István Bencze
IT entrepreneur turned wine maker, István Bencze is one of the most interesting producers of the new European generation. His vineyards are located on the volcanic hills facing the Lake Balaton, where the basaltic and sandstone rich soils are translated into elegant, fresh & energetic wines. The approach is definitely non-interventionist, with a painstaking attention to detail in order to express the unique terroir of his region, without the use of any artificial chemical make-up.
Autochthon
a complex wine made from indigenous grape varieties, Furmint , Hárslevelü, and Kéknyelü, that impressively reflect the volcanic origins of Lake Balaton with its reductive style, notes of wild herbs, and lively acidity structure.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Lake Balaton
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Furmint, Hárslevelü, Kéknyelü
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: amphora
MATURATION: amphora
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 11.5%
CASE SIZE: 6
Riesling
Fermented with a bit of skin contact and aged in amphora as well as large, old Slovenian barrels, Bencze’s riesling is round, textured. Think apricot, lemon, apple and fall leaves wrapped around a tight, fresh core
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Lake Balaton
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Riesling
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: amphora
MATURATION: Slovenian Oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 12%
CASE SIZE: 6
Pinot Gris ‘Várvölgy’
In 2022, István accidentally found two areas planted in 2003. Várvölgy, one of which is 6 hectares of Pinot Gris (which also contains about 5% Pinot Blanc and some Pinot Noir). This release is an experiment in what quality could be achieved from the areas.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Lake Balaton
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Pinot Gris
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: Oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 12%
CASE SIZE: 6
Kékfrankos
Fresh fruit driven, imagine raspberries and damson with vibrant herbaceous notes paired with black pepper. Light juicy and very easy drinking - Istvan’s signature touch
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Lake Balaton
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: Red
GRAPE: Blaufränkisch
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: french Oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 11%
CASE SIZE: 6
Pinot Noir ‘Atlas’
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…
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Lake Balaton
VINTAGE: 2021
STYLE: red
GRAPE: Pinot noir
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: Oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 11%
CASE SIZE: 6