BENCZE BIRTOK
HUNGARY | BADACSONY
István founded his estate on the renowned Szent György-hill in 2011, and by 2013, it expanded to 18 hectares. Committed to organic and, from 2015, biodynamic practices (Demeter certified), he has focused on exploring Hungary's ancient grape varieties and the unique potential of his land. His vineyards span three distinct plots on the southern slopes of the mountain, with his crown jewel, the Templomdombi vineyard, standing out for its mineral-rich basalt soil.
The terroir, a mix of volcanic basalt, tuff, Pannonian sandstone, and brown forest soil, offers an exceptional environment for varieties such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, Kék Bakator, Furmint, Hárslevelű and Kéknyelű. István’s philosophy centres on fostering a semi-wild equilibrium in the vineyard, where plants develop a natural relationship with their surroundings to produce the finest raw material.
In the cellar, István follows a minimalist approach, using gravity techniques and traditional methods like amphora and barrels. With no filtering or clarifying, and a complete removal of sulfur since the 2018 vintage, his wines are a pure reflection of the terroir – elegant, authentic, and deeply rooted in the land’s rich history.
An extraordinary and deeply expressive interpretation of Hárslevelű, where the variety's enchanting aromatic generosity meets the unmistakable volcanic energy of Badacsony. The nose unfolds in captivating layers of ripe apricot, quince, white peach and fragrant elderflower, gradually revealing exotic tropical fruit, delicate honeyed nuances and a subtle smoky minerality. The palate is beautifully concentrated yet remarkably poised, with a generous, almost silky texture held together by vibrant acidity and striking mineral tension. Beneath its richness lies an exceptional sense of freshness, carrying the wine through to a long, deeply layered finish where ripe fruit, gentle spice and flinty volcanic character linger effortlessly. A wine of remarkable individuality and quiet power, revealing the extraordinary potential of Hárslevelű when given the freedom to express its natural complexity.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Hárslevelű
Style | White
Viticulture | Biodynamic farming
Soil | Dense volcanic basalt with tuff, sandstone, brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | Approximately 180 m
Age of the vines | Approximately 15 years
Production | 900 bottles (2022)
Vinification
István's approach to Hárslevelű is guided by patience, gentle extraction and an uncompromising commitment to preserving the natural character of the fruit. The grapes are carefully harvested and directly pressed before undergoing fermentation and extended maturation in neutral clay or stoneware vessels, allowing the wine to develop remarkable aromatic depth and texture without the influence of oak. This restrained approach preserves the variety's delicate floral character while bringing greater definition to its naturally generous fruit and the mineral intensity of Badacsony's volcanic soils.
Vintage Variations
2022 | The Year of Precision
A hot, exceptionally dry growing season across Hungary, with prolonged summer drought naturally concentrating the fruit and reducing yields. The grapes were harvested in several passes from early September to achieve optimal ripeness, followed by slow, gentle whole-bunch pressing. Fermentation and nine months of maturation took place in clay amphorae, with only the three finest vessels selected for the final blend. Bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur.
The wine opens with elegant aromas of ripe citrus, honeyed apricot and elderflower, gradually revealing mango, pineapple and subtle smoky reduction. The palate is beautifully textured yet remarkably fresh, with vibrant acidity bringing precision to its generous fruit. A long, flinty finish carries the unmistakable mineral character of Badacsony. Effortlessly drinkable despite its remarkable depth and complexity.
2023 | The Year of Extraordinary Balance
A truly singular vintage that takes Hárslevelű into an entirely different dimension. Exceptionally ripe fruit, with a delicate influence of botrytis, creates an intensely aromatic wine bursting with tropical and autumnal fruit, from ripe mango and pineapple to quince, baked apple and honeyed apricot. The palate is wonderfully rich and deeply concentrated, yet its remarkable 10 g/L acidity provides an exhilarating counterpoint to the 21 g/L residual sugar, creating an extraordinary interplay between sweetness, freshness and mineral tension. A subtle natural spritz dances across the tongue, lifting the wine's generous texture and carrying its layered complexity into an astonishingly long, vibrant finish.
The grapes were directly pressed before fermentation and an extended 23 months of maturation in stoneware vessels, allowing the wine to develop remarkable depth and integration. Sealed with a crown cap, this off-dry Hárslevelű is a fascinating expression of ripeness, acidity and time, with exceptional potential for further evolution in bottle.
Interesting Facts
Hárslevelű is one of Hungary's most captivating indigenous white varieties, celebrated for its distinctive floral perfume, generous texture and remarkable ability to balance aromatic richness with vibrant acidity. Its name translates as "Linden Leaf", a reference to the delicate linden blossom aromas that often define its character.
For István Bencze, Hárslevelű usually plays a supporting role in his Autochthon blend, contributing aromatic complexity and texture alongside other indigenous varieties. However, certain barrels develop such extraordinary individuality that they deserve to stand alone. The 2022 release was born from precisely such a discovery, when István recognised the exceptional character of the wine and decided to bottle it separately.
