnect with the pre-phylloxera traditions of the Balaton Uplands, where red varieties once played a much more significant role.
Our approach to red wines is deeply rooted in historical context, yet expressed through a modern, terroir-driven perspective. In terms of grape varieties, we are particularly proud to be the first winery in Hungary to experiment with Sangiovese, an ancient Tuscan variety of Etruscan origin.
From Sangiovese we produce Tabunello, a wine that has become a defining reference for 2HA. It demonstrates how an international variety can find a true and authentic home in Badacsony when carefully matched with site, climate and philosophy.
MOVIN Agency: One of your flagship wines is Tabunello. What makes this wine special?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: Tabunello is a very important wine for us. It represents the complexity and seriousness that Badacsony is capable of. The wine is structured, layered and strongly mineral-driven, with remarkable ageing potential.
We were extremely proud when Jancis Robinson awarded several of our wines 17 and even 17.5 points, especially because her evaluations resonate strongly with our own philosophy of balance, restraint and terroir-focused winemaking.
MOVIN Agency: Another internationally acclaimed wine is Courage. What is the story behind it?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: Courage is about taking risks and trusting your instincts. It is a wine that required patience, belief and long-term thinking, both in the vineyard and in the cellar.
Receiving 94 points from James Suckling was a powerful confirmation for us. It showed that this uncompromising, authenticity-driven approach can resonate on an international level, and that Hungarian wines can compete among the very best when they remain true to their origins.
MOVIN Agency: How important are export markets for 2HA Winery?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: Export is essential for us. It allows us to communicate the character of Badacsony and Hungarian terroir to a wider audience. Our wines are already present in several international markets, and we continue to build long-term partnerships with importers who understand and value boutique, terroir-driven wines.
For us, quality always comes before quantity. We are not looking for rapid expansion, but for meaningful presence.
MOVIN Agency: What role does MOVIN Agency play in your international presence?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: MOVIN Agency understands our philosophy and represents us with credibility and passion. That alignment is crucial. Export is not just about selling wine โ it is about storytelling, education and building trust.
MOVIN helps translate our values into international markets in a way that feels authentic and consistent with who we are.
MOVIN Agency: Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of 2HA?
Csaba Tรถrรถk: Our goal is to remain focused and true to ourselves. No rapid expansion, no compromises. The future is about refining what we already do well, deepening our understanding of our vineyards, and continuing to produce wines that reflect Badacsony with clarity, depth and integrity.
MOVIN Agency: Thank you, Csaba, for sharing your story and insights with us. It was a pleasure to explore the philosophy, terroir and vision behind 2HA Winery.
Csaba Tรถrรถk: Thank you for the opportunity. It was a pleasure to talk about our work and our home in Badacsony.
Donโt forget to check out the products from 2HA Winery.
An interview by MOVIN Agency
As we approach the festive season, weโre delighted to turn our spotlight to one of Hungaryโs most iconic wine regions โ Tokaj. Today, we sit down with Mรกtรฉ Csanaky, DipWSET, Sales Director of Zsirai Winery, to talk about the estate, its unique terroir, and the magic of Tokaji wines that make every celebration sparkle.
MOVIN Agency: Mรกtรฉ, could you tell us a little about Zsirai Winery and how it all began?
Mรกtรฉ Csanaky: Zsirai Winery is a family-owned estate based in Mรกd, right in the heart of the Tokaj Wine Region. Our story began with a simple ambition: to combine Tokajโs centuries-old winemaking traditions with a fresh, modern approach. We cultivate around 15 hectares of vineyards across some of the regionโs most exciting crus, where volcanic soils and microclimates shape truly distinctive wines.
MOVIN Agency: Tokaj is world-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes its terroir so exceptional?
Mรกtรฉ Csanaky: Tokajโs magic lies beneath the surface โ in its volcanic subsoil. The regionโs combination of rhyolite tuff, andesite, and loess provides incredible minerality and complexity to the wines. The microclimate along the Bodrog and Tisza rivers creates the perfect conditions for Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot that gives Tokaji Aszรบ its unique character. This natural phenomenon, combined with centuries of know-how, is what makes Tokaj unlike anywhere else in the world.
