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.