The 2023 takes this exploration even further. With its remarkable combination of residual sugar and acidity, extended stoneware maturation and delicate natural effervescence, it demonstrates just how expressive and versatile Hárslevelű can be. Two very different interpretations of the same grape, united by their rarity, remarkable depth and the distinctive volcanic character of Badacsony.
An elegant, quietly powerful Blanc de Noirs with remarkable depth and composure. The nose opens with white peach, preserved lemon and delicate white blossom, layered over a creamy, long-lees complexity. Subtle brioche and fine autolytic notes intertwine with volcanic minerality. On the palate, mouth-coating stone fruit and citrus are held in perfect balance by a delicate mousse and beautifully refined bubbles. The finish is precise, saline and persistent. An aged, Champagne-method Brut Nature that delivers far beyond its weight — poised, serious and effortlessly complete.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs)
Viticulture | Biodynamic (officially certified from 2018)
Soil | Volcanic basalt and tuff with brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | 180 m
Age of the vines | 11 years
Bottles made | 5000 bottles
Vinification
Hand-harvested and direct pressed. Two-thirds fermented in stainless steel, one-third in amphora. Traditional method, Brut Nature (no dosage). Disgorged in 2025 after nearly ten years on the lees. Uncompromising patience has shaped both its texture and finesse.
A mature, volcanic Blanc de Noirs of precision, creaminess and extraordinary length.
A compelling and deeply expressive interpretation of Riesling, where the unmistakable volcanic character of Badacsony meets István Bencze's uncompromising approach to biodynamic winemaking. The nose unfolds with vibrant citrus zest, white peach and delicate orchard fruit, intertwined with crushed stone, subtle flinty reduction and a whisper of smoky minerality. The palate is beautifully defined, with a striking interplay between vibrant acidity, finely woven texture and remarkable mineral tension. Ageing in clay and stoneware vessels lends subtle breadth and complexity without obscuring the purity of the fruit. The finish is long, saline and persistent, revealing layer upon layer of citrus peel, wet stone and savoury detail.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Riesling
Style | White
Viticulture | Certified biodynamic since 2018
Soil | Volcanic basalt and tuff, brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | Approximately 180 m
Age of the vines | Approximately 15 years
Production | 3,400 bottles
Vinification
István's approach to Riesling is guided by a commitment to preserving the natural expression of the vineyard and its volcanic origins. The grapes are gently pressed as whole bunches, allowing the juice to ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in neutral vessels. Extended maturation on fine lees in clay amphorae or stoneware builds subtle texture and depth while maintaining the wine's characteristic purity, freshness and mineral precision. Bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur, the wine is an unadulterated expression of Badacsony's distinctive terroir.
Vintage
2022 | The Year of Concentration
A warm and exceptionally dry growing season across Hungary, with prolonged summer drought and intense heat placing considerable stress on the vines. These conditions encouraged smaller berries and concentrated fruit, while careful harvest timing was essential to preserve acidity. The grapes were directly pressed before undergoing spontaneous fermentation and eleven months of maturation in stoneware vessels. The resulting wine is beautifully focused, with vibrant lime zest, citrus peel and a distinctive chalky minerality. Subtle reduction and the first hints of petrol lend complexity, while a lively, persistent acidity carries the wine through to a long, saline finish. A vintage of precision, concentration and remarkable mineral drive.
Interesting Facts
Badacsony is one of Hungary's most remarkable volcanic wine regions, shaped by ancient basalt formations rising dramatically above the northern shore of Lake Balaton. These mineral-rich soils provide the foundation for wines of distinctive structure, tension and remarkable ageing potential.
István Bencze has become one of the region's most compelling voices, embracing biodynamic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking to reveal the individual character of his vineyards. His Riesling offers a particularly fascinating interpretation of this philosophy, combining the grape's naturally vibrant acidity with the depth, texture and unmistakable mineral character of Badacsony's volcanic landscape.
Sourced from a remarkably cool, western-facing site in Várvölgy, this Pinot Gris captures a distinct sense of place shaped by altitude, forest influence and volcanic proximity. Aromatically expressive yet finely tuned, it opens with dried apricot, ripe orchard fruit and subtle floral tones, lifted by a delicate reductive edge. The palate is textured and energetic, balancing gentle creaminess with vibrant acidity and a precise saline minerality. A faint natural CO₂ adds freshness and tension, while a touch of residual sugar rounds the edges without losing focus. Complex, savoury and quietly powerful, this is Pinot Gris with real depth and character.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Várvölgy, Balaton, Hungary
Variety | Pinot Gris
Style | White
Viticulture | Organic / Biodynamic conversion (from 2022)
Soil | Humus-rich, clay-dominant soils with high mineral content
Altitude | 208–250 m
Age of vines | Planted 2003
Vinification
The Pinot Gris is sourced from the Várvölgy plot, planted in 2003 located just west of the Szent György-hegy. The site’s cooler microclimate, forest exposure and clay-heavy soils contribute to a slower and longer ripening season resulting in a naturally expressive aromatic profile. Grapes are vinified gently, with fermentation and élevage taking place in 500-litre oak barrels. The wine is bottled with crown cap, retaining a small amount of natural CO₂ and approximately 5 g/L of residual sugar, preserving freshness and enhancing tension. A lightly reductive profile supports the fruit purity, resulting in a textural, mineral-driven wine with striking balance between ripeness and precision.