MOVIN Agency: How would you describe the Zsirai wine style?
Mรกtรฉ Csanaky: We aim for purity, elegance, and authenticity. Each of our wines expresses its vineyard origin โ from our Tokaji Furmint Betsek, a wine of precision and minerality from one of Mรกdโs most celebrated vineyards, to the Tokaji Hรกrslevelลฑ Kรถzรฉphegy, which shows beautiful floral notes, soft texture, and a distinct sense of place. Our Tokaj Dry by Zsirai is a fresh, approachable ambassador of the regionโs dry style, perfect for introducing Tokaj to new audiences.
We respect tradition, but weโre not afraid to innovate, especially when it comes to vineyard care and gentle winemaking techniques. The result is wines that are both classic and contemporary, true to Tokaj but approachable for todayโs wine lovers.
MOVIN Agency: Zsirai wines have reached several export markets. Where can international wine lovers discover your bottles?
Mรกtรฉ Csanaky: Weโre proud to see our wines represented in the UK, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Germany. These markets value authenticity and are open to discovering unique expressions like Tokaj. Each bottle that travels abroad carries a piece of our heritage and our message: Tokaj is timeless, yet always evolving.
MOVIN Agency: As this interview appears around Christmas, we canโt resist asking โ what makes Tokaji Aszรบ the perfect festive wine?
Mรกtรฉ Csanaky: Tokaji Aszรบ is pure celebration in a glass. Itโs rich, golden, and full of life โ just like the festive season itself. Its balance of sweetness and vibrant acidity makes it incredibly versatile: wonderful with foie gras or blue cheese, but equally beautiful on its own at the end of a meal. And beyond taste, every sip connects you to history โ to a tradition that has delighted kings, poets, and wine lovers for more than four centuries.
MOVIN Agency: A wonderful thought to close on. Thank you, Mรกtรฉ, for sharing your insight and passion for Tokaj and Zsirai Winery.
Mรกtรฉ Csanaky: Thank you. I hope that this Christmas, more people around the world will raise a glass of Tokaji Aszรบ and toast to what truly matters โ connection, joy, and timeless tradition.
Don't forget to check out the products from Zsirai Winery.
#MOVINAgency #MeetTheWinemaker #ZsiraiWinery #Tokaj #HungarianWine #Furmint #Hรกrslevelลฑ #TokajiAszรบ #WineMarketing #Winelovers #ChristmasWine
Interview by MOVIN Wine Consulting Agency
Welcome back to our Meet the Winemaker series, where we shine a spotlight on passionate producers shaping the future of Hungarian wine. This time, we travelled (virtually!) to the historic Eger wine district to speak with Gergล Bรถjt, winemaker at the family-owned Bรถjt Winery, which has been farming its vineyards organically for many years, about volcanic soils, bold blends, and what makes Egerโs wines stand out on the international stage.
MOVIN: Gergล, thank you for joining us! Could you tell us a bit about the history and philosophy of Bรถjt Winery?
Gergล Bรถjt: Thank you for having me! Our winery is a true family story. My parents started it in the 1990s with just a few hectares of vineyards. Over the years, weโve grown, but weโve kept our focus on quality and authenticity. Today, we cultivate about 12 hectares, all farmed organically for many years now โ a commitment that reflects our respect for the land and future generations. While I bring modern winemaking techniques to the table, we remain rooted in tradition. For us, wine is about expressing a place and a feeling โ we aim to bottle the soul of Eger.
MOVIN: Eger has such a rich winemaking tradition. What makes this region, and your vineyards in particular, so special?
