Nerd Alert February 2021
This months Nerd Alert takes us to Hungary via Edmond, Oklahoma.
We have been so honored and excited to represent the import company Rooted Selections. Owners Travis and Rebecca Smith live right here in Oklahoma and bring us some captivating wines and ciders.
Focusing only on small, family-owned wineries who employ natural wine making techniques; they bring in some of the most intriguing wines I’ve tasted from places like Hungary, France, and Spain. Starting with Carpinus, this couple makes wines in the Tokaji region in Hungary. The dry Furmint is wonderfully mineral driven, crisp white wine that is both refreshing and enticing. The Harslevelu is also dry, but with more stone fruits and a broader mouthfeel that lends itself to heavier dishes.
Another winery from Szekszard in southern Hungary is Sebestyen. Owned by Csaba Sebestyen, a former mechanic turned winemaker. He, with the help of his sister Csilla make some really great red wines with some native Hungarian grapes as well as international grapes. The Kadarka is a light, chillable red that is wonderful for sipping by itself or with some quail or pheasant. The Bikaver is a blend of Kadarka, Kekfrankos, Merlot, Cabernet and Sagrantino.
Finally, I want to talk about Hegyi-Kalo. Hegyi translates to ‘hill’ and the Kalo family have carved their winery out of the hillside behind their house. Very small production, naturally made wines utilizing varieties such as Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch), Olaszrizling, Zold Veltelini and Turan.
The Hegyi-Kalo wines are other-worldly, utilizing wine making practices that date back centuries. Grab these while you can. They only make a 100 or less cases of each wine and are considered to be vanguards in the natural wine movement. Reach out to your Artisan Rep today to learn more about these interesting wines and get on board the Hungary train.
