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?
István 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, Gyertyános. 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?
István Bai: Certainly. Our vineyards are located in the renowned Tokaj Wine Region, including Gyertyános, Lapis, Deák, Budaházy, 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?
István 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 Aszú 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 Hárslevelű, 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 Aszú wines in limited quantities.
For our Aszú wines, we create a 5 puttonyos Aszú with a very pleasing price-quality ratio. Additionally, in truly excellent years, we craft a super-premium 6 puttonyos Aszú coming in a 375ml premium bottle. Aszú 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 Aszú 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 .
During a captivating conversation over a few glasses of Sebestyén wines, we had the privilege of engaging in a fascinating and delightful discussion with Csilla Sebestyén. We were truly astonished by the steadfast commitment of the Sebestyén siblings to their region and their uncompromising pursuit of quality. Here, we present the essence of our lengthy conversation, shaped by the exquisite flavors and aromas of Sebestyén wines.
In the picturesque region of Szekszárd, Hungary, a family-run establishment committed to producing high-quality wines that embody the essence of the local terroir. With a deep respect for tradition and a keen focus on modern winemaking techniques, Sebestyén Winery has garnered recognition for its exceptional wines.
Sebestyén Winery has made significant strides in the wine industry, not only in Hungary but also in international markets. Csilla's experience as a sommelier in the UK has given her valuable insight into the tastes and preferences of consumers in that region. As a result, the UK has become one of their main export markets in Europe. However, they are eager to expand their reach in the Central and Eastern European region and Asia, where there is growing interest in unique and exceptional wines.
Among their portfolio, Sebestyén Winery's most prized wines are their premium Bikavérs, with Iván-völgyi Bikavér receiving particular acclaim. This wine garnered an impressive 93 points at the Decanter awards as well as a 94 points from JamesSuckling.com a testament to its exceptional quality. The success of the Iván völgyi Bikavér has even elevated it to the wine menu of the prestigious Michelin Star restaurant, Jules Vernes, situated in the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The winery has also gained recognition for its innovative approach, particularly in showcasing the elegant rosé style of the region with their Provence-style wine. This wine has garnered accolades from various tastings across the country, further establishing Sebestyén Winery as a producer of remarkable and diverse wines.
Csilla Sebestyén, reflecting on the winery's journey, shares, "I think our wines have been continually improving, becoming more refined and elegant in the process. They have become more sophisticated, taughter, less oaky, and the characteristics of the grapes are more tangible." The primary grape variety cultivated by Sebestyén Winery is Kékfrankos, a local grape that forms the backbone of their renowned Bikavér (Bull's Blood) blend. The family's goal is to handpick the highest quality grapes every autumn, regardless of the prevailing climatic conditions. Achieving this objective requires meticulous vineyard care.
This philosophy was perfectly exemplified in 2019, as Sebestyén Winery experienced an exceptional vintage where every element aligned perfectly. As a result, they crafted three extraordinary single vineyard Bikavér wines. These wines, hailing from the Iván, Porkoláb, and Görögszó vineyards, showcase the true essence of their respective terroirs. Their exceptional quality has earned them high praise, and in addition to the previously mentioned Iván valley, both the Porkoláb and Görögszó vineyard selection Bikavérs 2019 received an impressive 95 points from JS. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the potential of Szekszárd's terroirs but also establishes Sebestyén Winery as a pioneering force in the creation of this unique and exceptional style. It is definitely a winery to watch for their super premium offerings in the long run.
During our interview with Csilla Sebestyén, we were enthralled by their unwavering dedication to the Kadarka variety as well and its reputation within the Szekszárd Bikavérs. With meticulous care and hard work, Sebestyén winery focuses on selecting the finest grapes, ensuring that the idealistic style of Kadarka shines through in their wines. Their commitment to preserving the essence of this indigenous grape variety is a testament to their passion for showcasing the unique character and stationary act of Kadarka in the world of Szekszárd Bikavérs.
Sebestyén Winery places great emphasis on cultivating the vineyards with utmost care. They employ shoot selection to control yields and carry out efficient "green work" and timely plant protection measures. During the winemaking process, bunch selection is applied, taking into account the specific characteristics of the vintage. The optimum harvest date is determined through grape tasting, ensuring the ripeness of tannins and meticulous attention to laboratory analytics.