Choose your vintage and bottle size below: 75cl or Magnum (1.5L). Each option has its own price and availability.
2022 vintage — tasting notes and technical details
A powerful, richly layered Chenin Blanc that shows István’s deep affection for the Loire while remaining unmistakably shaped by the volcanic slopes of Szent György-hegy. This 2022 release comes from a later, riper harvest and reflects a style closer to his beloved 2020 vintage — broad, long, and complex, with a subtle oxidative edge that beautifully complements the wine’s intense fruit. The nose opens with ripe citrus oil, baked quince, white peach and almond cream, lifted by hints of lanolin and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is full and expansive, with impressive length and texture. Notes of yellow apple, bruised pear, mandarin zest, and toasted nuts mingle with a lightly oxidative character, while a touch of volatile lift is already integrating gracefully. Chalky minerality and electric acidity tighten the finish, giving precision to this deep, gastronomic Chenin. A must-try for lovers of the richer, more oxidative Loire expressions.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Chenin Blanc
Viticulture | Biodynamic (certified since 2018)
Soil | Volcanic basalt, sandstone & clay
Altitude | 180 m
Age of the vines | Planted 2014 (10 years)
Bottles made | 1300 bottles
Vinification
The Chenin was harvested in three passes — 5, 8, and 12 September 2022 — from the vineyards surrounding the Vinotéka. After gentle whole-bunch pressing in a Scharfenberger pneumatic press, the must was transferred to a mix of second-fill Chassin and Boutes Soleil Burgundy barrels plus an old, well-seasoned 228 L barrique. Fermentation began strongly, then slowed, continuing under a thin veil of yeast (flor) until October 2023, with occasional topping only at key moments.
Following élevage in these smaller barrels, the lots were blended and moved in August 2023 into a 1500 L Garbelotto oak cask, where the wine rested undisturbed until bottling on 4 September 2024. No fining, no filtration, and no added SO₂ — allowing the wine’s ripe fruit, oxidative hints, and innate volcanic precision to shine with absolute honesty.
This Kéknyelű is a powerhouse in a bottle. The nose bursts with the freshness of freshly cut daisies, paired with lively lemon sherbet and ripe white peach, offering a zesty, aromatic profile that’s both delicate and bold. Aged in amphora, it delivers an incredible tension on the palate, balancing bright acidity with a flinty mineral backbone that echoes the volcanic terroir. With a full-bodied structure and remarkable longevity, it’s like a hulking force trapped in a tiny bottle, leaving an impression of power, finesse, and potential that lingers long after the last sip.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Kéknyelű
Viticulture | Biodynamic
Soil | Dense volcanic basalt with some tuff, sandstone, brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | 180 m
Age of the vines | 5 years
Bottles made | 1500 bottles
Vinification
In the end of September the grapes were harvested in multiple steps to catch the perfect ripeness. After slow, gentle whole-bunch pressing the grapes are transferred to clay amphoras where they ferment and age for 10 months. This wine is the blend of the three most powerful and electric amphoras. Was bottled mid of July unfined, unfiltered and without the addition of SO2
A profound and beautifully expressive interpretation of Furmint, where the ancient volcanic soils of Badacsony meet István Bencze's uncompromising pursuit of purity and precision. The nose unfolds with vibrant citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit and delicate herbal notes, gradually revealing layers of quince, ripe peach, flinty reduction and subtle savoury complexity. The palate is remarkably concentrated yet effortlessly poised, with Furmint's unmistakable acidity bringing extraordinary tension and energy to its generous, finely textured core. Extended ageing in clay and stoneware vessels lends depth and a seamless, almost sculpted texture without obscuring the vineyard's distinctive mineral character. The finish is exceptionally long, saline and persistent, carrying citrus peel, crushed stone and gentle spice far beyond the last sip. A Furmint of remarkable individuality and quiet power, balancing concentration with precision and offering exceptional potential for evolution in the cellar.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Furmint
Style | White
Viticulture | Biodynamic farming
Soil | Dense volcanic basalt with tuff, sandstone, brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | Approximately 180 m
Age of the vines | Approximately 15 years
Production | 1,800 bottles (2023), 1000 (2024)
Vinification
István's approach to Furmint centres on preserving the variety's natural acidity, mineral tension and remarkable capacity for ageing. The grapes are gently pressed before undergoing spontaneous fermentation and extended maturation in neutral clay or stoneware vessels, allowing the wine to develop depth and complexity without the influence of oak. This patient, minimal-intervention approach builds remarkable texture while maintaining the purity of the fruit and the distinctive volcanic character of Badacsony.
