Wetzer, Kékfrankos, Sopron, Hungary 2016

If you are looking for an “old world” style Pinot Noir in terms of weight, acid and structure while certainly being open to the spicier and tart fruit flavors, than look no further than this unique red wine made by Peter Wetzer, a 5th generation winemaker dedicated to his craft in Hungary.

The greatest lesson he has learned after growing up in a winemaking family is the difference between wines of industry versus wines of nature. Fortunately he’s chosen the latter. He saw the impact of agricultural practice on wine and viticulture and decided it was high time to produce Hungarian wines with a sense of place, character, and integrity. In 2007, he purchased five vineyard sites around Sopron, an area within range of the tempering influence from Lake Neusiedl and a sub-alpine climate along the borders of Austria and Slovakia.

His wines are both raw and elegant.  In line with Peter’s work in the vineyards, little to no intervention is his true style. The 120+ year old cellar that is attached to his house is ripe with microbiological flora and healthy amounts of yeast presence. All wines are therefore fermented with native yeasts with no other additives. Fermentations take place in open topped containers before being barreled down into used Hungarian oak barrels. We love the presence of blackberries and plums on the nose, while the palate provides an incredibly fresh and juicy expression.