Gergล: Eger is truly unique in Hungary. Itโs part of the Upper Hungary wine region, and our vineyards benefit from a cool continental climate, diverse volcanic soils, and varying altitudes. This terroir allows for excellent structure, minerality, and elegance in the wines. The Bรผkk mountains protect us, while the volcanic bedrock gives depth and complexity to both white and red wines. Our vines are mostly located on the southern slopes around Eger, where the sun exposure and soil composition are ideal.
MOVIN: Let's talk about your key wines. Which cuvรฉes represent the heart of Bรถjt Winery?
Gergล: Thatโs a tough question โ they all feel like children to me! But if I had to choose, Iโd highlight two:
Egri Bikavรฉr Superior: our classic red blend. Itโs Kรฉkfrankos-based, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Zweigelt, Blauburger, and Pinot Noir. Elegant, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity.
Egri Csillag Superior (organic, 2024 vintage): our flagship white blend, and from the 2024 vintage officially certified organic. Itโs Olaszrizling-based, blended with Leรกnyka, Muscat Ottonel, and Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh yet structured, itโs floral, spicy, and mineral-driven.
MOVIN: With this interview coming out in October, we have to ask โ how is harvest looking this year?Gergล: Ah, the magic of harvest! Itโs always the most intense yet rewarding time of year. This vintage looks promising โ the weather has been balanced, with enough sunshine and just the right amount of rain. The whites are showing great aromatic potential, and the reds are developing nice color and phenolic ripeness. We pick everything by hand, parcel by parcel, to ensure perfect timing. Thereโs something very grounding about being in the vineyards at sunrise โ you feel the energy of the vintage in the making.
MOVIN: Whatโs your approach in the cellar? How do you balance tradition and innovation?
Gergล: My goal is always to respect the fruit and the vintage. We harvest by hand, sort carefully, and use spontaneous fermentation where possible. Iโm not dogmatic, though โ sometimes modern tools help us express the terroir more clearly. For example, we work with a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels, depending on the grape and the style. Less intervention, more precision โ thatโs our guiding principle.
MOVIN: Are Bรถjt wines available internationally? What are your thoughts on export markets?
Gergล: Yes, we currently export to a few European markets, and weโre always looking to expand. I believe Eger โ and Hungarian wines in general โ have so much to offer internationally. Our Egri Csillag and Egri Bikavรฉr are unique, story-driven wines that can stand proudly on the global stage. With the right partners, like MOVIN, weโre confident more people will discover them.
MOVIN: Finally, whatโs next for you and Bรถjt Winery?
Gergล: Weโre continuing our long-standing commitment to organic viticulture โ all our vineyards have been farmed organically for many years, and from the 2024 vintage our Egri Csillag Superior is officially certified organic. Weโre also exploring renewable energy solutions to further reduce our environmental footprint. And of course, weโre experimenting with new blends and single-vineyard selections. The journey never stops!
Don't forget to check out the products from Bรถjt Winery.
#MeetTheWinemaker #BรถjtWinery #EgerWine #EgriBikavรฉr #EgriCsillag #HungarianWine #MOVINAgency #WinesOfHungary #VolcanicWines #OrganicWines
In the latest edition of our Meet the Winemaker series, we sit down with Anna Tornai, third-generation owner of Tornai Winery, nestled on the slopes of Hungaryโs legendary Somlรณ hill. With over 75 years of history, international accolades, and a passionate commitment to native grape varieties, Tornai Winery is a shining ambassador of what volcanic terroir can express in a bottle.
MOVIN: Anna, youโre the third generation in the family to lead Tornai Winery. What has this legacy meant to you personally and professionally?
Tornai Anna: It means the world to me. My grandfather started with just a few rows of vines in 1946, driven by an incredible passion and belief in the potential of Somlรณ. My father took the estate to the next level, expanding the vineyards and introducing modern technologies, while still staying true to the soul of the region. For me, continuing this legacy is a deep responsibility, but also a privilege. I didnโt grow up thinking Iโd be a winemaker โ I studied other fields โ but Somlรณ has a magnetic pull. Coming back to the winery felt natural. Itโs not just a business, itโs a way of life.