Vintage Variations
2023 | The Year of Complexity
A warmer growing season with a later harvest and a subtle influence of noble botrytis, bringing an intriguing dimension to Furmint's naturally precise character. Harvested in several passes from early September to capture optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo slow, gentle whole-bunch pressing before fermentation and 24 months of maturation in clay amphorae. Only the three finest amphorae are selected for the final blend, which is bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur.
The resulting wine is deeply layered, opening with lime zest, grapefruit peel and ripe peach before revealing chamomile, black tea, dried herbs and delicate honeyed nuances. The palate balances crystalline acidity with a subtle, waxy richness, creating a fascinating interplay between tension and generosity. Long, saline and mineral-driven, with an evolving savoury complexity and impressive ageing potential.
2024 | The Return to Precision
Following the more generous and botrytis-influenced 2023, the 2024 vintage marks a return to István's original vision of Furmint: straight, intensely acid-driven and mineral-focused, yet with greater depth, ripeness and textural complexity than its linear profile initially suggests. The nose reveals crisp apple, citrus zest, fresh pear and quince, intertwined with delicate herbal notes and the distinctive freshness of chervil. The palate is full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, with remarkable tension between its ripe, generous fruit and vibrant, almost electric acidity. Despite its richness, the wine retains a distinctly cool-toned character, carrying exceptional energy through to a long, precise and persistent finish.
The grapes are directly pressed before spontaneous fermentation and 20 months of maturation in stoneware vessels, allowing the wine to develop remarkable depth while preserving its natural freshness and mineral definition. A wine of extraordinary balance and structure, with the concentration and acidity to evolve gracefully over many years.
Interesting Facts
Furmint is one of Central Europe's most remarkable white grape varieties, celebrated for its naturally high acidity, extraordinary capacity to reflect terroir and exceptional ageing potential. While most famously associated with Tokaj, it finds an entirely different expression on the volcanic slopes of Badacsony, where ancient basalt formations and mineral-rich soils shape wines of striking tension, depth and individuality.
For István Bencze, Furmint represents a fascinating dialogue between nature and patience. Through biodynamic farming, careful selection and exceptionally long maturation in neutral vessels, he allows the grape's natural structure and the character of the vineyard to emerge without distraction. The contrast between 2023 and 2024 is particularly compelling: two interpretations of the same variety, one shaped by the complexity of botrytis and the other by the purity of acidity and ripeness, each revealing a different dimension of Badacsony's extraordinary terroir.
An extraordinary and deeply contemplative expression of old-vine Riesling, where the ancient volcanic soils of Badacsony meet the transformative power of time. The nose unfolds in captivating layers of ripe apricot, white peach and preserved citrus, gradually revealing dried chamomile, toasted almonds, beeswax and a delicate, almost ethereal savouriness. Beneath the generous fruit lies a striking mineral intensity, with crushed stone, subtle oxidative nuances and the unmistakable influence of flor bringing remarkable aromatic depth. The palate is powerful yet beautifully composed, with a rounded, almost creamy texture and a gentle suggestion of sweetness, held together by Riesling's vibrant acidity and an enduring saline tension. As the wine opens, its complexity continues to evolve, revealing new dimensions of dried herbs, citrus peel and savoury spice. The finish is extraordinarily long, mineral-driven and persistent, echoing with the quiet intensity of its volcanic origins. A wine of immense individuality and remarkable ageing potential, transcending conventional expressions of Riesling.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Riesling
Style | White
Viticulture | Biodynamic farming
Soil | Dense volcanic basalt with tuff, sandstone, brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | Approximately 180 m
Age of the vines | Planted in 1972 (2021)
Production | 900 - 1,200 bottles
Vinification
Aries is one of István's most ambitious expressions of Riesling, sourced from old vines deeply rooted in the volcanic slopes of Badacsony. The grapes are harvested by hand during the Aries phase of the lunar calendar and gently whole-bunch pressed, preserving their natural aromatic purity and acidity. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in neutral amphorae, allowing the wine to develop without the influence of oak.
For the extraordinary 2021 release, István allowed the wine to mature for four and a half years beneath a naturally developed veil of flor, a living layer of yeast that forms on the surface and profoundly influences the wine's evolution. This prolonged biological ageing introduces remarkable savoury complexity, nutty nuances and textural depth while retaining the underlying freshness and mineral precision of Riesling. Bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur, it is a rare and uncompromising expression of patience, terroir and the transformative influence of time.
