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.
Discover how Crama Opriศor brings together Romanian tradition, artistic winemaking, and international success in this exclusive interview with General Manager Gabriel Roceanu.
MOVIN: Can you tell us a bit about Crama Opriศor and its history?
Gabriel Roceanu: Crama Opriศor is not just a wineryโitโs a story told through wine. We are located in the heart of Oltenia, one of Romaniaโs most characterful wine regions. The estate spans over 250 hectares, and since the early 2000s, weโve been focused on crafting wines that truly reflect the place and the people behind them. Over time, our dedication to terroir and storytelling has positioned us as one of the most distinctive producers in the country.
MOVIN: How would you describe the terroir of Oltenia and what makes it special?
Gabriel Roceanu: Olteniaโs terroir is rich and expressive. We benefit from a diverse landscapeโrolling hills, clay-limestone soils, and a generous amount of sunshine. The temperate-continental climate helps develop complex aromatics and vibrant structure in the grapes. But what really sets Oltenia apart is its soulโthereโs something poetic in the way the land speaks, and we do our best to translate that into every bottle.
MOVIN: Your portfolio is broad. Which grape varieties or labels best represent your philosophy?
Gabriel Roceanu: The "Caloian" range is perhaps our most emblematicโitโs approachable, fresh, and honest, perfect for everyday wine lovers but with an unmistakable personality. Then there are our more premium linesโwines like "Smerenie" or "Drฤgaica Roศie"โwhich allow us to explore deeper, more contemplative themes.
We work with a blend of international and indigenous grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, but also Feteascฤ Neagrฤ and Tฤmรขioasฤ Romรขneascฤ. Every wine is crafted with care, reflecting both our vision and the landโs voice.
MOVIN: What is the guiding philosophy behind Crama Opriศorโs winemaking vision?
Gabriel Roceanu: The future is always a projectionโan abstract sketch shaped by our aspirations and desires. At Crama Opriศor, we set perspectival reference pointsโguiding stars that help us navigate the path forward.
Our strategy is built around nurturing creativity and preserving freshness. We never want to waste an opportunity to innovate. Each year, we aim to create original, high-performance wines that not only meet expectations but also surprise and inspire. At the same time, we work to elevate our existing ranges by giving them lasting value and consistency.
Wine, in our view, is more than a productโitโs a pillar of national culture. Thatโs why weโre deeply involved in cultural and educational initiatives. We want people who encounter our wines to discover them beyond common perception, to share in the values we believe in, and to connect with a region that encapsulates the Romanian spiritโOltenia. It's a land full of identity, and weโre proud to share its unmistakable character with the world.
MOVIN: Caloian wines are also featured in Delhaize stores. What does this partnership mean for Crama Opriศor?
Gabriel Roceanu: Being part of Delhaizeโs wine selection is a big step forward. It allows us to share Romanian wines with a wider audience, especially in Belgium and Luxembourg, where interest in Eastern European wines is growing. Caloian fits perfectlyโitโs accessible yet distinctive, making it a great ambassador for our winery and the region.
MOVIN: How do you approach export and global expansion?
Gabriel Roceanu: Export is essential for us. Romanian wine has so much to offer, and part of our mission is to bring that story to the world. Weโre proud to act as ambassadors for both Oltenia and the broader Romanian wine scene. Our strategy combines authenticity with consistencyโwe want people to recognize our style wherever they are.
MOVIN: Where are your strongest international markets today?
Gabriel Roceanu: Belgium and Luxembourg are definitely among our top markets, especially through our collaboration with Delhaize. But we also have successful partnerships in China, USA, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Austria, Latvia, France, Sweden, and of course Romania. Each market has its own rhythm and preferences, and we enjoy the challenge of adapting while staying true to who we are.
MOVIN: Whatโs next for Crama Opriศor?
Gabriel Roceanu: Weโre always experimentingโnew blends, small-batch releases, and fresh interpretations of traditional grapes. But one thing never changes: our belief that wine is a form of cultural expression. Weโll continue to innovate, but always with respect for tradition and terroir.
MOVIN: In one sentenceโhow would you describe Crama Opriศor?
Gabriel Roceanu: Crama Opriศor is where passion, place, and artistry come together to create wines with soul.
MOVIN: We wish you all the success in your future endeavors. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and passion with us.
Gabriel Roceanu: 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 Crama Opriศor Winery.
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 .
During a captivating conversation over a few glasses of Sebestyรฉn wines, we had the privilege of engaging in a fascinating and delightful discussion with Csilla Sebestyรฉn. We were truly astonished by the steadfast commitment of the Sebestyรฉn 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 Sebestyรฉn wines.
In the picturesque region of Szekszรกrd, 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, Sebestyรฉn Winery has garnered recognition for its exceptional wines.
Sebestyรฉn 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, Sebestyรฉn Winery's most prized wines are their premium Bikavรฉrs, with Ivรกn-vรถlgyi Bikavรฉr 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 Ivรกn vรถlgyi Bikavรฉr 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 rosรฉ style of the region with their Provence-style wine. This wine has garnered accolades from various tastings across the country, further establishing Sebestyรฉn Winery as a producer of remarkable and diverse wines.
Csilla Sebestyรฉn, 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 Sebestyรฉn Winery is Kรฉkfrankos, a local grape that forms the backbone of their renowned Bikavรฉr (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 Sebestyรฉn Winery experienced an exceptional vintage where every element aligned perfectly. As a result, they crafted three extraordinary single vineyard Bikavรฉr wines. These wines, hailing from the Ivรกn, Porkolรกb, and Gรถrรถgszรณ vineyards, showcase the true essence of their respective terroirs. Their exceptional quality has earned them high praise, and in addition to the previously mentioned Ivรกn valley, both the Porkolรกb and Gรถrรถgszรณ vineyard selection Bikavรฉrs 2019 received an impressive 95 points from JS. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the potential of Szekszรกrd's terroirs but also establishes Sebestyรฉn 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 Sebestyรฉn, we were enthralled by their unwavering dedication to the Kadarka variety as well and its reputation within the Szekszรกrd Bikavรฉrs. With meticulous care and hard work, Sebestyรฉn 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 Szekszรกrd Bikavรฉrs.
Sebestyรฉn 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 Sebestyรฉn Winery to select only the healthiest bunches. Multiple rounds of manual selection further ensure the quality of their work. Fermentation of their white and rosรฉ 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 Szekszรกrd region. The Ivรกn-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 Gรถrรถgszรณ 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.
Nรกna 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 Kรฉkfrankos."
Well, we are undoubtedly convinced that Sebestyรฉn 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 Sebestyรฉn have created a portfolio of wines that showcase the unique character of the Szekszรกrd 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 Sebestyรฉn Winery will undoubtedly bring to the world.
Don't forget to check out the products from Sebestyรฉn 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 Pรฉter Vida and Pรฉter 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.
"Kรฉkfrankos and Kadarka are the varieties that we believe best convey the unique features and values of our wine region," shared Pรฉter Vida Jr. with confidence. They also take their part in the evolution of Szekszรกrdi Bikavรฉr 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, Pรฉter 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 Pรฉter 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. Pรฉter 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 Pรฉter Vida and Pรฉter 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.