MOVIN: For wine lovers who may not be familiar with the region, how would you describe Somlรณ?
Tornai Anna: Somlรณ is one of Hungaryโs smallest but most distinctive wine regions. It's literally a single hill โ an ancient volcanic butte โ rising dramatically from the plains of western Hungary. This unique geological formation gives our soil an extraordinary mineral composition, especially rich in basalt, which gives the wines a signature salty and flinty character. The regionโs microclimate โ with strong winds, cool nights, and long ripening periods โ allows our white wines to develop great complexity, structure, and age-worthiness. Itโs truly a hidden gem in the European wine map.
MOVIN: Tornai Winery is strongly associated with indigenous grape varieties. Which grape varieties are you growing and why?
Tornai Anna: Our focus is firmly on native Hungarian white grapes, especially Juhfark, Furmint, Hรกrslevelลฑ, and Olaszrizling. These varieties thrive in our terroir and reflect Somlรณโs unique character like no others. Juhfark in particular is our flagship โ a grape thatโs almost exclusively found here. It produces bold, mineral-rich wines with vibrant acidity and an unmistakable volcanic edge. Itโs a variety with real personality and history โ it was even traditionally consumed at weddings and royal courts for its supposed "male heirโproducing" powers! But myths aside, itโs a world-class grape that deserves global recognition.
We also work with Tramini, a variety that may not be native to Hungary but finds a beautiful expression on Somlรณ's volcanic soils. Our Selection Tramini 2021 not only received a Gold Medal at the Mundus Vini 2025 competition, but was also awarded the Best of Show Hungary White Wine title โ an incredible honor and testament to the diversity and potential of our region.
MOVIN: Tornai wines have won numerous awards. Could you share some highlights?
Tornai Anna: Yes, weโve been very proud of the international recognition our wines have received. Over the past decade, weโve collected more than 150 medals from top international competitions. Our Premium and Top Selection wines, particularly Juhfark and Furmint, have earned gold medals at Decanter World Wine Awards, Mundus Vini, and even in South Africaโs Michelangelo Awards. Most recently, our Selection Apรกtsรกgi Furmint 2021 was the only Hungarian wine to win a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025, which is especially meaningful for us. These accolades are not only a validation of our hard work but also raise awareness of Hungarian wines on the global stage. It's proof that volcanic terroir, handled with care, can produce truly world-class wines.
MOVIN: Where are Tornai wines available outside of Hungary?
Tornai Anna: Our export presence is growing steadily. Currently, we ship to Germany, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, and Japan, among others. Weโre also exploring new partnerships in Asia and Scandinavia. Whatโs exciting is that sommeliers and wine lovers abroad are increasingly curious about lesser-known regions and grape varieties โ theyโre hungry for authenticity, and thatโs exactly what Somlรณ offers.
MOVIN: How would you define your winemaking philosophy today?
Tornai Anna: Itโs about harmony โ between tradition and innovation, between nature and craftsmanship. We respect traditional methods like spontaneous fermentation and barrel aging, but we also use precise, modern techniques to ensure quality and consistency. Our approach is sustainable: we see ourselves as custodians of the land. Each bottle should tell the story of Somlรณ โ its volcanic past, its native grapes, and our family's dedication to excellence.
MOVIN: What can visitors expect when they come to the Tornai estate?
Tornai Anna: Weโre passionate about hospitality. Our modern visitor centre, tasting rooms, and wine terrace with panoramic views offer an immersive experience. Guests can taste a wide range of our wines โ from fresh, crisp whites to structured, age-worthy selections โ and explore the cellar where generations of winemaking come to life. We also host guided tours, gastronomic events, and wine-pairing dinners, all rooted in Somlรณโs unique cultural and geological heritage.
MOVIN: What are your goals for the future?
Tornai Anna: Our vision is to continue elevating the reputation of Somlรณ on the international wine map. We want more people to discover the elegance and power of our volcanic wines. We're also investing in sustainable vineyard practices, expanding our export network, and experimenting with new expressions of Juhfark and Furmint, including small-lot and single-vineyard bottlings. Thereโs still so much potential to unlock.