Vintage
2021 | Dancing on the Flor
A cool, wet and demanding growing season, with significant disease pressure naturally reducing yields while preserving exceptional acidity and mineral tension in the surviving fruit. From vines planted in 1972, the wine underwent an extraordinary four and a half years of maturation in amphora beneath a veil of flor, transforming the naturally precise character of the vintage into something profoundly complex.
The nose reveals ripe apricot, preserved citrus and delicate Riesling aromatics, intertwined with dried herbs, toasted nuts and subtle oxidative nuances. The palate is generous and full-bodied, with a beautifully rounded texture and a gentle suggestion of sweetness, balanced by vibrant acidity and a distinctive stony minerality. Long, savoury and remarkably persistent, this is a wine of extraordinary depth, elegance and individuality.
Interesting Facts
Aries takes its name from the astrological constellation and the corresponding phase of the lunar calendar, reflecting István's biodynamic philosophy and his belief in the relationship between natural rhythms and the vineyard. The grapes are traditionally harvested during the Aries period, a symbolic connection between the wine, the land and the wider forces of nature.
The 2021 release, Dancing on the Flor, represents an extraordinary departure from conventional Riesling winemaking. Rather than protecting the wine from all oxygen exposure, István allowed a natural veil of yeast to develop and remain undisturbed for four and a half years. This living layer, known as flor or voile, transforms the wine through biological ageing, introducing distinctive savoury, nutty and mineral complexities while preserving remarkable freshness.
Most famously associated with the wines of Jerez and the Jura, this technique is exceptionally rare for Riesling, particularly over such an extended period. Combined with the extraordinary character of vines planted in 1972 and the mineral-rich volcanic soils of Badacsony, it creates a wine that challenges almost every expectation of the variety.
More than simply a rare cuvée, Dancing on the Flor is a fascinating exploration of time, patience and the delicate relationship between wine and the living organisms that shape its evolution.
Fresh and fruit-driven, this young Kékfrankos opens with bright notes of raspberry, damson, and wild herbs, lifted by a touch of black pepper. The palate is light, juicy, and effortlessly drinkable, carried by a vibrant acidity that gives the wine its signature energy. There’s a purity and delicacy here that is unmistakably István — a gentle hand guiding a vivid expression of Badacsony’s volcanic soils. A joyful, elegant red that remains wonderfully approachable while hinting at the potential of this young vineyard.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch)
Viticulture | Biodynamic
Soil | Volcanic Basalt and Clay
Altitude | 130 m
Age of the vines | 5 years
Bottles made | 3000 bottles
Vinification
This wine comes from the second harvest of a young 2017 plantation, composed of three Kékfrankos clones: the Austrian A4, the Ruszt-based Triebaumer selection, and a clone selected by the Szentesi–Losonci partnership. After a mid-September harvest, the grapes were hand-destemmed and fermented on the skins for eight days with extremely gentle extraction before being pressed in a pneumatic press. The wine was aged in two third-fill 228 L French barrels for 10 months, then bottled directly without fining, filtration, or the addition of SO₂.
The nose bursts with vibrant aromas of wild red berries, sour cherries, and a touch of earthiness, wrapped in subtle herbal and floral notes that speak to the biodynamic viticulture. On the palate, it is lively and fresh, with a distinctive minerality from the dense volcanic basalt soil. The wine’s texture is refined, its tannins soft yet persistent, balanced by a refreshing acidity. Layers of red fruit—raspberry, cranberry, and a hint of pomegranate—are complemented by nuanced spices and a light smokiness and a long finish
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Kék bakator (47%), Kékfrankos (31%), Hajnos kék (13%), Kadarka (9%)
Viticulture | Biodynamic
Soil | Dense volcanic basalt with some tuff, sandstone, brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | 180 m
Age of the vines | 5-11 years
Bottles made | 5000 bottles
Vinification
The Kék Bakator undergoes a so called “trompette” or flotation fermentation process, with 50% of the juice direct pressed and 50% whole-bunches soaked / floated in the pressed part. The Kékfrankos takes a slightly different route, with half of its juice direct pressed and the other half left in whole-bunch crushed, fermented. The Hajnos Kék is half foot crushed and 50% whole-bunch flotation, while the Kadarka combines 50% crushed juice, 40% hand - destemmed grapes, and 10% whole-bunch fermentation. These distinct grape varieties were harvested separately in mid-September, fermented separately, then masterfully blended in November. The resulting wine matured in three 750L terracotta amphoras for a truly pure expression. Bottled on August 30, 2023, with no filtration, clarification, or sulfur added—just raw, unadulterated brilliance in every bottle.