Handpicking the grapes allows Sebestyén Winery to select only the healthiest bunches. Multiple rounds of manual selection further ensure the quality of their work. Fermentation of their white and rosé wines takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving freshness and fruitiness before bottling. On the other hand, their red wines undergo fermentation in open vats after being inoculated with selected yeast. Regular punching down during fermentation and a short maceration period precede the racking of the wines into oak barrels. The wines undergo spontaneous malolactic fermentation and age for 12 to 30 months.
"We have vineyards in several notable areas within the Szekszárd region. The Iván-valley, also known as the "southern cauldron," offers excellent grape-growing conditions with its southwest- and southeast-facing slopes. The valley's shape allows the grapes to receive ample sunlight in warm years, leading to the slow and steady accumulation of sugars. Wines from this area are known for their elegance and long finish.
The Görögszó area is one of the hottest in the region, fully exposed to the east, providing early morning sunlight to the grapes. The well-constructed terraces help retain rainwater, benefiting the red clay soils. Wines from this area are full-bodied with great aging potential.
Nána is a cool and windy plateau, known for producing grapes with lower alcohol and vibrant acidity. This area is particularly suited for the elegant style of Kékfrankos."
Well, we are undoubtedly convinced that Sebestyén Winery stands as a testament to the harmonious combination of tradition and innovation. With their unwavering commitment to vineyard care, meticulous winemaking techniques, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, Csilla and Csaba Sebestyén have created a portfolio of wines that showcase the unique character of the Szekszárd region. Their dedication to quality has garnered recognition both locally and internationally, paving the way for future expansion and the continued elevation of Hungarian wines on the global stage. As wine enthusiasts, we eagerly anticipate the continued success and exceptional wines that Sebestyén Winery will undoubtedly bring to the world.
Don't forget to check out the products from Sebestyén Winery.
MOVIN's Interview with the Vida family
I had the pleasure of sitting down with renowned winemaker Vida, a father and son team consisting of Péter Vida and Péter Vida Jr., to discuss their winemaking philosophy and the remarkable success of Vida wines. Known for their stylish wines that artfully combine regional wisdom with modern palates, Vida wines have captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide, leaving a lasting impression with just a single sip.
With an expansive estate spanning 23 hectares, Vida has dedicated over three decades to meticulously cultivating their vineyards, allowing them to truly showcase the essence of their wine region. Their cultivation methods and substantial investment have opened the door to a new era of winemaking, embodying true secularism in their craft.
"Kékfrankos and Kadarka are the varieties that we believe best convey the unique features and values of our wine region," shared Péter Vida Jr. with confidence. They also take their part in the evolution of Szekszárdi Bikavér by creating a remarkable and stylish wine from the most suitable plots and fruits. This unwavering focus on flagship varieties has propelled Vida wines to new heights, earning them numerous awards and accolades, including the coveted "Producer of the Year" title and 94 points on jamessuclking.com for their Bonsai Kadarka.
When delving into their winemaking style, Péter Vida explained, "Our philosophy centers around finding the perfect equilibrium between tradition and modernity. We honor the wisdom passed down through generations while embracing the evolving preferences of today's wine enthusiasts." Vida wines are celebrated for their purity, fruitiness, and an unmistakable terroir typicity, a testament to their meticulous vineyard management, vinification techniques, and even their thoughtfully designed labels.
Our conversation took a contemplative turn as Péter Vida shared his personal connection to the land. "There's a certain magic in walking through our vineyards and marveling at the wonders of nature each day. It allows me to fully appreciate the beauty and intricate details of the land that nurtures our grapes," he reflected. Péter Vida's profound bond with the vineyards serves as a driving force behind Vida's passion for winemaking. He even described the tactile act of crumbling soil by hand, a tangible connection to the winemaking process that brings him closer to the essence of his craft.
Vida wines continue to make waves in the wine industry, captivating wine enthusiasts with their distinctive style and unwavering commitment to quality. As we wrapped up our conversation, both Péter Vida and Péter Vida Jr. expressed their hope that through their wines, they can continue to share the exceptional qualities and values of their wine region with a wider audience.
Don't forget to check out the products from Vida Family Wine Estate.