Don't forget to check out the products from Tornai Winery.
Itโs not every day you get to sip wine made from grapes grown on volcanic soil, aged in barrels beneath a historic castle, and crafted using a more than 500 years old recipe. This is Tokaj, this is Grรณf Degenfeld Wine Estate. We caught up with Mรกtรฉ Tรณth, managing director of the estate, for a warm and honest chat about organic viticulture, the power of Tokaji Aszรบ, and why their wines are more than just a drink โ why are they a liquid heritage.
MOVIN Agency: Mรกtรฉ, thanks for joining us! Letโs jump right in โ what makes Tokaj such a magical place to grow wine?
Mรกtรฉ Tรณth: It is truly special. Tokaj sits on volcanic bedrock that formed millions of years ago. This unique soil gives our wines this mineral backbone, a kind of quiet strength. Add in our cool climate, morning mists, and sunny autumns, and you get the perfect conditions for something truly rare โ Botrytis cinerea causing or noble rot, which we need to make the traditional Aszรบ wine. Itโs a place where nature and tradition meet in the most beautiful way.
MOVIN Agency: And youโre making that tradition organic. Thatโs a big step โ why did you take it?
Mรกtรฉ: Because we believe great wine starts in healthy soil. Since 2009, weโve been cultivating all our vineyards organically. That means no synthetic chemicals, using our own compost, and encouraging natural biodiversity in the vineyards. It's not the easiest path โ especially with the weather here โ but the results are worth it. Wines like our Tokaji Organic Late Harvest "Fortissimo" are proof: theyโre rich, elegant, and expressive โ yet still light on their feet. Itโs Tokaj in its purest form.
MOVIN Agency: Letโs talk about the crown jewel, theTokaji Aszรบ. For those who donโt know โ what makes it so legendary?
Mรกtรฉ: Oh, where to begin! Tokaji Aszรบ is often called the โwine of kings, king of wines,โ and thatโs not an exaggeration. For centuries, itโs been one of Europeโs most valuable sweet wines. What makes it so special is how it's made: we hand-pick individual botrytized berries. Each berry dried because of the noble rot , full of concentrated sugars and aromas and in the meantime the Botrytis transformed its aroma compounds to make it taste more than the vine could ever do on its own. Then we soak them in base wine, press them, and age them in Hungarian oak barrels.ย Itโs incredibly labor-intensive โ sometimes only 5-7 kg per picker per day โ but the result is a wine thatโs complex, fresh, powerful, and age-worthy. No two vintages are the same, but each one tells a story.ย ย
MOVIN Agency: And yet, it's still kind of under the radar internationally.
Mรกtรฉ: True. But thatโs changing. Weโre seeing more wine lovers in places like Japan, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Hong Kong, and the UK really embracing Tokaji Aszรบ โ and not just as a dessert wine. Itโs incredibly versatile: great with spicy food, heavy dishes like steak, blue cheese, even as an aperitif. And when people learn about how it's made and its history, theyโre amazed. We just need to keep telling the story.
MOVIN Agency: And youโre telling that story with organic wines. One that really caught our attention is your Organic Orange Wine. Whatโs the story there?
Mรกtรฉ Tรณth: Ah yes โ thatโs one of our most exciting projects! Orange wine is all about old-school winemaking with a modern twist. We take white grapes โ in our case, Furmint โ and ferment them on the skins, just like red wine. The result is this beautifully textured, amber-colored wine with tannins, spice, and amazing depth.
Doing it organically is key. It allows the wine to truly express the volcanic terroir, the grapeโs raw character, and the energy of the vintage. Itโs not a wine that tries to please everyone โ itโs a wine that tells the truth. For curious wine lovers, it's a whole new way to taste Tokaj.
MOVIN Agency: What do you want someone to feel when they drink a Grรณf Degenfeld wine?