A true masterpiece, perfect balance between layered red berried fruit and deep herbaceous notes. Each sip is like a mesmerising dream into a forest led by vibrant curiosity. Impossible not to reach for a second glass or bottle…
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Pinot Noir
Viticulture | Biodynamic (officially certified from 2018)
Soil | Volcanic Basalt and Clay
Altitude | 180 m
Age of the vines | 21 years
Bottles made | 3000 bottles
Vinification
The grapes for this cuvée have been carefully selected from the upper parts of the vineyard. Only the best bunches were used that were crushed as a whole by feet straight away. During the fermented in open vats for 10 days the cap was gently punched down by hand and feet twice a day for a moderate extraction. Transferred by gravity to a 2500L oak barrel where it stays on the lees for 10 month. Bottled unfined, unfiltered without the addition of SO2.
An extraordinarily rare and ethereal expression of Kadarka, born from young, bush-trained vines on the volcanic slopes of Badacsony. One of the most elusive cuvées in István Bencze's portfolio, this is a wine that celebrates finesse, purity and vibrant energy rather than power or concentration. The nose is hauntingly delicate, unfolding with fragrant rosehip, wild raspberry, sour cherry and crushed rose petals, intertwined with Kadarka's unmistakable exotic spice and a subtle, emerging flinty reduction. The palate is beautifully weightless yet remarkably precise, with a fine, almost translucent texture, delicate tannins and an exhilarating acidity that brings extraordinary lift and tension. The dry 2024 vintage lends a slightly darker shade to the fruit and a more vertical, focused structure, without compromising the variety's enchanting aromatic elegance. The finish is long, graceful and quietly persistent, leaving an impression of spice, wild berries and stony minerality. Still in its infancy, this is a wine of exceptional delicacy and individuality, destined to reveal even greater complexity with time in bottle.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Kadarka
Style | Red
Vintage | 2024
Viticulture | Biodynamic farming
Vine Training | Bush-trained vines
Production | 300 bottles
Vinification
The grapes are meticulously destemmed by hand, with a small proportion retained as whole bunches, before being gently crushed by foot in keeping with István's traditional, minimal-intervention approach. The fruit undergoes eight days of skin contact, allowing delicate extraction of colour, fine tannins and Kadarka's distinctive aromatic complexity without overwhelming its naturally graceful structure. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, followed by eleven months of maturation in a stoneware vessel, preserving the purity of the fruit while allowing its subtle reductive and mineral character to develop. The result is a beautifully transparent expression of Kadarka, shaped by gentle handling, patience and an uncompromising pursuit of elegance.
Interesting Facts
Kadarka is one of Central Europe's most historically significant and increasingly rare red grape varieties, once widely planted throughout the Carpathian Basin but gradually replaced by more productive and easier-to-manage varieties. Its thin skins, delicate structure and sensitivity in the vineyard make it notoriously demanding, yet in the right hands it can produce wines of extraordinary perfume, finesse and individuality.
For István, Kadarka represents an exploration of elegance in its purest form. Rather than seeking concentration from ancient vines, he works with relatively young, bush-trained plants, allowing their natural vitality and the volcanic character of Badacsony to shape the wine. The 2024 marks only the second vintage of this remarkable cuvée, produced in exceptionally small quantities. Still youthful and tightly wound, it rewards patience and promises a fascinating evolution in bottle. A rare glimpse into a different, almost Burgundian dimension of Kadarka, and one of the most intriguing wines in the Bencze range.
An extraordinarily rare and captivating expression of Kékbakator, one of Hungary's most elusive indigenous red varieties, brought to life through István Bencze's meticulous and deeply intuitive approach to winemaking. The nose is beautifully lifted and precise, unfolding with vibrant wild cherry, freshly crushed strawberry and delicate cassis, intertwined with subtle floral nuances and a distinctive saline minerality. The palate is strikingly pure and energetic, with an almost crystalline definition to the fruit, finely woven tannins and a vivid acidity that brings remarkable tension and elegance. The dry 2024 vintage lends a deeper shade of colour and a more vertical, tightly structured character, without compromising the wine's ethereal lightness. Beneath its youthful intensity lies an intriguing savoury complexity, gradually revealing itself as the wine opens. The finish is long, focused and beautifully persistent, carrying echoes of red berries, crushed stone and a delicate salty edge. Produced in exceptionally small quantities, this is a wine of remarkable individuality and finesse, still in its infancy and destined to reveal its true complexity with further bottle ageing.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Szent György-hegy, Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Kékbakator
Style | Red
Viticulture | Biodynamic farming
Production | 500 bottles
Vinification
István takes a remarkably gentle and precise approach to Kékbakator, allowing the variety's delicate aromatic character and natural freshness to remain at the forefront. The grapes are meticulously destemmed by hand, with a small proportion retained as whole bunches to contribute subtle structure and aromatic complexity. Fermentation and maturation take place in neutral stoneware amphorae, preserving the purity of the fruit and allowing the wine's distinctive mineral character to develop without the influence of oak. For the 2024 vintage, the wine spends nine months in these vessels, gradually building texture and depth while retaining its vibrant, almost weightless elegance. The result is an exceptionally transparent expression of this rare variety, shaped by minimal intervention and a profound respect for its origins.
