It’s March – officially it is spring, so if the weather does not obey the calendar, we can do the magic with some super refreshing wine abundant in floral notes and elevating fruit.

Spar supermarket’s choice: Paulus Rosé, Mór wine region

Though it is not the final choice yet – at the moment 5 rosés are in the final round –, Paulus rosé has quite a good chance to be the most favoured rosé by Spar supermarkets in Hungary. Rosalia rosé wine festival will celebrate its 10th edition this year, and with its major sponsor, Spar they organized a rosé contest to find the best rosé to represent both the festival and Spar. 50 rosés entered from 40 wineries, and among the top 5 we can find Paulus Rosé – with good odds to win.
Paulus Rosé is a blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir. The grapes were pressed in a few hours of skin contact after harvest. Reductive vinification in stainless steel tank, controlled fermentation. “A light hearted, refreshing rosé wine with pale pink colour. Attractive, fruity nose with strawberries and redcurrant, which notes are paired on the palate with the crispy acidity typical of Mór wine region. A light, easy to drink rosé wine.” Stunning with duck and goose dishes and also pairs well with fresh salads.

More about Paulus Wine House and its wines 

Babarczi – wines full of spring

Babarczi Winery is situated in one of the smallest wine regions of Hungary, Pannonhalma wine region, at the edge of Small Plain. The family owned winery was founded in 1980 and it is currently run by the second generation of the family. Most of Babarczi wines are wined and vinified in stainless steel, therefore they can capture the fruitiness and the vibrant acidity – given by the cooler climate. Any wine of the range will do if you need ultimate spring breeze and floral enchantment in your glass. Babarczi Sauvignon Blanc is always among the top Sauvignons of the country, every vintage. Babarczi Irsai Olivér (above, cover photo) is again a gorgeous example of the variety – it shows that this aromatic grape can give elegant, sleek wines without any excess perfume. “Pale golden in colour with a floral bouquet of elderberry with hints os the white flowers as well as citrus notes. Gentle acidity gives definition and refreshment, combining a light body with a balanced palate of spices and citrus aromas.”

More about Babarczi Vineyard and Winery and its wines

‘Early’ Red Veltelini – a rare variety with spring spirit

Kurt Taschner, owner and winemaker of Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine Cellar likes experimenting and doing things others do not practice. Korai Piros Veltelini (literally ‘Early Red Veltliner’, also known as Frühroter Veltliner) is a white grape variety you can find in Kurt Taschner’s portfolio, but hardly anywhere else in Hungary. Frühroter Veltliner is a natural cross between Roter Veltliner and Silvaner. Roter Veltliner’s origin has not been uncovered yet, but it is confirmed that surprisingly enough it is not related to Grüner Veltliner. In Hungary only a few hectares of Frühroter Veltliner are grown – and it is restricted to Sopron wine region. “Early budding and early ripening, as its name suggests, susceptible to downy and powdery mildews and to botrytis bunch rot. Vigorous and best pruned long. Small bunches and berries.” (Robinson, Jancis; Harding, Julia; Vouillamoz, Jose: Wine Grapes)

Taschner Korai Piros Veltelini boasts flowers and peach on the nose, tropical fruits and spiciness on the palate. Apple and citrus fruits. Light, juicy wine ideal with turkey dishes. Zesty wine with a little carbon dioxide.

More about Tascher Winery and Sparkling Wine Cellar