WTN: Szeremley Pinot Noir 2005 -Badacsony, Hungary

Wow. Anyone in doubt of Hungary’s ability to produce beautifully fine and delicate wines need look no further. Medium ruby colored. Plush and floral with wonderful balance and finesse. Savigny-Les-Beaune comes to mind -Cherry and wild strawberry fruit, acacia and rose petal, hints of tea and rosemary. Forward and inviting, but unmistakably old-world. I've often enjoyed Huba Szeremley's wines, but not yet to this extent.
12,5% alc. $15

Interesting. Do you know how old the vines are? What the history of pinot noir is in Hungary?

Thanks, Bill. You and I are definitely on the same track when it comes to Central Europe's wines.

I've had a long-standing admiration for Hungary and her wines, but most of the ones available to us in Ontario have been low-end industrial ones ... and not all the higher-end bottlings that the LCBO acquires are all that good - mostly New World-style knockoffs of popular varieties that leave me uninspired.

Having said that, when a winery doesn't try to "put on the maquillage" (à la Mondovino), simple but great wines can be made. Yes, I believe that there are simple, yet great wines. This Pinot sounds really nice. I've had a few Blaufränkisch wines over the years that have really struck a chord with my palate. In whites, I especially enjoy Irsai Olivér for its floral Muscat character.

Interesting. Do you know how old the vines are? What the history of pinot noir is in Hungary?

I'm not sure about the age of Szeremleys vines. Pinot Noir has been grown in Hungary since the 1920's or 30's, but Badacsony is a region traditionally known for white wines.

Thanks, Bill. You and I are definitely on the same track when it comes to Central Europe's wines.

I've had a long-standing admiration for Hungary and her wines, but most of the ones available to us in Ontario have been low-end industrial ones ... and not all the higher-end bottlings that the LCBO acquires are all that good - mostly New World-style knockoffs of popular varieties that leave me uninspired.

Having said that, when a winery doesn't try to "put on the maquillage" (à la Mondovino), simple but great wines can be made. Yes, I believe that there are simple, yet great wines. This Pinot sounds really nice. I've had a few Blaufränkisch wines over the years that have really struck a chord with my palate. In whites, I especially enjoy Irsai Olivér for its floral Muscat character.

Paul, Stay tuned. Next week I'll post a few more Hungarian wine notes -I'm pretty excited.