Vintage Variations
2022 | The Year of Concentration
A notably hot and dry growing season across Hungary, with prolonged summer drought and intense heat placing considerable stress on the vines. These conditions encouraged smaller berries and concentrated fruit, while careful harvest timing was essential to preserve the delicate balance of acidity and ripeness. Kék II 2022 was produced from Kékbakator grown on the volcanic slopes of Szent György-hegy, with a naturally modest alcohol level of 11.5%. A rare expression of this historic variety, shaped by one of the region's most demanding recent growing seasons.
2024 | The Year of Precision
A dry growing season that brought greater colour intensity and a more focused, fruit-driven character to this exceptionally limited cuvée. The nose reveals vivid cherry, wild strawberry and cassis, complemented by a distinctive saline edge and subtle savoury complexity. The palate is beautifully linear and energetic, with vibrant acidity, delicate tannins and a striking sense of purity. Hand-destemmed with a small proportion of whole bunches, the wine ferments and matures in stoneware amphorae for nine months, preserving its delicate aromatic profile and mineral precision. Still remarkably youthful, this is a wine that rewards patience, with further bottle ageing expected to reveal greater depth and complexity.
Interesting Facts
Kékbakator is one of Hungary's rarest surviving indigenous grape varieties, a fascinating remnant of the country's once extraordinarily diverse viticultural heritage. Closely associated with the historic Bakator family of grapes, it is now cultivated by only a handful of dedicated growers determined to preserve varieties that might otherwise disappear entirely.
For István Bencze, Kék II represents far more than an exercise in rarity. It is an exploration of the delicate, almost intangible qualities that make a wine truly exceptional: purity, tension, aromatic finesse and an unmistakable connection to place. Grown on the volcanic slopes of Szent György-hegy and produced in minute quantities, it offers a rare opportunity to experience an almost forgotten variety through one of Hungary's most uncompromising winemakers. A collector's wine not because of its power or opulence, but because of its extraordinary individuality and scarcity.
An elegant, quietly powerful Blanc de Noirs with remarkable depth and composure. The nose opens with white peach, preserved lemon and delicate white blossom, layered over a creamy, long-lees complexity. Subtle brioche and fine autolytic notes intertwine with volcanic minerality. On the palate, mouth-coating stone fruit and citrus are held in perfect balance by a delicate mousse and beautifully refined bubbles. The finish is precise, saline and persistent. An aged, Champagne-method Brut Nature that delivers far beyond its weight — poised, serious and effortlessly complete.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs)
Viticulture | Biodynamic (officially certified from 2018)
Soil | Volcanic basalt and tuff with brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | 180 m
Age of the vines | 11 years
Bottles made | 5000 bottles
Vinification
Hand-harvested and direct pressed. Two-thirds fermented in stainless steel, one-third in amphora. Traditional method, Brut Nature (no dosage). Disgorged in 2025 after nearly ten years on the lees. Uncompromising patience has shaped both its texture and finesse.
A mature, volcanic Blanc de Noirs of precision, creaminess and extraordinary length.
Choose your vintage and bottle size below: 75cl or Magnum (1.5L). Each option has its own price and availability.
2022 vintage — tasting notes and technical details
A powerful, richly layered Chenin Blanc that shows István’s deep affection for the Loire while remaining unmistakably shaped by the volcanic slopes of Szent György-hegy. This 2022 release comes from a later, riper harvest and reflects a style closer to his beloved 2020 vintage — broad, long, and complex, with a subtle oxidative edge that beautifully complements the wine’s intense fruit. The nose opens with ripe citrus oil, baked quince, white peach and almond cream, lifted by hints of lanolin and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is full and expansive, with impressive length and texture. Notes of yellow apple, bruised pear, mandarin zest, and toasted nuts mingle with a lightly oxidative character, while a touch of volatile lift is already integrating gracefully. Chalky minerality and electric acidity tighten the finish, giving precision to this deep, gastronomic Chenin. A must-try for lovers of the richer, more oxidative Loire expressions.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Chenin Blanc
Viticulture | Biodynamic (certified since 2018)
Soil | Volcanic basalt, sandstone & clay
Altitude | 180 m
Age of the vines | Planted 2014 (10 years)
Bottles made | 1300 bottles
Vinification
The Chenin was harvested in three passes — 5, 8, and 12 September 2022 — from the vineyards surrounding the Vinotéka. After gentle whole-bunch pressing in a Scharfenberger pneumatic press, the must was transferred to a mix of second-fill Chassin and Boutes Soleil Burgundy barrels plus an old, well-seasoned 228 L barrique. Fermentation began strongly, then slowed, continuing under a thin veil of yeast (flor) until October 2023, with occasional topping only at key moments.
Following élevage in these smaller barrels, the lots were blended and moved in August 2023 into a 1500 L Garbelotto oak cask, where the wine rested undisturbed until bottling on 4 September 2024. No fining, no filtration, and no added SO₂ — allowing the wine’s ripe fruit, oxidative hints, and innate volcanic precision to shine with absolute honesty.
