Bencze Birtok, Riesling 2021

Situated near Lake Balaton on the basaltic Mount Szent György, are the sloping vineyards of the Bencze Birtok estate. Founded in 2011, initially as a more personal experimentation project, István Bencze cultivates 20 hectares of both newly planted and old vines in partnership with nature. The overarching drive of the project is to reflect the terroir and local character through native and forgotten Hungarian grape varietals. Wild yeasts drive spontaneous fermentation, and the wines are produced without sulphites or filtration with a focus on ageing in various clay amphorae. 100% Riesling from volcanic basalt bedrock, are gently pressed in whole bunches before fermentation in clay amphora for 14 months on the fine lees. Ageing is completed in the bottle for a minimum of 1 year. A mineral, saline nose of thyme and lemongrass compliments sharp flavours of barely ripe stone fruits. Riesling 2021 would pair well with Tacos al Pastor and burnt pineapple.