Mรกtรฉ: I want them to feel like theyโre tasting a piece of Tokajโs soul. We provide a certain honesty and straightforwardness in all our wines, both in the taste and both in the production process. Whether it's a crisp dry Furmint or a golden 6 puttonyos Aszรบ, each wine should tell a story โ of the land, the climate, the people, and the legacy weโre trying to preserve. Itโs not just about flavor; itโs about feeling connected.
MOVIN Agency: Beautifully said. One last question โ if someone visits the winery, what can they expect?
Mรกtรฉ: Warm hospitality, stunning views, and a glass (or three) of something unforgettable. The castle is more than a building โ it sets the tone for everything. Elegant, timeless, and a little bit magical โ just like Tokaj itself. We have a restaurant where we match our wines with amazing dishes using also homegrown ingredients from the castle garden.
MOVIN Agency: Thank you, Mรกtรฉ. Canโt wait for our next visit!
Mรกtรฉ Tรณth: Thank you! Cheers โ and see you soon in Tokaj!
Don't forget to check out the products from Grรณf Degenfeld Wine Estate.
Exploring Carpinus Winery's Journey to success. Uncover the philosophy, vineyards, and international aspirations of the Carpinus Family Winery and how they showcase the unique character of their terroir in each exquisite bottle.
MOVIN's Interview with the Carpinus Family Winery
Today, we have the pleasure to meet the passionate team behind Carpinus Winery, a modern family winery deeply rooted in the traditions and heritage of generations past. Thank you for joining us. Could you tell us a bit about the philosophy that drives Carpinus Winery?
Istvรกn Bai: Thank you for having us. At Carpinus Winery, we pride ourselves on producing characterful, terroir-driven wines that embody a clean style, high quality, and professionalism. Our name, Carpinus, which translates to "hornbeam" in English, pays homage to our largest vineyard, Gyertyรกnos. We have drawn from our experience working at esteemed wineries both in Hungary and abroad to create a family winery that exemplifies top-quality work, sustainable practices, and a strong position in the global wine market.
MOVIN: That's truly inspiring. Could you share some insights into the vineyards you work with and the emphasis you place on specific grape varieties?
Istvรกn Bai: Certainly. Our vineyards are located in the renowned Tokaj Wine Region, including Gyertyรกnos, Lapis, Deรกk, Budahรกzy, Poklos, Veresek, and Dereszla vineyards. These vineyards have historically been classified as first and second growths, showcasing the exceptional quality of the terroir. We work primarily with indigenous grape varieties and place a special emphasis on Furmint, as it embodies the unique characteristics of our region.
MOVIN: It's wonderful to see such dedication to local varieties. Could you expand on your winemaking approach and your commitment to environmentally friendly practices?
Eszter Bai: Our ultimate goal is to present the natural assets and diverse terroirs of the Tokaj Wine Region through the creation of the finest wines. We prioritize environmentally friendly cultivation practices and closely monitor every step of the winemaking process, from the vineyard to bottling. Each vineyard's individual attributes, including soils, aspect, and microclimate, are carefully expressed through our single-vineyard wines. Our wines are known for their characteristic freshness, elegance, and harmonious nature, meant to be truly enjoyed. We also started the transitional period for organic farming on most of our plots and aiming to transform our production to organic within 5 years.
MOVIN:
Can you tell us more about the wine styles you focus on and how you have responded to dry wine trend in a region where sweet wines had centuries old traditions?
Istvรกn Bai: We recognized the rising demand for dry wines early on and decided to place more emphasis on this category. This trend has truly transformed the landscape of Tokaj within a decade. When we look back, it's incredible to think that it has been over 20 years since the very first dry wine specifically intended for the market was created. Prior to that, dry wines were mainly produced as base wines for soaking Aszรบ berries. Since then, dry wines have steadily gained popularity, and now they have surpassed the sweet category in premium retail sales, both in terms of volumes and values. It's truly a testament to the changing preferences of wine enthusiasts and the exceptional quality of dry wines produced in Tokaj. This trend has reshaped the perception and appreciation of Tokaj wines worldwide. We have witnessed firsthand the increasing demand for dry wines and the growing recognition of the unique character and expression they bring to the region and were proactive in reacting to this trend when establishing our winery, and it has proven to be a great decision.