An extraordinary and deeply contemplative expression of old-vine Riesling, where the ancient volcanic soils of Badacsony meet the transformative power of time. The nose unfolds in captivating layers of ripe apricot, white peach and preserved citrus, gradually revealing dried chamomile, toasted almonds, beeswax and a delicate, almost ethereal savouriness. Beneath the generous fruit lies a striking mineral intensity, with crushed stone, subtle oxidative nuances and the unmistakable influence of flor bringing remarkable aromatic depth. The palate is powerful yet beautifully composed, with a rounded, almost creamy texture and a gentle suggestion of sweetness, held together by Riesling's vibrant acidity and an enduring saline tension. As the wine opens, its complexity continues to evolve, revealing new dimensions of dried herbs, citrus peel and savoury spice. The finish is extraordinarily long, mineral-driven and persistent, echoing with the quiet intensity of its volcanic origins. A wine of immense individuality and remarkable ageing potential, transcending conventional expressions of Riesling.
Winemaker | István Bencze
Region | Badacsony, Hungary
Variety | Riesling
Style | White
Viticulture | Biodynamic farming
Soil | Dense volcanic basalt with tuff, sandstone, brown forest soil and clay
Altitude | Approximately 180 m
Age of the vines | Planted in 1972 (2021)
Production | 900 - 1,200 bottles
Vinification
Aries is one of István's most ambitious expressions of Riesling, sourced from old vines deeply rooted in the volcanic slopes of Badacsony. The grapes are harvested by hand during the Aries phase of the lunar calendar and gently whole-bunch pressed, preserving their natural aromatic purity and acidity. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in neutral amphorae, allowing the wine to develop without the influence of oak.
For the extraordinary 2021 release, István allowed the wine to mature for four and a half years beneath a naturally developed veil of flor, a living layer of yeast that forms on the surface and profoundly influences the wine's evolution. This prolonged biological ageing introduces remarkable savoury complexity, nutty nuances and textural depth while retaining the underlying freshness and mineral precision of Riesling. Bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur, it is a rare and uncompromising expression of patience, terroir and the transformative influence of time.
Vintage Variations
2019 | Aries
A relatively cool growing season compared with the exceptionally warm 2018, allowing the grapes to develop aromatic complexity gradually while retaining vibrant acidity. Across Badacsony, the vintage favoured wines of precision, freshness and a more linear, finely structured character. From István's old Riesling vines, Aries 2019 reflects a growing season that provided the foundation for elegance and mineral definition.
2020 | Aries
A warmer growing season, with relatively limited rainfall and periods of water stress encouraging thicker grape skins and a lower juice-to-fruit ratio. These conditions favoured greater aromatic concentration and a more generous texture, with acidity tending towards a rounder expression than in 2019. Aries 2020 represents a contrasting chapter in the vineyard's evolution, shaped by ripeness, concentration and the distinctive mineral character of Badacsony's volcanic soils.
2021 | Dancing on the Flor
A cool, wet and demanding growing season, with significant disease pressure naturally reducing yields while preserving exceptional acidity and mineral tension in the surviving fruit. From vines planted in 1972, the wine underwent an extraordinary four and a half years of maturation in amphora beneath a veil of flor, transforming the naturally precise character of the vintage into something profoundly complex.
The nose reveals ripe apricot, preserved citrus and delicate Riesling aromatics, intertwined with dried herbs, toasted nuts and subtle oxidative nuances. The palate is generous and full-bodied, with a beautifully rounded texture and a gentle suggestion of sweetness, balanced by vibrant acidity and a distinctive stony minerality. Long, savoury and remarkably persistent, this is a wine of extraordinary depth, elegance and individuality.
Interesting Facts
Aries takes its name from the astrological constellation and the corresponding phase of the lunar calendar, reflecting István's biodynamic philosophy and his belief in the relationship between natural rhythms and the vineyard. The grapes are traditionally harvested during the Aries period, a symbolic connection between the wine, the land and the wider forces of nature.
The 2021 release, Dancing on the Flor, represents an extraordinary departure from conventional Riesling winemaking. Rather than protecting the wine from all oxygen exposure, István allowed a natural veil of yeast to develop and remain undisturbed for four and a half years. This living layer, known as flor or voile, transforms the wine through biological ageing, introducing distinctive savoury, nutty and mineral complexities while preserving remarkable freshness.
Most famously associated with the wines of Jerez and the Jura, this technique is exceptionally rare for Riesling, particularly over such an extended period. Combined with the extraordinary character of vines planted in 1972 and the mineral-rich volcanic soils of Badacsony, it creates a wine that challenges almost every expectation of the variety.
More than simply a rare cuvée, Dancing on the Flor is a fascinating exploration of time, patience and the delicate relationship between wine and the living organisms that shape its evolution.