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.