• Bencze
• Hungary

In 2022, István unexpectedly came across two vineyard sites planted in 2003, about a 20-minute drive west of Szent György-hegy, in the village of Várvölgy. One of these parcels is a 6-hectare planting of Pinot Gris, co-planted with roughly 5% Pinot Blanc and a few vines of Pinot Noir.

The vineyard lies just 580 metres from the Uzsa Quarry on the western side of the hill, at 208–250 metres above sea level. Due to its elevation, surrounding dense forests, and west-facing exposure, the site is typically 3–4°C cooler and generally more humid than the vineyards on Szent György-hegy. The soils are humus-rich, heavily clay-dominant, and have accumulated a significant mineral content over time.

In 2022, the estate immediately began conversion to organic and biodynamic farming. Only a small portion of the harvest was brought into the cellar for experimentation, to explore the potential quality of the site.

The wine is made from Pinot Gris aged in a 500L barrel and bottled under crown cap with 5 g/L residual sugar. It shows a slightly reductive, highly expressive aromatic profile with notes of dried apricot. On opening, a touch of CO₂ is present, alongside a well-integrated volatile lift and a finely balanced interplay of acidity and residual sugar.

On the palate, apricot dominates, supported by a seductive freshness and a pronounced mineral, saline character that gives the wine tension, energy, and length.

• Bencze
• Hungary
• Szent György hill
• white