Benedik Old Vine Harslevelu

The Benedek family winery lies in the heart of the Mátra Mountains in northern Hungary. It is a small estate in harmony with nature, and the wines reflect the Benedeks' love and care for the grapes.

The cellar used today was built by Péter's grandparents. They originally harvested only one-and-a half hectares; today, the estate is seventeen hectares and growing. Péter is the winemaker, while his brother Balázs helps in the cellar and his parents help tend the vineyards. These precious grapes are protected by the Matra mountains, allowing these old vines to survive and thrive – resulting in intensely flavoured Hárslevelű.

The ancient roots of these old Hárslevelű vines run deep into the parcel's volcanic soils – giving this wine magnificent minerality and acidity. Juicy stone and citrus fruit flavours abound. Fermentation was spontaneous, caused by native yeasts in third use 500l Hungarian oak barrels. The wine was then aged for six months on the lees, the wine is unfiltered. This is a fruit forward wine, with pear, apple, apricot, pink grapefruit and a touch of honeyed sweetness.