While we still hold deep respect for the legacy of sweet wines, we have embraced the evolving palate of wine lovers and have been proactive in crafting exceptional dry wines that capture the essence of Tokaj.
Our portfolio is rather narrow, with a strong focus on dry Furmint wines. Our flagship wine, the Tokaj Dry, is a blend of Furmint and Hรกrslevelลฑ, with a minimum of 70% Furmint content. We carefully create our dry vineyard selections to express the unique character of Furmint in accordance with our terroirs. Recently we launched a BRUT Method Traditionelle Furmint. This is also an increasing trend all over in Hungary but we were less eager to step into the category until we saw a stable demand on our markets. While we primarily focus on dry wines, we also produce Aszรบ wines in limited quantities.
For our Aszรบ wines, we create a 5 puttonyos Aszรบ with a very pleasing price-quality ratio. Additionally, in truly excellent years, we craft a super-premium 6 puttonyos Aszรบ coming in a 375ml premium bottle. Aszรบ wine represents the pinnacle of what Tokaj can offer to the world. The noble rot, or botrytis, provides a richness and concentration that cannot be replicated. Combined with localized winemaking and aging techniques, these natural blessings make the wine even more complex and elegant. Our aim is to capture the best of this magical gift that our lands have to offer.
The shift towards dry wines has presented an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the exceptional quality and versatility of Furmint. While still respecting the legacy of sweet wines in Tokaj, we embrace the evolving preferences of wine enthusiasts and continue to innovate in the production of our dry wines and limited-quantity Aszรบ wines. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting journey, continuously striving to innovate and elevate the perception of Tokaj wines on a global scale.
MOVIN: That sounds like a wonderful expression of your winemaking vision. But what about sales recently? We have been successfully collaborating with partnering the Delhaize in the Belgian market for the past five years and have also achieved success with partners in the Scandinavian monopoly markets, but I guess it's just one piece of the pie. Eszter, you are in charge of commercial matters at the family business, could you also share with us your experience in various international markets and your aspirations for expansion?
Eszter Bai: Absolutely! We have been working with several importers across Western Europe and Japan, albeit on a smaller scale. These partnerships have allowed us to introduce our wines to discerning wine enthusiasts in these regions. However, we have a strong desire to expand our presence in the V4 regions and explore opportunities in other parts of Asia. We are also targeting a sustainable increase on UK and European supermarket shelves.
Our focus has always been on export markets, and we intentionally built our portfolio step by step, taking into account the capacity and preferences of our trusted buyers. We aimed for sustainable growth and sought long-term partnerships in order to establish a stable presence. As a result, we have built strong relationships and brand engagements over the years.
While navigating the current market challenges, we have observed that smaller importers are showing increasing interest in premium categories and matured styles. On the other hand, there is significant price pressure and demands for special discounts in the large retail and supermarket segment. It's indeed a challenging balancing act. We have had to make tough decisions to meet these requirements, considering the increased production costs we have faced since the pandemic. However, we believe that staying on store shelves and meeting the demands of the market will ultimately benefit us in the long run.
Our collaboration with Delhaize is a prime example of continuous growth in volumes. We aim to further increase our value proposition by expanding product offerings and exploring in-out products or online exclusive categories. We remain optimistic about the future, even amidst the current challenges. We are committed to enduring these tough times with the belief that our brand will continue to grow, attracting more orders, and maintaining a satisfied customer base on our export markets.
MOVIN: And we wish you all the success in your future endeavors. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and passion with us.
Istvan Bai: Thank you for having us. It has been a pleasure to share our journey and vision with you. Cheers to the love of wine and the traditions that enrich our craft.
Don't forget to check out the products from Carpinus Family Winery .